Lighting device of a motor vehicle with a light guide arrangement

Abstract

Lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (7) for emitting light and a light guide arrangement (10) with a coupling section (11) through which at least a part of the light emitted by the light source (7) couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section (12) with a surface extent in a principal extent plane in which at least a part of the coupled light propagates to at least one light exit surface (13) arranged on a narrow side of the transport section (12), wherein a deflection section (14) is provided between the coupling section (11) and the transport section (12), which deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section (11) into the transport section (12), and wherein the coupling section (11) is on a first narrow side which extends perpendicular to the principal extent plane of the coupling section (11),a light entry surface (15) facing the light source (7) and a deflecting surface (16) on a second narrow side opposite the first narrow side, which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section (11) via the light entry surface (15) in the direction of the deflecting section (14), characterized in that the coupling section (11) is formed by an angled section of the transport section (12), such that a principal extension plane of the coupling section (11) is oriented at an angle to the principal extension plane of the transport section (12), , that the deflection section (14) comprises at least one reflective surface (18) which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section (11) and the principal extension plane of the transport section (12), and that the lighting device (1) has, in addition to the first light guide arrangement (10), a second light guide arrangement (10') whose design and arrangement is determined by a reflection of the first light guide arrangement (10) on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section (11) and parallel to a main emission direction (7a) of the light source (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1.

[0002] A lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 is already known from DE 10 2013 222 794 A1.

[0003] DE 10 2013 210 856 A1 relates to a motor vehicle lamp with a light guide and a light source feeding light into the light guide, wherein the light guide has a first deflecting surface and a second deflecting surface.

[0004] DE 10 2014 218 991 A1 discloses a lamp for a motor vehicle with a lamp which has at least one light source, a light coupling module and a transparent luminaire which has an elongated light emission surface.

[0005] US 6 367 950 B1 shows a vehicle light in which a frustoconical reflector is formed as a single unit in front of each LED.

[0006] DE 10 2013 212 352 A1 relates to a motor vehicle lighting device with a light source and a light guide arrangement, which has a coupling optic and a transport and forming optic.

[0007] DE 10 2014 211 874 A1 discloses a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising a light source for emitting light and at least one plate-shaped light guide designed as block optics.

[0008] Another lighting device is known from DE 10 2012 102 105 A1. In this device, however, a light entry surface of the plate-shaped coupling section is formed on one of the main sides of the coupling section, in particular on its rear side.

[0009] Based on the prior art described above, the present invention aims to propose an alternative embodiment of a lighting device known from the prior art, such that a light guide arrangement with a completely new shape of the light-emitting surface can be illuminated as homogeneously as possible. In particular, the present invention aims to illuminate a lighting device with U- or C-shaped light-emitting surfaces as homogeneously as possible. Such lights can be used to generate any desired lighting function, e.g., position light, parking light, daytime running light, turn signal, tail light, brake light, reversing light, or rear fog light.

[0010] To solve this problem, it is proposed, starting from the lighting device of the type mentioned above, that the coupling section is formed by an angled section of the transport section, such that a principal extension plane of the coupling section is aligned at an angle to the principal extension plane of the transport section. that the deflection section comprises at least one reflective surface oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section and the principal extension plane of the transport section, and that the lighting device, in addition to the first light guide arrangement, has a second light guide arrangement, the design and arrangement of which results from a reflection of the first light guide arrangement on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section and parallel to a main emission direction of the light source.

[0011] Since the deflection section of the optical fiber assembly includes at least one reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the bisector of the angle between the principal plane of extension of the coupling section and the principal plane of extension of the transmission section, light rays coupled into the coupling section, which extend essentially laterally away from the light source, are deflected by the reflective surface into the transmission section by propagating forward towards the light-emitting surface. The reflective surface can reflect the incident light either by total internal reflection or by means of an additional reflective coating (e.g., a metallization layer). The reflective surface can be flat, curved, and / or faceted.Faceting is particularly recommended if the surface area of ​​the transport section is not parallel to the main emission direction of the light source, but is at an angle to it or slightly tilted.

[0012] Since the lighting device has, in addition to the first light guide arrangement, a second light guide arrangement, the design and arrangement of which results from a reflection of the first light guide arrangement on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section and parallel to a main emission direction of the light source, it can be ensured that the deflection surfaces of the first and second light guide arrangements only have such surface areas where a deflection of the coupled light rays in the direction of the deflection section of the two light guide arrangements by means of total internal reflection actually works.

[0013] The light source preferably comprises one or more semiconductor light sources, in particular an LED with one or more LED chips. It is arranged opposite the light-entry surface so that the light emitted by the light source, typically into a 180° hemisphere, couples at least partially into the coupling section of the optical fiber assembly via the light-entry surface. To improve the coupling efficiency, the light-entry surface can have a recess arranged opposite the light source. In a section parallel to the main plane of extension of the plate-shaped coupling section, the recess preferably has the shape of a circular arc. This means that the recess is, for example, cylindrical or dome-shaped with a round or oval base.The light source is preferably arranged relative to the depression such that the light it emits falls completely onto a wall in the depression and is coupled into the coupling section via this wall. In particular, it is proposed that a light-emitting surface of the semiconductor light source be arranged at least on the base of the depression, preferably within the depression itself.

[0014] The light-entry surface is formed on a first narrow side of the coupling section. The optical fiber assembly and the light source are arranged and aligned relative to each other such that a main emission direction of the light source runs approximately parallel to a main extension plane of the coupling section. This has the advantage that the light source does not have to be positioned opposite a main side of the plate-shaped coupling section, and in particular not on the back side of the optical fiber assembly. Rather, the light source can be positioned opposite a narrow side of the coupling section on a circuit board, so that at least one further light source, in particular in the form of at least one further semiconductor light source, can be arranged and electrically contacted on the same circuit board. The at least one further light source can be part of another or the same luminaire to which the first light source already belongs.It is also conceivable that the at least one additional light source is part of another light module, which is also a component of the lighting device, for realizing a headlight function or part thereof. The light emitted by the additional light source can thus serve to realize a luminaire or any headlight function, or part thereof. The present invention therefore not only allows for the particularly homogeneous illumination of light-emitting surfaces with entirely novel shapes, but also enables the realization of a particularly highly integrated and compact multifunctional lighting device. The arrangement and contacting of the light sources used in the lighting device can be achieved via a common circuit board.

[0015] The deflecting surface, which redirects the light rays coupled into the coupling section via the light entry surface towards the coupling section, is formed on one of the second narrow sides of the coupling section, opposite the first narrow side. It is proposed that the deflecting surface, in a section parallel to the principal plane of extension of the coupling section, has the shape of a parabola. This means that the deflecting surface is, for example, parabolic or paraboloidal, or a freeform shape with a slight deviation. A focal point of the parabola or paraboloid, or a focal point cloud of a parabolic or paraboloid-like deflecting surface, preferably lies on or near the light emission surface of the semiconductor light source.This allows the coupled light rays to be deflected at the deflection surface, approximately parallel to the principal plane and the main sides of the coupling section, towards the deflection section without undergoing total internal reflection at the main sides. Of course, individual deflected light rays may encounter the main sides and undergo total internal reflection on their path from the deflection surface to the deflection section of the optical fiber assembly. However, the vast majority of the deflected light rays reach the deflection section without total internal reflection at the main sides of the coupling section.

[0016] The angle between the principal extension plane of the coupling section and the principal extension plane of the transport section can be chosen almost arbitrarily. However, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the principal extension plane of the coupling section be oriented at an angle of approximately 90° to the principal extension plane of the transport section. The light emitted by the light source is thus coupled into the coupling section via the light entry surface, deflected at its deflection surface in the direction of the deflection section, then deflected at the deflection section by approximately 90° and directed essentially parallel to the principal extension plane of the transport section into the latter, in order to propagate in the latter towards the light exit surface at a front end face of the transport section.The light illuminates the light-emitting surface particularly homogeneously and exits the light guide arrangement through the light-emitting surface to create a desired lighting function or part thereof.

[0017] The light-emitting surface is preferably located on a narrow side of the transport section of the light guide assembly opposite the coupling section and the deflection section. Optically effective elements or structures, such as cylindrical lenses, cushion optics, or freeform surfaces, can be formed on the light-emitting surface(s) of the light guide assembly to meet legal and customer-specific requirements for the luminaire function. In particular, the optically effective elements can achieve a desired horizontal and / or vertical dispersion (diffusion), a desired intensity distribution, and / or a desired degree of lateral visibility of the light exiting the light guide assembly.

[0018] It is proposed that the first and second optical fiber assemblies are designed as a single, integral component. This integral component can be handled as a unit and positioned and mounted relative to the light source. The unit can be manufactured in a single process step, for example, by injection molding. Preferably, a light source emits light towards the light entry surfaces of the coupling sections of both optical fiber assemblies. The deflection surfaces of the coupling sections of the two optical fiber assemblies preferably intersect along a line of intersection located above the light source, such that approximately half of the light rays emitted by the light source fall onto the deflection surface of one optical fiber assembly and the other half fall onto the deflection surface of the other optical fiber assembly.Preferably, the main emission direction of the light source runs through the intersection line of the two deflection surfaces.

[0019] In a first embodiment, the coupling section and the transport section are arranged relative to each other such that the main emission direction of the light source runs parallel to both a main extension plane of the coupling section and a main extension plane of the transport section. If, in a lighting device installed in a motor vehicle, the main emission direction of the light source is directed upwards, the light-exit surface of the transport section of the first and, if present, the second light guide has a longitudinal extension in the vertical direction parallel to the main emission direction of the light source.Of course, it would also be conceivable that the main extension direction of the transport section of at least one of the light guide arrangements runs obliquely or tilted to the main emission direction of the light source, so that the longitudinal extension of the light exit surface of this transport section is also oriented obliquely or tilted to the main emission direction of the light source.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the coupling section and the transport section are arranged relative to each other such that the main emission direction of the light source runs parallel to a main extension plane of the coupling section but perpendicular to a main extension plane of the transport section. If, in a lighting device installed in a motor vehicle, the main emission direction of the light source is directed upwards, the light-exit surface of the transport section of the first and – if present – ​​the second light guide thus has a longitudinal extension in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the main emission direction of the light source.Of course, it would also be conceivable that the main extension direction of the transport section of at least one of the light guide arrangements runs obliquely or tilted to the main emission direction of the light source, so that the longitudinal extension of the light exit surface of this transport section is also oriented obliquely or tilted to the main emission direction of the light source.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the deflection section comprises at least two reflective surfaces, wherein a first reflective surface deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section onto the second reflective surface, which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section and the principal extension plane of the transport section. In this way, light rays coupled into the coupling section, which extend therein essentially laterally away from the light source, are first deflected downwards (or upwards) by the first reflective surface and then by the second reflective surface into the transport section, where they propagate forwards in the direction of the light-emitting surface.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the lighting device comprises a further light source and a third light guide arrangement with a coupling section, through which at least a portion of the light emitted by the further light source couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section with a surface extent in a principal extent plane, in which at least a portion of the coupled light propagates to at least one light-emitting surface arranged on a narrow side of the transport section, wherein the coupling section is formed by an angled section of the transport section, such that a principal extent plane of the coupling section is oriented at an angle to the principal extent plane of the transport section, and wherein a deflection section is provided between the coupling section and the transport section.which deflects the light beams coupled into the coupling section into the transport section.

[0023] The additional light source assigned to the third light guide assembly can emit light of the same color as the light source assigned to the first and, if present, the second light guide assembly. However, it is also conceivable that the two light sources could emit light of different colors. In this way, different lighting functions could be implemented by the first and, if present, second light guide assembly on the one hand, and the third light guide assembly on the other (e.g., white position light and / or daytime running light on the one hand, and yellow or orange flashing light on the other, or red taillight and / or brake light on the other, and yellow or orange flashing light on the other, for a rear light). Naturally, it is also possible to dim the light sources to implement different lighting functions.

[0024] The light-emitting surface of the third optical fiber assembly has a longitudinal extent substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the transport section of the third optical fiber assembly and perpendicular to a main emission direction of the other light source. The longitudinal extent of the light-emitting surface of the third optical fiber assembly is preferably arranged at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the light-emitting surface of the first optical fiber assembly and – if present – ​​to the light-emitting surface of the second optical fiber assembly. Together with the light-emitting surfaces of the other optical fiber assembly(s), the light-emitting surface of the third optical fiber assembly forms a homogeneously illuminated area of ​​the luminaire in the shape of an angle “¬” (with only the first and without the second optical fiber assembly, with an arbitrary angle preferably in the range of approximately 45° to 135°) or a “U” or a “C” (with the first and second optical fiber assemblies).The transport sections of the various fiber optic assemblies enclose a space that is available for other uses. For example, it would be conceivable to place an additional (low-profile) lighting module of the lighting system in the enclosed space, which could, for instance, generate any desired lamp or spotlight function, or a part thereof.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the coupling section of the third optical fiber assembly has a light-entry surface facing the further light source on a first narrow side that extends perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the coupling section. Furthermore, the deflection section preferably has a reflective surface which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section of the third optical fiber assembly via the light-entry surface substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the transport section in the direction of the light-emission surface.

[0026] It is further proposed that the reflective surface of the deflection section of the third optical fiber assembly comprises several facets, each having a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation passing through the further light source and parallel to the principal extension plane of the transport section of the third optical fiber assembly.

[0027] It is particularly preferred if the third light guide arrangement is designed and positioned in the lighting device with respect to the first and, if present, the second light guide arrangement, such that the light source associated with the first and, if present, the second light guide arrangement and the additional light source associated with the third light guide arrangement are arranged on the same circuit board and electrically connected. The specific design of the first and, if present, the second light guide arrangement allows its light source and the additional light source of the third light guide arrangement to be arranged and connected on the same circuit board. This allows the lighting device according to the invention to be designed more simply, cost-effectively, and in a particularly compact manner.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the lighting device, in addition to the first, second, and third light guide arrangements, includes a semiconductor light source module for generating a headlight function, which is arranged in a space enclosed by the first, second, and third light guide arrangements. This measure allows the lighting device according to the invention to be designed even more simply, cost-effectively, and compactly. For example, a first lighting function can be realized by the first and—if present—the second light guide arrangement, and a second lighting function, which may differ from the first lighting function, can be realized by the third light guide arrangement. It would also be conceivable, however, for the first, second, and third light guide arrangements to jointly realize a specific lighting function.Furthermore, the additional semiconductor light source module can be used to implement at least one desired headlight function, e.g., a fog light function or a low beam function. By appropriately controlling the semiconductor light source(s) of the semiconductor light source module and / or – if present – ​​an adjustable aperture assembly located in the beam path, a high beam function can be generated. By slightly pivoting the semiconductor light source module upwards around a horizontal pivot axis, the low beam or its cut-off line can be raised slightly (e.g., <1°, preferably by about 0.3°–0.4°) to produce a highway beam effect.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The features described in relation to the various embodiments can be combined with one another in any way, even if such a combination is not explicitly shown in the figures and not explicitly mentioned in the following description. The figures show: Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b a perspective view of different embodiments of a first light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b a perspective view of different embodiments of a first light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section along a main extension plane of an input section of a first optical fiber arrangement from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a first light guide arrangement and a second light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 5 a longitudinal section along a common main extension plane of coupling sections of the first and second optical fiber arrangements Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a first light guide arrangement and a second light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a perspective view of an embodiment of a third light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a combination of a first light guide arrangement and a second light guide arrangement according to Fig. 4 and a third light guide arrangement according to Fig. 7; Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b Different views opposite to a light emission direction on light emission surfaces of the light guide arrangements from Fig. 8; Fig. 10 another perspective view of the embodiment of a third light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention Fig. 7; Fig. 11 a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a first light guide arrangement and a second light guide arrangement of a lighting device according to the invention; Fig. 12 a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a combination of a first light guide arrangement and a second light guide arrangement according to Fig. 11 and a third light guide arrangement according to Fig. 10; Fig. 13a, Fig. 13b Different views opposite to a light emission direction on light emission surfaces of the light guide arrangements from Fig. 12; Fig. 14 an appearance of the light emission surfaces according to Fig. 13a; Fig. 15 one using the fiber optic arrangements from Fig. 12 realized light distributions; Fig. 16 a top view of the light guide arrangements according to Fig. 12; Fig. 17 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention with three light guide arrangements according to Fig. 12 and a semiconductor light source module to generate a headlight function; Fig. 18 a top view of the lighting device according to Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention with a first and a second light guide arrangement as well as with two third light guide arrangements; Fig. 20 an appearance of the light emission surfaces of the lighting device according to Fig. 19; and Fig. 21 a perspective schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention.

[0030] A lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the invention is in Fig. 21 in its entirety is designated by reference numeral 1. The lighting device 1 is preferably designed as a motor vehicle lamp for generating one or more lighting functions (e.g., position light, daytime running light, turn signal, tail light, brake light, reversing light) or a part thereof. The lamp 1 can be arranged at the front, rear, or on a side of a motor vehicle. In addition to the lighting function, the lighting device can also be designed to generate any headlight function (e.g., low beam, high beam, fog light, adaptive headlight, dynamic or static cornering light).

[0031] The lighting device 1 comprises a housing 2, which is preferably made of opaque plastic. The housing 2 has a light outlet opening 4 in a light emission direction 3, which is closed by means of a cover plate 5. The cover plate 5 is preferably made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic. It may have optically effective elements (e.g., prisms or cylindrical lenses) at least in some areas to scatter the transmitted light in a horizontal and / or vertical direction (so-called diffusing plate), or it may be designed without optically effective elements (so-called clear plate). One or more light sources and light guide assemblies are arranged inside the housing 2, which will be explained in more detail below. The light sources and light guide assemblies are arranged in Fig. 21 is shown only symbolically and is designated in its entirety by reference numeral 6. The light sources and light guide arrangements serve in particular to generate any lighting function or part thereof. In addition to the light sources and light guide arrangements, other lighting and / or headlight modules may also be arranged inside the housing 2 (not shown).

[0032] A first example of a first light guide arrangement 10, which can be arranged inside the housing 2 at position 6, is shown in Fig. Figure 1a shows the lighting device 1, which comprises a light source 7 for emitting light and the first light guide arrangement 10. The light source 7 is preferably a semiconductor light source, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED) with a Lambertian emission characteristic in a 180° half-space. The LED 7 can comprise one or more LED chips, the light-emitting surfaces of which are preferably all arranged in one plane. It could also be one or more multicolor LEDs capable of emitting light of different colors, e.g., white light for daytime running lights, yellow light for turn signals.

[0033] The light guide assembly 10 consists of a solid transparent plastic material, e.g., PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). The assembly 10 has an input section 11, through which at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 7 couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section 12 with a surface extent in a principal plane. The transport section 12 may have additional structures or a pattern on its outer surface to emphasize its design. In the transport section 12, at least a portion of the coupled light is propagated to at least one light-exit surface 13 located on a narrow side of the transport section 12. The input section 11 is formed by an angled section of the transport section 12 such that a principal plane of extent of the input section 11 is oriented at an angle to the principal plane of extent of the transport section 12.In this example, the angle between the two principal planes of extension is approximately 90°. However, the angle can also take on other values, particularly between 45° and 135°.

[0034] A deflection section 14 is provided between the coupling section 11 and the transport section 12, which deflects light beams coupled into the coupling section 11 into the transport section 12. The light emission surface 13 is preferably located on a narrow side opposite the coupling section 11 and the deflection section 14 (in the Fig. 1a on the front narrow side) of the transport section 12 of the light guide assembly 10. In the example of the Fig. 1a The exit surface 13 has a longitudinal extent in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the exit surface 13 is not directed forward in the light exit direction 3, i.e., perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the transport section 12, but has a surface extent that runs obliquely to it. In the example of the Fig. In 1a, the emission surface 13 is tilted slightly to the left. This tilting of the light emission surface 13 allows the direction of the emitted light (e.g., light beam 19) to be adjusted. Fig. 1b and Fig. 4) be influenced.

[0035] The coupling section 11 of the optical fiber arrangement 10 has on a first narrow side (in Fig. 1a of the lower narrow side), which runs perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section 11, a light entry surface 15 facing the light source 7 and on a second narrow side opposite the first narrow side (in Fig. 1a of the upper narrow side) a deflecting surface 16 which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section 11 via the light entry surface 15 in the direction of the deflecting section 14. The deflecting surface 16 preferably has the shape of a parabola in a section parallel to the principal plane of extension of the coupling section 11, so that it is parabolic or paraboloid in shape. Of course, it would also be conceivable that the deflecting surface 16 has a freeform shape that deviates slightly from a parabolic or paraboloid shape.

[0036] The light entry surface 15 preferably has a recess 17 arranged opposite the light source 7. The recess 17 is preferably designed such that all the light emitted by the light source 7 into a 180° hemisphere strikes a wall of the recess and is coupled into the coupling section 11 via this wall. In a section parallel to the main plane of extension of the coupling section 11, the recess 17 preferably has the shape of a circular arc, so that the recess 17 can be cylindrical or dome-shaped with a round or oval base.

[0037] The deflection section 14 comprises at least one reflective surface 18, which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section 11 and the principal extension plane of the transport section 12. The reflective surface 18 can be flat, curved, or faceted. A faceted reflective surface 18a is shown as an example in Fig. 11 shown. Faceting is particularly recommended if the surface area of ​​the transport section 12 is not parallel to a main emission direction 7a of the light source 7 (cf. Fig. 4), but is inclined or slightly tilted relative to it. The reflective surface 18 can reflect the incident light either by means of total internal reflection or thanks to an extra applied reflective coating (e.g., a metallization layer).

[0038] The above statements regarding the first light guide arrangement 10 from Fig. 1a also apply accordingly to the first optical fiber arrangement 10 made of Fig. 1b. The fiber optic arrangement 10 made of Fig. 1b is obtained by taking the light guide arrangement 10 from Fig. 1a reflects on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the coupling section 11 and parallel to the principal emission direction 7a of the light source 7 through the light source 7. In Fig. Figure 1b shows an example of a light beam 19. It is clearly visible that the light beam 19 is coupled into the coupling section 11 via the recess 17 in the light entry surface 15 and is reflected at the deflecting surface 16 in such a way that it propagates substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the coupling section 11, preferably without striking the front and rear main surfaces of the coupling section 11 and being totally reflected at them. Due to the parabolic shape of the deflecting surface 16, the reflected light beam 19 also propagates largely parallel to the upper and lower end faces of the coupling section 11.The light beam 19 strikes the reflective surface 18 of the deflecting section 14, which reflects the light beam 19 towards the light-emitting surface 13 in such a way that it propagates essentially parallel to the main plane of extension of the transport section 12, preferably without striking the main lateral surfaces of the transport section 12 and being totally reflected from them. Finally, the light beam 19 exits the first light guide arrangement 10 via the light-emitting surface 13 to produce a desired lighting function or part thereof.

[0039] The exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b differs from the one shown in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b in particular by the fact that the main extension plane of the transport section 12 is aligned approximately perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section 11. In the illustrated example of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, the main extension plane of transport section 12 is not vertically but horizontally oriented. In the example of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, the exit surface 13 thus has a longitudinal extent in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the exit surface 13 is in Fig. 2a is indeed perpendicular to the main extension plane of the transport section 12, but not perpendicular to the direction of light emission 3, but rather inclined obliquely to it, in particular slightly to the left.

[0040] Another difference in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b from which the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b consists in the deflection section 14 comprising at least two reflective surfaces 18, 20, wherein a first reflective surface 20 deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section 11 onto the second reflective surface 18, which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section 11 and the principal extension plane of the transport section 12. Fig. Figure 2b shows an example of a light beam 19. It is clearly visible that the light beam 19 is coupled into the coupling section 11 via the recess 17 in the light entry surface 15 and is reflected at the deflecting surface 16 in such a way that it propagates substantially parallel to the main plane of extension of the coupling section 11, preferably without striking the front or rear main surfaces of the coupling section 11 and being totally reflected from them. Due to the parabolic shape of the deflecting surface 16, the reflected light beam 19 also propagates largely parallel to the upper and lower end faces of the coupling section 11. The light beam 19 then strikes the (preferably planar) first reflecting surface 20 of the deflecting section 14, which deflects the light beam 19 downwards towards the second reflecting surface 18 of the deflecting section 14.This reflects the light beam 19 in such a way towards the light-emitting surface 13 that it propagates essentially parallel to the main plane of extension of the transport section 12, preferably without striking the upper and lower main surfaces of the transport section 12 and being totally reflected from them. Finally, the light beam 19 exits the first light guide arrangement 10 via the light-emitting surface 13 to produce the desired lighting function or part thereof.

[0041] In Fig. 3 is the coupling section 11 of the fiber optic arrangements 10 from the Fig. 1a to 2b shown in a cross-section in the main extension plane of the coupling section 11. The light rays 19, 19" coupled into the coupling section 11 via the recess 17 in the entrance surface 15 strike the deflecting surface 16 at different angles. In a region 16a of the deflecting surface 16, the angle of incidence of a light ray 19 is shallow enough to meet the conditions for total internal reflection (TIR) ​​of the light ray 19 at the deflecting surface 16. The angle of incidence for which the conditions for total internal reflection are just met (limit angle) depends on the material of the coupling section 11. If the angle is too steep, as is the case, for example, for the light ray 19" that strikes a region 16b of the deflecting surface 16 near its apex, total internal reflection does not occur, and the light ray 19" exits the coupling section 11 via region 16b of the deflecting surface 16.This can be prevented by providing the deflecting surface 16, at least in area 16b, with a reflective coating that prevents the emission of light rays 19" and reflects them instead. Areas 16a and 16b of the deflecting surface 16 are separated from each other by a dashed line 16c, which corresponds to a light ray striking the deflecting surface 16 at the critical angle. The line 16c can also correspond to the main emission direction 7a (see figure). Fig. 4) correspond to the light source 7.

[0042] The problem that total internal reflection cannot occur in area 16b of the deflection surface 16 can also be solved by connecting the light source 7 not only to a first light guide arrangement 10, but – as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows that the lighting device 1 is also associated with a second light guide arrangement 10'. In particular, it is proposed that the lighting device 1, in addition to the first light guide arrangement 10, has a second light guide arrangement 10', the design and arrangement of which results from a reflection of the first light guide arrangement 10 on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section 11 of the first light guide arrangement 10, parallel to a main emission direction 7a of the light source 7, and passes through the light source 7. In the illustration of the Fig. 5 corresponds to the mirror plane of the dashed line 16c. The second light guide arrangement 10' has exactly the same structure and has the same parts as the first light guide arrangement 10, whereby the same reference symbols were used for the parts of the second light guide arrangement 10' as for the first light guide arrangement 10, except that these were provided with an apostrophe (').

[0043] Due to the special design and arrangement of the second light guide assembly 10' directly adjacent to the first light guide assembly 10, the area 16b of the deflection surface 16, where total internal reflection of the coupled light rays 19" does not occur, is eliminated for both light guide assemblies 10, 10' and is replaced by an area 16a of the deflection surface 16', 16 of the respective other light guide assembly 10', 10, so that total internal reflection can occur over the entire deflection surfaces 16, 16'. Preferably, one and the same light source 7 is assigned to both light guide assemblies 10, 10'. Likewise, only one recess is provided in the light entry surfaces 15, 15', which is partly composed of the recess 17 of the first light guide assembly 10 and partly of the recess 17' of the second light guide assembly 10'.It is particularly preferred if the first light guide assembly 10 and the second light guide assembly 10' are designed as a single, integral component. In this case, the light guide assemblies 10, 10' can be manufactured in a single process step, e.g., by injection molding.

[0044] In a first embodiment, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the coupling sections 11, 11' and the transport sections 12, 12' are arranged relative to each other in such a way that a main emission direction 7a of the light source 7 (corresponding to the limiting ray 16c) runs parallel to a main extension plane of the coupling sections 11, 11' as well as parallel to the main extension planes of the transport sections 12, 12'. If, in a lighting device 1 installed in a motor vehicle, the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7 is directed upwards, the light emission surfaces 13, 13' of the transport sections 12, 12' of the light guide 10, 10' have a longitudinal extent in the vertical direction parallel to the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7. Of course, it would also be conceivable that the main plane of extent of at least one of the light guide arrangements 10, 10' is slightly tilted, so that it runs obliquely to the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7.Accordingly, the light emission surfaces 13, 13' can be inclined, tilted or slanted in any direction (forward, backward, left or right).

[0045] In another embodiment, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the coupling sections 11, 11' and the transport sections 12, 12' are arranged relative to each other such that the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7 runs parallel to a main extension plane of the coupling section 11, 11' but perpendicular to a main extension plane of the transport section 12, 12'. If, in a lighting device 1 installed in a motor vehicle, the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7 is directed upwards, the light emission surfaces 13, 13' of the transport sections 12, 12' of the light guides 10, 10' have a longitudinal extent in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7. Of course, it would also be conceivable that the main plane of extent of at least one of the light guide arrangements 10, 10' is slightly tilted, so that it runs obliquely to the main emission direction 7a of the light source 7.Accordingly, the light emission surfaces 13, 13' can be inclined, tilted or slanted in any direction (forward, backward, left or right).

[0046] It is particularly advantageous if the lighting device 1 has a third light guide arrangement 30 and an associated further light source 7', as exemplified in Fig. Figure 7 shows the third optical fiber arrangement 30. It comprises an input section 31, through which at least a portion of the light emitted by the further light source 7' couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section 32 with a surface extent in a principal extent plane, in which at least a portion of the coupled light propagates to at least one light-exit surface 33 arranged on a narrow side of the transport section 32. The transport section 32 may have additional structures or a pattern on its upper surface to emphasize its styling. The input section 31 is formed by an angled section of the transport section 32 such that a principal extent plane of the input section 31 is oriented at an angle to the principal extent plane of the transport section 32.The angle is preferably 90°, but can also assume any other value, particularly in a range between 45° and 135°. A deflection section 34 is provided between the coupling section 31 and the transport section 32, which deflects light rays 39 coupled into the coupling section 31 into the transport section 32 in the direction of the light emission surface 33.

[0047] The light source 7 assigned to the first light guide arrangement 10 and – if present – ​​to the second light guide arrangement 10', and the further light source 7' assigned to the third light guide arrangement 30, can emit light of the same or different colors. Furthermore, the light sources 7 and 7' can be controlled and dimmed independently. In this way, various lighting functions can be implemented as desired using the different light guide arrangements 10, 10', and 30.

[0048] The coupling section 31 of the third optical fiber arrangement 30 has on a first narrow side (in Fig. 7 on a lower narrow side), which runs perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section 31, has a light entry surface 35 facing the further light source 7'. The deflection section 34 has a reflective surface 36 which deflects the light rays 39 coupled into the coupling section 31 of the third light guide arrangement 30 via the light entry surface 35 in the direction of the light exit surface 33. The reflective surface 36 of the deflection section 34 of the third light guide arrangement 30 preferably comprises several facets, each of which has a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation through the further light source 7' and parallel to the HV direction (light exit direction 3) through the further light source 7'. In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 7 The rotation axes of the facets of the reflection surface 36 also run parallel to the main extension plane of the transport section 32 of the third optical fiber arrangement 30. In the light entry surface 35 a recess 37 is formed which, in a section parallel to the main extension plane of the coupling section 31, has the form of a circular arc, so that the recess 37 can be cylindrical or dome-shaped with a round or oval base.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a light beam 39. It is clearly visible that the light beam 39 is coupled into the coupling section 31 of the third light guide arrangement 30 via the recess 37 in the light entry surface 35 and is reflected at the reflection surface 36 of the deflection section 34 in such a way that it propagates essentially parallel to the main plane of extension of the transport section 32, preferably without striking the upper and lower main surfaces of the transport section 32 and being totally reflected at them. Finally, the light beam 39 exits the third light guide arrangement 30 via the light exit surface 33 to produce a desired lighting function or part thereof.

[0050] In Fig. 8 as well as in Fig. Figure 12 shows an embodiment of several light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30, in which the third light guide arrangement 30 is designed and arranged in the lighting device 1 relative to the two other light guide arrangements 10, 10' such that the light source 7 associated with the first and second light guide arrangements 10, 10' and the further light source 7' associated with the third light guide arrangement 30 are arranged on the same circuit board 38 and are electrically contacted (see Figure 12). Fig. 16) The various light guide assemblies 10, 10', 30 can consist of a common integral component that can be manufactured in a single production step, e.g., by injection molding. Alternatively, the light guide assemblies 10, 10', 30 can be composed of different parts, e.g., a first unit with the first and second light guide assemblies 10, 10' and a second unit with the third light guide assembly 30. The third light guide assembly 30, together with the other two light guide assemblies 10, 10', can produce a desired lighting function, as is required, for example, in Fig. Figure 15 shows that, for example, the first and second light guide arrangements could perform a first lighting function, e.g., the one shown in Figure 15. However, it is also conceivable that, for example, the first and second light guide arrangements could provide a first lighting function, e.g., the one shown in Figure 15. Fig. 15 shown, generate, and the third light guide arrangement 30 generates a different lighting function.

[0051] On the light exit surfaces 13, 13', 33 of the first, second and / or third light guide arrangement 10, 10', 30, optically effective elements or structures, e.g. in the form of cylindrical lenses, pincushion optics or freeform surfaces, are preferably formed (cf. Fig. 13a and Fig. 13b). The optically effective elements can be arranged in a net ( Fig. 13a) or following the contour of the first or second optical fiber arrangements 10, 10' ( Fig. 13b). Of course, it is conceivable, on the one hand, to arrange and install the light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30 in any orientation relative to each other in the lighting device 1, and on the other hand, to arrange and install the lighting device 1 in any orientation in the motor vehicle (cf. Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b). The optical fiber arrangements 10, 10', 30 can even be tilted by 90° to the representations of the Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b or arranged diagonally to it.

[0052] In the Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 shows a further embodiment with several light guide assemblies 10, 10', 30 and a semiconductor light source module 40 for generating a headlight function, all of which can be arranged inside the housing 2 of the lighting device 1, for example at location 6. The semiconductor light source module 40 is preferably arranged in a space enclosed by the first, second, and third light guide assemblies 10, 10', 30. The headlight function is, for example, low beam, high beam, fog light, adaptive headlight, dynamic or static cornering light, or a part thereof. The module 40 comprises at least one semiconductor light source 41, for example, in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the illustrated example, three LEDs 41 are arranged side by side. The LEDs 41 can be arranged on the same circuit board 38 on which one or both light sources 7, 7' are also arranged.Each of the LEDs 41 is assigned a separate primary optic 42 for focusing the light emitted by the LEDs 41. The primary optics 42 are designed, for example, as reflectors. The reflectors 42 direct the light rays, which are emitted with an upward main emission direction into a 180° hemisphere, essentially in the light emission direction 3. At least one intermediate lens is arranged in the beam path of the deflected rays, for example, comprising several adjacent cylindrical lenses 43. These can widen the beam of light generated by the module 40 in the horizontal direction. In the light emission direction 3, the space enclosed by the first, second, and third light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30 is closed off at the front by a termination lens 44. The termination lens 44 may be optically effective and influence the direction of the passing light rays, or it may not.The beam exiting the semiconductor light source module 40 via the end lens 44 produces the desired headlight function or part thereof. If the headlight function is to be a dimmed light distribution with an approximately horizontal cut-off line, an aperture arrangement 45 can be arranged in the beam path between the reflectors 42 and the at least one intermediate lens 43, which blocks part of the light focused and deflected by the reflectors 42. It is conceivable that the intermediate lenses 43, possibly in conjunction with the end lens 44, image an edge of the aperture arrangement 45 to generate the cut-off line in front of the vehicle.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 19 shows a further embodiment with the first, second, and third light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30 and a further light guide arrangement 30', all of which can be arranged inside the housing 2 of the lighting device 1, e.g., at location 6. The further light guide arrangement 30' is designed very similarly to the third light guide arrangement 30, as shown by way of example in the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 10 shows the further optical fiber arrangement 30'. An additional light source 7" is associated with the further optical fiber arrangement 30'. According to the design of the third optical fiber arrangement 30, the further optical fiber arrangement 30' comprises an input section 31', through which at least a portion of the light emitted by the additional light source 7" couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section 32' with a surface extent in a principal plane of extension, in which at least a portion of the coupled light propagates to at least one light-exit surface 33' arranged on a narrow side of the transport section 32'. The input section 31' is formed by an angled section of the transport section 32', such that a principal plane of extension of the input section 31' is oriented at an angle to the principal plane of extension of the transport section 32'.The angle is preferably 90°, but can also assume any other value in a range between 45° and 135°. A deflection section 34' is provided between the coupling section 31' and the transport section 32', which deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section 31' into the transport section 32' in the direction of the light-emitting surface 33'.

[0054] The light source 7 assigned to the first light guide arrangement 10 and the second light guide arrangement 10', the additional light source 7' assigned to the third light guide arrangement 30, and the additional light source 7" assigned to the further light guide arrangement 30' can emit light of the same or different colors. Furthermore, the light sources 7, 7', and 7" can be controlled and dimmed independently. In this way, many different lighting functions can be implemented using the various light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30, and 30'.

[0055] The coupling section 31' of the further light guide arrangement 30' has on a first narrow side (in Fig. 19 on a lower narrow side), which runs perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section 31', a light-entry surface 35' facing the additional light source 7". A recess 37' is formed in the light-entry surface 35', which, in a section parallel to the main extension plane of the coupling section 31', has the shape of a circular arc, so that the recess 37' can be cylindrical or dome-shaped with a round or oval base. The deflection section 34' has a reflection surface 36' which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section 31' of the further light guide arrangement 30' via the light-entry surface 35' in the direction of the light-emission surface 33'.The reflective surface 36' of the deflection section 34' of the further light guide arrangement 30' preferably comprises several facets, each of which has a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation through the additional light source 7" and parallel to the main extension plane of the transport section 32' of the further light guide arrangement 30'. In the illustrated embodiment of the . Fig. 19 the rotation axes of the facets of the reflective surface 36' run parallel to the HV direction (light emission direction 3) through the additional light source 7".

[0056] The transport section 32' of the further light guide arrangement 30' is preferably shorter than the transport section 32 of the third light guide arrangement 30. With the embodiment from Fig. In 19, a closed, luminous contour can be achieved. Fig.Figure 20 shows an example of such a contour with straight sides. However, the sides of the illuminated contour can also be curved. The further light guide arrangement 30' is preferably designed separately from the other light guide arrangements 10, 10', 30, so that the overall system is easier to manufacture.

Claims

[1] Lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (7) for emitting light and a light guide arrangement (10) with a coupling section (11) through which at least part of the light emitted by the light source (7) couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section (12) with a surface extent in a principal extent plane in which at least part of the coupled light propagates to at least one light-exit surface (13) arranged on a narrow side of the transport section (12), wherein a deflection section (14) is provided between the coupling section (11) and the transport section (12), which deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section (11) into the transport section (12), and wherein the coupling section (11) is on a first narrow side which extends perpendicular to the principal extent plane of the coupling section (11),a light-entry surface (15) facing the light source (7) and a deflecting surface (16) on a second narrow side opposite the first narrow side, which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section (11) via the light-entry surface (15) in the direction of the deflecting section (14), , characterized by , that the coupling section (11) is formed by an angled section of the transport section (12), such that a principal extension plane of the coupling section (11) is oriented at an angle to the principal extension plane of the transport section (12), that the deflection section (14) comprises at least one reflective surface (18) which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section (11) and the principal extension plane of the transport section (12), and that the lighting device (1) has, in addition to the first light guide arrangement (10), a second light guide arrangement (10') whose design and arrangement is determined by a reflection of the first light guide arrangement (10) on a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section (11) and parallel to a main emission direction (7a) of the light source (7). [2] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the main extension plane of the coupling section (11) is aligned at an angle of approximately 90° to the main extension plane of the transport section (12). [3] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the light entry surface (15) has a recess (17) arranged opposite the light source (7). [4] Lighting device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by, that the depression (17) in a section parallel to the main extension plane of the coupling section (11) has the shape of a circular arc. [5] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the deflection surface (16) has the shape of a parabola in a section parallel to the principal extension plane of the coupling section (11). [6] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the light exit surface (13) is formed on a narrow side of the transport section (12) of the light guide arrangement (10) opposite the coupling section (11) and the deflection section (14). [7] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the deflection section (14) comprises at least two reflective surfaces (18, 20), wherein a first reflective surface (20) deflects light rays coupled into the coupling section (11) onto the second reflective surface (18), which is oriented perpendicular to an angle bisector between the principal extension plane of the coupling section (11) and the principal extension plane of the transport section (12). [8] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first light guide arrangement (10) and the second light guide arrangement (10') are formed as a single integral component. [9] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the lighting device (1) comprises a further light source (7') and a third light guide arrangement (30) with a coupling section (31) through which at least a part of the light emitted by the further light source (7') couples in, and a substantially plate-shaped transport section (32) with a surface extent in a principal extent plane in which at least a part of the coupled light propagates to at least one light-exit surface (33) arranged on a narrow side of the transport section, wherein the coupling section (31) is formed by an angled section of the transport section (32) such that a principal extent plane of the coupling section (31) is oriented at an angle to the principal extent plane of the transport section (32), and wherein a deflection section (34) is provided between the coupling section (31) and the transport section (32),the light beams coupled into the coupling section (31) are deflected into the transport section (32). [10] Lighting device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the coupling section (31) of the third optical fiber arrangement (30) has a light entry surface (35) facing the further light source (7') on a first narrow side which is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the coupling section (31) and that the deflection section (34) has a reflection surface (36) which deflects the light rays coupled into the coupling section (31) of the third optical fiber arrangement (30) via the light entry surface (35) in the direction of the light exit surface (33). [11] Lighting device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by, that the reflective surface (36) of the deflection section (34) of the third optical fiber arrangement (30) comprises several facets, each of which has a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation through the further light source (7') and parallel to the main extension plane of the transport section (32) of the third optical fiber arrangement (30). [12] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the third light guide arrangement (30) is designed and arranged in the lighting device (1) such that the light source (7) associated with the first light guide arrangement (10) and, if present, the second light guide arrangement (10') and the further light source (7') associated with the third light guide arrangement (30) are arranged on the same circuit board (38) and are electrically contacted. [13] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by, that the lighting device (1) in addition to the first, second and third light guide arrangements (10, 10', 30) comprises a semiconductor light source module (40) for generating a headlight function, which is arranged in a space enclosed by the first, second and third light guide arrangements (10, 10', 30). [14] Lighting device (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the semiconductor light source module (40) is configured to implement a low beam or high beam function. [15] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by , that the first, second and third optical fiber arrangements (10, 10', 30) are formed as a single integral component. [16] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by, that the lighting device has a combination of first, second and / or third light guide arrangements (10, 10', 30) which are designed and arranged relative to each other such that their light emission surfaces (13, 13', 33, 33') give a U-, C- or O-shaped contour. [17] Lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that optically effective elements, e.g. in the form of cylindrical lenses, pincushion optics or freeform surfaces, are formed on the light exit surfaces (13, 13', 33) of the first, second and / or third light guide arrangement (10, 10', 30).

Images