Headlamp for vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a headlight for vehicles comprising a rear headlight cover and a translucent front headlight cover (6), a light guide (7), and a sleeve (9), wherein the sleeve (9) has a base with an attached light source (1), a translucent optical element (10) opposite the base, and a sheath (8) of the sleeve (9) arranged between the translucent optical element (10) and the base, which is formed by the opaque cover (2) of the sleeve (9). The light guide (7) rests against the sheath (8) of the sleeve (9) at least at one point, the sheath (8) of the sleeve (9) having an opening (5), and the light guide (7) rests against the sheath (8) of the sleeve (9) in the region where the opening (5) is formed. Preferably, the light guide (7) is divided into two parts, and one of the parts emits light at least in the range of 380 nm to 565 nm.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The technical solution concerns the area of ​​deflection of the light rays from the light source of the vehicle's headlight into the opening in the sleeve, whereby the light rays then pass through the plastic covers, from which the light rays are reflected over the entire surface, thus creating an attractive appearance of the vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Currently, the headlights use an LED or OLED light source that emits light beams which are reflected by the reflector, thus forming the desired light beams in certain lighting modes, where the beams only pass through the transparent front headlight cover. This solution is unsuitable due to the vehicle's insufficiently attractive appearance.

[0003] According to the current state of the art, the use of a sleeve to deflect light rays passing through the front opening to the plastic covers is known, as described, for example, in patent no. DE102017206882 A1. This is disadvantageous because it cannot be controlled whether the parasitic rays reach the plastic covers, since the sleeve does not include a baffle. Thus, all rays, both parasitic and non-parasitic, reach the plastic covers and impair their functionality, which is intended to enhance the appearance.

[0004] A headlight assembly for a motor vehicle is known from JP 2003 338 210 A. The assembly consists of a light source, a reflector area associated with the light source, and a lens arranged opposite the reflector area. The assembly also includes a light guide element located between the reflector area and the lens, which directs light away from a main radiation axis of the assembly. For this purpose, the light guide element has a light coupling surface facing the light source and a reflective surface that reflects light coupled into the light guide element forward towards the front of the vehicle. This increases the overall light output area of ​​the headlight assembly in the direction of the vehicle front. Description of the invention

[0005] The problem is solved by a headlight for vehicles, comprising a rear headlight cover and a translucent front headlight cover, a light guide, and a sleeve. The sleeve has a base with an attached light source, a translucent optical element opposite the base, and an opaque cover of the sleeve located between the optical element and the base, forming the sleeve casing. The light guide rests against the opaque cover of the sleeve at least at one point. The opaque sleeve cover has an opening, and the light guide rests against the opaque sleeve cover in the area where the opening is formed. This opening allows the light rays emitted by the light source and incident on the area of ​​the opening (parasitic light) to be used for illuminating the light guide.Therefore, it is not necessary to provide additional light sources solely for illuminating the light guide. Furthermore, the light guide forms a closed loop in cross-section that encloses the sleeve. It is also advantageous to deflect at least some of the light rays out of the sleeve space, as these could cause undesirable reflections on the optical element of the sleeve, such as the lens, due to unsuitable reflections.

[0006] It is advantageous that the light guide incorporates a colorant. The light guide emits light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 565 nm or a narrower range within this interval. A narrower range is preferably the wavelength range of 450 nm to 500 nm, which corresponds to the colors blue to cyan. Alternatively, the wavelength range can be 380 nm to 450 nm (violet), 450 nm to 485 nm (blue), 485 nm to 500 nm (cyan), or 500 nm to 565 nm (green). The individual wavelength ranges or colors mentioned can be combined. This achieves the desired optical effect, which distinguishes the light emitted by the light guide from the light emitted by the vehicle, for example, the light exiting the headlight tube.

[0007] It is also advantageous for the optical fiber to comprise two parts. The first part is transparent, and the second part is transparent and contains a colorant. The second part emits light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 565 nm, or a narrower range within this interval. A narrower range is preferably the wavelength range of 450 nm to 500 nm, corresponding to the colors blue to cyan. Alternatively, the wavelength range can be 380 nm to 450 nm (violet), 450 nm to 485 nm (blue), 485 nm to 500 nm (cyan), or 500 nm to 565 nm (green). The individual wavelength ranges or colors mentioned can be combined. By assembling an optical fiber from two parts with the aforementioned emitted spectrum, the light effect of the second part of the optical fiber is emphasized.

[0008] It is also preferred that the first part of the light guide is semi-transparent. The semi-transparency of the first part of the light guide allows light to pass through to the second part of the light guide when the light sources are switched on.

[0009] When the light sources are off and external light falls on the optical fiber, the semi-transparent first part of the optical fiber amplifies the intensity of the emitted (reflected) light from the second part of the optical fiber, i.e., colored light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 565 nm. The first part of the optical fiber is then preferably made of a material with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8, which could, for example, be a polycarbonate material. Explanation of the drawings

[0010] The invention is further explained by means of exemplary embodiments, which are described using drawings, showing: Fig. 1 the headlight in a schematic sectional view and with the passage of light rays through the headlight of the vehicle indicated, Fig. 2 a non-inventive headlight in a horizontal sectional view, Fig. 3 a detail of the non-inventive headlight in an external view, Fig. 4 a non-inventive headlight in an external view, Fig. 5 a non-inventive optical guide itself, Fig. 6 an example of a non-inventive optical fiber, Fig. 7 a non-inventive optical guide made of Fig. 5 with hatched parts of the light guide from which the light is deflected. Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0011] The invention will now be explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0012] The first embodiment of the headlight for vehicles, comprising a rear headlight cover and a translucent front headlight cover. 6 The covers are interconnected and seal the headlight housing to prevent the ingress of dirt, moisture, and potentially other objects. The sleeve is located within this housing. 9 , which consists of several parts. The sleeve 9 It comprises a base to which a light source 1 is attached. Multiple light sources are also possible. 1 to be attached to the base. A light source is preferred. 1 or light sources 1 which uses LED or OLED. The sleeve 9 It also features a translucent optical element 10 on which the base is located. In this translucent optical element 10For example, it could be a lens. Between the light-transmitting optical element 10 and the base includes the sleeve 9 the coat 8 the sleeve 9 , which is opaque. The coat 8 the sleeve 9 has an opening 5 open 5 in the coat 8 the sleeve 9 is preferably designed such that it extends from the base to the upper edge of the mantle. 8 the sleeve 9 extends.

[0013] The light source located in the rear area of ​​the headlight 1 is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board. Outside the base of the sleeve 9 is a cooler that dissipates excess heat from the light source 1 or light sources. 1 derives.

[0014] The headlight also includes a light guide. 7 , which is at least partially attached to the coat 8 the sleeve9 is attached. The optical fiber 7 is arranged so that it attaches to the coat 8 the sleeve 9 in the area where the opening 5 is trained. The fiber optic cable 7 It can be designed in various forms. However, it always has an entry surface which forms the opening. 5 in the coat 8 the sleeve 9 covers. It is usually a contour that forms part of the coat. 8 the sleeve 9 copied. In embodiments not within the scope of the invention, however, it can also be two interconnected planar surfaces, surfaces with curvature, a planar surface, and the like. The non-inventive light guide 7 can be flat, i.e., a thin light guide 7 with an approximately flat or curved contour. An example of such a non-inventive optical fiber. 7 is, for example, in Fig. 6 shown where a light guide 7 This is shown with two planar surfaces that enclose an angle of less than 180°. These two surfaces serve as entry surfaces and are located at the opening. 5 the coat 8 the sleeve 9 on. At the edge of the optical fiber. 7 The light from the headlight is deflected outwards. The edge can have deflecting elements such as surface coatings, protrusions, grooves, or a roughened edge surface. Alternatively, structural deflecting elements can also be present within the space of the light guide. 7 condition.

[0015] The shape of the non-inventive light guide 7 It can also be more complicated, as is the case with optical fibers. 7 in Fig. 5 Here is a two-part optical fiber. 7 The shape of the light guide is shown. 7The figure includes an entry surface, which is on the right in the image view and adjoins the opening. 5 in the coat 8 the sleeve 9. According to the invention, the light guide generates 7 on average a closed loop that the sleeve 9 surrounds. The light guide 7 In a non-inventive example, it is designed for deflecting light from several surfaces, in Fig. 7 These are shown hatched. The light deflection does not necessarily have to be at the light guide. 7 , i.e., along the entire outer circumference of the optical fiber 7 (i.e., the one who has the translucent headlight cover) 6 (facing the light source). The selection of the points where the light will exit is influenced by the desired resulting lighting effect of the respective spotlight.

[0016] The light source 1 or light sources 1 produce light rays that are in Fig. 1 are indicated by a dotted line. In Fig. 1 do the light rays pass through the sleeve 9 , some fall directly from the light source 1 on the translucent optical element 10 the sleeve 9 , some encounter the coat 8 the sleeve 9 , from which they are reflected until they reach the translucent optical element 10 the sleeve 9 fall or through the opening 5 walk through, some fall directly into the opening. 5 one. Into this opening 5 Light rays can also travel directly without reflections. Those light rays that are reflected from the mantle... 8 the sleeve 9 or partial reflection from the translucent optical element 10 the sleeve 9 or directly into the opening 5 in the coat 8 the sleeve 9Incoming light is referred to below as parasitic light.

[0017] The coat 8 the sleeve 9 The opening preferably consists, at least on the inside, of black plastic material that reflects light rays. 5 in the sleeve 9 is preferably located on the headlight cover closer to the outer headlight cover 6 the side of the headlight lying down, or on the side that is further away from the vehicle's engine, like the Fig. 1 shows.

[0018] This parasitic light is generated during low beam operation. Parasitic light also occurs in high beam mode. That is, in operating modes where the light source... 1 is switched on.

[0019] Parasitic light hits the opening after passing through it. 5 to the entry surface of the light guide 7 The light rays are distributed across the entire surface of the light guide. 7The internal structure of the polycarbonate material allows the light rays to be distributed evenly, ensuring the light appears as stable and attractive as possible to the user and the surroundings. The actual light emission from the light guide 7 This is achieved, for example, through the surface coating mentioned at the beginning.

[0020] In one embodiment, the light guide consists 7 from several parts. The first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 It is translucent and contains no dye. The second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 Its material contains a colorant. The second part 4 of the optical fiber 7The optical fiber emits light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 565 nm or a narrower range within this interval. A narrower range is preferably the wavelength range of 450 nm to 500 nm, corresponding to the colors blue to cyan. Alternatively, the wavelength range can be 380 nm to 450 nm (violet), 450 nm to 485 nm (blue), 485 nm to 500 nm (cyan), or 500 nm to 565 nm (green). The individual wavelength ranges or colors mentioned can be combined. This achieves the desired optical effect, which distinguishes the light emitted by the optical fiber from the light emitted by the vehicle, for example, the light exiting the headlight tube. The colorant is, for example, the addition of pigments to the optical fiber material, the plastic, preferably polycarbonate, and more preferably polymethyl methacrylate.Organic or inorganic compounds can be used as pigments; for example, phthalocyanine and anthraquinone compounds can be used to achieve a blue or green color, while cadmium compounds can be used for a yellow color.

[0021] The first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 is located near opening 5 and forms the entry surface of the light guide 7 The second part 4 of the light guide 7 is connected to the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 connected and about the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 The light rays go to the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 through. The light rays spread over the entire surface of the first part. 3 of the optical fiber 7 and over the entire area of ​​the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 The first part 3of the optical fiber 7 is directly connected to the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 connected and preferably connected in a way that allows them to be disassembled.

[0022] The first part 3 of the light guide 7 supports the daytime appearance of the fiber optic cable 7 and highlights its color (i.e., the color of the second part). 4 of the optical fiber 7 The daytime appearance is determined by the optical fiber. 7 formed by the incidence of outside light, i.e., when the light source is switched off. 1 In this case, the light falls on the optical fiber. 7 The starlight, like sunlight, ambient light from the surroundings, or light from other light sources, enters. The incident light can fall directly onto the second part. 4 of the optical fiber 7 or on the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7light may be incident or it may be light coming from outside onto the translucent optical element. 10 the sleeve 9 incident. In the case of the passage of light rays onto the transparent optical element. 10 the sleeve 9 The light rays fall on the first part either directly or through reflection. 3 of the optical fiber 7 , after passing through the opening 5 in the coat 8 the sleeve 9 have gone through them. Without the first part. 3 of the optical fiber 7 would the second part of the light guide 7 It would appear less pronounced and would not be as attractive.

[0023] It is preferred that the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 It is semi-transparent. The semi-transparency of the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 allows the light to move towards the second part 4 of the optical fiber7 to go through when the light sources 1 are switched on. When the light sources 1 are not switched on and external light is directed at the light guide 7 The semi-transparent first part supports this idea. 3 of the optical fiber 7 the intensity of the emitted (reflected) light from the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 , that is, colored light in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 565 nm. The first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 It is then advantageously made from a material with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8, which may, for example, be a polycarbonate material.

[0024] The first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 and the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 take a position around the sleeve 9 one, as according to the invention in Fig. 1 , not according to the invention Figs. 2 and 3 This can be seen. They consist of a complex design that ensures the attractiveness of the appearance during both day and night lighting modes. Figures 1 to 4 The cover elements also show this. 11 of the optical fiber 7 , which is the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 Cover it. This prevents the first part from being seen from the outside. 3 of the optical fiber 7 , from which the light is deflected in a larger wavelength range than from the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 .

[0025] The second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 , which in the Figures 2 to 5 The diagram shows a projecting linear section of 10 to 35 cm in length, extending from the end of the light guide closer to the rear of the vehicle. 7 is aligned opposite to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. The linear section is inserted into the grooves of the first part. 3of the optical fiber 7 They are inserted and together they form a component. The second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 has an almost round shape around the entire sleeve 9 While that was the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 only on the side of the sleeve 9 is contained on which the opening is located 5 located on the top and bottom of the light guide. 7 There are clamping slots that hold the light guide 7 Attach it to the headlight and the rear cover of the headlight.

[0026] The Fig. 2 shows the headlight in cross-section, where the light source is 1 or light sources 1 They are arranged on the circuit board in the rear area, which is located on the heatsink. The side of the circuit board adjacent to the light source is on the side facing the circuit board. 1 There is an opaque cover. 2 the sleeve 9 , the coat8 the sleeve 9 forms. On the side furthest from the vehicle engine, there is a sleeve. 9 an opening 5 , through which the parasitic light rays pass. These rays fall on the first part 3 of the optical fiber 7 , which is located on the side furthest from the vehicle's engine. Light rays enter the second part 4 of the optical fiber 7 , which is approximately round and extends around the entire circumference of the sleeve 9 is arranged. Commercial applicability

[0027] The device described above is used to enhance the vehicle's appearance during nighttime lighting mode, when the contours of the colored cover are visible. This colored cover is also visible during daytime running lights. However, in nighttime mode, parasitic rays passing through the opening in the sleeve are used for a more attractive appearance. This method is employed in the production of premium vehicles.

[0028] This option of using colored covers for a more attractive appearance can also be used for taillights, as an option to highlight the red hazard warning lights. Reference symbol list

[0029] 1 - Light source 2 - Opaque sleeve cover 3 - First part of the light guide 4 - Second part of the light guide 5 - Opening in the sleeve 6 - Translucent headlight cover 7 - Light guide 8 - Sleeve casing 9 - Sleeve 10 - Translucent optical element of the sleeve 11 - Light guide cover

Claims

1. Headlamp for vehicles, comprising a rear headlamp cover and a translucent front headlamp cover (6), a light guide (7) and a sleeve (9), wherein the sleeve (9) has a base with an attached light source (1), a translucent optical element (10) opposite the base, and a casing (8) of the sleeve (9) arranged between the translucent optical element (10) and the base, which casing is formed by an opaque cover (2) of the sleeve (9), wherein the light guide (7) abuts the casing (8) of the sleeve (9) at least at one point, wherein the casing (8) of the sleeve (9) has an opening (5) which makes it possible to use light rays emitted by the light source (1) and incident into the region of the opening to illuminate the light guide (7), wherein the light guide (7) abuts the casing (8) of the sleeve (9) in the region in which the opening (5) is formed and has an entry surface which covers the opening (5) in the casing (8), characterized in that the light guide (7) produces, in cross-section, a closed loop which surrounds the sleeve (9).

2. Headlamp for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide (7) contains a colourant, wherein the light guide (7) emits the light in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 565 nm or a narrower range from this interval.

3. Headlamp for vehicles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (7) has two parts: the first part (3) of the light guide (7), which is translucent, and the second part (4) of the light guide (7), which is translucent and contains a colourant, wherein the second part (4) of the light guide (7) emits the light in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 565 nm or a narrower range from this interval.

4. Headlamp of the vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the first part (3) of the light guide (7) is semi-transparent.

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