Light for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Lamp for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a lamp (4) for emitting light and several translucent optical elements (3) which are arranged behind a translucent lens (5) through which the light exits from the lamp (2) at least partially at the rear or front of the motor vehicle (1), - wherein each optical element (3) has a first and a second side surface (301, 302) as well as a first and second end surface (303, 304), wherein the first and second end surface (303, 304) extend between the first and second side surface (301, 302); - wherein the outside of the respective optical element (3) in the area of ​​the first side surface (301) points away from the light disk (5) and the outside of the respective optical element (3) in the area of ​​the second side surface (302) points towards the light disk (5); - wherein the first end face (303) is located at an end adjacent to the light disk (5) and the second end face (304) is located at an end of the respective optical element (3) located away from the light disk (5); - wherein the luminaire (2) is designed such that at least part of the light from the light source (4) enters the respective optical element (3) via the second end face (304), wherein part of the entering light is coupled out of the respective optical element (3) via a first output coupling structure on the first side face (301) and exits the respective optical element (3) via the second side face (302), and wherein part of the entering light is coupled out of the respective optical element (3) via a second output coupling structure on the first end face (303) and exits the respective optical element (3) via the second side face (302); - wherein the optical elements (3) are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in one direction along the light disk.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lamp for a motor vehicle and a corresponding motor vehicle.

[0002] Many different designs for automotive lights are known from the current state of the art. The use of new technologies, such as LEDs and OLEDs, has significantly increased the design possibilities for automotive lights.

[0003] Document DE 10 2009 021 110 A1 describes a rear light for a motor vehicle consisting of several chambers in which at least two different colored light sources are arranged. The light sources are preferably light-emitting diodes.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2011 119 230 A1 discloses an LED flashing light for a motor vehicle in which the direction of travel to be indicated is emphasized by a running light effect.

[0005] Document DE 10 2013 225 796 A1 discloses a lighting unit for a motor vehicle with an OLED that is applied directly to the lens of the lighting unit. The lens may be provided with a decorative coating on the side of the light emission.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2012 221 389 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lamp with a light source, a light guide having an output volume bounded by a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side has output elements that distribute light around a main emission direction, and wherein the motor vehicle lamp has a black aperture arranged behind the second side in a direction opposite to the main emission direction.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2013 009 460 A1 discloses a luminaire for a vehicle with a light guide arrangement for generating a driving light function and at least one light source, wherein the light guide arrangement comprises at least two light guides. A first light guide has a light coupling surface, a light coupling surface, and a reflecting surface. Light generated by the light source can be coupled into the first light guide at the light coupling surface, and the coupled light can be guided through the first light guide to the reflecting surface and reflected thereon. The reflected light can be coupled out at the light coupling surface and generates the driving light function.

[0008] German patent application DE 20 2015 001 890 U1 discloses a light guide arrangement for a vehicle light, comprising a plurality of light guides, each of which has a light coupling section with a light coupling surface for coupling light into the light guide through the light coupling surface, and a light coupling section through which light guided in the light guide can be coupled out. A transition section is provided between the light coupling section and the light coupling section, and the light guides are arranged side by side such that the light coupling surfaces are arranged in a row along a light coupling line and the light guides extend away from the light coupling line.

[0009] Patent application US 2008 / 0 013 333 A1 discloses a vehicle light comprising one or more LEDs, a reflector with a reflective surface that reflects light from the one or more LEDs forward of the light, and one or more flat, plate-like light guides onto which the light from the one or more LEDs is incident from one side and which emit the light forward from the other side. Light in the region of the optical axis of the one or more LEDs is incident on the light guides, while other light is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector, so that part of the light from the one or more LEDs is emitted through the light guides and another part of the light is reflected and emitted by the reflector.

[0010] The object of the invention is to create a light for a motor vehicle which generates a clearly perceptible and conspicuous light distribution in a novel way.

[0011] This problem is solved by the luminaire according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] The lamp according to the invention is intended for use in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car. It comprises a light source for emitting light, in particular one or more LEDs and optionally also one or more laser diodes, as well as several translucent optical elements, which are preferably made of plastic and in particular of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate). Here and in the following, the term "translucent" is to be understood as a transmittance greater than zero and in particular of 50% or more and optionally also 100%. The optical elements are arranged behind a translucent lens, through which the light exits the lamp at least partially at the rear or front of the vehicle. In other words, the lamp is a rear lamp or a front lamp in the motor vehicle.Insofar as the present description and the patent claims describe relations / relationships between the luminaire and the motor vehicle or to directions defined in relation to the motor vehicle, this is always to be understood as meaning that the relation occurs when the luminaire is arranged or installed in the motor vehicle. The luminaire is thus designed such that the relation exists when the luminaire is arranged or installed in the motor vehicle.

[0013] Each optical element of the luminaire according to the invention comprises a first and a second side surface as well as a first and a second end surface, wherein the first and the second end surfaces extend between the first and second side surfaces. The outer surface of the respective optical element faces away from the light disk in the region of the first side surface, whereas the outer surface of the respective optical element faces the light disk in the region of the second side surface. The first end surface is located at an end adjacent to the light disk and the second end surface at an end of the respective optical element located away from the light disk. This feature implies that the individual optical elements extend obliquely or, if applicable, perpendicularly to the light disk.

[0014] During operation of the luminaire according to the invention (i.e., when the light source is switched on), at least a portion of the light from the light source enters the respective optical element via the second end face. A portion of this incoming light is coupled out of the respective optical element via a first output structure or deflection structure on the first side face. This coupled out or deflected light exits the respective optical element via the second side face (overcoming the total internal reflection condition). Furthermore, another portion of the incoming light is coupled out of the respective optical element via a second output structure on the first end face. This coupled out light also exits the respective optical element via the second side face (overcoming the total internal reflection condition).The optical elements are arranged side by side and spaced apart along the lens in one direction. In one variant, this direction along the lens is perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction, but it can also be a different direction if necessary.

[0015] In the luminaire according to the invention, the arrangement of the individual optical elements creates a different lighting impression when viewed obliquely than when viewed from above. This results in a striking 3D effect, ensuring good visibility of the luminaire.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the lamp according to the invention, the optical elements are arranged such that they overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. This generates a full-surface light distribution when viewed from the rear or front of the vehicle, making the lamp particularly visible to road users behind or in front of the vehicle and also fulfilling legal requirements for certain lighting functions (such as a turn signal).

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the luminaire according to the invention is designed such that, when the luminaire or light source is switched on, the (photometric) luminance (i.e., the brightness) of the first end face is higher than the (photometric) luminance of the first side face. This increases the brightness of the luminaire in certain areas, making the luminaire more conspicuous and thus more easily perceived.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the lamp according to the invention is designed such that, when the lamp is switched on, its (photometric) luminous intensity is greater than zero and, in particular, greater than a predetermined positive value within a predetermined angular range around a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis runs in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and through the center of brightness (i.e., the center of luminance) of the switched-on lamp.

[0019] The embodiment described above allows certain legal requirements regarding the luminous intensity of motor vehicle lights to be met. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light is designed for placement at an edge of the rear or front of the motor vehicle, wherein the edge is the left or right edge of the motor vehicle, and wherein the specified angular range is defined as follows: - the specified angular range extends in the width direction of the motor vehicle from the longitudinal axis defined above 80° towards the edge and 45° away from the edge; - the specified angle range extends 15° upwards and 15° downwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, starting from the longitudinal axis defined above.

[0020] The variant just described allows for compliance with specific legal requirements regarding the light distribution of the luminaire.

[0021] Depending on its design, the light can perform different functions in the motor vehicle. In particular, the light can include a taillight and / or a turn signal and / or a brake light and / or a reversing light and / or a daytime running light.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the lamp according to the invention is divided into two parts by an access flap at the rear of the motor vehicle (i.e., a trunk lid or tailgate). The arrangement of the optical elements according to the invention prevents the division of the lamp from being perceived visually.

[0023] Depending on the design of the luminaire according to the invention, the first output structure and / or the second output structure can comprise a prism arrangement and / or a textured or roughened surface. The textured or roughened surface preferably has a roughness corresponding to VDI 3400 reference 25 or higher (i.e., greater than 25).

[0024] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the second side surface is a light-diffusing surface, in particular again with a roughness corresponding to VDI 3400 Reference 25 or higher. A very uniform light distribution is generated via the light-diffusing surface.

[0025] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, each optical element is an elongated element, wherein the longitudinal direction of the respective optical element extends along the first and second side surfaces and between the first and second end faces.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the first and second end faces of the respective optical element converge towards the light disk, i.e., the optical element has a wedge-shaped form. Optionally, however, the first and second side faces can also run parallel to each other.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the luminaire according to the invention, the first end face of each optical element runs obliquely (i.e., neither parallel nor perpendicular) to the first and second side faces. Alternatively or additionally, the first end face runs obliquely to the vertical direction of the vehicle (i.e., neither perpendicular nor parallel to the vertical direction), from a lower end in the vertical direction of the vehicle to an upper end of the first end face in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This achieves an attractive lighting effect by means of an obliquely running illuminated edge.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, at least some optical elements of the luminaire according to the invention are part of the same integral component. In particular, the integral component can be manufactured by injection molding, for example by two-component injection molding. This ensures simple manufacturing of the optical elements.

[0029] In another embodiment, at least some adjacent optical elements of the luminaire according to the invention are connected to one another by means of bridges, the bridges preferably being opaque. Opaque bridges ensure a black, cold appearance when the luminaire is switched off. Furthermore, technical components behind the optical elements are difficult to see.

[0030] In another preferred variant, for a given optical element with adjacent bridges, the part of the first and / or second side surface that lies behind the bridges in the direction of the second end face is opaque, at least in some areas and possibly also completely.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the lamp according to the invention comprises one or more reflectors which direct the light from the lamp at least partially onto the second end face.

[0032] In addition to the lamp according to the invention, the invention further relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle comprises one or more of the lamps according to the invention or one or more preferred variants of the lamp according to the invention.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0034] They show: Fig. 1 a side view of the rear part of a motor vehicle in which an embodiment of a lamp according to the invention is integrated; Fig. 2. A top view of the motor vehicle. Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view showing the internal structure of the lamp Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows; Fig. 4 a section of the light fixture Fig. 3 in section view along a plane which is in Fig. 3 runs horizontally; and Fig. 5 a section of the light fixture Fig. 3 when looking in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The following describes a variant of the lamp according to the invention in the form of a turn signal in a motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 1 shows the rear part of the corresponding motor vehicle 1. The invention is explained with reference to the left rear indicator 2, which is integrated into the left rear light of the vehicle 1. The rear light, and thus also the indicator, extends over the edge of the tailgate 7 of the motor vehicle, i.e., the indicator is divided into two parts by the trunk lid. Fig. 1. Furthermore, the viewing direction from approximately 0° to the light, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, as well as the viewing direction from 15° from above to the light, is indicated by corresponding arrows. Fig. 2 shows the top view of the motor vehicle. Fig. 1. The division of the taillight across the left edge of the trunk lid is clearly visible. 7. Furthermore, in Fig. 2. In addition to the viewing direction of 0°, the viewing directions of 45° and 60° are also indicated to the left of the viewing direction of 0°. The embodiment described below ensures that a user viewing from 0° sees a continuous illuminated area of ​​the turn signal, as required by law. From other viewing directions, in particular from the viewing directions shown in the illustrations of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The indicator has a different appearance, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0036] The perspective representation of the Fig. Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the turn signal 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As can be seen, the turn signal is divided into two parts by the gap Z, with the left edge of the tailgate 7 running within this gap Z. The right part of the turn signal extends essentially in the width direction of the vehicle, whereas the left part of the turn signal is rounded and extends towards the length of the vehicle. The turn signal comprises a plurality of elongated or wedge-shaped optical elements 3 in both parts, which, for the sake of clarity, are only partially designated by this reference symbol. The individual optical elements 3 are arranged offset from one another and run obliquely (i.e., neither perpendicular nor parallel) to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with this longitudinal direction being in Fig. 3 is indicated by the arrow L.

[0037] Each optical element comprises a front side surface 302, a rear side surface 301, a front end surface 303, and a rear end surface 304. For clarity, only some of these surfaces are labelled with the corresponding reference symbols. The front end surfaces 303 are oriented at an oblique angle (i.e., neither perpendicular nor parallel) to the vertical direction of the vehicle. Light emerges from the front side surfaces 302 of the optical elements and is fed into the respective optical elements via the rear end surfaces, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a section of the left part of the light fixture. Fig. 3. The cut is made in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction. From Fig. Figure 4 shows the detailed structure of the optical elements and the area behind them of the luminaire. As can be seen, the optical elements 3 shown are arranged behind a light lens 5 and are inclined at an angle of approximately 60° to the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. The optical elements may also be arranged at a different angle to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The optical elements are essentially parallel to each other and comprise the front end face 303, the rear end face 304, and the two side faces 301 and 302. The front face 303 corresponds to the first end face and the front face 304 to the second end face as defined in the claims. The side face 301 corresponds to the first side face and the side face 302 to the second side face as defined in the claims. The individual optical elements 3 are part of an integral two-component injection-molded part.This part includes transparent areas corresponding to the white optical elements and the white sections of the webs 305 between the individual optical elements 3. Furthermore, the injection-molded part contains opaque sections 306 that form part of the individual webs 305 and also cover the area of ​​the side surface 301 located behind the individual webs 305. The opaque areas are shown hatched and are located in the area of ​​the webs behind their transparent sections, but may also be located in front of their transparent sections.

[0039] In Fig. Furthermore, individual light sources 4 are schematically indicated, which are not in the section plane of the Fig. 4, but are positioned below it in the lower part of the luminaire. Each light source is assigned to a corresponding optical element 3. The light emitted upwards by the respective light source is deflected by a reflector structure, shown in cross-section, such that a large portion of this light enters the front surface 304 of the associated optical element essentially perpendicularly. In the embodiment described here, the individual light sources are yellow LEDs, which produce the yellow color of the turn signal. Alternatively, the individual light sources can also emit white or red light. Furthermore, the light sources can also be arranged in the upper part of the luminaire and emit light downwards.

[0040] The light entering the respective optical elements via the individual end faces 304 falls, among other places, on the side face 301, which has an output coupling structure in the form of a prism arrangement. The output coupling structure deflects a portion of the incident light in such a way that it exits the corresponding side face 302, thus breaking the total internal reflection condition. Furthermore, a portion of the light entering the optical element via the rear end face 304 reaches the front end face 303. This end face also includes an output coupling structure in the form of a prism arrangement, which deflects a portion of the incident light in such a way that it exits the optical element via the front side face 302, thus breaking the total internal reflection condition. An example is shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows the path of a light ray which exits via the front face 303, indicated by the arrows P. As can be seen, the light ray is deflected in such a way that it exits the light disc 5 essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0041] The coupling structures of surfaces 301 and 303 ensure that the optical elements 3 illuminate across their entire surface when the light sources 4 are switched on. The opaque areas 306 prevent the light from the light sources from escaping the luminaire between the individual optical elements. Furthermore, the opaque areas ensure a black, cold appearance of the luminaire when the light sources are switched off, as these opaque areas prevent a view of the reflective coating of the reflector structure 6.

[0042] One property of the optical elements of the Fig. 4 consists in the fact that, when the light sources are switched on, the (photometric) luminance (i.e., the brightness) of the output front surfaces 303 is higher than that of the output side surfaces 301. In other words, the front surface 303 appears brighter than the side surface 301. Another essential feature is the obliquely spaced arrangement of the individual optical elements 3, such that when viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, the side surfaces of adjacent optical elements overlap, as can be seen from the Fig. 5 becomes apparent.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a top view of the turn signal 2 when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, again showing only a section of the turn signal. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet. Fig. 5. The front side surfaces 302 of the individual optical elements are shown hatched, with the overlap areas B between the individual optical elements being indicated by double hatching. From Fig. Figure 5 further shows that the front end faces 303 are inclined relative to the vertical. Due to the overlap of the adjacent optical elements in the viewing direction of the Fig. 5. Legal requirements are met according to which a turn signal must form a continuous surface when viewed from a 0° angle. The turn signal has a striking appearance, as the front surfaces 303 are brighter than the rest of the surface. Furthermore, the turn signal is designed in such a way that other legal requirements regarding prescribed photometric luminous intensities of the turn signal when viewed from oblique angles are also met.

[0044] For others other than the one in Fig. The appearance of the turn signal changes depending on the five viewing angles shown, thereby increasing its visibility. In particular, the indicators overlap when viewed from a sufficiently oblique angle, e.g., in the images shown. Fig. In the two depicted viewing directions of 45° and 60°, the individual optical elements are no longer visible, resulting in dark areas between them. This creates a 3D effect when the viewing angle of the turn signal changes.

[0045] One embodiment of a light according to the invention was described using a turn signal as an example. However, the invention is not limited to turn signals. The light can also be any other light of the vehicle in the front or rear area. In particular, the light can be a tail light, a reversing light, a brake light, and the like.

[0046] The embodiments of the invention described above offer a number of advantages. In particular, a striking luminaire with varying brightness levels is achieved through the use of several optical elements arranged side by side. The arrangement of the optical elements is such that relevant legal requirements for the luminaire are also met. Furthermore, the oblique orientation of the optical elements creates a three-dimensional effect when the viewing angle changes. This results in an appealing design with high recognition value. In addition, opaque areas ensure a dark, cool appearance for the luminaire. This also prevents direct viewing of the light source when the luminaire is switched on. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 turn signals 3 optical elements 301, 302 Side surfaces of the optical elements 303, 304 End faces of the optical elements 305 bridges 306 opaque areas 300 integral component 4 LEDs 5 Light lens 6 Reflector 7 Trunk lids P Direction of light propagation L Longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle Z space B overlapping areas

Claims

Lamp for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a light source (4) for emitting light and several translucent optical elements (3) arranged behind a translucent lens (5) through which the light exits the lamp (2) at least partially at the rear or front of the motor vehicle (1), wherein each optical element (3) has a first and a second side surface (301, 302) and a first and second end surface (303, 304), wherein the first and second end surfaces (303, 304) extend between the first and second side surfaces (301, 302); wherein the outer surface of the respective optical element (3) in the area of ​​the first side surface (301) points away from the lens (5) and the outer surface of the respective optical element (3) in the area of ​​the second side surface (302) points towards the lens (5);- wherein the first end face (303) is arranged at an end adjacent to the light disk (5) and the second end face (304) is arranged at an end of the respective optical element (3) located away from the light disk (5); - wherein the luminaire (2) is designed such that at least part of the light from the light source (4) enters the respective optical element (3) via the second end face (304), wherein part of the entering light is coupled out of the respective optical element (3) via a first output coupling structure on the first side face (301) and exits the respective optical element (3) via the second side face (302), and wherein part of the entering light is coupled out of the respective optical element (3) via a second output coupling structure on the first end face (303) and exits the respective optical element (3) via the second side face (302);- wherein the optical elements (3) are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in one direction along the light disk.; Lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical elements (3) overlap each other when looking towards the lamp (2) in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (1). Luminaire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the luminaire (2) is designed such that when the luminaire (2) is switched on, the luminance of the first end face (303) is higher than the luminance of the first side face (301). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire (2) is designed such that when the luminaire (2) is switched on, its luminous intensity in a predetermined angular range about a longitudinal axis which runs in the longitudinal direction (L) of the motor vehicle and through the center of brightness of the switched-on luminaire (2) is greater than zero and in particular greater than a predetermined positive value. Lamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the lamp (2) is provided for arrangement on an edge of the rear or the front of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the edge is the left or right edge of the motor vehicle (1) and wherein the predetermined angular range is defined as follows: - the predetermined angular range extends in the lateral direction of the motor vehicle (1) starting from the longitudinal axis 80° towards the edge and 45° away from the edge; - the predetermined angular range extends in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle (1) starting from the longitudinal axis 15° upwards and 15° downwards. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire (2) comprises a tail light and / or a turn signal and / or a brake light and / or a reversing light. Lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lamp (2) is divided into two parts by an access flap (7) at the rear of the motor vehicle (1). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling structure and / or the second coupling structure comprises a prism arrangement and / or a textured or roughened surface, in particular with a roughness corresponding to VDI 3400 reference 25 or higher. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second side surface (302) is a light-scattering surface, in particular with a roughness corresponding to VDI 3400 reference 25 or higher. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each optical element (3) is an elongated element, wherein the longitudinal direction of each optical element (3) extends along the first and second side surfaces (301, 302) and between the first and second end surfaces (303, 304). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second side surfaces (301, 302) of the respective optical element (3) run parallel to each other or converge towards each other in the direction of the light disk (5). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a respective optical element (3) the first end face (303) extends obliquely from the first to the second side face (301, 302) and / or that the first end face (303) extends obliquely to the vertical direction of the motor vehicle (1) from a lower end in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle (1) to an upper end in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle of the first end face (303). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some optical elements (3) of the luminaire (2) are part of the same integral component (300). Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some adjacent optical elements (3) of the luminaire (2) are connected to each other via bridges (305), wherein the bridges (305) are preferably opaque. Luminaire according to claim 14, characterized in that for a respective optical element (3) with adjacent webs (305) the part of the first and / or second side surface (301, 302) which lies behind the webs (305) in the direction towards the second end surface (304) is opaque at least in partial areas. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire (2) comprises one or more reflectors (6) which direct the light from the light source (4) at least partially onto the second end face (304). Motor vehicle, characterized in that the motor vehicle comprises one or more lights according to one of the preceding claims.

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