Irradiation device for vehicle projector and vehicle projector

Abstract

To provide an irradiation device which can generate sign light light distribution in addition to front area light distribution or low beam light distribution, and which can generate desired light intensity as the whole sign light light distribution.SOLUTION: An irradiation device (1) for vehicle projector which generates light distribution (LV) having a brightness and darkness boundary (HDG) includes a light source (10), a light transmission body (100), a light incident element (101), and a projection device (500). The projection device (500) has a focal surface (P500) and an optical axis line (X). On a boundary surface (106) on the lower side of the light transmission body (100), first and second optical out couple structure (210) is provided, it is constructed so that light is emitted, and outside the light transmission body (100), the light propagates to the projection device (500), and without re-entering the light transmission body (100), the light hits the projection device (500) and an image is formed by the projection device (500).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Application Description) This application claims priority from European Patent Application No. 23205834.7 (DAS Code: 1EBA), filed October 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an illumination device for a motor vehicle floodlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, the illumination device comprising: At least one light source; A light-transmitting body (or light guide body), At least one light entrance element for injecting (injecting) light emitted by at least one light source into the light-transmitting body; a projection device having a focal plane and an optical axis; Light from at least one light source enters the light-transmitting body through the light entrance element, and this light propagates within the light-transmitting body as a first light beam to a light exit surface of the light-transmitting body, the light-transmitting body being defined by an upper boundary surface and a lower boundary surface located opposite the upper boundary surface, at least a portion of the light rays of the first light beam that hit the upper boundary surface and / or the lower boundary surface are totally reflected one or more times at the respective boundary surfaces, the light-transmitting body being defined by a light exit surface, and the light rays that are totally reflected one or more times at at least one boundary surface and exit the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface, as well as the light rays that are incident from the light source, propagate through the light-transmitting body to the light exit surface without reflection, and exit the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface, are modified by the light guide into a second light beam, and the second light beam is imaged by the projection device as the light distribution to be generated.

[0003] The light exit surface is, for example, located on the opposite side to the light entrance element.

[0004] The invention further relates to a vehicle floodlight comprising at least one such illumination device. [Background technology]

[0005] From the prior art, the above-mentioned illumination devices are known, in which, by modifying the light transmitting body, the light entrance element or the projection device, it is possible to generate a sign light distribution in addition to a frontal light distribution (nearby light distribution) or a low beam light distribution with at least one light source.

[0006] In known solutions, the sign light distribution generated is relatively uniform, but in order to achieve a prescribed light intensity value, for example a legally predefined light intensity value, at a prescribed point of the light distribution, the light intensity of the entire sign light distribution must often be relatively high, but this leads to light intensity values ​​at other points that are higher than desired or even legally permitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Application Publication No. 115183196 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 023141 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2023 / 038010 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 4067734 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2017-084556 [Patent Document 6] Patent Publication No. 2014-203587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device which is capable of generating a sign light distribution in addition to a frontal light distribution or a low beam light distribution and which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0009] A further object of the present invention may be to generate a sign light distribution that takes into account the characteristics of regulations in the United States, for example the characteristics of regulations of FMVSS108. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object is achieved in the illumination device as described at the beginning by providing at least one first optical outcoupling structure and at least one second optical outcoupling structure adjacent to or within the lower boundary surface, the optical outcoupling structures being configured such that the light of the first light beam impinging on the optical outcoupling structure exits from the light-transmitting body, the light exiting from the at least one first optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the light-transmitting body in the form of a third light beam towards the projection device and the light exiting from the at least one second optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the light-transmitting body in the form of a third light beam towards the projection device. The light propagates outside the optically transparent body in the form of a fourth light beam to the projection device, the at least one second optical outcoupling structure being farther away from the focal plane than the at least one first optical outcoupling structure, and the third and fourth light beams hit the projection device directly, i.e. without prior re-entering the optically transparent body, and are projected by the projection device as sign light beams onto a predetermined area located above the light-dark boundary, together forming, for example, a sign light distribution, and both sign light beams are imaged onto different partial areas of the area located above the light-dark boundary.

[0011] That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1. An illumination device for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, the illumination device comprising: At least one light source; A light-transmitting body; At least one light entrance element for directing light emitted by the at least one light source into the light-transmitting body; a projection device having a focal plane and an optical axis; Light from the at least one light source enters the light-transmitting body through the light entrance element, and the light propagates as a first light flux in the light-transmitting body to a light exit surface of the light-transmitting body; The optically transparent body is defined by an upper boundary surface and a lower boundary surface located on the opposite side of the upper boundary surface, at least a portion of the light rays of the first bundle of rays striking the upper boundary surface and / or the lower boundary surface is totally reflected at the respective boundary surface one or more times; The light transmitting body is defined by a light exit surface, Furthermore, a light ray that has been totally reflected once or a plurality of times at at least one of the boundary surfaces and is emitted from the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface, and a light ray that is incident from the light source, propagates through the light-transmitting body to the light exit surface without being reflected, and is emitted from the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface are modified into a second light flux by the light-transmitting body, and the second light flux is imaged as the light distribution to be generated by the projection device, at least one first optical outcoupling structure and at least one second optical outcoupling structure are disposed adjacent to or within the lower boundary surface; the optical outcoupling structure is configured so that light of the first light beam striking the optical outcoupling structure exits from the optically transparent body; the light exiting the at least one first optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the optically transparent body in the form of a third beam towards the projection device; and the light exiting the at least one second optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the optically transparent body to the projection device in the form of a fourth beam, the at least one second optical outcoupling structure is located farther away from the focal plane than the at least one first optical outcoupling structure; The third light beam and the fourth light beam directly hit the projection device, i.e., without being previously re-entered into the light-transmitting body, and are projected by the projection device as a sign light beam onto a predetermined area located above the light-dark boundary, forming one sign light distribution together, and both of the sign light beams are imaged onto different partial areas of the area located above the light-dark boundary. An illumination device is provided, characterized in that According to a second aspect of the present invention, A vehicle floodlight is provided comprising at least one illumination device as described above. It should be noted that the reference numerals in the claims of the present application are intended solely to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated forms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In the present invention, the following configurations are possible. (Form 1) 1. An illumination device for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution having a light-dark boundary, the illumination device comprising: At least one light source; A light-transmitting body; At least one light entrance element for directing light emitted by the at least one light source into the light-transmitting body; a projection device having a focal plane and an optical axis; Light from the at least one light source enters the light-transmitting body through the light entrance element, and the light propagates as a first light flux in the light-transmitting body to a light exit surface of the light-transmitting body; The optically transparent body is defined by an upper boundary surface and a lower boundary surface located on the opposite side of the upper boundary surface, at least a portion of the light rays of the first bundle of rays striking the upper boundary surface and / or the lower boundary surface is totally reflected at the respective boundary surface one or more times; The light transmitting body is defined by a light exit surface, Furthermore, a light ray that has been totally reflected once or a plurality of times at at least one of the boundary surfaces and is emitted from the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface, and a light ray that is incident from the light source, propagates through the light-transmitting body to the light exit surface without being reflected, and is emitted from the light-transmitting body via the light exit surface are modified into a second light flux by the light guide, and the second light flux is imaged as the light distribution to be generated by the projection device, at least one first optical outcoupling structure and at least one second optical outcoupling structure are disposed adjacent to or within the lower boundary surface; the optical outcoupling structure is configured so that light of the first light beam striking the optical outcoupling structure exits from the optically transparent body; the light exiting the at least one first optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the optically transparent body in the form of a third beam towards the projection device; and the light exiting the at least one second optical outcoupling structure propagates outside the optically transparent body to the projection device in the form of a fourth beam, the at least one second optical outcoupling structure is located farther away from the focal plane than the at least one first optical outcoupling structure; Furthermore, the third light beam and the fourth light beam hit the projection device directly, i.e., without being previously re-entered into the light-transmitting body, and are projected by the projection device as a sign light beam onto a predetermined area located above the light-dark boundary, together forming, for example, one sign light distribution, and both of the sign light beams are imaged onto different partial areas of the area located above the light-dark boundary. (Form 2) In the illumination device described in form 1, it is preferable that the third light beam and the fourth light beam impinge on the projection device in different regions of the projection device, particularly below the optical axis of the projection device, and pass through the projection device, and these regions of the projection device project the third light beam and the fourth light beam as sign light beams onto the region located above the light-dark boundary, forming, for example, one sign light distribution, and both of the sign light beams are imaged onto different partial regions of the region located above the light-dark boundary. (Form 3) In the illumination device described in form 1 or 2, it is preferable that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure are configured and arranged such that the partial areas onto which the outgoing sign light beams are projected by the projection device partially overlap, or are adjacent to each other in at least a portion, or are spaced apart from each other, and such that the third beam and the fourth beam impinge on the projection device or on a predetermined area of ​​the projection device. (Form 4) In the irradiation device described in any one of forms 1 to 3, it is preferable that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure is configured as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body or as a depression within the light-transmitting body, and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure is configured as a protrusion on the light-transmitting body or as a depression within the light-transmitting body. (Form 5) In the irradiation device described in any one of forms 1 to 4, it is preferable that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure each extend over a specified lateral extension range in a direction lateral to the optical axis of the projection device, and that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure each extend over a specified vertical extension range approximately in the direction of the optical axis of the projection device. (Form 6) In the irradiation device described in form 5, it is preferable that the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure have lateral extension ranges of different sizes, and preferably, the at least one first outcoupling structure that is closer to the light output surface has a smaller lateral extension range than the at least one second outcoupling structure. (Form 7) In the illumination device described in form 5 or 6, at least one of the optical outcoupling structures extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device in terms of its lateral extension range, and preferably, one of the first optical outcoupling structure or the second optical outcoupling structure extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device, and the other of the second optical outcoupling structure or the first optical outcoupling structure extends asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device. (Form 8) In the irradiation device described in any one of forms 5 to 7, it is preferable that the lateral direction in which the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure extends extends substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection device, and preferably extends substantially horizontally. (Form 9) In the irradiation device described in any one of forms 1 to 8, it is preferable that the at least one first outcouple structure and / or the at least one second outcouple structure are configured in the form of an outcouple prism or have an outcouple prism. (Form 10) In the illumination device described in form 9, it is preferable that each of the outcoupling prisms has an exit surface, and the exit surface is configured and inclined so that the exiting light beam is directed toward an area of ​​the projection device that projects the third light beam and the fourth light beam as a sign light beam onto the area located above the light-dark boundary. (Form 11) In the illumination device according to embodiment 9 or 10, at least one or both of the exit surfaces are curved, in particular concavely curved, in the horizontal direction, i.e. in a horizontal cross section, and preferably the horizontal cutting curve obtained by cutting such a curved exit surface with a horizontal plane has the shape of a partial circle or follows the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device. (Form 12) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, at least one, or preferably both, of the exit surfaces is preferably not curved in the vertical direction, ie in a vertical cross section. (Form 13) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 12, it is preferable that the one or more exit surfaces are tilted such that the light beam passing through or exiting from the one or more exit surfaces extends perpendicular to the one or more exit surfaces. (Form 14) In the irradiation device according to any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments, it is preferable that the light-transmitting body has an aperture edge, the aperture edge is disposed between the light entrance element and the projection device in the light propagation direction, and the aperture edge is imaged as the light-dark boundary within the light distribution. (Form 15) In the illumination device according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, the light entrance element shapes the light emitted from the light source and incident into the light entrance element into the first light beam, and preferably, this light beam is directed towards a specified area of ​​an aperture edge. (Form 16) In the irradiation device described in any one of forms 1 to 15, it is preferable that the aperture edge is curved in the horizontal direction, in particular concavely curved, and preferably follows the focal line of the projection device at the aperture edge, and preferably the aperture edge is located within the Petzval plane of the projection device. (Form 17) In the illumination device according to any one of the first to sixteenth embodiments, the light exit surface is formed to be concave in the horizontal direction, and preferably follows the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device. (Form 18) In the irradiation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, it is preferable that the light exit surface is formed in a convex shape in the vertical direction. (Form 19) An automobile floodlight comprising at least one irradiation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0013] Preferably, only one first optical outcoupling structure and only one second optical outcoupling structure are provided.

[0014] The at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure each extend over a defined lateral extension range in a transverse direction (left-right direction) relative to the optical axis of the projection device, and in this case the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure each extend over a defined vertical extension range approximately in the direction of the optical axis of the projection device.

[0015] The configuration according to the invention generates two different sign light beams, which illuminate different areas in the light distribution and together form the sign light distribution. By appropriately configuring the different optical outcoupling structures, for example with respect to the size or width of the respective optical outcoupling structures, the amount of light of the individual sign light beams and thus the light intensity in the light distribution can be influenced. Due to the different spacing of the optical outcoupling structures relative to the focal or Petzval plane of the projection device, the light rays emerging from the more distant optical outcoupling structures are imaged less sharply or "blurred" in the light image, resulting in a more uniform illumination in the light image, whereas the light rays from the optical outcoupling structures located closer to the Petzval or focal plane are imaged sharper or more focused, thereby illuminating a smaller area or areas more brightly.

[0016] Advantageous configurations of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] Preferably, the third and fourth light beams impinge on and pass through the projection device in different regions of the projection device, in particular below the optical axis of the projection device, and these regions of the projection device project the third and fourth light beams as sign light beams onto a predetermined region located above the light-dark boundary, forming, for example, a sign light distribution, with both sign light beams being imaged onto different partial regions of said region located above the light-dark boundary.

[0018] In this case, the optical axis of the projection device is also the optical axis of the irradiation device.

[0019] It is advantageous if the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure are constructed and arranged such that the third and fourth light beams impinge on the projection device or on predetermined areas of the projection device, such that partial areas onto which the outgoing sign light beams are projected by the projection device partially overlap or are at least in part adjacent to one another or spaced apart from one another.

[0020] The at least one first optical outcoupling structure is configured as a protuberance on the light-transmitting body or as a depression within the light-transmitting body, and in this case, the at least one second optical outcoupling structure can be configured as a protuberance on the light-transmitting body or as a depression within the light-transmitting body.

[0021] Furthermore, the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure have lateral extension ranges of different magnitudes, and preferably, the at least one first optical outcoupling structure closer to the light output surface has a smaller lateral extension range than the at least one second optical outcoupling structure.

[0022] In this way, the amount of light exiting these optical outcoupling structures can be controlled.

[0023] At least one of the optical outcoupling structures may extend symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device with respect to its lateral extension range, and preferably, one of the first optical outcoupling structure or the second optical outcoupling structure extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device, and the other of the second optical outcoupling structure or the first optical outcoupling structure extends asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the projection device.

[0024] A symmetrically arranged optical out-coupling structure provides a symmetrical illuminance distribution (irradiation intensity distribution) with respect to the vertical axis (VV axis) in the light image, whereas an asymmetrically arranged optical out-coupling structure produces an asymmetrical illuminance distribution with respect to the vertical axis. For example, in the United States, FMVSS108 specifies the illuminance determined along lines 5-5 and 8-8 described in the regulation, where the positions of these lines are asymmetric with respect to the VV line. By appropriately asymmetrically arranging an optical out-coupling structure, the required illuminance can be realized even for such asymmetrically located lines or areas. The basic sign light distribution is symmetric with respect to its illuminance distribution and is realized by using a symmetrical optical out-coupling structure.

[0025] Preferably, the lateral direction in which the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure extends may extend substantially perpendicular to the first light propagation direction and / or may extend substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection device, and may preferably extend substantially horizontally.

[0026] Furthermore, the at least one first optical outcoupling structure and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure may be configured in the form of an outcoupling prism (output coupling prism) or may have an outcoupling prism.

[0027] In this case, each outcoupling prism has an exit surface that can be configured and tilted so that the exiting light beam is directed toward an area of ​​a projection device that projects the third light beam and the fourth light beam as a sign light beam onto a predetermined area located above the light-dark boundary.

[0028] For example, at least one or both exit surfaces may be curved, in particular concavely curved, in the horizontal direction, i.e. in a horizontal cross section, preferably such that the horizontal cutting curve obtained by cutting such a curved exit surface with a horizontal plane has the shape of a partial circle or follows or corresponds to the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device.

[0029] At least one, or preferably both, exit faces may be non-curved in the vertical direction, ie in vertical cross-section.

[0030] Preferably, the exit surface or surfaces can be tilted such that the light beam passing through or emerging from the exit surface or surfaces extends perpendicular to the exit surface or surfaces.

[0031] This reduces losses and reduces chromatic aberration.

[0032] In this case, by suitable configuration of the light entrance elements, a fan of parallel light rays can be shaped in such a way that, viewed across the lateral extent of the exit surface, the light rays are guaranteed to strike the exit surface at an angle of 90°.

[0033] More preferably, the light-transmitting body has a diaphragm edge which is arranged between the light entrance element and the projection device in the light propagation direction, in which case the diaphragm edge can be imaged as a light-dark boundary in the light distribution.

[0034] The diaphragm edge serves to modify the first light beam into the second light beam emerging from the light transmitting body in such a way that the light distribution generated by the projection device has a light-dark boundary. The shape of the HD boundary (light-dark boundary) in the light distribution is determined by the shape of the diaphragm edge. The extension of the diaphragm edge defines the boundary rays that barely contribute to the light distribution.

[0035] The diaphragm edge is formed by the light exit surface and the lower boundary surface, i.e. both surfaces meet at the diaphragm edge.

[0036] Furthermore, the light entrance element can shape the light emitted from the light source and incident into the light entrance element into a first light beam, which is preferably directed towards a predetermined area, in particular a predetermined area above the diaphragm edge, preferably a predetermined area immediately above the diaphragm edge.

[0037] In this case, this region is in particular located or extends immediately above the diaphragm edge.

[0038] Preferably, the diaphragm edge is curved in the horizontal direction, in particular concavely curved, and preferably the diaphragm edge can follow or correspond to the focal line of the projection device, with the diaphragm edge preferably lying in or approximately lying in the Petzval plane of the projection device.

[0039] With regard to the statement that the diaphragm edge lies in the Petzval plane, it should be noted that, precisely speaking, the relationship is as follows: the projection device has a focal point which lies on the optical axis of the projection device, and the Petzval or focal plane includes this focal point as well as the focal lines which extend through this focal point and lie in the Petzval plane.

[0040] The diaphragm edge is usually not exactly in the Petzval plane or in the focal point, but at a (slight) distance above it. Typically the light-dark boundary is slightly below the horizontal 0°-0° line in the optical image, or below the horizontal line, usually at 0.573°. To achieve this in the optical image, the diaphragm edge is vertically slightly above the optical axis of the projection device or above the focal point, and in practice is often only a few tenths of a millimeter away.

[0041] Furthermore, the light exit surface is formed concave in the horizontal direction and preferably follows or corresponds to the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device.

[0042] The light exit surface can also be formed convex in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the light exit surface is tilted starting from the diaphragm edge and away from the Petzval surface. The generated light distribution is somewhat blurred, i.e. the generated light distribution is more uniform and the height of the projection device can be reduced.

[0043] For example, the at least one light source and / or the sign light source may each include one or more light emitting elements, such as one or more LEDs.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing main components of an embodiment of an illumination device for an automobile floodlight according to the present invention, as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the light transmitting body of the irradiation device of FIG. 1 for beam shaping, viewed obliquely from below towards the outcoupling structure according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a vertical cross-section of the illumination device of FIG. 1 taken along a vertical plane extending through the optical axis of the projection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows a vertical cross section of an alternative illumination device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing details of the first outcoupling structure as a perspective view seen from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view showing details of the first outcoupling structure of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the optical axis through the optically transparent body in the region of the second outcoupling structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows an example schematic diagram of a light distribution in the form of a low beam light distribution and a sign light distribution. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary depiction of one light distribution as a result of a phototechnical simulation. EXAMPLES

[0046] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show an illumination device 1 for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution LV having a light-dark boundary HDG, whereby a light distribution which can be generated using this illumination device 1 is illustrated diagrammatically in Figures 9 and 10, whereby Figure 10 shows a light distribution as a simulation result using the illumination device 1 according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an illumination device 1 according to the invention. The same reference numbers as those shown in figures 1, 2 and 3 indicate the same elements.

[0048] 5 to 8 show details of the illumination device 1, whereby these details apply to both embodiments.

[0049] The illumination device 1 according to Fig. 1, 2, 3 or according to Fig. 4 comprises a light source 10, a light-transmitting body 100, a light-inlet element 101 for coupling the light emitted by the light source 10 into the light-transmitting body 100, and a projection device 500, the projection device 500 having a focal plane or Petzval plane P500. The projection device 500 is typically realized in the form of a projection lens, but can also have a more complex structure in the form of a lens system. The Petzval plane P500 also comprises the focal line of the projection device 500, on which the focal point of the projection device 500 is located in a horizontal plane.

[0050] For example, the light-transmitting body 100 and the light-entering element 101 are integrally (as one member) preferably made of the same material. The projection device 500 is preferably constructed separately from these elements 100, 101. The light-transmitting body 100, the light-entering element 101, and the projection device 500 can be constructed of the same material.

[0051] The transparent, light-transmitting (translucent) material from which these objects 100, 101, 500 can be made has a refractive index greater than that of air. This material comprises, for example, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), and is particularly preferably made of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate). However, these objects can also be made of a glass material, in particular an inorganic glass material.

[0052] Via the light entrance element 101, the light S10 (FIGS. 3 and 4) emitted by the light source 10 is incident into the light transmission body 100 via the light entrance surface 101a of the light transmission body 100. The light entrance element 101 can have, for example, the form of an imaging or non-imaging collimator optical system. The light entrance surface 101a is respectively suitably shaped, and the flat light entrance surface 101a shown or suggested in the drawings is only one of the known possibilities for the shape of the light entrance surface 101a.

[0053] The light source 10, or at least one light source 10 in general, is for example one or more light emitting elements, for example one or more LEDs, which are comprised by the light source 10, or at least one light source 10, respectively.

[0054] The light-transmitting body 100 is defined, inter alia, by an upper boundary surface 105, a lower boundary surface 106 located opposite the upper boundary surface 105, and light exit surfaces 102, 102″ located opposite the light entrance surface 101a.

[0055] The incident light from the light source 10 propagates within the optically transparent body 100 substantially in the direction of the light exit surface 102 as a first light beam S1, and at this time, the light incident element 101 shapes the light emitted from the light source 10 and incident into the optically transparent body 100 into the first light beam S1.

[0056] At this time, a portion of the incident light advances without being deflected, and the other portion advances as a first light beam S1 within the light-transmitting body 100 in the direction of the light exit surface 102 based on total reflection at the boundary surfaces, in particular, based on total reflection at the upper boundary surface 105 and / or the lower boundary surface 106.

[0057] The light-transmitting body 100 has an aperture edge 104, which is disposed between the light incidence element 101 and the projection device 500 in the light propagation direction, and in this case, the aperture edge 104 is imaged as a light-dark boundary HDG within the light distribution LV (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0058] In this case, the diaphragm edge 104 serves to modify the first light beam S1 into the second light beam S2 emitted from the light transmitting body 100 so that the light distribution LV generated by the projection device 500 from the light rays of the second light beam S2 has a light-dark boundary HDG. The shape of the light-dark boundary HDG in the light distribution LV is determined by the shape and contour of the diaphragm edge 104.

[0059] The diaphragm edge 104 is formed by the light exit surface 102 and the lower boundary surface 106 , i.e. both surfaces 102 , 106 meet at the diaphragm edge 104 .

[0060] In this case, the light entrance element 101 and the light-transmitting body 100 are configured so that the first light beam S1 is directed towards the light exit surface 102, but preferably mainly towards a predetermined area P0, in particular towards a predetermined area above the aperture edge 104, preferably towards a predetermined area just above the aperture edge 104, thereby obtaining a sharp light-dark boundary HDG with a high illuminance below the light-dark boundary HDG in the light distribution LV.

[0061] Preferably, as shown, the diaphragm edge 104 is curved in the horizontal direction, in particular concavely curved, and preferably follows the focal line F500 of the projection device 500 at the diaphragm edge 104.

[0062] Preferably, as already explained in the previous paragraph, the diaphragm edge 104 is located in the Petzval plane P500 of the projection device 500, or can be located approximately in the Petzval plane P500.

[0063] Furthermore, corresponding to the illumination device 1 according to figures 1, 2 and 3, the light exit surface 102 can be made convex in the vertical direction, whereby in the illustrated embodiment the light exit surface 102 is inclined towards the light source 10 starting from the diaphragm edge 104 and away from the Petzval plane P500. The generated light distribution LV is somewhat blurred, i.e. the generated light distribution is more uniform and the height of the projection device 500 can be reduced.

[0064] Alternatively (see FIG. 4), the light exit surface 102 ″ may be formed concave in the horizontal direction and preferably follows or corresponds to the shape of the Petzval surface P 500 of the projection device 500 .

[0065] Specifically, the light rays propagating toward the light exit surface 102, 102" and exiting the light-transmitting body 100 via the light exit surface 102, 102" are modified by the light-transmitting body (light guide) 100, and in particular by the aperture edge 104, into a second light beam S2, and the second light beam S2 is imaged by the projection device 500 as a light distribution LV having a light-dark boundary HDG.

[0066] 1, 2, 3 and 4, a first optical outcoupling structure 210 and a second optical outcoupling structure 220 are provided adjacent to or within the lower boundary surface 106. Each optical outcoupling structure 210, 220 extends over a defined lateral extension Q210, Q220 transversely (left-right) to the optical axis X of the projection device 500 or illumination device 1, respectively. Each optical outcoupling structure 210, 220 extends over a defined longitudinal extension L210, L220, respectively, approximately in the direction of the optical axis X.

[0067] For the sake of clarity only, it is noted here that it is also possible to provide essentially two or more first optical outcoupling structures 210 and two or more second optical outcoupling structures 220, which are preferably arranged side by side in each case (multiple first structures side by side and multiple second structures side by side).

[0068] The optical outcoupling structures 210 , 220 are configured so that light of the first light beam S1 that strikes the optical outcoupling structures 210 , 220 exits the optically transparent body 100 .

[0069] The light emerging from the first optical outcoupling structure 210 propagates outside the optically transparent body 100 to the projection device 500 in the form of a third light beam S3.

[0070] The light exiting the second optical outcoupling structure 220 propagates to the projection device 500 at a fourth exterior of the optically transparent body 100 in the form of a light beam S4.

[0071] In this regard, the second optical outcoupling structure 220 is farther away from the focal plane P500 than the first optical outcoupling structure 210.

[0072] In this arrangement, the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 hit the projection device 500 directly, i.e., without first re-entering the light-transmitting body 100, and are projected by the projection device 500 as sign light beams S3', S4' onto a predetermined area B located above the light-dark boundary HDG, and together form a single sign light distribution SV. In this case, both sign light beams S3', S4' are imaged onto different partial areas B1, B2 of the area B located above the light-dark boundary HDG.

[0073] Light S4 coming from the second optical outcoupling structure 220, which is farther away from the focal plane P500, results in a non-sharp or less sharp image due to its (strongly) defocused position, resulting in approximately the same illuminance and better uniformity within the generated light distribution SV4 compared to light ray S3 of the first optical outcoupling structure 210, which is arranged closer to the focal plane P500.

[0074] The light distribution SV4 generated by the second optical outcoupling structure 220, which is further away from the focal plane P500, forms a kind of "basic" sign light distribution, which for example meets the requirements for sign light distributions according to the ECE (Economic Commission for Europe). The other light distribution SV3 constitutes a kind of "additional" sign light distribution, which can be used to meet further requirements for sign lighting beyond the ECE and / or the "basic" sign light distribution SV4 can be modified, for example in such a way that required specific limit values ​​are reached with regard to the resulting illuminance, but which nevertheless produces a particularly legally or regulatory compliant sign light distribution SV together with the additional sign light distribution SV3.

[0075] Preferably, the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 impinge on the projection device 500 in different regions P1, P2 of the projection device 500, particularly below the optical axis X of the projection device 500, and pass through the projection device 500, and at this time, these regions P1, P2 of the projection device 500 project the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 as sign light beams S3', S4' onto a predetermined region B located above the light-dark boundary HDG to form, for example, one sign light distribution SV, and at this time, both sign light beams S3', S4' are imaged in different partial regions B1, B2 of the region B located above the light-dark boundary HDG, as described above.

[0076] The first optical outcoupling structure 210(s) and the second optical outcoupling structure 220 are preferably configured and arranged such that the partial areas B1, B2 onto which the outgoing sign light beams S3', S4' are projected by the projection device 500 partially overlap, or are adjacent to each other at least in part, or are spaced apart from each other, and such that the third beam S3 and the fourth beam S4 impinge on the projection device 500 or on predetermined areas P1, P2 of the projection device 500.

[0077] 10 shows an example simulation result. The partial region B1 is located immediately above the light-dark boundary HDG, shifted to the right with respect to the vertical 0° axis, and is relatively intensive, whereas the partial region B2 located above it extends symmetrically with respect to the vertical 0° axis and is significantly less intensive than the partial region B1, i.e. extends over a significantly wider angular range both horizontally and vertically. The upper edge of the partial region B1 merges with the lower edge of the partial region B2. The entire sign light distribution SV is obtained by the partial sign light distributions SV3, SV4, which are imaged in the partial regions B1 and B2 and can be described by SV=SV(S3')U SV(S4'), where U is the union.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment (which is the same in Figures 3 and 4), the first optical outcoupling structure 210 is configured as a protrusion on the optically transparent body 100, specifically as a protrusion on the lower surface (lower boundary surface) 106, and similarly the second optical outcoupling structure 220 is configured as a protrusion on the optically transparent body 100, again as a protrusion on the lower surface (lower boundary surface) 106.

[0079] The sign light distributions SV3, SV4 shown in Figures 9 and 10 (with distinctly different horizontal extensions) are achieved by the first optical outcoupling structure 210 and the second optical outcoupling structure 220 having different lateral extensions Q210, Q220 as seen in Figure 2, with the first optical outcoupling structure 210 closer to the light exit surface 102 having a smaller lateral extension Q210 than the second optical outcoupling structure 220. In this way, the amount of light exiting from the outcoupling structures can be controlled. In addition, the second optical outcoupling structure 220 is disposed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis X, whereas the first optical outcoupling structure 210 is shifted to the left with respect to the optical axis X, preferably completely to the left of the optical axis X.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical outcoupling structure 220 extends continuously from left to right across substantially the entire width of the optical transmission body 100 or light guide 100, with equal extent on either side of the optical axis X.

[0081] Regardless of the actual number of the first and second optical outcoupling structures 210 and 220 and their arrangement with respect to the optical axis X, preferably the (partial) sign light distribution SV4 of the light bundle S4 is symmetrical with respect to the vertical 0°-0° line (VV line) in the light image, whereas preferably the (partial) sign light distribution SV3 of the light bundle S3 is asymmetrical with respect to the vertical 0°-0° line (VV line, vertical center line at H=0°) in the light image and will be slid to the right in the case of a floodlight for right-hand traffic and slid to the left in the case of a floodlight for left-hand traffic.

[0082] Returning again to Figures 2 and 5 to 8, it can be seen that preferably, the lateral direction in which the first optical outcoupling structure 210 and the second optical outcoupling structure 220 extend extends substantially perpendicular to the optical axis X of the projection device 500 and also extends substantially horizontally.

[0083] Looking in detail at the outcoupling structures 210, 220, they are preferably configured, for example, in the form of an outcoupling prism, as shown, each of which has an exit surface 210a, 220a, each of which is tilted such that the exiting light beams S3, S4 are directed toward areas P1, P2 of a projection device 500 which projects the third light beam S3 and the fourth light beam S4 as sign light beams S3', S4' onto a predetermined area B located above the light-dark boundary HDG.

[0084] Unlike the prism type, the exit surface 210a, 220a can be curved, in particular concavely curved, in the horizontal direction, i.e. in the horizontal cross section, preferably with a horizontal plane to cut the curved exit surface 210a, 220a, and the horizontal cut curve obtained by cutting the curved exit surface 210a, 220a has the shape of a partial circle or follows or corresponds to the shape of the Petzval surface of the projection device 500. In this case, FIG. 6 shows a cut curve selected in a horizontal cut plane, which represents a partial circle with center M and radius R. In the different horizontal cut planes, the cut curves can have the same radius, and the centers overlap in a (vertical) line. However, the radii can also be different in the different horizontal cut planes, in particular increasing as one moves from the outermost horizontal cut plane in the direction of the light transmitting body 100. In this case, the centres preferably again lie on a vertical line, the part circles in the different horizontal cutting planes therefore being so to speak "concentric" part circles.

[0085] More preferably, in the vertical direction, i.e. in a vertical cross section, both exit faces 210a, 220a may be non-curved, so that the cutting curve obtained by cutting the exit faces 210a, 220a with a vertical plane is a straight line.

[0086] More advantageously, the exit faces 210a, 220a can be tilted at an angle relative to the optical axis X such that the passing or exiting light beams S3, S4 extend perpendicular to the flat exit faces 210a, 220a.

[0087] Finally, reference is made once again to FIG. 9, which shows the measurement points of illuminance for the regulations for sign light distribution according to FMVSS 108 and the differences with respect to the regulations for ECE spaces.

[0088] Within the dashed diagonal area where lines 5-5 and 8-8 are located, there are differences regarding the required or maximum permissible illuminance in sign light distribution, and in particular FMVSS 108 regulations require that the illuminance along both of these lines must be higher than required by ECE regulations.

[0089] In Fig. 10, as already mentioned above, one practical light distribution is shown using the outcoupling structures 210, 220 according to the invention. The sub-area B2 is illuminated evenly from left to right via the "rear" outcoupling structure 220. The outcoupling structure 210 mounted on the left side on one side illuminates the asymmetric right sub-area B1, compensating for the difference between US and European regulations.

[0090] The disclosures of the above patent documents and non-patent documents are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the scope of claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments are possible based on the basic technical ideas. Furthermore, within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art would be able to make according to the entire disclosure including the scope of claims and the technical ideas. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described in this specification, any numerical value or subrange included in the range should be interpreted as being specifically described even if not otherwise specified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Irradiation device 10 light source 100 Light transmitter / light guide 101 Light entrance element 101a Light incidence surface 102 Light exit surface 102” light exit surface 104 Aperture Edge 105 Upper boundary surface 106 Lower boundary surface 210 First optical outcoupling structure 210a Output surface 220 Second optical outcoupling structure 220a Exit surface 500 Projection device X optical axis P500 Focal Plane / Petzval Plane F500 focal line P0 area P1 area P2 area S10 Light source light S1 First beam S2 Second light beam S3 Third beam S3' Sign Light Luminous Flux S4 Fourth beam S4' Sign Light Luminous Flux Q210 Lateral extension range Q220 Lateral extension range L210 Vertical extension range L220 Vertical extension range M Center of the partial circle R Radius of the partial circle LV light distribution SV sign light distribution SV3 Partial sign light distribution SV4 Partial sign light distribution HDG light / dark boundary B area B1 subregion B2 partial area

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for an automotive floodlight for generating a light distribution (LV) with a light-dark boundary (HDG), the lighting device comprising: At least one light source (10); A light-transmitting body (100); At least one light incidence element (101) for injecting light emitted by the at least one light source (10) into the light-transmitting body (100); a projection device (500) having a focal plane (P500) and an optical axis (X); Light (S10) from the at least one light source (10) enters the light-transmitting body (100) through the light-incident element (101), and this light propagates within the light-transmitting body (100) to a light-exiting surface (102) of the light-transmitting body (100) as a first light beam (S1); The optically transparent body (100) is defined by an upper boundary surface (105) and a lower boundary surface (106) located on the opposite side of the upper boundary surface (105), at least a portion of the light rays of the first light bundle (S1) impinging on the upper boundary surface (105) and / or the lower boundary surface (106) is totally reflected one or more times at the respective boundary surface (105, 106); The light-transmitting body (100) is defined by a light-emitting surface (102, 102"); Furthermore, a light ray that is totally reflected once or multiple times at at least one of the boundary surfaces (105, 106) and exits the light-transmitting body (100) via the light exit surface (102, 102"), as well as a light ray that is incident from the light source (10), propagates through the light-transmitting body (100) without reflection to the light exit surface (102, 102"), and exits the light-transmitting body (100) via the light exit surface (102, 102"), are modified by the light guide (100) into a second light flux (S2), and the second light flux (S2) is imaged by the projection device (500) as the light distribution (LV) to be generated; at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) are provided adjacent to or within the lower boundary surface (106); the optical outcoupling structures (210, 220) are configured such that light of the first light beam (S1) striking the optical outcoupling structures (210, 220) exits the optically transparent body (100); The light exiting the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) propagates outside the optically transparent body (100) in the form of a third light beam (S3) to the projection device (500); and the light exiting the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) propagates outside the optically transparent body (100) to the projection device (500) in the form of a fourth light beam (S4); the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) is located farther away from the focal plane (P500) than the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210); Furthermore, the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) directly hit the projection device (500), i.e., without being previously re-entered into the light-transmitting body (100), and are projected by the projection device (500) as sign light beams (S3', S4') onto a predetermined area (B) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG), forming, for example, one sign light distribution (SV) together, and both of the sign light beams (S3', S4') are imaged onto different partial areas (B1, B2) of the area (B) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG); An irradiation device characterized by:

2. the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) strike the projection device (500) in different regions (P1, P2) of the projection device (500) below the optical axis line (X) of the projection device (500) and pass through the projection device (500); these regions of the projection device (500) project the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) as sign light beams (S3', S4') onto the region (B) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG), forming, for example, one sign light distribution (SV); and both of the sign light beams (S3', S4') are imaged onto different partial regions (B1, B2) of the region (B) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

3. the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) are constructed and arranged such that the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) impinge on the projection device (500) or on a predetermined area (P1, P2) of the projection device (500) such that the partial areas (B1, B2) onto which the outgoing sign light beams (S3', S4') are projected by the projection device (500) partially overlap or are adjacent to each other at least in part or are spaced apart from each other; The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

4. the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) is configured as a protuberance on the optically transparent body (100) or as a depression within the optically transparent body (100), and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) is configured as a protuberance on the optically transparent body (100) or as a depression within the optically transparent body (100); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

5. the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) each extend over a defined lateral extension range (Q210, Q220) transversely to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500), and the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) each extend over a defined longitudinal extension range (L210, L220) approximately in the direction of the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

6. the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) have different lateral extensions (Q210, Q220), preferably the at least one first outcoupling structure (210) closer to the light output surface (102) has a smaller lateral extension (Q210) than the at least one second outcoupling structure (220); The illumination device according to claim 5 .

7. at least one of the optical outcoupling structures extends symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500) with respect to its lateral extension, preferably one of the first optical outcoupling structure or the second optical outcoupling structure (220) extends symmetrically and the other of the second optical outcoupling structure or the first optical outcoupling structure (210) extends asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500); The illumination device according to claim 5 .

8. a lateral direction in which the at least one first optical outcoupling structure (210) and / or the at least one second optical outcoupling structure (220) extend substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (X) of the projection device (500) and preferably extends substantially horizontally; The illumination device according to claim 5 .

9. the at least one first outcoupling structure (210) and / or the at least one second outcoupling structure (220) are configured in the form of an outcoupling prism or have an outcoupling prism; The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

10. Each of the out-coupled prisms has an exit surface (210a, 220a), and the exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are configured and tilted so that the exiting light beams (S3, S4) are directed toward an area of ​​the projection device (500) that projects the third light beam (S3) and the fourth light beam (S4) as sign light beams (S3', S4') onto the area (B) located above the light-dark boundary (HDG); 10. The illumination device according to claim 9 .

11. at least one or both exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are curved, in particular concavely curved, in the horizontal direction, i.e. in a horizontal cross section, and preferably the horizontal cutting curve obtained by cutting such a curved exit surface (210a, 220a) with a horizontal plane has the shape of a part circle or follows the shape of a Petzval surface (F500) of said projection device (500); 10. The illumination device according to claim 9 .

12. at least one of the exit faces (210a, 220a), or preferably both of the exit faces (210a, 220a), is not curved in the vertical direction, i.e. in vertical cross-section; 10. The illumination device according to claim 9 .

13. The one or more exit surfaces (210a, 220a) are inclined such that the light beams (S3, S4) passing through or exiting the one or more exit surfaces (210a, 220a) extend perpendicular to the one or more exit surfaces; 10. The illumination device according to claim 9 .

14. the light transmitting body (100) has a diaphragm edge (104), the diaphragm edge (104) is disposed between the light entrance element (101) and the projection device (500) in the light propagation direction, and the diaphragm edge (104) is imaged as the light-dark boundary (HDG) within the light distribution (LV); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

15. the light entrance element (101) shapes the light emitted from the light source (10) and incident into the light entrance element (101) into the first light bundle (S1), and preferably this light bundle (S1) is directed towards a defined area (P0) of a diaphragm edge (104); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

16. the diaphragm edge (104) is curved in the horizontal direction, in particular concavely curved, and preferably follows the focal line (F500) of the projection device (500) at said diaphragm edge (104), and preferably said diaphragm edge (104) is located in a Petzval plane (P500) of the projection device (500); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

17. the light exit surface (102'') is horizontally concave and preferably follows the shape of the Petzval surface (P500) of the projection device (500); The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

18. The light exit surface (102) is formed to be convex in the vertical direction; The illumination device according to claim 1 ,

19. A vehicle floodlight comprising at least one illumination device according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images