Signal lamp device or illumination device for automobile floodlights

Abstract

To achieve a homogeneous appearance in a signal lighting device or lighting device for a vehicle or a motor vehicle headlamp.SOLUTION: A signal lighting or lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle headlight includes a light source for emitting light rays, and a light guiding body (100) having two light-emitting surfaces (161, 162). The light guiding body (100) includes a beam splitting device (200) having a total reflection surface (201), the total reflection surface (201) totally reflects a part of the light rays (S1) hitting the total reflection surface (201) to one (162) of both light-emitting surfaces in a predetermined direction (Z) deviating from a light guide main direction of propagation (X). The total reflection surface (201) has a plurality of optical individual structures (202), the individual structures (202) pass through the light rays (s1) in the direction of the other light-emitting surface (161).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Application Description) This application claims priority from European Patent Application No. 22196548.6 (DAS Code: F91B), filed September 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a signaling or illumination device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight, - at least one light source for emitting a light beam; a light guide assigned to at least one light source, The light guide includes an input coupling section and a light output region, through which light rays emitted from the at least one light source are input coupled into the light guide, propagate in the light guide, and output from the light guide via the light output region, the light output region includes two light output surfaces, the input coupling section is configured, for example in the form of a collimator, such that the light rays emitted from the at least one light source are substantially directed in the main light guide propagation direction, the light guide includes a light beam splitting device, the light beam splitting device includes a total reflection surface, which totally reflects at least a portion of the light rays that strike the total reflection surface, so that these light rays propagate in the light guide in a predetermined direction different from the main light guide propagation direction, and the total reflection surface has a plurality of optical individual structures, and the individual structures are configured such that at least a portion of the light rays that strike one individual structure exits the light guide via the individual structure and exits from the light guide via the re-entry surface. the re-entering light rays are directed towards one of the light exit surfaces, i.e. a first light exit surface located opposite the re-entry surface, so that they can exit in the main radiation direction from the first light exit surface, and the light rays totally reflected by the total reflection surface are totally reflected at the back part of the light guide and are directed towards the second light exit surface, where they exit the light guide in the main radiation direction, and each optical individual structure is configured as a depression in the total reflection surface, one depression being defined by mantle surfaces (boundary surfaces) starting from an opening in the light guide and extending into the light guide, and one of the mantle surfaces, the so-called bottom surface, is oriented in such a way that the light rays hitting the bottom surface pass through the bottom surface in the direction of the first light exit surface.

[0003] The invention further relates to a vehicle floodlight including one or more such devices.

[0004] Additionally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising one or more such devices and / or one or more vehicle floodlights according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0005] With such a device, two light functions, such as daytime running lights (TFL: Tagfahrtlicht) and turn signal lights (FRA: Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger), can be realized using a single light guide (light guide body), which for this purpose has two light exit surfaces that form a common overall light exit surface.

[0006] For design reasons, a specially designed light exit surface is often desired. In the device in question, for example, two light exit surfaces are provided, which are typically of different size and / or are designed differently with regard to their shape.

[0007] For example, both light exit surfaces are located one above the other, with one of the light exit surfaces, e.g. the upper surface, being located at the same height relative to one or more light sources that can inject light into the light guide.

[0008] A beam splitter is provided within the light guide, which splits the incident light to both light exit faces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018126955 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102017105838 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2354637 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3330601 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2017 / 068309 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 2317214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In such devices, achieving a homogeneous appearance when light is emitted simultaneously through both light exit faces has proven problematic, which often requires the selection of a two-piece configuration with two light guides, which contradicts the frequently desired one-piece configuration.

[0011] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a solution with which a homogeneous generated image can be achieved for the devices mentioned at the beginning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The above object is achieved by the following configuration in the device described at the beginning. That is, according to the present invention, each opening portion opens a so-called aperture surface, which is one surface in the total reflection surface, and in this case, one aperture surface has an aperture area A B,i and the total reflection surface has a total area A ges where A ges includes the sum of all the aperture areas, and the first light exit surface has a first area A1, the second light exit surface has a second area A2, and the following formula is satisfied: Σ i A B,i / (A ges -Σ i A B,i )=A1 / A2 holds true.

[0013] That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, A signal light device or illumination device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight, - at least one light source for emitting a light beam; a light guide assigned to at least one said light source, the light guide includes an input coupling portion and a light output region; Through the inlet coupling portion, a light ray emitted from at least one of the light sources is inlet-coupled into the light guide, propagates through the light guide, and exits the light guide through the light exit region; The light exit area includes two light exit surfaces, The in-coupling portion is configured to direct light rays emitted from at least one of the light sources in a main light guide propagation direction; The light guide also includes a beam splitter. the beam splitting device includes a total internal reflection surface that totally reflects at least a portion of the light rays that strike the total internal reflection surface, such that these light rays propagate in the light guide in a predetermined direction different from the main light guide propagation direction; the total internal reflection surface has a plurality of optical individual structures configured such that at least a part of the light rays striking one of the individual structures exits the light guide via the individual structure and re-enters the light guide via a re-entry surface, the re-entering light rays being directed towards one of the light exit surfaces, i.e. a first light exit surface located opposite the re-entry surface, so that the light rays can exit from the first light exit surface in the main radiation direction, and the light rays totally reflected by the total reflection surface are totally reflected at a rear portion of the light guide and thereby directed towards a second light exit surface, where they exit the light guide in the direction of the main radiation direction; Further, each optically distinct structure is configured as a depression in the total internal reflection surface; one of the recesses is defined by a mantle surface portion beginning at an opening in the light guide and extending into the light guide; one of the mantle surfaces, the so-called bottom surface, is oriented such that light rays striking the bottom surface pass through the bottom surface in the direction of the first light exit surface, Each of the openings defines a so-called aperture surface, which is one surface within the total reflection surface, and each of the aperture surfaces has an aperture area A B,i The total reflection surface has a total area A ges where A gescomprises the sum of all the aperture areas, and the first light exit surface has a first area A1, the second light exit surface has a second area A2, and the following formula is satisfied: Σ i A B,i / (A ges -Σ i A B,i )=A1 / A2 holds true, An apparatus is provided comprising: More specifically, in the first aspect, A signal light device or illumination device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight, - at least one light source for emitting a light beam; a light guide assigned to at least one said light source, the light guide includes an input coupling portion and a light output region; Through the inlet coupling portion, a light ray emitted from at least one of the light sources is inlet-coupled into the light guide, propagates through the light guide, and exits the light guide through the light exit region; The light exit area includes two light exit surfaces, The in-coupling portion is configured to direct light rays emitted from at least one of the light sources in a main light guide propagation direction; The light guide also includes a beam splitter. the beam splitting device includes a total internal reflection surface that totally reflects at least a portion of the light rays that strike the total internal reflection surface, such that these light rays propagate in the light guide in a predetermined direction different from the main light guide propagation direction; the total internal reflection surface has a plurality of optical individual structures configured such that at least a part of the light rays striking one of the individual structures exits the light guide via the individual structure and re-enters the light guide via a re-entry surface, the re-entering light rays being directed towards one of the light exit surfaces, i.e. a first light exit surface located opposite the re-entry surface, so that the light rays can exit from the first light exit surface in the main radiation direction, and the light rays totally reflected by the total reflection surface are totally reflected at a rear portion of the light guide and thereby directed towards a second light exit surface, where they exit the light guide in the direction of the main radiation direction; Further, each optically distinct structure is configured as a depression in the total internal reflection surface; one of the recesses is defined by a mantle surface portion beginning at an opening in the light guide and extending into the light guide; a bottom surface portion of one of the mantle surfaces is oriented such that light rays striking the bottom surface portion pass through the bottom surface portion in the direction of the first light exit surface; Each of the openings has an aperture surface, which is one surface within the total reflection surface, and each of the aperture surfaces has an aperture area A B,i The total reflection surface has a total area A ges where A ges is the total opening area A B,i and the first light output surface has a first area A 1 and the second light exit surface has a second area A 2 and has the following formula: Σ i A B,i / (A ges -Σ i A B,i )=A 1 / A 2 holds true, It is characterized by: According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle floodlight including one or more of the above described devices. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a motor vehicle including one or more of the above described devices. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including one or more vehicle floodlights 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

[0014] In the present invention, the following configurations are possible. (Form 1) A signal light device or illumination device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight, - at least one light source for emitting a light beam; a light guide assigned to at least one said light source, the light guide includes an input coupling portion and a light output region; Through the inlet coupling portion, a light ray emitted from at least one of the light sources is inlet-coupled into the light guide, propagates through the light guide, and exits the light guide through the light exit region; The light exit area includes two light exit surfaces, the in-coupling portion is configured, for example in the form of a collimator, such that the light beam emitted from the at least one light source is directed substantially in a main light guide propagation direction, The light guide also includes a beam splitter. the beam splitting device includes a total internal reflection surface that totally reflects at least a portion of the light rays that strike the total internal reflection surface, such that these light rays propagate in the light guide in a predetermined direction different from the main light guide propagation direction; the total internal reflection surface has a plurality of optical individual structures configured such that at least a part of the light rays striking one of the individual structures exits the light guide via the individual structure and re-enters the light guide via a re-entry surface, the re-entering light rays being directed towards one of the light exit surfaces, i.e. a first light exit surface located opposite the re-entry surface, so that the light rays can exit from the first light exit surface in the main radiation direction, and the light rays totally reflected by the total reflection surface are totally reflected at a rear portion of the light guide and thereby directed towards a second light exit surface, where they exit the light guide in the direction of the main radiation direction; Further, each optically distinct structure is configured as a depression in the total internal reflection surface; one of the recesses is defined by a mantle surface portion beginning at an opening in the light guide and extending into the light guide; one of the mantle surfaces, the so-called bottom surface, is oriented such that light rays striking the bottom surface pass through the bottom surface in the direction of the first light exit surface, Each of the openings defines a so-called aperture surface, which is one surface within the total reflection surface, and each of the aperture surfaces has an aperture area A B,i The total reflection surface has a total area A ges where A ges comprises the sum of all the aperture areas, and the first light exit surface has a first area A1, the second light exit surface has a second area A2, and the following formula is satisfied: Σ i A B,i / (A ges -Σ i A B,i )=A1 / A2 is true. (Form 2) In the device according to the first aspect, it is preferable that the further mantle surface portion is oriented substantially parallel to or in the direction of the light beam impinging on the individual structure. (Form 3) In the device described in form 1 or 2, it is preferable that the recess portion is formed in a pyramid shape having a triangular opening, a bottom surface portion, and two mantle surface portions extending into the light guide. (Form 4) In the device according to the first or second aspect, the recess is preferably at least partially formed in a cylindrical shape. (Form 5) In the device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the bottom surface portion is curved, particularly toward the inside of the light guide, and the other mantle surface portions are preferably flat, e.g., these flat mantle surface portions preferably extend parallel to the main propagation direction of the light guide. (Form 6) In the device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, it is preferable that the individual structures are distributed evenly and / or in rows and / or columns across the total reflection surface. (Form 7) In the device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, two or more light sources are provided, and the inlet coupling portion for one or for each of the light sources is configured, for example in the form of a collimator, such that the light beam emitted from each light source is directed substantially in the main light guide propagation direction, and preferably the light sources are arranged in a row, in particular side-by-side, transversely to the main light guide propagation direction. (Form 8) In the device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, it is preferred that the light exit surfaces are directly adjacent to each other, in particular meeting at a straight edge, and / or that one of the light exit surfaces is disposed above the other of the light exit surfaces. (Form 9) In the device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, when the light exit surface is intersected with a horizontal plane, assuming that the light exit surface is formed flat, the obtained intersection line is: - Extends parallel to a particular straight line, or - Extends obliquely to a particular straight line, The special straight line here is preferably a straight line which lies in a horizontal plane and extends perpendicular to the main propagation direction of the light guide. (Form 10) In the device according to the ninth aspect, a line of intersection formed by the total reflection surface in a horizontal cross section is - is parallel to said special straight line, or - preferably oblique to said special straight line. (Form 11) In the device described in any one of forms 1 to 10, it is preferable that the upper light exit surface is located at approximately the same height as one or more of the light sources, and / or, preferably, the total reflection surface is located at approximately the same height as at least one of the light sources. (Form 12) In the device according to any one of forms 1 to 11, the total reflection surface is divided into a plurality of facets which are positioned side-by-side and preferably each of the facets is rotated at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the main propagation direction of the light guide. (Form 13) In the device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the at least one light source is preferably configured as an LED or includes at least one LED. (Form 14) An automobile floodlight including one or more devices according to any one of aspects 1 to 13. (Form 15) A vehicle including one or more devices according to any one of aspects 1 to 13 and / or one or more vehicle floodlights according to aspect 14.

[0015] The above general formula is valid under the assumption that the recesses, i.e., in particular the recess openings, may be of different sizes. Preferably, the recesses, in particular the recess openings, may be of the same size, i.e., have the same opening area. If n recesses are provided, the above formula is simplified as follows (A Bis the area of ​​the opening of one recess): nA B / (A ges -nA B )=A1 / A2

[0016] The aperture plane lies in the plane of the TIR surface, assuming the TIR surface is flat. As will be explained further below, the TIR surface can be faceted, i.e. divided into a number of preferably flat facets. In this case, the aperture plane lies in the plane of each facet, starting from that plane and extending in a recess into the light guide.

[0017] By means of the configuration according to the invention, it is achieved that the light emitted from the one or more light sources is divided in accordance with the ratio of the sizes of both light exit surfaces, so that both light exit surfaces are illuminated with the same light intensity and therefore have the same brightness or surface brightness.

[0018] In this case, one of the light exit surfaces, for example the lower light exit surface, can have a larger area than the other light exit surface, for example the upper light exit surface.

[0019] Advantageous configurations of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0020] The further mantle surface portions (except for the bottom surface portion) are oriented substantially parallel to or in the direction of the light rays impinging on the individual structures, i.e. preferably parallel to the light emission direction.

[0021] It is thereby achieved that these mantle surfaces have no effect, or as little effect as possible, on the light rays impinging on the recess.

[0022] For example, the well can be formed in a pyramidal shape having a triangular opening, a base, and two mantle surfaces that extend into the light guide.

[0023] In this case, "triangular" does not necessarily mean that the connecting line between the two vertices of the "triangle" must be straight (in the case of a "modified" triangle). Similarly, "pyramidal" means that the shape of the depression resembles a pyramid, but does not necessarily have to be the same as a pyramid, for example because the mantle surface is curved rather than flat.

[0024] The recess may be at least partially formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0025] In this case, the depression is a "cutout" in the light guide or in the total reflection surface, with the mantle surface (boundary surface) of the depression being formed in the shape of a part of the side surface of the cylinder, the height of this mantle surface or the side surface of the cylinder extending substantially vertically.

[0026] Through this mantle surface portion, the impinging light rays are directed towards the first light exit surface.

[0027] The cavity is bounded by three further mantle surfaces (boundary surfaces), which are preferably flat, and which "communicate" with the opening of the cavity.

[0028] Preferably, the bottom part can be curved, in particular towards the inside of the light guide.

[0029] As a result, the surface normal to the bottom surface extends substantially parallel to the main propagation direction of the light guide, whereby, for example, this surface normal can extend through the geometric center point of this mantle surface, in particular perpendicular to a tangent plane to the bottom surface at this center point.

[0030] This curvature makes it possible to achieve a splitting / expanding effect on the incoming light bundle consisting of parallel light rays, so that these rays are evenly distributed towards the light exit surface and illuminate the light exit surface evenly and brightly.

[0031] The other mantle surface portion may be formed flat.

[0032] For example, in a cylindrically shaped recess, two side mantle surface portions and one bottom mantle surface portion are provided, which are preferably formed flat.

[0033] Preferably, these flat mantle surfaces extend parallel to the main light guide propagation direction.

[0034] In particular, the individual structures can be distributed and arranged evenly and / or in rows and / or columns over the total reflecting surface.

[0035] It is thereby possible to achieve that the first light exit surface, but also the second light exit surface, is "supplied" with light from the light source as completely as possible.

[0036] Two or more light sources may be provided, with the respective inlet coupling portion for one or more of these light sources being configured, for example in the form of a collimator, such that the light rays emitted from each light source are directed substantially in the main light guide propagation direction, the light sources being arranged in a row, in particular side-by-side, transversely (left-right) relative to the main light guide propagation direction.

[0037] Even in the case of only one light source, the in-coupling part can preferably be configured in the form of a collimator.

[0038] In the case of multiple light sources, two light sources can be provided per collimator, for example a light source of LEDs of a first color (e.g. white) and a light source of LEDs of a second color (e.g. orange or yellow), so that the device can realize two light functions, on the one hand the function of daytime running lights / position lights and on the other hand the function of turn signal lights. The homogeneity or radiation characteristics are similar for both light functions, and the entire light exit surface lights up in the first color or flashes in the second color.

[0039] The light exit surfaces are directly adjacent to one another, in particular meeting at one straight edge, and / or one light exit surface is arranged above the other light exit surface.

[0040] In particular, both light exit surfaces can be inclined to one another under an angle greater than 90°, resulting in a V-shaped arrangement of both light exit surfaces.

[0041] When the light exit surface is intersected with a horizontal plane, assuming that the light exit surface is formed flat, a line of intersection is obtained, which is - Extends parallel to a particular straight line, or - Extends obliquely to a particular straight line, In this case, the special straight line is a straight line which lies in a horizontal plane and extends perpendicular to the main propagation direction of the light guide.

[0042] Furthermore, the intersection line obtained by the total reflection surface in the horizontal section is, assuming that the total reflection surface is formed flat, - Parallel to a particular straight line, or - At an angle to a particular line.

[0043] Totally internally reflecting surfaces arranged obliquely relative to a particular straight line make it possible to illuminate a light guide or light exit surface which is formed obliquely as viewed in the main emission direction by light rays which are totally reflected in the corresponding direction.

[0044] The upper light exit surface is located at approximately the same height as the one or more light sources, and / or in this case, preferably the total internal reflection surface is located at approximately the same height as at least one light source.

[0045] Furthermore, the total internal reflection surface may extend transversely (left-right) to the main light guide propagation direction and may preferably be tilted such that the upper edge region is closer to at least one light source than the lower edge region.

[0046] It is advantageous if the total internal reflection surface is divided into a number of facets which lie side by side and which are preferably each rotated (inclined) at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the main propagation direction of the light guide.

[0047] For example, each facet is a substantially rectangular flat surface, the normal vector to which can be divided into a horizontal component in a substantially horizontally oriented plane containing the main light guide propagation direction, and a vertical component in a vertical plane extending perpendicular to the substantially horizontal surface.

[0048] Preferably, all facets are rotated (tilted) at the same angle with respect to the main light guide propagation direction.

[0049] The above mentioned angles (rotation angle / tilt angle) are the angles that the horizontal component of said normal vector makes with respect to the main propagation direction of the light guide.

[0050] The facets are positioned side by side, for example in one or more one-above-one rows.

[0051] Facets have an advantage compared to non-faceted total internal reflection surfaces (i.e. continuous flat total internal reflection surfaces) since, due to the second light exit surface extending obliquely to the main light guide propagation direction, the entire total internal reflection surface would have to be rotated (tilted) by said angle, which would require a significantly larger amount of construction space.

[0052] The at least one light source may be configured as or include at least one LED.

[0053] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the illustrative drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1 in a schematic side view. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic vertical cross section along the device of FIG. 1 parallel to the light guide main propagation direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a detailed portion of a total internal reflection surface of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a depression in the total reflection surface of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the recessed portion of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view parallel to the main propagation direction of the light guide along the recessed portion of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in a view from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic vertical cross section along the device of FIG. 9 parallel to the light guide main propagation direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of a depression in the total internal reflection surface of the device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the recessed portion of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view parallel to the main propagation direction of the light guide along the recess in FIG. EXAMPLES

[0055] 1 to 4 show a signaling or illumination device 10 for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight. The device 10 comprises a light guide 100 and a number of light sources 50 assigned to the light guide 100. The light guide 100 has an in-coupling section 110 as well as a light exit area 160. Via the in-coupling section 110, light rays emitted from the light sources 50 are in-coupling into the light guide 100, which light rays propagate within the light guide 100 and exit from the light guide 100 via the light exit area 160.

[0056] The input coupling portion 110 is configured, for example, in the form of a collimator 111 or multiple collimators, such that the light rays emitted from the at least one light source 50 are substantially directed in the main light guide propagation direction X and propagate within the light guide 100 in a direction S1 parallel to the main light guide propagation direction X.

[0057] The light sources 50 are preferably arranged in a row, in particular side-by-side, transversely (left-right) with respect to the main light guide propagation direction X. The light sources 50 are for example configured as LEDs or each include at least one LED.

[0058] The light exit area 160 includes two light exit surfaces 161, 162. The light exit surfaces 161, 162 are directly adjacent to each other and meet at one straight edge. One (first) light exit surface 161 is located above the other (second) light exit surface 162. Both light exit surfaces 161, 162 are inclined to each other at an angle preferably greater than 90°, which results in a V-shaped arrangement of both light exit surfaces 161, 162.

[0059] Preferably, as shown, the upper light output surface 161 is located at approximately the same height as the one or more light sources 50, and preferably the total reflection surface 201 is also located at approximately the same height as at least one light source 50.

[0060] In this case, one of the light exit surfaces, for example the lower light exit surface 162, can have a larger area than the other light exit surface, for example the upper light exit surface 161.

[0061] Light guide 100 preferably comprises a transparent solid body constructed from a transparent material through which the incident coupled light can propagate.

[0062] The light guide 100 comprises a beam splitting device 200, which includes a total reflection surface 201 that totally reflects at least a portion of the light rays S1 impinging on it, whereby these totally reflected light rays S3 propagate within the light guide 100 in a predetermined direction Z different from the main light guide propagation direction X, in particular downwards.

[0063] The total internal reflection surface 201 has a plurality of optical individual structures 202, which are configured such that at least a portion of a light ray S1 striking one of the individual structures 202 exits the light guide 100 through the individual structure 202 and re-enters the light guide 100 through the re-entry surface 203, whereby the re-entered light ray S2 is directed towards the first light exit surface 161 located opposite the re-entry surface 203, so that these light rays exit from the first light exit surface 161 in the main radiation direction Y (as light ray S4).

[0064] The light exit surface 161 and / or the re-entry surface 203 may have optical structures or elements to direct the exiting light (light ray S4) in a desired direction (main emission direction Y).

[0065] The light ray S3 totally reflected by the total reflection surface 201 is totally reflected again at the back portion 101 of the light guide 100, thereby being directed as light ray S3' towards the second light exit surface 162, where the light ray S5 also exits the light guide 100 in the main radiation direction Y.

[0066] The second light exit surface 162 may also have optical structures to emit the light rays S5 in a desired direction and / or to provide further homogenization of the emitted light.

[0067] 1 to 4, and especially in FIG. 2, it can be seen that in this embodiment the total internal reflection surface 201, but also the light exit surfaces 161, 162, extend obliquely to the main light guide propagation direction X.

[0068] This can also be seen from the imaginary straight lines g50, g161, g162, and g201. When the light exit surfaces 161 and 162 are intersected with a horizontal plane, intersecting lines g161 and g162 are obtained, assuming that the light exit surfaces 161 and 162 are formed flat.

[0069] Furthermore, a so-called "special" straight line g50 can be seen, which is a straight line lying in a horizontal plane and extending perpendicular to the main light guide propagation direction X. In the example shown, the row of light sources 50 extends parallel to the special straight line g50.

[0070] Now, in this embodiment, both straight lines g161, g162 extend obliquely with respect to the special straight line g50 or obliquely with respect to the light guide propagation direction X.

[0071] A straight line g201 obtained by the total reflection surface 201 in a horizontal cross section also extends obliquely with respect to the special straight line g50, assuming that the total reflection surface 201 is formed flat.

[0072] The straight lines g161, g162, and g201 may be disposed parallel to one another, but may also extend obliquely to one another.

[0073] In particular, the individual structures 202 may be distributed and arranged across the total reflection surface 201 evenly and / or in rows and / or columns, as can be seen, for example, in the drawings of FIG. 1 or FIG. 5.

[0074] It is thereby possible to achieve that the first light exit surface 161, but also the second light exit surface 162, is "supplied" with light from the light source as completely as possible.

[0075] 1 to 8, the total reflection surface 201 can further advantageously be divided into a number of facets 201A, the facets 201A being positioned side by side and preferably each rotated (inclined) by an angle greater than 0° and smaller than 90° with respect to the main light guide propagation direction X. Preferably, all facets 201A are rotated (inclined) by the same angle with respect to the main light guide propagation direction X.

[0076] For example, each facet 201A is a substantially rectangular flat surface. The normal vector to this surface can be divided into a horizontal component in a substantially horizontally positioned plane containing the main light guide propagation direction X and a vertical component in a vertical plane extending perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane. The above-mentioned angle (rotation angle / tilt angle) is the angle that the horizontal component of the normal vector makes with respect to the main light guide propagation direction X.

[0077] The facets 201A are arranged side by side, for example in one or several rows one above the other. The facets 201A have an advantage compared to a non-faceted total reflection surface (i.e. a continuous flat total reflection surface) since the second light exit surface 162 extends obliquely to the light guide main propagation direction X, which would require the entire total reflection surface to be rotated (tilted) by said angle, which would require a very large construction space. Due to the faceting, it is not necessary to rotate a large continuous surface, but "only" a certain number / multiple small surfaces, which require only a small space due to their significantly smaller size in the lateral direction compared to a continuous surface.

[0078] Returning to the optical individual structures 202 and looking at Figures 5-8, each individual structure 202 begins with a total internal reflection surface 201 and is configured as a depression in the total internal reflection surface 201, or more precisely, as a depression in the light guide 100.

[0079] Such a recess is defined by mantle surfaces (interfaces with the light conductor) 2022, 2023, 2024 starting from an opening 2021 in the light conductor 100 (i.e. in the total internal reflection surface 201) and extending into the light conductor 100, with one of the mantle surfaces, the so-called bottom surface 2022, being oriented such that a light ray S1 hitting the bottom surface 2022 passes through the bottom surface 2022 in the direction of the first light exit surface 161.

[0080] The recess 202 is formed in this example in a "pyramid shape" having a triangular opening 2021, a base 2022 and two further mantle surfaces 2023, 2024 that extend into the light guide 100.

[0081] In this case, "triangular" does not necessarily mean that the connecting line between the two vertices of the "triangle" must be straight (in the case of a "modified" triangle). Similarly, "pyramidal" means that the shape of the depression resembles a pyramid, but does not necessarily have to be the same as a pyramid, for example because the mantle surface is curved rather than flat.

[0082] Both further mantle surfaces 2023, 2024 are preferably formed flat and are oriented substantially parallel to or in the direction of the light rays impinging on the individual structures 202, i.e. preferably parallel to the light guide main propagation direction X.

[0083] It is thereby achieved that these mantle surfaces have no effect, or as little effect as possible, on the light rays impinging on the recess.

[0084] More preferably, the bottom surface 2022 can be curved, in particular towards the inside of the light guide 100, so that a surface normal to the bottom surface 2022 extends substantially parallel to the light guide main propagation direction X, for example, whereby this surface normal can extend through the geometric center point of this mantle surface, in particular at right angles to a tangent plane to the bottom surface at this center point.

[0085] This curvature (see FIG. 7) makes it possible to achieve a splitting / expanding effect on the incoming light beam consisting of parallel light rays S1, so that these light rays are evenly distributed towards the light exit surface 161 and illuminate the light exit surface 161 evenly and brightly.

[0086] In a further embodiment according to Figures 9 to 13, the basic configuration relationship is given as in the variation described on the basis of Figure 1 and will not be described again here, but in this embodiment, the recess 202 is formed at least partially in a cylindrical shape. In this case, this configuration of the recess 202 is advantageous, since in this variation, the special straight line g50 and the straight line g161 (see the description of the variation in Figure 1 for these concepts) extend parallel to each other (Figure 9) and extend transversely and perpendicularly to the main light guide propagation direction X. In this example, the straight lines g161, g162, g201 also extend parallel to the special straight line g50.

[0087] In this case, the recess starts from the total reflection surface 201 and is a "notch" in the light guide 100 or in the total reflection surface 201, with the mantle surface (boundary surface) 2022 of the recess being formed in the shape of a part of the cylinder side surface. The height of this mantle surface or cylinder side surface extends substantially vertically.

[0088] Via this mantle surface portion 2022, the impinging light rays S1 are directed towards the first light exit surface 161. Preferably, the mantle surface portion 2022 is curved, in particular curved towards the inside of the light guide 100, so that, as in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the light rays S1 are appropriately "scattered" (splitting / expanding effect on the incoming light beam consisting of parallel light rays S1), so that as a further consequence the light exit surface 161 is illuminated more homogeneously.

[0089] The depression 202 is delimited by three further mantle surfaces (boundary surfaces) 2023, 2024a, 2024b, which are preferably flat and which "communicate" with the opening of the depression, e.g. two lateral mantle surfaces 2024a, 2024b and one bottom mantle surface 2023, which are preferably formed flat. Preferably, these flat mantle surfaces 2023, 2024a, 2024b extend parallel to the light guide main propagation direction X.

[0090] In both embodiments, each opening 2021 can open a so-called aperture surface, which is a surface in the total reflection surface 201, and in this case, one aperture surface has an aperture area A B,i The total reflection surface 201 has a total area A ges where A ges includes the sum of all the aperture areas, and the first light output surface 161 has a first area A1, the second light output surface 162 has a second area A2, and the following formula is satisfied: Σ i A B,i / (A ges -Σ i A B,i )=A1 / A2 holds true.

[0091] The above general formula is valid under the assumption that the recesses, i.e., in particular the recess openings, may be of different sizes. Preferably, the recesses, in particular the recess openings, may be of the same size, i.e., have the same opening area. If n recesses are provided, the above formula is simplified as follows (A B is the area of ​​the opening of one recess): nA B / (A ges -nA B )=A1 / A2

[0092] The aperture lies in the plane of the total internal reflection surface, assuming that the total internal reflection surface is flat. As mentioned above, the total internal reflection surface can be faceted, i.e. divided into a number of preferably flat facets. In this case, the aperture lies in the plane of each facet, starting from which the recess extends into the light guide.

[0093] In the case of a faceted total reflection surface 201, the total area A ges can be calculated by the sum of the faces of facet 201A starting from those faces where recess 202 extends into light guide 100.

[0094] By means of the configuration according to the present invention, it is achieved that the light emitted from one or more light sources 50 is divided in accordance with the ratio of the sizes of both light exit surfaces 161, 162, so that both light exit surfaces 161, 162 are illuminated with the same light intensity and therefore have the same brightness or surface brightness.

[0095] 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]

[0096] 10 Irradiation device 50 light source 100 Light pipe 101 Rear part of light guide 110 Incident coupling part 111 Collimator 160 Light output area 161 Light exit surface 162 Light exit surface 200 light splitting device 201 Total reflection surface 201A Facet 202 Individual Structures / Cavities 203 Re-entry surface 2021 Opening 2022 Mantle surface / bottom surface 2023 Mantle surface 2024 Mantle surface 2024a Mantle surface 2024b Mantle surface g50 Virtual line g161 Imaginary line g162 Imaginary line g201 Imaginary line S1 ray S2 ray S3 ray S3' ray S4 Ray S5 ray X Light guide main propagation direction Y main radiation direction Z given direction

Claims

1. A signal light device or illumination device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle floodlight, at least one light source (50) for emitting a light beam, a light guide (100) assigned to at least one said light source (50), The light guide (100) includes an input coupling portion (110) and a light output region (160); A light beam emitted from at least one of the light sources (50) is coupled into the light guide (100) through the input coupling portion (110), propagates through the light guide (100), and exits the light guide (100) through the light exit area (160); The light exit area (160) includes two light exit surfaces (161, 162), The in-coupling portion (110) is configured to direct light rays emitted from at least one of the light sources (50) in a main light guide propagation direction (X), The light guide (100) also includes a beam splitting device (200), The beam splitting device (200) comprises a total reflection surface (201) which totally reflects at least a part of the light rays (S1) striking said total reflection surface (201) so that these light rays (S3) propagate in said light guide (100) in a predetermined direction (Z) different from the main light guide propagation direction (X), the total internal reflection surface (201) also comprises a number of optical individual structures (202) configured such that at least a part of the light rays (S1) striking one of the individual structures (202) exits the light guide (100) via said individual structure (202) and enters the light guide (100) again via a re-entry surface (203), the re-entered light rays (S2) being directed towards one of the light exit surfaces, i.e. a first light exit surface (161) located opposite the re-entry surface (203), so that these light rays can exit from the first light exit surface (161) in the main radiation direction (Y); The light rays (S3) totally reflected by the total reflection surface (201) are totally reflected at the back part (101) of the light guide (100) and are thereby directed towards a second light exit surface (162), where these light rays (S5) exit the light guide (100) in the direction of the main radiation direction (Y); Furthermore, each optically distinct structure (202) is configured as a depression in the total reflection surface (201), One of the recesses is defined by a mantle surface portion (2022, 2023, 2024; 2022, 2023, 2024a, 2024b) starting from an opening (2021) in the light guide (100) and extending into the light guide (100); A bottom surface portion (2022), which is one of the mantle surface portions, is oriented so that a light ray (S1) that hits the bottom surface portion (2022) passes through the bottom surface portion (2022) in the direction of the first light exit surface (161); Each of the openings (2021) has an opening surface which is one surface in the total reflection surface (201), and each of the opening surfaces has an opening area A Ｂ，ｉ and the total reflection surface (201) has a total area A ｇｅｓ where A ｇｅｓ comprises the sum of all the aperture areas A B,i, and the first light exit surface (161) has a first area A １ and the second light exit surface (162) has a second area A ２ and has the following formula: S ｉ A Ｂ，ｉ / (A) ｇｅｓ -S ｉ A Ｂ，ｉ )=A １ / A ２ holds true, An apparatus comprising:

2. the further mantle surface parts (2023, 2024; 2023, 2024a, 2024b) except for the bottom surface part (2022) are oriented parallel to or in the direction of the light beam impinging on the individual structure (202); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

3. The recess (202) is formed in a pyramid shape having a triangular opening (2021), a bottom surface (2022), and two mantle surface portions (2023, 2024) extending toward the inside of the light guide (100); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

4. The recess (202) is at least partially formed in a cylindrical shape; The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

5. The bottom surface portion (2022) is curved toward the inside of the light guide (100), and the other mantle surface portions (2023, 2024; 2023, 2024a, 2024b) are flat, and these flat mantle surface portions (2023, 2024) extend parallel to the main light guide propagation direction (X); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

6. the individual structures (202) are distributed over the total reflection surface (201) in rows and / or columns; The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

7. two or more light sources (50) are provided, the in-coupling portion (110) for one or for each of the light sources (50) being configured such that the light rays emitted from each light source (50) are directed in the main light guide propagation direction (X), the light sources (50) being arranged in a row, side by side, transverse to the main light guide propagation direction (X); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

8. the light exit surfaces (161, 162) are directly adjacent to each other and meet at a straight edge and / or one of the light exit surfaces (161) is arranged above the other light exit surface (162); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

9. When the light exit surfaces (161, 162) are intersected with a horizontal plane, assuming that the light exit surfaces (161, 162) are formed flat, the resulting intersection line (g161, g162) is - Extends parallel to a special straight line (g50), or - extending obliquely to a special straight line (g50), Here, the special straight line (g50) is a straight line that is located in a horizontal plane and extends perpendicular to the main propagation direction (X) of the light guide. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

10. The intersection line (g201) obtained by the total reflection surface (201) in the horizontal cross section is - parallel to said special straight line (g50), or - oblique to said special straight line (g50); 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that

11. the upper light exit surface (161) is located at approximately the same height as one or more of the light sources (50) and / or the total reflection surface (201) is located at approximately the same height as at least one of the light sources (50); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

12. the total reflection surface (201) is divided into a plurality of facets (201A), the facets (201A) are positioned side by side, and the facets (201A) are each rotated at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the light guide main propagation direction (X); The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

13. said at least one light source (50) being configured as an LED or including at least one LED; The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that

14. A vehicle floodlight comprising one or more devices according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A motor vehicle comprising one or more devices according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. 15. A vehicle including one or more vehicle floodlights according to claim 14.

Images