Optical fiber system with a light source that radiates light into a first fiber optic cable, and a second fiber optic cable into which light from the first fiber optic cable is coupled

Abstract

Optical light guide system comprising a first light guide (6) and a second light guide (7), wherein the first light guide (6) is assigned a light unit (9) with at least one light source (91), - wherein the first light guide (6) has a light coupling surface (61) which faces the light unit (9) and via which light emitted by the first light unit (9) can be coupled into the first light guide (6), - wherein the first light guide (6) further comprises a step-like transition surface (67) which has at least one light coupling surface (64) via which a part of the light coupled into the first light guide (6) via the light coupling surface (61) can be coupled out of the first light guide (6) in the direction of the second light guide (7), - wherein the first optical fiber (6) has at least one reflection surface (65) via which a further part of the light coupled into the first optical fiber (6) via the light coupling surface (61) is reflected, - wherein the step-like transition surface (67) of the first light guide (6) is faced by a light coupling surface (77) of the second light guide (7), via which light, which is coupled out via the light coupling surface (64) of the first light guide (6), can be coupled into the second light guide (7), and - wherein the light coupling surface (77) of the second light guide (7) has at least one connection surface (71, 81) and possibly also inactive surfaces (76), wherein only the at least one connection surface (71, 81) is intended for coupling in light beams (10), characterized in that - that the first light guide (6) and the second light guide (7) have end faces (63, 73) each with a further light coupling surface (62, 72), via which light which has been coupled into the first light guide (6) or the second light guide (7) via the respective light coupling surfaces (61, 77) can be coupled out of the light guide system.

Description

area of ​​technology

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of lighting systems of motor vehicles and relates to an optical light guide system comprising a set of light guides adapted to guide the light emitted by a light source. State of the art

[0002] A common disadvantage of known fiber optic systems used in automotive lighting systems is that a certain portion of the light emitted by the light source is either not utilized, or the required shape of the output surface does not allow for the effective utilization of the light emitted by the light source. In either case, this leads to a reduction in the light efficiency of the respective fiber optic system. Therefore, in the field of fiber optic and optical system design, there is a constant effort to propose solutions that increase light efficiency and ensure homogeneity of the output light beam.

[0003] From the documents US 6 766 078 B1, US 2017 / 0 038 518 A1, EP 1 085 253 A3, DE 199 04 644 B4, EP 1 867 913 B1, US 2006 / 0 234 612 A1, US 2015 / 0 362 660 A1, WO 2017 / 068 309 A1, DE 10 2005 011 760 B4, DE 41 29 094 B4, US 2007 / 0 139 955 A1 various solutions with two or more optical fibers are known, in which it is not possible to ensure direct or sufficient feed from each of the optical fibers.

[0004] Patent application CZ 2016 - 176 A3 describes a lighting system comprising multiple light sources for fulfilling the output characteristics of two different signaling functions. Individual signaling functions are ensured by two different light beams: the first light beam emitted by the first optical segment and the second light beam emitted by an optical fiber segment. The fiber segment is implemented as a flat light guide with a stepped surface in its central portion, where, on the one hand, reflection surfaces for directing the already coupled light beams in the required direction and, on the other hand, secondary light coupling surfaces for coupling in the light emitted by the first / another optical segment are arranged in alternating fashion.

[0005] A common disadvantage of the above-mentioned solutions is that indirect feeding of two or more optical fibers arranged next to each other in a row is not possible.

[0006] When it is necessary to transmit light rays from the light source into various independent fiber optic segments, the current approach is to place the fiber optics directly behind one another. However, this increases the demand on building space and also causes inhomogeneity in the light impression when viewed from directions other than direction X of the vehicle's travel. Another solution used is to shape the fiber optic cable in such a way that the feed section is bent so that the fiber optic cables can be arranged side by side. However, this solution results in increased light losses in the shaped parts, because in most cases the shape changes occur at very small distances and thus a significant curvature of the fiber optic cable surface is necessary, where light guidance within the fiber optic cable is no longer possible using so-called "curvatures".Total internal reflection occurs instead, but rather the light penetrates through the walls of the light guide outside the light guide. A further disadvantage is that the parts of the light guide formed in this way must be covered with a mask, as the homogeneity of their light output is more difficult to adjust.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problem of ensuring the effective coupling of different light guides in the case where it is necessary to irradiate the area of ​​the lighting function with the required characteristics of the output light beam using two or more light guides, which are advantageously arranged in parallel, while it is not possible at all to ensure direct (independent) feeding of each of the light guides, for example due to building restrictions, or due to the requirement to minimize PCB boards in the lighting installation, etc. Explanation of the nature of the invention

[0008] The above-mentioned objects of the invention are achieved by an optical fiber system, the essence of which consists in that a first fiber optic system has a light coupling surface with which it is situated against the light unit, and further has a step-like transition surface which has at least one light coupling surface and at least one reflection surface, wherein the light coupling surface of a second fiber optic system, which has at least one connection surface, is assigned to this step-like transition surface of the first fiber optic system.

[0009] The advantage of this invention is that it allows the amount of light transmitted from a common light source to individual light guides to be adjusted in a defined manner. At the same time, it also allows the light behavior in individual light guides to be modified. This can be done, firstly, by the surface distribution of individual surface types within the overall dimensions of the input and / or output surface of each light guide, and, in particular, by the mutual relationship of the surface dimensions of individual surface types within the input and / or output surface of each light guide. The number and surface distribution of individual surface types then determines the homogeneity and robustness of the light in individual light guides. Explanation of the drawings

[0010] The invention presented is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, which show: Fig. 1 exploded axonometric view of a first embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention, Fig. 2 View of the rear wall of the light guide assembly from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 detailed view of the stepped surfaces of the light guides from Fig. 1 Fig. 4 exploded axonometric view of a second embodiment of the lighting system according to the invention, Fig. 5 View of the front wall of the light guide assembly from Fig. 4, Fig. 6 detailed view of the stepped surfaces of the light guides from Fig. 4 with indicated light path from a light source, Fig. 7 detailed view of stepped surfaces of the light guides and connections between them, Fig. 8 Modification of the execution from Fig. 6, in which the light coupling surface of the second light guide is designed in the form of a single, continuous connection surface. Embodiments of the invention

[0011] The invention is described using exemplary embodiments of the optical fiber system, which is a component of the lighting system. The lighting system comprises a support sleeve 1 having a through-opening covered by a cover glass 2. The interior space between the walls of the support sleeve 1 and the cover glass 2 forms an inner chamber 3 in which the optical unit 4 is mounted, which is adapted to generate and emit light to ensure at least one lighting function.

[0012] On Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of the optical light guide system according to the invention. The optical unit 4 has a transparent optical element 5, for example a filter. In the direction from the cover glass 2 into the inner chamber 3, a set of two light guides 6, 7 is located behind the transparent optical element 5, which are located next to one another in the illustrated embodiment. A light unit 9 with at least one light source is assigned to the first light guide 6, wherein the second light guide 7 is optically coupled to this first light guide 6 for the purpose of coupling in the light emitted by the light unit 9 via the first light guide 6.

[0013] The first light guide 6 is implemented as a linear light guide adapted for coupling light into its internal structure by means of the light coupling surface 61, which is positioned opposite at least one light source 91 of the light unit 9. The first light guide 6 further has a rear light coupling surface 62, which is designed to direct light rays 10 from the light source 91 to the end face 63 of the first light guide 6 for coupling out light rays 10 that are guided through the first light guide 6 out of the light guide 6 in the direction toward the cover glass 2.The first light guide 6 further has, in the illustrated embodiment in its central part, a transition surface 67 which is stepped. This transition surface 67 is divided into a system of smaller surfaces, some of which are light output surfaces 64 and some of which are reflection surfaces 65. Some surfaces from the system of smaller surfaces may be formed by inactive surfaces 66, which, however, are not absolutely necessary from the point of view of the function of the respective invention. In some embodiments of the invention, they are useful for the overall effectiveness of the invention. From the point of view of the homogeneity of the light rays 10, it is advantageous if individual types of surfaces 64, 65 and possibly 66 are arranged alternately in the region of the transition surface 67. The light output surfaces 64 are adapted to output the light rays 10 incident thereon from the first light guide 6 to the light input surface 77 of the second light guide 7.The reflection surfaces 65 are adapted for total reflection of the light rays 10 incident thereon and for directing the light rays 10 within the internal structure of the first light guide 6. Any inactive surfaces 66 are adapted to form inactive or less light-related parts of the transition surface 67 and to variably adjust the width and / or height of the first light guide 6 and / or to evenly distribute the light flux in the first light guide 6. In the embodiment not shown, the transition surface 67 of the first light guide 6 is designed without inactive surfaces 66.

[0014] The second light guide 7 is implemented as a linear light guide having a stepped light coupling surface 77 oriented toward the transition surface 67 of at least one first light guide 6. The light coupling surface 77 has step-like connection surfaces 71 and possibly also inactive surfaces 76, wherein the connection surfaces 71 are intended for coupling in light beams 10 emitted by emission surfaces 64 of the transition surface 67 of the first light guide 6, and any inactive surfaces 76 are adapted to form inactive or light-related less active parts of the light coupling surface 77 of the second light guide 7 and, respectively, also for the variable adjustment of the width and / or height of the second light guide 7 and / or for the uniform distribution of the light flux in the second light guide 7.By means of the rear light output surface 72, the second light guide 7 is adapted to direct light rays 10 toward the end face 73 for the output of light rays 10, which are guided through the second light guide 7 out of the second light guide 7 and to the cover glass 2. The second light guide 7 further has a reflection surface 75 in its central part, which is adapted for the total reflection of incident light rays 10 and for directing light rays 10 in the internal structure of the second light guide 7.

[0015] In the Fig. 4 to 7, the second embodiment of the invention is shown, which has a set of three light guides 6, 7, 8 situated next to one another, where a further light guide 8 is arranged between the first light guide 6 and the second light guide 7.

[0016] The first light guide 6 has a light coupling surface 61 for coupling in light rays 10 emitted by the light unit 9, and further has a transition surface 67 with reflection surfaces 65 for directing a portion of the light rays 10 in the internal structure of the first light guide 6, wherein the transition surface 67 further has light coupling surfaces 64 for coupling out the portions of the light rays 10 from the first light guide 6 to the light coupling surface 87 of the further light guide 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition surface 67 of the first light guide 6 also has inactive surfaces 66, which are adapted to form inactive or light-related less active parts of the transition surface 67 and to variably adjust the width and / or height of the first light guide 6 and / or to evenly distribute the light flux in the first light guide 6.In the embodiment not shown, the transition surface 67 of the first light guide 6 is designed without inactive surfaces 66.

[0017] The further light guide 8 has a light coupling surface 87 for coupling in light rays 10 that are coupled out of the first light guide 6 by light coupling surfaces 64. The light coupling surface 87 of the further light guide 8 has step-like connection surfaces 81 and possibly also inactive surfaces 86, wherein the connection surfaces 81 are adapted for coupling in light rays 10 that are emitted through light coupling surfaces 64 of the transition surface 67 of the first light guide 6. Any inactive surfaces 86 are adapted to form inactive or light-related less active parts of the light coupling surface 87 and / or to variably adjust the width and / or height of the further light guide 8 and / or to evenly distribute the light flux in the further light guide 8.The further light guide 8 further has a transition surface 88, which in its region has reflection surfaces 85 for directing light rays 10 in the internal structure of the further light guide 8 and further has the light output surfaces 84 for outputting light rays 10 from the further light guide 8 to the light input surface 77 of the second light guide 7. The transition surface 88 may also have inactive surfaces 86, which are adapted to form inactive or light-related less active parts of the transition surface 88 and / or to variably adjust the width and / or height of the further light guide 8 and / or to evenly distribute the light flux in the further light guide 8. In the exemplary embodiment not shown, the transition surface 88 of the further light guide 8 is designed without inactive surfaces 86.The further light guide 8 further has a rear light output surface 82 which is adapted to direct light rays 10 towards the end face 83 for outputting light rays 10 which are guided through the further light guide 8 from the further light guide 8 to the cover glass 2.

[0018] The second light guide 7 has a stepped light coupling surface 77 for coupling in light rays 10 emitted by light output surfaces 84 of the further light guide 8. The light coupling surface 77 of the second light guide 7 has stepped connection surfaces 71 and possibly also inactive surfaces 76. The second light guide 7 further has a reflection surface 75 in its central part, which is adapted for the total reflection of incident light rays 10 and for directing light rays 10 in the internal structure of the second light guide 7.

[0019] In the embodiment on Fig. 8 is a modification of the version from Fig. 6, which consists in that the light coupling surface 77 of the second light guide 7 is formed by a single continuous connection surface 71, which can be suitably inclined or adapted in shape for coupling the light into the light guide 7.

[0020] In the embodiment not shown, the number of further light guides 8 is higher than 1, wherein the further light guides 8 have light coupling surfaces 87 with step-like arranged connection surfaces 81 and possibly inactive surfaces 86 for coupling in light rays 10 from the light guide 6 or 8 placed in front of them and the further light guides 8 further have a transition surface 88 with reflection surfaces 85 and light coupling surfaces 84 for coupling out light rays 10 from the respective further light guide 8 into the light guide 8 or 7 placed behind them and possibly also with inactive surfaces 86.

[0021] From the above-mentioned facts, it follows that by means of the light coupling surfaces 77 and 87, the second light guide 7 and the further light guides 8 are adapted for coupling in light rays 10 and for possibly adjusting the quantity and area distribution of coupled light rays 10 from the light guides 6 and / or 8, which are placed in front of them in the direction of the light beam 10, wherein by means of the transition surfaces 67, 88, the first light guide 6 and the possible further light guide 8 or possible further light guides 8 are adapted, on the one hand, for directing light rays 10 in the light guides 8, and on the other hand, for coupling out light rays 10 from the light guides 8 into the following light guide 8 or 7, which is placed behind them, and which are possibly also adapted for adjusting the quantity and area distribution of reflected and / or extracted light rays 10.

[0022] Between individual oppositely situated transition surfaces 67, 88 of the first light guide 6 or the possible further light guide 8 and the light coupling surfaces 77, 87 of the second light guide 7 or the possible further light guide 8 there are either air gaps and / or these surfaces 67, 88 and 77, 87 rest on one another and / or are connected by optical cement, etc.

[0023] From the above-mentioned facts, it is clear that the transition surfaces 67, 88 of the first light guide 6 and of the possible further light guide 8 in principle have at least one light output surface 64, 84, at least one reflection surface 65, 85 and possibly also at least one inactive surface 66, 86, wherein the light input surfaces 77, 87 of the second light guide 7 and of the possible further light guide 8 in principle have at least one connection surface 71, 81 and possibly also at least one inactive surface 76, 86 and the final light guide, here the second light guide 7 advantageously has a reflection surface 75.Through the area distribution of the individual types of these specific surfaces 64, 84, 65, 85, 66, 86, 71, 81, 76, 86 in the total area of ​​the input and / or transition surface 67, 88, 77, 87 of each light guide 6, 7, 8 and especially through the mutual ratio of the area of ​​the individual types of these specific surfaces 64, 84, 65, 85, 66, 86, 71, 81, 76, 86 within the input and / or transition surface 67, 88, 77, 87 of each light guide 6, 7, 8, one can determine the homogeneity and robustness of the light in individual light guides 6, 7, 8 and the ratio of the reflected, transmitted and possibly attenuated light 10 in individual light guides 6, 7, 8 etc.

[0024] Basically, the light output surfaces 64, 84 and the connection surfaces 71, 81 are arranged transversely to the direction of the path of the light beam 10, the reflection surfaces 65, 85 are situated obliquely to the direction of the path of the light beam 10 and any inactive surfaces 66, 86 are situated with their surface in the direction of the path of the light beam 10. List of reference symbols 1 support bushing 2 Cover 3 chamber 4 optical unit 5 transparent optical element 6 first light guide 61 light coupling surface 62 light output surface 63 Starting area 64 light output surfaces 65 reflection surface 66 inactive area 67 Transition surface 7 second light guide 71 connection area 73 front side 75 reflection surface 76 inactive area 77 Light coupling surface 8 additional light guides 81 connection area 83 Starting area 85 reflection surface 86 inactive area 87 light coupling surface 88 Transition surface 9 light units 91 Light source 10 light beam x, y, z direction of the Cartesian coordinate system

Claims

[1] Optical light guide system comprising a first light guide (6) and a second light guide (7), wherein the first light guide (6) is associated with a light unit (9) having at least one light source (91), - wherein the first light guide (6) has a light coupling surface (61) which faces the light unit (9) and via which light emitted by the first light unit (9) can be coupled into the first light guide (6), - wherein the first light guide (6) further comprises a step-like transition surface (67) which has at least one light coupling surface (64) via which a part of the light coupled into the first light guide (6) via the light coupling surface (61) can be coupled out of the first light guide (6) in the direction of the second light guide (7), - wherein the first optical fiber (6) has at least one reflection surface (65) via which a further part of the light coupled into the first optical fiber (6) via the light coupling surface (61) is reflected, - wherein the step-like transition surface (67) of the first light guide (6) is faced by a light coupling surface (77) of the second light guide (7), via which light, which is coupled out via the light coupling surface (64) of the first light guide (6), can be coupled into the second light guide (7), and - wherein the light coupling surface (77) of the second light guide (7) has at least one connection surface (71, 81) and possibly also inactive surfaces (76), wherein only the at least one connection surface (71, 81) is intended for coupling in light beams (10), characterized by , - that the first light guide (6) and the second light guide (7) have end faces (63, 73) each with a further light coupling surface (62, 72), via which light which has been coupled into the first light guide (6) or the second light guide (7) via the respective light coupling surfaces (61, 77) can be coupled out of the light guide system. [2] Optical fiber system according to claim 1, characterized byin that the step-like transition surface (67) of the first light guide (6) is faced by a light coupling surface (87) of a further light guide (8), which is arranged between the first light guide (6) and the second light guide (7) and which has a transition surface (88) with at least one reflection surface (85), via which part of the light coupled in via the light coupling surface (87) of the further light guide (8) is reflected, and wherein the further light guide (8) has at least one light coupling surface (84) for coupling out a further part of the light coupled in via the light coupling surface (87) from the further light guide (8) in the direction of the light coupling surface (77) of the second light guide (7) or the light coupling surface (87) of an additional further light guide (8). [3] Optical fiber system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the step-like transition surface (67) of the first optical fiber (6) and / or the transition surface (88) of the further optical fiber (8) have at least one optically inactive surface (66, 86). [4] Optical fiber system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the second light guide (7) further comprises a reflection surface (75) for total reflection of light rays (10) and for directing light rays (10) in the internal structure of the second light guide (7). [5] Optical fiber system according to claim 2, characterized by that the light coupling surface (87) of the further light guide (8) has at least one connection surface (81) for coupling in light rays (10) and at least one optically inactive surface (86). [6] Optical fiber system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat air gaps are present between individual oppositely arranged surfaces of the light guides (6, 7, 8), and / or that these surfaces touch each other and / or these surfaces are connected by optical cement.

Images