Reflector for a vehicle to display at least one symbol, vehicle and manufacturing process

Abstract

Reflector (1) for a vehicle (9), comprising a base body (1) which has a plurality of adjacent reflection prisms (3, 4) for reflecting light, wherein the respective reflection prisms (3, 4) each have a reflection direction along which they reflect the light, wherein the base body (2) has first reflection prisms (3) with a first reflection direction and second reflection prisms (4) with a second reflection direction different from the first reflection direction, wherein the second reflection prisms (4) form at least one symbol (5), characterized in that the first reflection direction and the second reflection direction are determined in such a way thatthat when the reflector (1) is illuminated, depending on a viewing angle and / or a distance between a viewer and the reflector (1), either the first reflection prisms (3) or the second reflection prisms (4) reflect the light towards the viewer.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reflector for a vehicle comprising a base body having a plurality of adjacently arranged reflection prisms for reflecting light, each of which has a reflection direction along which it reflects the light. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle having at least one such reflector. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for producing a reflector for a vehicle.

[0002] Reflectors or retroreflectors installed in vehicles must achieve defined retroreflective values ​​for approval. These guidelines are defined in ECE R3, R48, R104, as well as in SAE and CCC guidelines. When a vehicle's headlights illuminate a vehicle ahead, its rear reflectors reflect the light. The majority of the retroreflector's surface "illuminates," but this surface is undefined.

[0003] According to the state of the art, reflectors are manufactured using an injection molding process. To produce the tool insert for the injection molding process, hexagonal pins with a triple shape are typically first manufactured. Since the tolerance during pin manufacturing is in the arc-minute range, a relatively high scrap rate results. The pins are then combined into a stack. The pin stack is then electroplated. The electroplating steps are typically repeated multiple times, resulting in high costs. The electroplated insert is then removed from the pin stack and reworked. This electroplated insert then serves as the tool insert for the injection molding machine.

[0004] The respective reflectors have a plurality of reflection prisms, for example, so-called triple prisms, each of which reflects the light. These reflection prisms have a direction of reflection along which the light is reflected. The respective reflection prisms usually have the same direction of reflection. Due to the highly complex and cost-intensive manufacturing process, only absolutely necessary pins with different angles are created, which are used to manufacture the respective reflection prisms. For example, pins with different angles are manufactured if this is necessary due to the three-dimensional design of the reflector.

[0005] In this context, DE 102 28 013 A1 describes a partial transmission reflector whose light transmission is limited to a specific range of light wavelengths due to the material used. This changes the reflection properties so that only light of a specific wavelength range, invisible to the eye, is reflected. The partial transmission reflector is used for an optical security system that is capable of distinguishing its own reflections of a sensor beam coming from the partial transmission reflector from external reflections arriving from reflective surfaces other than the partial transmission reflector being observed.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 011 425 A1 describes a security element for producing valuable documents. The security element provides at least one image, wherein the image is formed by a grid structure having a plurality of groove-shaped microcavities. The security element can have two regions in which the geometry of the grid structure differs. For example, the aspect ratio of the microcavities can differ.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 696 20 636 T2 discloses an optical information carrier with a carrier film in the form of a composite laminate comprising at least three layers. The central layer is a layer that allows non-destructive detachment of the outer layer. Furthermore, identical, microscopically fine relief structures are formed into the underside and top side of a carrier film. These structures are covered with a base layer and cover layer, respectively, such that a pattern is visible in the detachment state that is not visible in the non-detachment state.

[0008] In addition, US 2012 / 0 229 898 A1 describes a retroreflective sheeting. This sheeting comprises a first portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a first cube-corner structure that creates a first visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting, and a second portion of prismatic retroreflective sheeting having a second cube-corner structure that differs from the first cube structure and creates a second visual feature in the sheeting. The second visual feature in the retroreflective sheeting forms a safety marking.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to show a solution how the production of a reflector for a vehicle of the type mentioned at the beginning can be improved and thus the area of ​​application of the reflector can be expanded.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a reflector, a vehicle, and a method having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] A reflector for a vehicle according to the invention comprises a base body having a plurality of adjacently arranged reflection prisms for reflecting light. The respective reflection prisms each have a reflection direction along which they reflect the light. The base body comprises first reflection prisms with a first reflection direction and second reflection prisms with a second reflection direction different from the first reflection direction. Furthermore, the second reflection prisms form at least one symbol.

[0012] The reflector, which can also be referred to as a retroreflector or retroreflector, can be arranged at the rear of a vehicle. The reflector can also be part of the vehicle's rear light. This reflector has a base body, which can be made, for example, from a suitable plastic. This base body is shaped in such a way that it contains the reflection prisms. Within the base body, these reflection prisms are arranged next to one another and / or one above the other. The respective reflection prisms can, in particular, be designed as a so-called triple prism, which has three surfaces arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to one another.

[0013] According to an essential aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the base body has first reflection prisms and second reflection prisms as the reflection prisms. The first reflection prisms have the first reflection direction along which they reflect the light. The second reflection prisms have the second reflection direction, which differs from the first reflection direction. The second reflection prisms together form a symbol. Because the reflection directions of the first reflection prisms and the second reflection prisms differ from one another, this symbol can become visible when the reflector is illuminated. Thus, the reflector can fulfill the function of reflecting the light when the reflector is illuminated. This can be done, for example, with the help of the first reflection prisms.The second reflection prisms, which reflect the light along the second reflection direction when illuminated, allow a symbol to be displayed when the reflector is illuminated. In particular, it is provided that an injection molding process is used to produce the base body, which has the first reflection prisms and the second reflection prisms.

[0014] This injection molding process uses a tool manufactured using a milling process, particularly a precision milling process. This allows the second reflection prisms to be inclined by a few angular minutes compared to the first reflection prisms. This precise, cost-effective manufacturing process can expand the functionality of the reflector.

[0015] Furthermore, the first reflection direction and the second reflection direction are determined such that when the reflector is illuminated, depending on the viewing angle between a viewer and the reflector, either the first reflection prisms or the second reflection prisms reflect the light to the viewer. Due to this specific design, depending on the viewing angle of the reflector, a different surface of the reflector can reflect the emitted light back to the viewer or a driver of a following vehicle. The surface or symbol formed by the second reflection prisms stands out from the rest of the reflector or the first reflection prisms. The second reflection prisms or these "interference reflectors" can introduce information into the retroreflector.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the first reflection direction and the second reflection direction are determined such that, when the reflector is illuminated, either the first reflection prisms or the second reflection prisms reflect the light to the viewer, depending on the distance between the observer and the reflector. Depending on the distance between the reflector and the viewer, the various reflection prisms can provide different information to an observer who is, for example, in a vehicle approaching the vehicle with the reflector. The symbol can then be a warning symbol indicating a predetermined short distance between the vehicle with the reflector and the following vehicle. This can provide distance information in a simple manner.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first reflection prisms surround the second reflection prisms at least in part. For example, the second reflection prisms that form the symbol can define the enclosed area. If the first reflection prisms surround the second reflection prisms at least in part or completely, the symbol formed by the second reflection prisms can be perceived more clearly. This makes the reflector more easily visible to a viewer. Furthermore, the symbol allows for the incorporation of appropriate design elements, such as a logo or the name of the vehicle manufacturer, into the reflector.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the second reflection prisms form an arrow as the symbol. For example, if the reflector is to be positioned on the rear right side of the vehicle, the arrow can point to the right. If the reflector is to be mounted on the rear left side of the vehicle, this arrow can point to the left. This can indicate an evasive maneuver to an observer in the vehicle with the reflector. This can increase road safety.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the base body has at least third reflection prisms with a third reflection direction that differs from the first and second reflection directions, wherein the third reflection prisms together form a symbol. In addition to the first reflection prisms, which serve to reflect light in a known manner, several further reflection prisms can be provided. For example, in addition to the second reflection prisms, the third reflection prisms, as well as fourth, fifth, sixth, and so on, reflection prisms can be provided. The third reflection prisms differ from the second reflection prisms in their reflection direction.Thus, for example, it can be achieved that, depending on the viewing angle, a viewer perceives either the first reflection prisms, the light reflected by the first reflection prisms, the light reflected by the second reflection prisms, or the light reflected by the third reflection prisms. In this way, depending on the viewing angle, information can be provided using the second and the at least third reflection prisms. For example, information about the viewing angle can be provided by the symbols provided by the respective reflection prisms. It can also be provided that distance information is provided by the symbols provided with the reflection prisms. For example, these symbols can then indicate a numerical value that describes the current distance between the viewer and the reflector.

[0020] A vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one reflector according to the invention. It can also be provided that the vehicle has multiple reflectors. For example, one of the reflectors can be arranged on the left rear area of ​​the motor vehicle, and one of the reflectors can be arranged on the right rear area. The vehicle is, in particular, a passenger car. The reflector can also be used for other vehicles and / or trailers.

[0021] A method according to the invention is used to produce a reflector for a vehicle. A base body of the reflector is produced, which has a plurality of adjacently arranged reflection prisms for reflecting light, each of which has a reflection direction along which it reflects the light. The base body is produced in such a way that it has first reflection prisms with a first reflection direction and second reflection prisms with a second reflection direction different from the first reflection direction, the second reflection prisms forming at least one symbol.

[0022] Preferably, the base body is manufactured by an injection molding process using a tool, wherein the tool is manufactured by a milling process. For example, a precision milling process can be used to manufacture the tool. This allows costs to be saved compared to known manufacturing processes in which individual pins are combined to form packages and a galvanic insert is subsequently manufactured. In addition, the processes known from the prior art are environmentally harmful and time-consuming. Furthermore, manufacturing the tool using the milling process makes it possible to precisely produce the various reflection prisms with different reflection directions. For example, the first reflection direction can differ from the second reflection direction by a few angular minutes.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second reflection direction of the second reflection prisms is determined using a light simulation method. Appropriate simulation methods can be used to more accurately determine the information using the symbol provided by the second reflection prisms as a function of the viewing angle and / or distance. For example, a calculation method for headlight and light reflector geometries, also known as CAL (Computer Aided Lighting), can be used for this purpose. CAD simulations can also be used. Thus, the second reflection direction can be determined precisely.

[0024] The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the reflector according to the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention.

[0025] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 an illuminated reflector having first reflection prisms and second reflection prisms, the second reflection prisms forming symbols in the form of arrows; Fig. 2 the reflector according to Fig. 1 in a sectioned side view; Fig. 3 the reflector according to Fig. 1 in an unlit state; Fig. 4 to 6 show a reflector according to a further embodiment, which, in addition to the first reflection prisms, has further reflection prisms, each forming symbols in the form of arrows, as well as the reflection of the reflector for different angles; Fig. 7 to 9 the reflection of the reflector according to Fig. 4 for different viewing angles from different vehicles; Fig. 10 to 13 reflectors according to further embodiments, wherein the second reflection prisms form different symbols.

[0027] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0028] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a reflector 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation. The reflector 1 comprises a base body 2, which can be made, for example, from a plastic. This base body 2 can be manufactured using an injection molding process using a tool. This tool is produced, in particular, by a milling process. The base body 2 has first reflection prisms 3 and second reflection prisms 4, which are indicated schematically here. The respective reflection prisms 3, 4 are, in particular, so-called triple prisms. The second reflection prisms 4 form symbols 5. In this case, the symbols 5 are arrows.

[0030] The first reflection prisms 3 have a first reflection direction and the second reflection prisms 4 have a second reflection direction. This is shown in Fig. 2, which is a sectional view of the reflector 1 according to Fig. 1 shows. The first reflection direction can differ from the second reflection direction, for example, by a few angular minutes. Depending on the viewing angle, with an illuminated reflector 1, either the first reflection prisms 3 or the second reflection prisms 4 can reflect the light to a viewer. In the example of Fig. 1, the first reflection prisms 3 reflect the light to the observer and the second reflection prisms 4 appear dark to the observer, whereby the symbols 5 become visible. In a non-illuminated state of the reflector 1, which in Fig. 3, the symbols 5 are not visible.

[0031] Due to the precise manufacturability of the respective reflection prisms 3, 4, it can be provided that in addition to the second reflection prisms 4, further reflection prisms 6, 7, 8 are also provided, which each form symbols 5. For this purpose, Fig. 4 shows a reflector 1 according to a further embodiment, which, in addition to the first reflection prisms 3, has the second reflection prisms 4 and also third reflection prisms 6, fourth reflection prisms 7, and fifth reflection prisms 8. The second reflection prisms 4, the third reflection prisms 6, the fourth reflection prisms 7, and the fifth reflection prisms 8 each form a symbol 5 in the form of an arrow. Furthermore, in Fig. 4 shows a vehicle 9 or the owner's vehicle, on which the reflector 1 is arranged. A second vehicle 10 is also shown, which is located behind the vehicle 9 in the direction of travel. The second vehicle 10 illuminates the reflector 1 with its headlight. This is illustrated here by the arrow 11. In the example of Fig. 4, both vehicles 9, 10 are aligned parallel to each other. The light is reflected by the reflector 1 along the arrow 12 toward an observer or driver of the second vehicle 10. In the present example, the light is reflected by the first reflection prisms 3 toward the driver of the second vehicle 10.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows an example in which the vehicle 9 and the second vehicle 10 are positioned at a small angle to each other. Changing the viewing angle results in a different image being reflected by the reflector 1. In this case, symbols 5 formed by the second reflection prisms 4, the third reflection prisms 6, the fourth reflection prisms 7, and the fifth reflection prisms 8 reflect the light to the driver of the second vehicle 10. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example in which the angle between the vehicle 9 and the second vehicle 10 is compared to Fig. 5 is enlarged. In this case, the third reflection prisms 6, the fourth reflection prisms 7 and the fifth reflection prisms 8 reflect the light to the driver, whereby the right three symbols 5 or the arrows are visible to him.

[0033] Fig. Figure 7 shows another example, in which, in addition to the second vehicle, a third vehicle 13 is also arranged behind vehicle 9 in the direction of travel. Here, too, reflector 1 is illuminated by the headlight of the second vehicle 10 (arrow 11). Here, too, arrow 12 describes the light reflected to the driver of the second vehicle 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the arrow 14 describes the light that is reflected to the driver of the third vehicle 13. In the Fig. In Figures 7 to 9, the reflector 1 is shown in the middle as it is perceived by the driver of the second vehicle 10, and on the right, the reflector 1 is shown as it is perceived by the driver of the third vehicle 13. This results in a different reflection image for the driver of the second vehicle 10 than for the driver of the third vehicle 13, since the driver perceives the reflector 1 from a different viewing angle. If the position or angle of the third vehicle 13 changes further, the reflection image perceived by the driver of the third vehicle also changes. This can be seen from the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrates.

[0035] Fig. Figure 10 shows a reflector 1 according to another embodiment. This reflector 1 also has first reflection prisms 3 and second reflection prisms 4. The second reflection prisms 4 form respective symbols in the form of arrows. Fig. 11 shows a reflector 1 according to a further embodiment, which has both first reflection prisms 3 and second reflection prisms 4. Different symbols 5 are shown as examples, which can be formed by the second reflection prisms 4. The examples of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show further symbols 5, which can be formed by the second reflection prisms 4. Here, the example of Fig. 12 the name of the vehicle manufacturer and Fig. 13 shows a symbol or logo of the vehicle manufacturer or the applicant.

Claims

[1] Reflector (1) for a vehicle (9), comprising a base body (1) which has a plurality of reflection prisms (3, 4) arranged next to one another for reflecting light, the respective reflection prisms (3, 4) each having a reflection direction along which they reflect the light, the base body (2) comprising first reflection prisms (3) with a first reflection direction and second reflection prisms (4) with a second reflection direction different from the first reflection direction, the second reflection prisms (4) forming at least one symbol (5), characterized bythat the first reflection direction and the second reflection direction are determined such that when the reflector (1) is illuminated, depending on a viewing angle and / or a distance between a viewer and the reflector (1), either the first reflection prisms (3) or the second reflection prisms (4) reflect the light to the viewer. [2] Reflector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the first reflection prisms (3) surround the second reflection prisms (4) at least in regions. [3] Reflector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second reflection prisms (4) form an arrow as the symbol (5). [4] Reflector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the base body (2) has at least third reflection prisms (6, 7, 8) with a third reflection direction which differs from the first and the second reflection direction, wherein the at least one third reflection prism (6, 7, 8) together form at least one symbol (5). [5] Vehicle (9) with at least one reflector (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Method for producing a reflector (1) for a vehicle (9), in which a base body (2) of the reflector (1) is produced, which has a plurality of reflection prisms (3, 4) arranged next to one another for reflecting light, wherein the respective reflection prisms (3, 4) have a reflection direction along which they reflect the light, wherein the base body (2) is produced in such a way that it has first reflection prisms (3) with a first reflection direction and second reflection prisms (4) with a second reflection direction different from the first reflection direction, wherein the second reflection prisms (5) form at least one symbol (5), characterized bythat the first reflection direction and the second reflection direction are determined such that when the reflector (1) is illuminated, depending on a viewing angle and / or a distance between a viewer and the reflector (1), either the first reflection prisms (3) or the second reflection prisms (4) reflect the light to the viewer. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the base body (2) is produced by an injection molding process using a tool, wherein the tool is produced by a milling process. [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the second reflection direction of the second reflection prisms (4) is determined by means of a light simulation method.

Images