Vehicle lamp and method for providing a lighting function by means of a vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle light (1, 1', 1'') having at least one reflector (7, 7', 7"), to which at least one first light source (4; 4-1, 4-2, 4-3) is assigned, wherein the direction of emitted light rays from the at least one first light source (4, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3) can be deflected by the reflector (7, 7', 7") in the direction of a specific viewing position (P) remote from the vehicle light (1, 1', 1'') such that at least one first light function (LF1) is perceptible there, and having at least one further light source (4'), the emitted light rays of which can be reflected on surfaces (10, 10', 10") in the direction of the viewing position (P) such that at least one second light function (LF2) is perceptible there, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") are part of a reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7, 7', 7") wherein the vehicle lamp (1,1',1") has at least three light sources (4) arranged at different positions (S1, S2, S3) and wherein the reflector (7,7',7") has a plurality of facet surfaces (9), wherein the directions of light beams emitted by the light sources (4) in the direction of the facet surfaces (9) can be changed by the facet surfaces (9), and wherein the light sources (4) can be controlled by a control unit (6), and wherein the positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces (9) relative to the positions of the light sources (4) are arranged such that at least one light beam (L1-1) emitted by a first light source (4-1) and changed in its direction by a first facet surface (9-1) at a first facet position (F1) is visible from the viewing position (P),wherein a light beam (L2-2) emitted by a second light source (4-2) and modified in its direction by a second facet surface (9-2) at a second facet position (F2) is visible, and wherein a light beam (L2-3) emitted by a third light source (4-3) and modified in its direction by a third facet surface (9-3) at a third facet position (F2) is visible, wherein the first, second, and third facet positions (F1, F2, F3) are each arranged at a distance from one another, characterized in that positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces (9) relative to the positions of the light sources (4) are arranged such that, from the viewing position (P), a light beam emitted by the first light source (4-1) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the first facet surface (9-1) is not visible,that a light beam emitted by the second light source (4-2) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the second facet surface (9-2) is not visible, and that a light beam emitted by the third light source (4-3) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the third facet surface (9-1) is not visible, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") onto which the light beams of the further light source (4') fall to generate the second light function (LF2) form at least one contiguous surface region (B, B1, B2) lying within the reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7, 7', 7"), the surfaces (10, 10', 10") of which lie directly adjacent to one another, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") are not penetrated by those facet surfaces (9) which are used to generate the first Light function (LF1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. It also relates to a method for providing a lighting function by means of a vehicle lamp according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 9.

[0002] A vehicle lamp with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 is described in DE 10 2013 202 957 A1. Specifically, this document describes a lighting device for a motor vehicle with a reflector supporting multiple lighting functions. The lighting device has a housing in which the reflector is accommodated. The reflector consists in cross-section of adjacent prisms, each of which has two adjacent facets. Two light sources are provided, the light from each of which can be directed onto one of the facets and, after reflection, can be reflected as a reflected light beam in a main radiation direction. Depending on whether one of the light sources is switched on, one of two possible lighting functions (e.g., indicators or daytime running lights) can be activated. A reflector consisting of a plurality of polyhedra is also described.The polyhedra are designed in such a way that light that hits the reflector from three different, offset light sources is again emitted as reflected light in a main radiation direction.

[0003] From the applicant's subsequently published DE 10 2014 218 540 A1, a vehicle light and a method for controlling a vehicle light are known, in which light beams generated by light sources arranged at at least three different positions are directed toward an optical element with a plurality of facet surfaces. The facet surfaces are aligned and positioned such that different light functions with a sparkling effect can be generated for an observer at a position remote from the vehicle light. Different light functions are realized by varying the light intensity of the light beams emitted by the light sources and incident on the facet surfaces.

[0004] A vehicle light is also known from US 2009 / 0027911 A1. Specifically, a vehicle light is described therein in which a lens-like body with a flat, underlying light entry surface and a plurality of rear light entry surfaces is arranged in a reflective housing. The rear light entry surfaces are spaced from a rear, reflective surface of the housing and connected to one another by stair-step-like connections. A first light source is assigned to the flat, underlying light entry surface, and a second light source is assigned to the plurality of rear light entry surfaces. Light rays from the first light source are reflected by the stair-step-like connections of the lens-like body in the direction of a main emission direction of the vehicle light and generate a first light function.Light rays from the second light source are reflected by the reflective rear side of the housing toward the rear light entry surfaces of the lens-like body and refracted by the lens-like body toward a main emission direction of the vehicle light. They create a second light function.

[0005] WO 2010 / 120251 A1 also discloses a vehicle light. In this vehicle light, two reflectors are positioned one behind the other in a housing on a common optical axis. Each reflector is assigned a light source. The front reflector has recesses through which reflected light rays from the light source assigned to the rear reflector can exit to the front. This is intended to result in a compact design of the vehicle light despite the generation of multiple lighting functions.

[0006] Finally, DE 10 2012 005 826 A1 describes a vehicle light with a specially designed optical element. Specifically, the optical element has a light coupling surface for coupling in the light emission of a light source and an output coupling structure in which the directions of the coupled light rays are changed to produce a radiation characteristic that differs from the radiation characteristic of the light emission of the light source of the vehicle light. The output coupling structure comprises a plurality of facet surfaces in which light rays are output at a radiation angle that depends on the respective angular orientation of the facet surface. The facet surfaces are arranged at different angles to one another in a non-repeating pattern.By designing the facet surfaces of the coupling-out structure, the optical element creates a glittering effect in which the viewer does not perceive a uniformly illuminated surface at varying viewing positions and angles.

[0007] Vehicle lights must combine a variety of lighting functions in a single housing. The number of required lighting functions has increased. However, due to packaging and design requirements, the available space is becoming increasingly limited. Therefore, solutions that contribute to a compact design of vehicle lights with multiple lighting functions are desirable.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an alternative vehicle lamp that can be constructed compactly despite implementing at least two lighting functions. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle lamp in which an enhanced sparkling effect is noticeable from a viewing position. Finally, a striking appearance of the vehicle lamp should be achieved.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle lamp having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on a vehicle light with at least one reflector, to which at least one first light source is assigned. The direction of emitted light rays from the at least one first light source can be redirected by the reflector toward a specific viewing position remote from the vehicle light, such that at least one first light function can be perceived there. The vehicle light has at least one further light source, the emitted light rays of which can be reflected by surfaces toward the viewing position such that at least one second light function can be perceived there.

[0011] These surfaces are part of the reflector's reflector surface. In other words, the surfaces and the reflector surface are integrally connected. A separate reflector for generating a second light function is therefore unnecessary. This allows for a very compact design and enables cost-effective production of the vehicle light.

[0012] If the vehicle light is designed as a rear light, for example, it is conceivable that the light rays reflected by the reflector can function as a tail light. The light rays from the at least one additional light source reflected by said surfaces can function as a brake light, a reversing light, a rear fog light, and / or a direction indicator.

[0013] If the vehicle light is designed as a headlight, for example, it is possible for the light rays reflected by the reflector to realize the lighting function of a low beam. The light rays of the at least one additional light source reflected by the said surfaces can realize the lighting function of a high beam, a turn signal, a fog light, and / or even a daytime running light.

[0014] Vehicle lights are increasingly contributing to the vehicle's design. The design of vehicle lights is primarily intended to give the vehicle a distinctive appearance that is easily recognizable and distinguishes it from the design of other vehicles.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp has at least three light sources arranged at different positions, and the reflector has a plurality of facet surfaces. The directions of light rays emitted by the light sources toward the facet surfaces can be changed by the facet surfaces. The light sources can be controlled by a control unit.Furthermore, the positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces relative to the positions of the light sources are arranged such that, from a specific viewing position remote from the vehicle lamp, at least one light beam emitted by a first light source and modified in its direction by a first facet surface at a first facet position is visible, a light beam emitted by a second light source and modified in its direction by a second facet surface at a second facet position is visible, and a light beam emitted by a third light source and modified in its direction by a third facet surface at a third facet position is visible, wherein the first, second and third facet positions are each arranged at a distance from one another.

[0016] Thus, from a specific viewing position remote from the vehicle lamp, at least one light beam emitted by a first light source, the direction of which has been changed by a first facet surface at a first facet position, is visible; another light beam emitted by a second light source, the direction of which has been changed by a second facet surface at a second facet position, is visible; and another light beam emitted by a third light source, the direction of which has been changed by a third facet surface at a third facet position, is visible. The first, second, and third facet positions are each arranged at a distance from one another.

[0017] The facet surfaces of the vehicle light are thus arranged or aligned in such a way that light rays from different light sources can reach a specific viewing position via facet surfaces at different positions. This geometry of the facet surfaces relative to the arrangement of the light sources makes it possible to direct light rays from different positions to a specific viewing position. If the light sources are then controlled so that they emit light one after the other or in any order, a sparkling effect advantageously results at the first viewing position. A viewer at this viewing position perceives light rays from the different facet positions one after the other. This sparkling effect advantageously results without the viewer's relative position to the vehicle light having to change.

[0018] In the vehicle light, the reflector comprises a plurality of spaced-apart facet surfaces for which a light beam emitted by the first light source and whose direction is changed by these facet surfaces is visible from a specific viewing position remote from the vehicle light. This means that a light beam emitted by the first light source, the direction of which has been changed by these facet surfaces, is visible. Likewise, there are a plurality of spaced-apart facet surfaces for which a light beam emitted by the second light source and whose direction is changed by these facet surfaces is visible from this viewing position. Furthermore, there are a plurality of spaced-apart facet surfaces for which a light beam emitted by the third light source and whose direction is changed by these facet surfaces is visible from the viewing position.Thus, for example, when the first light source emits light, light rays from several facet surfaces are visible simultaneously from the viewing position.

[0019] However, the facet surfaces are arranged at a distance from each other. When the second light source is switched on, light rays from several other facet surfaces are visible from the viewing position, and when the third light source is switched on, several light rays emanating from yet other facet surfaces are visible from the viewing position. This advantageously further enhances the sparkling effect, since a viewer at this viewing position perceives light rays simultaneously from various spaced facet positions and sequentially from yet other spaced facet positions.

[0020] According to an inventive implementation of the vehicle lamp, the positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces are arranged relative to the positions of the light sources such that, from the viewing position, a light beam emitted by the first light source and changed in its direction by a facet surface directly adjacent to the first facet surface is not visible, a light beam emitted by the second light source and changed in its direction by a facet surface directly adjacent to the second facet surface is not visible, and a light beam emitted by the third light source and changed in its direction by a facet surface directly adjacent to the third facet surface is also not visible.Thus, from the viewing position, a light beam emitted by the first light source whose direction has been changed by a facet surface directly adjacent to the first facet surface is not visible. A light beam emitted by the second light source whose light source has been changed by a facet surface directly adjacent to the second facet surface is not visible. A light beam emitted by the third light source whose direction has been changed by a facet surface directly adjacent to the third facet surface is also not visible. Thus, when one of the light sources is illuminated, a light beam emanating from the first facet surface reaches the viewing position, but a light beam emanating from adjacent facet surfaces does not reach the viewing position.Thus, the light emission from a specific light source of the vehicle's headlights does not create a homogeneously illuminated surface at the viewing position. This advantageously enhances the sparkling effect.

[0021] Furthermore, the positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces relative to the positions of the light sources can be arranged such that, from a specific second viewing position remote from the vehicle lamp and spaced from the aforementioned viewing position, at least one light beam emitted by the first light source and modified in its direction by a fourth facet surface at a fourth facet position is visible, a light beam emitted by the second light source and modified in its direction by a fifth facet surface at a fifth facet position is visible, and a light beam emitted by the third light source and modified in its direction by a sixth facet surface at a sixth facet position is visible, wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth facet positions are each arranged at a distance from one another.The facet surfaces are thus arranged and aligned in such a way that a sparkling effect can advantageously be generated simultaneously at different viewing positions when the light sources are controlled in a specific sequence to emit or alter the light emission. This sparkling effect can advantageously be generated by the vehicle light for all viewing positions within a specific solid angle.

[0022] For the purposes of this document, facet surfaces are understood to mean, in particular, adjacent surfaces of the reflector that change the direction of incident light rays differently. The change is discontinuous at the transition from one facet surface to another, especially to an adjacent facet surface. The direction of a light beam is thus changed completely differently by adjacent facet surfaces. Different changes in the direction of an incident light beam can also occur on a single facet surface. However, this change is then continuous.

[0023] In the vehicle light according to the invention, the facet surfaces are reflective. The facet surfaces are particularly specular, resulting in a directed reflection in which the angle of reflection of a reflected light beam is equal to the angle of incidence of the incident light beam. This advantageously ensures that a light beam emitted by a specific light source is very precisely redirected to a specific viewing position. The reflective, particularly specular, effect of the facet surfaces can be achieved by a suitable metal coating (e.g., aluminum vapor deposition).

[0024] The facet surfaces are preferably formed by flat surfaces. Advantageously, such facet surfaces can be manufactured cost-effectively. The normals of adjacent facet surfaces are, in particular, aligned differently. This allows for the discontinuous change in the direction of the incident light rays, and thus the aforementioned sparkling effect, to be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0025] The facet surfaces are connected to each other primarily by edges, with the radius of curvature of the facet edges being as small as possible. Radii on the facet surface should be avoided to detract from the brilliant appearance of the reflector. Likewise, the radius of an edge formed by adjacent facet surfaces should be as small as possible. This design also enhances the sparkling effect.

[0026] The facet surfaces are formed, in particular, by a combination of rectangular and / or triangular surfaces. This can include both rectangular and triangular surfaces, as well as only rectangular or only triangular surfaces, which may have different sizes. The choice of the geometry of the facet surfaces depends on the geometry of the reflector surface on which the facet surfaces are formed. The aim is to achieve the most efficient reflection possible, taking into account limitations imposed by the manufacturing process of the facet surfaces and limitations resulting from the size of the facet surfaces. This design of the facet surfaces thus allows for a very flexible design of the reflector geometry and the achievement of efficient reflection.

[0027] The facet surfaces can be formed on the reflector surface, for example, by milling them using a very small milling cutter. For example, the reflector surface with the facet surfaces can be milled out of an aluminum block. This block is not subjected to vapor deposition to preserve the reflector's brilliance. Alternatively, the reflector can be manufactured using electroplating. In this case, vapor deposition of the resulting facet surfaces is required.

[0028] According to another very advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surfaces on which the light rays of the at least one further light source are reflected to form at least one second light function are facet-shaped.

[0029] On the one hand, this allows for a high degree of flexibility in creating the desired light distribution for the second lighting function. On the other hand, it creates the conditions for the visual appearance of these surfaces to be more easily adapted to that of the remaining reflector surface. This allows the appearance of the vehicle light to be optimized.

[0030] According to features of the invention, the surfaces form at least one contiguous surface region located within the reflector surface of the reflector. In other words, the surfaces that serve to generate the at least one second light function lie directly adjacent to one another. They are not interspersed by the facet surfaces that serve to generate the first light function.

[0031] This allows for an even better visual distinction from the first lighting function when activated, contributing to a striking appearance of the vehicle's lighting.

[0032] The surfaces can also form several connected surface areas within the reflector's reflector surface, which also contributes to the vehicle light's extravagant appearance. The surface areas can have any shape. For example, when viewed from above, they can have a square, round, oval, star-shaped, and / or striped outline.

[0033] In order to make it more difficult to see the light sources from outside the vehicle light and thus to improve the appearance of the vehicle light, the light sources by which the at least two lighting functions can be realized can be arranged above the reflector.

[0034] In order to make the appearance of the vehicle light appear very homogeneous when it is switched off, the at least one contiguous surface area has an optical appearance that is the same as or at least similar to an optical appearance of the reflector surface of the reflector lying outside the surface area.

[0035] According to another development of the invention, it is proposed that within the reflector surface of the reflector there is at least one further surface area which has a retroreflective effect.

[0036] A retroreflective surface area is a surface area which largely reflects incident light rays back towards the radiation source, regardless of the orientation of the reflective component.

[0037] While such a surface area does not realize a lighting function within the meaning of the invention, it can additionally take safety aspects into account. A lighting function within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean a function in which the vehicle light emits light rays while consuming energy. A lighting function can thus be, for example, a tail light, a brake light, a reversing light, a turn signal (direction indicator), a fog (rear) light, a daytime running light, or a position light. This does not include the mere reflection of light rays entering the vehicle light from outside.

[0038] The features described above make it possible to provide a vehicle lamp that has an exceptional appearance during operation.

[0039] According to a further development of the vehicle light according to the invention, a cross-section of the reflector comprises a parabolic line formed by the reflector surface. In this case, the reflector surface is formed by shifting the parabolic line along a straight line. In one direction, the cross-section of the reflector is thus identical to the parabolic line at all positions. A parabolic line is understood to be a line that lies on a parabola. The reflective facet surfaces do not lie on the parabolic line. However, if an average is performed over a section of the reflector, which smooths out the discontinuous course of the adjacent facet surfaces, the reflector surface of the reflector is produced, which lies on a parabolic line in cross-section.The advantage of this groove-like design of the reflector surface is that it creates a very characteristic appearance of the vehicle light with a special signature.

[0040] The light sources whose light rays are reflected by the reflector can preferably be arranged in the focal line of the reflector surface. Each cross-section of the reflector in which a parabolic line is created from the reflector surface has a focal point. If adjacent parallel cross-sections are now viewed, a focal line of the reflector surface results. This arrangement of the light sources advantageously ensures that almost parallel light rays can be generated very easily through the facet surfaces. Furthermore, this arrangement of the light sources simplifies the alignment of the facet surfaces relative to the light sources in order to create the desired radiation characteristic of the vehicle light.

[0041] The reflector surface on which the facet surfaces are arranged can also have a different geometric shape. For example, it can be concavely curved. In this case, the light sources can also be arranged differently relative to the reflector surface. For example, they can be arranged on a curved line, such as a parabolic or circular line. In this case, too, the positions and orientations of the facet surfaces relative to the positions of the light sources are arranged such that the aforementioned conditions are met to create a sparkling effect when the light emissions of the light sources are successively changed.

[0042] The light sources are primarily light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Light-emitting diodes have the advantage of having a very long lifespan and also being very point-like light sources.

[0043] The vehicle lamp according to the invention has, in particular, more than three light-emitting diodes for the light sources whose light beams are reflected by the reflector. The number of light-emitting diodes or light sources is in particular in a range of 5 to 100 light sources, preferably in a range of 10 to 20 light sources. This advantageously enhances the twinkling effect. The light sources can be arranged separately from one another. However, they can also be integrated into an overall light source, in which the light emissions occur from different, possibly very close positions. The overall light source can be, for example, a semiconductor chip with several light-emitting diodes.

[0044] According to a further development of the vehicle light according to the invention, it comprises a control unit with a random generator. This random generator can be used to randomly select one or more light sources, whose light emission can be varied for a short time interval. The light emission of the selected light source(s) can be increased, in particular for a short time. The random generator can advantageously achieve a resemblance of the perceptible sparkle of the vehicle light to natural sparkle phenomena.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the vehicle light according to the invention, the control unit comprises a memory in which a pattern is stored that determines a successive selection of light sources whose light emission can be varied for a short time interval. In this case, too, the light emission of the selected light source(s) is increased, particularly briefly. The pre-stored pattern for controlling the light sources advantageously allows the characteristics of the twinkling effect to be precisely defined in advance.

[0046] By means of the random generator or by means of the pattern stored in the memory, the light sources can be controlled in particular in such a way that, at a viewing position, a sparkling effect is produced in which one or more facet surfaces flash one after the other at different positions due to reflected light rays.

[0047] The invention also aims to provide a method for providing a lighting function using a vehicle lamp. This object is achieved by method claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the method can be found in a subclaim.

[0048] In the method according to the invention, the vehicle lamp comprises at least three light sources arranged at different positions and a reflector comprising a plurality of facet surfaces, wherein the directions of light rays emitted by the light sources and striking the facet surfaces are modified by the facet surfaces. The vehicle lamp is, in particular, the vehicle lamp described above.

[0049] In the method according to the invention, a sequence of light sources is selected whose light emission is briefly changed sequentially. The light emission of the light sources is changed sequentially such that, from a specific viewing position distant from the vehicle lamp, at least initially a light beam emitted by a first light source, the direction of which has been changed by a first facet surface at a first facet position, is briefly visible, then a light beam emitted by a second light source, the direction of which has been changed by a second facet surface at a second facet position, is briefly visible, and subsequently a light beam emitted by a third light source, the direction of which has been changed by a third facet surface at a third facet position, is briefly visible. The first, second, and third facet positions are each arranged at a distance from one another.

[0050] The sequential control of the light sources and the geometry of the vehicle light advantageously result in a sparkling effect without the observer's relative position to the vehicle light having to change. This gives the vehicle light a particularly distinctive appearance. Furthermore, the observer perceives a lighting function provided by the method according to the invention particularly easily and reliably due to the sparkling effect.

[0051] In the method according to the invention, at least one further light function is superimposed on the at least one light function. For this purpose, at least one further light source is controlled, so that light rays are emitted from this light source and fall on surfaces that are also part of a reflector surface of the reflector. These light rays are also reflected by said surfaces in the direction of the viewing position.

[0052] By superimposing at least one light function with a perceptible sparkle through at least one further light function, a particularly good signaling effect is achieved with an extraordinarily memorable appearance of the vehicle light.

[0053] In the method, the light sources are controlled in particular such that a light beam emitted by the first light source, the direction of which has been changed by a facet surface directly adjacent to the first facet surface, is not visible from the first viewing position. The light beams from the second or third light source, the directions of which have been changed by facet surfaces adjacent to the second or third facet surface, are also not visible from the first viewing position. This advantageously ensures that, for the viewer from the first viewing position, light pulses flash briefly from various spaced-apart, i.e. non-adjacent, positions. This twinkling effect is generated in particular for a large number of viewing positions within a specific solid angle.

[0054] During the sequence, the light emission of the selected light source can preferably be changed from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the light source can, for example, emit no light or emit light with a lower intensity. In the second state, the selected light source is then controlled such that it emits light with a higher light intensity. The lower light intensity of the first state can, for example, be in a range from 0 to 50% of the light intensity of the second state. Advantageously, various lighting functions of the vehicle light can be realized using the two states of light emission of the light sources, wherein the twinkling effect described above occurs in at least one lighting function.

[0055] In the sequence, a real subset of the light sources is first selected. The light emission of this subset is then changed for a defined time interval, for example, from the first state to the second state. After that, another subset of the light sources is selected. This subset differs from the previously selected subset. However, it is possible that light sources are contained in the intersection of the two subsets. Alternatively, the possibility of an intersection is ruled out. In this case, the subsets are completely different. For this second subset, the light emission is then changed for the defined time interval. There can be an intermediate interval between the successive time intervals in which the light emission of no light source is changed. Furthermore, the two time intervals can be directly consecutive.Finally, it is also possible for the time intervals to overlap. All of these embodiments are separately encompassed by the invention in conjunction with the various designs of the reflector. Subsequently, a third subset of the light sources is again selected. The ratio of this third subset to the second subset can be the same as the ratio of the first subset to the second subset. For the ratio of the first subset to the third subset, it can be specified that the third subset must not be identical to the first subset, but that the intersection between the third subset and the first subset may contain a true subset of the first and third subsets. Alternatively, it can be specified how many defined time intervals must lie between a further change in the light emission of a specific light source. This then determines the minimum length, e.g.the first state of the light sources.

[0056] The selection of light sources is advantageously random. A random number generator can be used for this purpose. However, the random selection of light sources can be restricted by the aforementioned constraints. This advantageously ensures that a particularly characteristic and realistic twinkling effect is created.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the method, the selection of light sources in the sequence is stored in advance in a specific pattern. In this case, the characteristics of the twinkling effect are advantageously precisely defined in advance.

[0058] The light intensity of the selected light source is increased, especially briefly. This advantageously results in a flashing of light pulses in the twinkling effect.

[0059] The invention also aims to protect a motor vehicle which is equipped with at least one vehicle lamp according to the invention.

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Like reference numerals refer to like, comparable, or functionally identical components, whereby corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0061] They show, schematically Fig. 1 the basic structure of an embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the shape of a reflector of the embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is a detailed view of an example of a reflector surface as used in an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 another detail with the facet surfaces of the Fig. 3 shown reflector, Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the position and orientation of the facet surfaces relative to the positions of the light sources of the exemplary embodiment of the vehicle lamp according to the invention, Fig. 6 a representation of the reflector according to view VI of Fig. 1, in different versions, Fig. 7 a representation according to detail view VII of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a representation according to detail view VIII of Fig. 6, Fig. 9 shows in perspective a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 a side view according to view X from Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 a motor vehicle with vehicle lights according to the invention.

[0062] The basic structure of the vehicle lamp 1 is described with reference to Fig. 1 explains: The vehicle light 1 is housed in a housing 2, which is enclosed in the light emission direction of the vehicle light 1 by a transparent outer lens 3. The vehicle light 1 comprises at least three light sources 4, which are arranged on a circuit board 5 and can be controlled or are controlled by a control unit 6. The light sources 4 are arranged at different positions, as will be explained in detail later. The light sources 4 are, in particular, light-emitting diodes. A reflector 7, in particular a continuous reflector 7, is arranged in the light emission direction of the light sources 4. This reflector 7 has a reflector surface 8, which faces the light sources 4, so that light rays emitted by the light sources 4 strike the reflector surface 8 and can pass outward as reflected light rays LR1 through the outer lens 3 to a viewing position P.The light beams LR1 (only one light beam is shown schematically and as an example) can form a first light function LF1, e.g. a tail light.

[0063] The reflector surface 8 does have a specific geometric shape. However, this basic shape of the reflector surface 8 also includes a specific microstructure. The reflector surface 8 comprises a plurality of facet surfaces 9. The light rays emitted by the light sources 4 are thus reflected by the facet surfaces 9 of the reflector surface 8, so that the direction of the light rays emitted by the light sources 4 is changed. The direction of the light beam reflected by a facet surface 9 is determined by the position and orientation of the facet surface 9 relative to the position of the respective light source 4.

[0064] The reflector 7 is made of an opaque material, with the reflector surface 8 being provided with a metal layer, preferably an aluminum layer. This gives the reflector surface 8 or the facet surfaces 9 a reflective, in particular a mirror-like effect.

[0065] Within the reflector surface 8, there are surfaces 10 of the reflector 7, which form a continuous surface area B. The surface area B has a visually similar appearance to the reflector surface 8 located outside the surface area B with the facet surfaces 9 (see also Fig. 6). However, the surfaces 10 are calculated and designed to generate a light distribution that enables the realization of an additional lighting function. They are therefore positioned and aligned differently than the facet surfaces 9. Surface area B, like the reflector surface 8, is coated with a reflective metal layer.

[0066] Adjacent to the light sources 4, one or more additional light sources 4' are arranged on a separate circuit board 5'. The light sources 4' can be controlled by, or are controlled by, a further control unit 6'.

[0067] The surfaces 10 are aligned and positioned such that light rays emitted by the light sources 4' are reflected by the surfaces 10 and, as reflected light rays LR2, realize the light distribution of another light function LF2, e.g., that of a brake light. The light function LF2 can be superimposed on the light function LF1.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the basic shape of the reflector 7 with the reflector surface 8. In cross-section, the reflector surface 8 of the reflector 7 lies on a parabolic line I. The reflector surface 8 is then formed by shifting this parabolic line I along a straight line running in the direction of arrow A. For a cross-section that is perpendicular to this direction A, the shape of the reflector surface 8 is thus formed by a parabolic line I. The reflector 7 thus has the shape of a groove that is parabolic in cross-section. There is a focal point for each parabolic line I of a cross-section. In direction A, a focal line for the reflector 7 is thus created. In the present embodiment, the light sources 4 are arranged on this focal line. The light rays emitted by the light sources 4 reach all facet surfaces 9 of the reflector surface 8.The direction in which these light rays are then reflected depends on the relative position and orientation of the facet surface 9 to the position of the light source 4 which emitted the light beam.

[0069] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the reflector 7. The reflector 7 is composed of segments 11, which form the facet surfaces 9 on their surface at the reflector surface 8.

[0070] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the facet surfaces 9 in detail. They include quadrangular and triangular surfaces. In particular, a combination of rectangular and triangular surfaces is chosen. The facet surfaces 9 are flat, i.e., they exhibit no curvature. Between adjacent facet surfaces 9, edges are formed that have the smallest possible radius. The orientation of the normals on a facet surface 9 differs from the orientation of the normals of all adjacent facet surfaces 9. The reflector surface 8 is completely filled by the facet surfaces 9.

[0071] The facet surfaces 9 are also reflective, meaning the angle of incidence of an incident light ray is equal to the angle of reflection of the reflected light ray. Parallel light rays striking the facet surface 9 are reflected at a specific facet surface 9 according to the law of reflection. Since the normal of each adjacent facet surface is oriented differently, the change in the direction of the reflected light rays is discontinuous when transitioning from one facet surface 9 to another.

[0072] Overall, the facet surfaces 9 on the reflector surface 8 are positioned and aligned such that a first lighting function of a vehicle can be provided when all light sources 4 or a subset thereof emit light with a defined intensity. The defined radiation characteristic of this lighting function is provided by the reflection of the light rays on the facet surfaces 9 of the reflector surface 8. Furthermore, the facet surfaces 9 can be positioned and aligned such that a further lighting function of a vehicle is provided when the light emission of some of the light sources 4 is changed compared to the light emission for providing the first lighting function. The change in the light emission is, in particular, temporally variable. Furthermore, the light emission is changed such that at least some of the light sources 4 emit a different light intensity, at least temporarily.

[0073] In this way, by appropriately controlling the light sources 4 by means of the control unit 6, any lighting function of a vehicle headlight or a vehicle taillight can be provided. The vehicle light according to the invention is used in particular as a taillight. Thus, the taillight function, the brake light function, the function of a rear fog light, and / or the function of a turn signal can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, further signaling functions can also be provided.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 5 the geometry of the facet surface 9 relative to the positions of the light sources 4 is explained in detail: Three light sources 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 are considered. It should be noted that the vehicle lamp 1 can comprise any number of further light sources 4, each arranged at different positions. The light source 4-1 is arranged at position S1, the light source 4-2 at position S2, and the light source 4-3 at position S3. On the reflector 7, at the reflector surface 8, the facets 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3, among others, are arranged at positions F1, F2, and F3. The positions F1, F2, and F3 are spaced apart from one another, so that between these positions, further facet surfaces 9 are arranged at the positions generally designated Fn.

[0075] The light rays that strike a specific viewing position P in the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 1 are now examined. Thus, it is investigated how an observer perceives the vehicle lamp 1 at the viewing position P.

[0076] The light source 4-1 at position S1 emits the light beams L1-1, L1-2, and L1-3. The light beam L1-1 strikes the facet surface 9-1 at position F1, the light beam L1-2 strikes the facet surface 9-2 at position F2, and the light beam L1-3 strikes the facet surface 9-3 at position F3. The facet surface 9-1 is now aligned such that the light beam L1-1 is reflected such that the reflected light beam L'1-1 reaches the viewing position P, so that this light beam is visible to an observer at the viewing position P. A change in the light intensity of the light source 4-1 is thus perceived by an observer at the viewing position P as a change in the light emission at the facet surface 9-1 at position F1.

[0077] The facet surface 9-2 at position F2 is now aligned such that the light beam L1-2 is reflected such that the reflected light beam L'1-2 does not hit the viewing position P. It is therefore also not visible from the viewing position P. Similarly, the facet surface 9-3 at position F3 is aligned such that the light beam L1-3 is reflected such that the reflected light beam L'1-3 does not hit the viewing position P.

[0078] The second light source 4-2 emits, among other things, the light beam L2-1 toward the position F1 of the facet surface 9-1, the light beam L2-2 toward the position F2 of the facet surface 9-2, and the light beam L2-3 toward the position F3 of the facet surface 9-3. The light beam L2-1 is reflected by the facet surface 9-1 in such a way that the reflected light beam L'2-1 does not reach the viewing position P. Likewise, the light beam L2-3 is reflected by the facet surface 9-3 in such a way that the reflected light beam L'2-3 does not reach the viewing position P. The facet surface 9-2 at position F2, however, is aligned such that the light beam L2-2 is reflected such that the reflected light beam L'2-2 strikes the viewing position P, so that a change in the light emission of the second light source 4-2 is perceptible by a viewer at the viewing position P at position F3.

[0079] The third light source 4-3 emits, among other things, the light beams L3-1, L3-2, and L3-3. The light beam L3-1 is reflected by the facet surface 9-1 such that the reflected light beam L'3-1 does not strike the viewing position P. Similarly, the light beam L3-2 is reflected by the facet surface 9-2 such that the reflected light beam L'3-2 does not strike the viewing position P. The facet surface 9-3, however, is oriented such that the light beam L3-3 is reflected such that the reflected light beam L'3-3 strikes the viewing position P.

[0080] Furthermore, facet surfaces adjacent to the facet surfaces 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3 at the positions Fn are aligned such that the light rays emitted by the light sources 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3 are reflected such that they do not hit the viewing position P.

[0081] It is pointed out that the viewing position P can be selected arbitrarily within a solid angle from the light source 1, so that the above-existing reflections at the facet surfaces 9 also apply accordingly to other viewing positions.

[0082] If all facet surfaces 9 of the reflector surface 8 are considered, then in one embodiment there are several, but spaced and non-adjacent facet surfaces 9 which reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source 4-1 in the direction of the viewing position P. Likewise, there are several spaced and non-adjacent facet surfaces 9 which reflect light rays emitted by the second light source 4-2 to the viewing position P and also for the third light source 4-3 there are several spaced but non-adjacent facet surfaces 9 which reflect light rays from this light source 4-3 in the direction of the viewing position P. For simplification, the facet surfaces 9 which reflect light rays from a specific light source 4 to the viewing position P are referred to below as a subset of the facet surfaces 9 which are assigned to this light source 4.

[0083] In further embodiments, the vehicle lamp 1 comprises a larger number of light sources 4. In this case, a further subset of facet surfaces 9 can be formed for each additional light source 4, which reflect corresponding light rays from this additional light source 4 to the viewing position P. The number of subsets of the facet surfaces 9 thus normally corresponds to the number of light sources 4.

[0084] In the following, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is explained, which can be carried out using the vehicle lamp described above: In the method described below, the brake light function is provided by vehicle lamp 1. However, it should be noted that the method can be applied accordingly to provide a different lighting function or to implement a combination of lighting functions.

[0085] The control unit 6 contains a memory 13 in which a pattern is stored that determines a successive selection of light sources 4 whose light emission is changed for a short time interval. Furthermore, the length of this time interval is stored in the memory 13. Furthermore, the length of an intermediate time interval can be stored, which lies between two adjacent time intervals in which the light emission of different light sources is changed.

[0086] For example, it is assumed below that a total of 16 light sources 4 are provided in the vehicle lamp 1. The pattern then selects a first subset of these light sources 4 for a first time interval. For this time interval, these light sources 4 of the first subset are switched from a first state to a second state. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed below that in the first state the light sources 4 are switched off and in the second state the light sources 4 are switched on.

[0087] For a short time interval of, for example, 100 ms, the light sources 4 of the first subset are now placed in the second state, i.e. switched on, by means of the control unit 6. For this time interval, a viewer at the viewing position P now sees light pulses at the positions of the facet surfaces 9 that are assigned to the light sources 4 of this subset, i.e. the subsets of the facet surfaces 9 assigned to the light sources 4. Light rays from the light sources 4 of the first subset are reflected from these facet surfaces 9 to the viewing position P. After the first time interval has elapsed, the light sources 4 of this first subset are placed back in the first state, i.e. switched off.

[0088] For the subsequent second time interval, the pattern of the control unit 6 stored in the memory 13 determines that a different, second subset of the light sources 4, which is completely different from the previous subset, is switched on. For the second time interval, an observer at the viewing position P thus sees light rays from the subsets of the facet surfaces 9 that are assigned to the light sources 4, i.e., that reflect the light from these light sources 4 to the viewing position P. As described above, these facet surfaces 9 are spaced apart from and not adjacent to the facet surfaces 9 from which an observer at the viewing position P saw light rays during the first time interval.

[0089] At subsequent time intervals, further subsets of the light sources 4 are again selected using the pattern stored in the memory 13, so that at this time interval the observer at the viewing position P perceives changing light pulses from successively different facet surfaces 9. By means of the pattern, a sequence of light sources is thus selected whose light emission is successively changed, in particular increased, for a short time. Overall, an observer from any viewing position P perceives a sparkle of the light emission of the vehicle light 1, without the relative position of the vehicle light 1 to the viewing position P having to change. However, if the relative position of the vehicle light 1 to the viewing position changes, a sparkle is also perceived, since this sparkle effect is generated for any viewing position P.However, this sparkling effect differs from a glittering effect mentioned in the introduction, which only occurs when the viewing position changes relative to the vehicle lamp 1.

[0090] What is essential now is that, by appropriately controlling the light sources 4' via the control unit 6', at least one further light function LF2 is generated in addition to the at least one sparkling light function LF1 that can be realized via the light sources 4 and is superimposed on the light function LF1. For this purpose, the light rays emitted by the light sources 4' are directed toward the facet-shaped surfaces 10, which are part of the reflector surface 8. These light rays are then reflected by the surfaces 10 in the direction of the viewing position P.

[0091] In a further embodiment, a random generator 14 is alternatively or additionally integrated into the control unit 6. In this case, the sequence of light sources 4 is randomly selected, with the control unit 6 taking the aforementioned constraints into account. Thus, the same light sources 4 are not selected for consecutive time intervals. The selected subsets for consecutive time intervals are therefore, in particular, completely different.

[0092] It should be noted that the above-described control of the light sources 4 by means of the control unit 6 can be used for various examples of shapes and orientations of the reflector surface 8 and the facet surfaces 9. Likewise, various designs and geometries of the reflector surface 8 and the associated facet surfaces 9, in conjunction with the various described controls of the light sources 4, form further exemplary embodiments that are independently encompassed by the invention. However, in all exemplary embodiments belonging to the invention, the above-described sparkling effect is generated at different viewing positions P.

[0093] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the tail light function and the brake light function are provided by means of the vehicle lamp 1. In this case, the control unit 6 controls the light sources 4 to provide the tail light function such that light rays of a first, lower light intensity are emitted. To provide the brake light function, as described above, a sequence of light sources 4 is selected whose light emission is briefly increased in succession. The brake light function is thus characterized by increased light emission and a sparkling effect. The emitted light intensity of a light source 4 for the tail light function can be, for example, 10% of the emitted light intensity for the brake light function.

[0094] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, the tail light function and the function of the direction indicator are provided by means of the vehicle lamp 1. As in the previous exemplary embodiment, the control unit 6 controls the light sources 4 to provide the tail light function such that light rays of a first, lower light intensity are emitted. To provide a direction indicator, a sequence of adjacently arranged light sources 4 is selected, the light emission of which is briefly increased in succession. The sequence is selected such that light sources 4 arranged essentially in a line are selected one after the other, thus generating a sparkling running light in which, in addition to the sparkling effect, the light intensity increases along one direction.The special pattern for the sequence for selecting the light sources 4 for the function of the direction indicator is stored in the memory 13.

[0095] Further embodiments of the reflector of the vehicle lamp according to the invention will now be discussed: From the Fig. 6a shows a view of the reflector surface 8 in a first embodiment (see also Fig. 1). This illustrates that the optical appearance of surface area B, visible from the viewing position P, largely corresponds to the optical appearance of the reflector surface 8 located outside of surface area B. This is achieved by the facet surfaces 9 and surfaces 10 having a comparable appearance. In particular, surfaces 10 are facet-like with quadrangular and triangular surfaces, although no specific pattern is apparent (cf. Fig. 7). The surfaces 10 are designed and aligned in such a way that the light distribution of a desired additional lighting function, e.g., that of a brake light, can be generated.

[0096] In addition, at least one further surface area BRR can be present within the reflector surface 8, which has retroreflective properties (in Fig. 1 not visible). If a reflector or a surface area of the reflector has retroreflective properties, this means that light rays incident from a light source external to the vehicle are largely reflected back toward the external light source, largely independent of the orientation of the reflector or the surface area. The surface area BRR can thus act as a retroreflector. For this purpose, it has a plurality of small triple mirrors 15, each with three mirror surfaces, with the mirror surfaces being at an angle of 90° to each other.

[0097] In another embodiment of a vehicle lamp 1' according to the invention according to Fig. 6b shows a reflector 7' with a surface area B'. The surface area B' has surfaces 10' that are also faceted. However, the surfaces 10' have a recognizable pattern (cf. Fig. 8). Thus, the surface area B' creates a different optical impression than the reflector surface 8 located outside the surface area B'. Here, too, the surfaces 10' are designed and aligned in such a way that the light distribution of a desired, additional lighting function, e.g., that of a brake light, can be generated.

[0098] In Fig. 9, a further embodiment (1") of a vehicle lamp according to the invention is described. Only the components essential for understanding the invention are shown. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the light sources 4 and 4' are arranged above a reflector 7". In addition, two contiguous surface areas B1 and B2 formed by facet-like surfaces 10" are present in a lower area of the reflector 7", which are assigned to the light sources 4'.

[0099] P, in turn, denotes a viewing position of a viewer. From the viewing position P, on the one hand, light rays LR1 of the light sources 4 reflected by the reflector 7" or the facet surfaces 9 can be perceived with the described sparkling effect, and on the other hand, the light rays LR2 of the light sources 4' reflected by the surface areas B1 and B2 can be perceived. The surfaces 10" of the surface areas B1, B2 are in turn designed such that the light distribution of at least one desired, additional lighting function can be realized. In the exemplary embodiment, for example, the light function of a tail light with a sparkling effect can be realized by the light distribution of the light rays LR1, and the light function of a brake light without a sparkling effect can be realized by the light rays LR2 reflected by the areas B1 and B2.

[0100] In the Fig. 10 is a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 9. For the sake of simplicity, a luminaire housing and an outer lens are not shown here either.

[0101] In all embodiments, both the reflector surface 8 and the surface areas B, B', BRR, B1 and B2 are coated with a reflective layer.

[0102] Finally, based on the Fig. 11 shows a motor vehicle K equipped with two vehicle lights 1 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle lights 1 are designed as taillights. However, they can alternatively or additionally be designed as headlights of the motor vehicle K.

[0103] It is pointed out again that the reflectors 7, 7' and 7" shown in the exemplary embodiments are all constructed in a comparable manner and are positioned and aligned in a comparable manner to the light sources 4 assigned to these reflectors, as can be seen in particular from the Fig.1 to 5 for the reflector 7 and the light sources 4 are described in detail. List of reference symbols 1, 1', 1'' vehicle light 2 housings 3 Exterior lens 4, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4' light sources 5.5' board 6, 6' control unit 7, 7', 7'' reflector 8 Reflector surface 9, 9-1, 9-2, 9-3 facet surfaces that contribute to a sparkling effect 10,10', 10'' faceted surfaces that do not contribute to a sparkling effect 11 segments 12 light sources 13 storage 14 Random generator 15 triple mirrors A direction B, B', B1, B2 connected areas BRR separate area (retroreflective) F Direction of travel K Motor vehicle P Viewing position I parabolic line S1, S2, S3 positions of the light sources F1, F2, F3, Fn positions of the facet surfaces L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, L2-2, L2-3, L3-1, L3-2, L3-3 light rays L'1-1, L'1-2, L'1-3, L'2-1, L'2-2, L'2-3, L'3-1, L'3-2, L'3-3 reflected light rays LF1 light function LF2 light function LR1 reflected light rays LR2 reflected light rays

Claims

[1] Vehicle lamp (1, 1', 1'') with at least one reflector (7, 7', 7"), to which at least one first light source (4; 4-1, 4-2, 4-3) is assigned, wherein the direction of emitted light rays of the at least one first light source (4, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3) can be deflected by the reflector (7, 7', 7") in the direction of a specific viewing position (P) remote from the vehicle lamp (1, 1', 1'') such that at least one first light function (LF1) is perceptible there, and with at least one further light source (4'), the emitted light rays of which can be reflected on surfaces (10, 10', 10") in the direction of the viewing position (P) such that at least one second light function (LF2) is perceptible there, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") are part of a reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7,7',7"), wherein the vehicle lamp (1,1',1") has at least three light sources (4) arranged at different positions (S1, S2, S3) and wherein the reflector (7,7',7") has a plurality of facet surfaces (9), wherein the directions of light beams emitted by the light sources (4) in the direction of the facet surfaces (9) can be changed by the facet surfaces (9), and wherein the light sources (4) can be controlled by a control unit (6), and wherein the positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces (9) relative to the positions of the light sources (4) are arranged such that at least one light beam (L1-1) emitted by a first light source (4-1) and changed in its direction by a first facet surface (9-1) at a first facet position (F1) is visible from the viewing position (P),wherein a light beam (L2-2) emitted by a second light source (4-2) and modified in its direction by a second facet surface (9-2) at a second facet position (F2) is visible, and wherein a light beam (3-3) emitted by a third light source (4-3) and modified in its direction by a third facet surface (9-3) at a third facet position (F2) is visible, wherein the first, second and third facet positions (F1, F2, F3) are each arranged at a distance from one another, characterized bythat positions and / or orientations of the facet surfaces (9) relative to the positions of the light sources (4) are arranged such that, from the viewing position (P), a light beam emitted by the first light source (4-1) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the first facet surface (9-1) is not visible, that a light beam emitted by the second light source (4-2) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the second facet surface (9-2) is not visible, and that a light beam emitted by the third light source (4-3) and modified in its direction by a facet surface (9) directly adjacent to the third facet surface (9-1) is not visible, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") onto which the light beams of the further light source (4') fall to generate the second light function (LF2) form at least one contiguous,forming a surface area (B, B1, B2) located within the reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7, 7', 7"), the surfaces (10, 10', 10") of which lie directly adjacent to one another, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10") are not penetrated by those facet surfaces (9) which serve to generate the first light function (LF1). [2] Vehicle lamp (1,1',1'') according to claim 1, characterized by that the surfaces (10, 10', 10'') are faceted. [3] Vehicle lamp (1") according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the surfaces (10") form several connected surface areas (B1, B2) within the reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7"). [4] Vehicle lamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one contiguous surface area (B) has an optical appearance which is the same as or at least similar to an optical appearance of the reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7) lying outside the surface area (B). [5] Vehicle lamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that within a surface of the reflector (7) there is at least one further surface area (BRR) which has a retroreflective effect. [6] Vehicle lamp (1,1',1'') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a cross-section of the reflector (7,7',7") comprises a parabolic line (I) formed by the reflector surface (8) and that the reflector surface (8) is formed by shifting the parabolic line (I) on a straight line (A). [7] Vehicle lamp (1,1',1") according to claim 6, characterized by that the light sources (4) are arranged in the focal line of the reflector surface (8). [8] Motor vehicle (K) with at least one vehicle lamp (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Method for providing at least one light function (LF1) by means of a vehicle lamp (1, 1', 1'') having at least three light sources (4) arranged at different positions and a reflector (7, 7', 7'') comprising a plurality of facet surfaces (9), wherein the directions of light rays emitted by the light sources (4) and striking the facet surfaces (9) are changed by the facet surfaces (9), characterized bythat a sequence of light sources (4) is selected, the light emission of which is successively changed for a short time, and the light emission of the light sources (4) is changed sequentially in such a way that, from a specific viewing position (P) remote from the vehicle lamp (1), at least initially a light beam (L1-1) emitted by a first light source (4-1), the direction of which was changed by a first facet surface (9-1) at a first facet position (F1), is briefly visible, then a light beam (L2-2) emitted by a second light source (4-2), the direction of which was changed by a second facet surface (9-2) at a second facet position (F2), is briefly visible, and subsequently a light beam (L3-3) emitted by a third light source (4-3), the direction of which was changed by a third facet surface (9-3) at a third facet position (F3), is briefly visible, wherein the first,second and third facet positions (F1, F2, F3) are each arranged at a distance from one another, and wherein at least one further light function (LF2) is superimposed on the light function (LF1) by controlling at least one further light source (4'), so that light rays are emitted from this light source (4') onto surfaces (10, 10', 10'') which are part of a reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7), and the light rays are reflected by these surfaces (10, 10', 10'') in the direction of the viewing position (P), wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10'') for generating the second light function (LF2) form at least one contiguous surface region (B, B1, B2) lying within the reflector surface (8) of the reflector (7, 7', 7''), the surfaces (10, 10', 10'') of which lie directly against one another, wherein the surfaces (10, 10', 10'') are not penetrated by those facet surfaces (9) which serve to generate the first light function (LF1). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that the sequence of light sources (4) is selected randomly.

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