Optical elements, automotive light modules, automotive lights, and vehicles

The optical element with branched light guide portions and reflective surfaces addresses the challenge of narrow and elongated light-emitting surfaces in automotive lighting, achieving efficient and versatile lighting solutions.

JP7911590B2Active Publication Date: 2026-08-26HASCO VISION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024559915
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-04-20
Publication Date
2026-08-26
Estimated Expiration
2042-04-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle lighting modules struggle to achieve narrow and elongated light-emitting surfaces while maintaining high optical efficiency and integration density, failing to meet the demands for advanced automotive lighting designs.

Method used

The optical element comprises multiple optical units with light-receiving and light-emitting surfaces, utilizing reflective surfaces and guide portions to branch and emit light efficiently, allowing for narrow light-emitting surfaces and versatile lighting effects.

Benefits of technology

The design enables light-emitting surfaces as narrow as 10 mm or less with high optical efficiency, applicable to various automotive light dimensions, offering enhanced integration density and diverse lighting effects.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle light illumination device, and discloses an optical element, a vehicle light module, a vehicle light, and a vehicle, the optical element includes a plurality of optical units, the optical units include a light input surface, a light guide portion, and a light output surface, the light input surfaces are located on the same plane and are connected in sequence to form a light input surface of the optical element, the light guide portions are arranged so that the light incident from the light input surface of the optical element can be branched and output to the corresponding light output surface, and the light output surfaces are arranged in a predetermined shape. The optical element of the present invention has a light output surface with a narrower width size, and is applicable to vehicle lights of various sizes with a narrow and elongated shape, and has advantages such as high integration, high optical efficiency, and small size.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device, specifically to an optical element. Further, it relates to a vehicle lighting module including the optical element, a vehicle lighting including the vehicle lighting module, and a vehicle including the vehicle lighting.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the automobile industry and the continuous improvement of people's living conditions, automobiles have become an indispensable means of transportation for people to go out. The number of registered automobiles is increasing year by year. The popularization of automobiles has brought development to the manufacturing and design of automobile parts. For example, the requirements for vehicle lights are becoming increasingly high. The role of automotive lights is no longer limited to functional lighting, and the appearance effect is required by consumers.

[0003] In the market, the demand for vehicle lighting modules with a narrow and long light-emitting surface is increasing. Regarding the dimensional requirements of the light-emitting surface of vehicle lights, the vertical dimension needs to be 30 mm or less, especially 20 mm or less. In the prior art, there are existing vehicle lighting modules that can make the dimension of the light-emitting window of vehicle lights 30 mm or less. Optimally, it can be about 10 mm. For example, the dimension of the light-emitting surface of the lens is limited, and the vertical dimension of the lens is 20 mm or less, and the horizontal dimension is 30 mm to 100 mm. However, the dimension of the light-emitting surface of the lens in the prior art is large. When directly reducing the lens or combining it with the reduction of the optical element, the requirements such as patterns, optical performance, and optical efficiency cannot be satisfied, and a better effect cannot be achieved under the condition of balancing the light-emitting effect and the vertical dimension of the light-emitting surface. It is impossible to ensure the light-emitting effect and narrow it to a light-emitting surface with a width of 8 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm, etc., and it cannot well meet the increasingly high requirements of people for the appearance shape of vehicle lights.

[0004] Therefore, in order to solve the above technical problems, it is necessary to design a new type of optical element.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem that the first aspect of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an optical element that has a narrower light-emitting surface, is applicable to automotive lights of various dimensions with a narrow and elongated shape, and has advantages such as high integration density, high optical efficiency, and small dimensions.

[0006] The technical problem that the second aspect of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automotive light module that has advantages such as a narrow and elongated optical element, high integration density, high optical efficiency, and small dimensions.

[0007] The technical problem that the third aspect of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a car light with a narrow and elongated external shape.

[0008] The technical problem that the fourth aspect of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle in which the car lights have a narrow and elongated external design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides an optical element comprising a plurality of optical units, each optical unit comprising a light-receiving surface, an optical guide portion, and a light-emitting surface, wherein each light-receiving surface is located on the same plane and connected in order to form an optical element light-receiving surface, each optical guide portion is arranged to branch and emit light incident from the optical element light-receiving surface to the corresponding light-emitting surface, and each light-emitting surface is arranged in a predetermined configuration.

[0010] The optical guide portion may optionally include sides that have different inclination angles with respect to each light-receiving surface, the sides of which are located on both the left and right sides of the optical guide portion, and a portion of the light incident from the light-receiving surface may be reflected upon reaching each of the sides.

[0011] Furthermore, a first reflective surface is positioned between the light guide portion and the corresponding light-emitting surface, and the first reflective surface is positioned to reflect the light emitted through the light guide portion to the corresponding light-emitting surface and emit it.

[0012] Specifically, the first reflective surface is a total reflective surface.

[0013] More specifically, an enhanced reflective coating is provided on the first reflective surface.

[0014] The angle between the first reflective surface and the corresponding light-receiving surface can be selected to be between 30° and 90°.

[0015] A reflective coating is optionally provided on the side surface.

[0016] Selectively, the same side surfaces of each optical guide portion are located on the same plane, and a second reflective surface is positioned between the optical guide portion and the corresponding light-emitting surface, the second reflective surface being positioned to reflect the light emitted through the optical guide portion to the corresponding light-emitting surface and emit it.

[0017] Selectively, each of the light-emitting surfaces is located on the same plane and connected in sequence to form an optical element light-emitting surface.

[0018] Selectively, the light-emitting surface includes a plurality of light-emitting unit surfaces arranged in a predetermined configuration.

[0019] Selectively, the width of the light-receiving surface is the same as the width of the light-emitting surface.

[0020] Multiple optical units are connected to form an integrally molded member, which can be selected as needed.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a car light module comprising a collimating optical unit and an optical element described in any one of the above technical proposals, wherein the collimating optical unit is arranged to focus and collide light emitted from a light source onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

[0022] Optionally, the collimating optical unit is a parabolic reflecting mirror arranged so that the light emitted by the light source can be reflected onto the light incident surface of the optical element.

[0023] Optionally, the collimating optical unit includes a condenser cup integrally connected to the optical element, and the condenser cup is arranged so that the light emitted by the light source can be converged and collimated onto the light incident surface of the optical element.

[0024] Furthermore, the collimating optical unit is located between the condenser cup and the light incident surface of the optical element, and further includes a first lens capable of converging and collimating the light emitted through the condenser cup onto the light incident surface of the optical element.

[0025] Even further, a light shielding plate for forming a low beam cut-off line is provided between the first lens and the condenser cup.

[0026] Optionally, the collimating optical unit includes a condenser and a second lens, the second lens is located between the condenser and the light incident surface of the optical element, and the light emitted from the condenser can be converged and collimated onto the light incident surface of the optical element.

[0027] Furthermore, a first cut-off line structure for forming a low beam cut-off line is provided at the trailing edge of the upper end surface of the condenser.

[0028] Optionally, the collimating optical unit is a collimating light guiding member, and the collimating light guiding member includes a light incident portion, a light passing portion, and a light emitting portion that are sequentially connected and integrally formed.

[0029] Optionally, the light incident portion is a converging structure for converging light, and the light emitting portion is a curved surface protruding toward the light incident surface of the optical element.

[0030] Optionally, the light-transmitting portion is provided with a second cutoff line structure for forming a low-beam cutoff line.

[0031] A third aspect of the present invention provides a car light equipped with a car light module described in any one of the above technical proposals.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle equipped with the vehicle light described in the above technical proposal.

[0033] According to the above technical proposal, during use, the light-receiving surface of the optical element functions as a single overall structure. Light emitted from the light source enters the optical element from the light-receiving surface, and each light guide section is provided to branch the light that enters from the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and the branched light is projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface. Compared to conventional automotive light modules with narrow and elongated light-emitting surfaces, this optical element design ensures a light-emitting effect while reducing the width of the light-emitting surface, i.e., making the light-emitting surface narrower. For example, it can form light-emitting surfaces with widths of 8 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm, etc., and can be applied to automotive lights of various dimensions with narrow and elongated shapes, offering advantages such as high integration density, high optical efficiency, and small dimensions. Furthermore, each light-emitting surface can be arranged as needed to achieve various lighting effects, making it more versatile.

[0034] Other advantages of the present invention and the technical effects of preferred embodiments will be further described in the following specific embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical element in a specific embodiment of the first present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the illumination effect of the optical element shown in Figure 1, as viewed from different positions on the outside of the car light in a first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a diagram illustrating the lighting effect of an optical element in which light-emitting surfaces of different widths are arranged in sequence, as viewed from different positions on the outside of a car light in a first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the lighting effect of optical elements in a first specific embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from different positions on the outside of a car light, where light-emitting surfaces of the same width are arranged horizontally and spaced vertically in a staggered pattern. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the lighting effect of an optical element in which light-emitting surfaces of the same width are arranged vertically, as viewed from different positions on the outside of a car light in a first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of an optical element in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of an optical element in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of an optical element in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the illumination effect of the optical element shown in Figure 6, as viewed from the outside of the car light in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of the optical unit in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of the optical unit in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of the optical unit in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram 4 of the structure of the optical unit in a second specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of an optical element in a third specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of an optical element in a third specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of an optical element in a third specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of an optical element in a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of an optical element in a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of an optical element in a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 1 shows the lighting effect of the optical element shown in Figure 18, as viewed from the outside of the car light in a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 2 shows the lighting effect of the optical element shown in Figure 18, as viewed from the outside of the car light in a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of an optical element in a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of an optical element in a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of an optical element in a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] Figure 1 shows the lighting effect of the optical element shown in Figure 22, as viewed from the outside of the car light in the fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] Figure 2 shows the lighting effect of the optical element shown in Figure 22, as viewed from the outside of the car light in the fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of an optical element in a first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of an optical element in a first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of an optical element in a specific embodiment of the first present invention. [Figure 30] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of the optical unit in the first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of the optical unit in the first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32]This is a schematic diagram 3 of the structure of the optical unit in the first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram 4 of the structure of the optical unit in the first specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This is schematic diagram 3 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a vehicle light module in a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a seventh specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This is schematic diagram 3 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the seventh aspect of the present invention. [Figure 41] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the seventh aspect of the present invention. [Figure 42] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of a vehicle light module in the eighth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of a vehicle light module in the eighth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] This is schematic diagram 3 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 45] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the eighth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 46] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 47]This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 48] This is schematic diagram 3 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 49] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 50] This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a tenth specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] This is schematic diagram 3 of the structure of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of a vehicle light module in a specific embodiment of the 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] This is a schematic diagram of a pattern in a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are directions or positional relationships based on the optical element of the present invention being properly mounted on a vehicle. For example, the direction indicated by the term "front" is the normal direction of travel of the vehicle, the term "rear" is the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the term "front," the directions indicated by the terms "up" and "down" are the up and down directions when the vehicle is traveling normally, and the directions indicated by the terms "left" and "right" are the left and right directions when the vehicle is traveling normally. The terms are directions or positional relationships based on the illustrations and do not indicate or imply that such devices or elements necessarily have a specific direction or are configured and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations of the present invention, and the directional terms for the optical element of the present invention should be understood in reference to the actual mounting condition.

[0037] In describing the present invention, unless otherwise specifically defined or limited, terms such as "attachment," "installation," or "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the term "connection" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal communication between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention depending on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms “First” and “Second” are used solely for explanatory purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly representing the number of technical features being referred to; therefore, features limited by “First” and “Second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the aforementioned features.

[0039] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are used solely for the purpose of describing and interpreting the present invention, and that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 33, the present invention provides an optical element comprising a plurality of optical units, each optical unit comprising a light-receiving surface 11, an optical guide portion 12, and a light-emitting surface 13, wherein each light-receiving surface 11 is connected in order to form an optical element light-receiving surface, each optical guide portion 12 is arranged to branch and emit light incident from the optical element light-receiving surface to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13, and each light-emitting surface 13 is arranged in a predetermined configuration.

[0041] Here, the optical element light-receiving surface is a single plane integrally formed by each light-receiving surface 11 located on the same plane. Light emitted from the light source enters from the optical element light-receiving surface and is branched by each light guide portion 12 to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 before being emitted. Therefore, compared to conventional automotive light modules having a narrow and elongated light-emitting surface, the light-emitting surface 13 of the present invention can be made narrower, realizing a narrow light-emitting surface 13 with a width of 10 mm or less, while also having high optical efficiency and being applicable to automotive lights of various dimensions with a narrow and elongated shape, enabling the linear shape of the automotive light. Furthermore, each light-emitting surface 13 can be arranged in a predetermined form to realize various forms of lighting effects. For example, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the optical element light-receiving surface can be considered as being divided into multiple light-receiving surfaces 11 along one direction, with the light-receiving surface 11 located below, and correspondingly forming a light-emitting surface 13 that extends laterally (extending in the left-right direction as shown in the figure), with the light-emitting surface 13 located above. Figures 2 to 4 show the illumination effect of the light-emitting surfaces of the optical element as viewed from two positions on the outside of the car light. In Figure 2, the arrangement of the light-emitting surfaces 13 corresponding to the illumination effect is arranged sequentially in the left-right direction and in the depth direction in the front-back direction, with the shape and size of each light-emitting surface 13 being the same. In Figure 3, the arrangement of the light-emitting surfaces 13 corresponding to the illumination effect is the same as in Figure 2, but the width of each light-emitting surface 13 is different. In Figure 4, the arrangement of the light-emitting surfaces 13 corresponding to the illumination effect is similar to that in Figure 2, but in this case, each light guide section 12 has a different length in the vertical direction, and as a result, each light-emitting surface 13 is arranged in a staggered pattern in the vertical direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the light-receiving surface of the optical element can be considered as being divided into a plurality of light-receiving surfaces 11 along a direction perpendicular to the directions shown in Figures 2 to 4, and correspondingly, a light-emitting surface 13 is formed that extends in the vertical direction (extending in the vertical direction shown in the figure), and Figure 5 shows the illumination effect of the light-emitting surface of the optical element as viewed from two positions on the outside of the car light. Here, the width of each light-receiving surface 11 may be the same or different, and similarly, the width of each light-emitting surface 13 may be the same or different depending on the predetermined shape which is a requirement for the shaping of the light-emitting surface.As can be seen from the above, the optical element of the present invention allows car lights to meet lighting needs, and also allows for greater variety in shape and lighting effect, and enables the light-emitting surface 13 to exhibit different widths, lengths, spacings, and depth effects.

[0042] To better understand the technical concept of the present invention, some drawings show pattern filling on the light-emitting surface 13 and the light-receiving surface of the optical element, etc., to highlight each component. It should be understood that the pattern filling is mainly used to highlight each component and to better understand the technical concept of the present invention, and that there are no actual corresponding patterns in the structure.

[0043] Light body spaces have different structural dimensions, for example, a light body space with a small vertical space and a large front-to-back space, or a light body space with a large vertical space and a small front-to-back space. As one specific structural form of the optical element, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, this optical element can be applied to a light body space with a small vertical space and a large front-to-back space, with the light-emitting surface 13 located at the front and the light-receiving surface of the optical element located at the rear, and the light source may be provided behind the light-receiving surface of the optical element to adapt to the space inside the light body. Specifically, the optical guide section 12 includes two sides 121, each located on the left and right sides of the optical guide section 12, and the inclination angles of the sides 121 with respect to the corresponding light-receiving surfaces 11 are different. In one preferred embodiment, the two sides 121 located on the left and right sides of the same optical guide section 12 are parallel to each other, and the sides 121 can be used as reflective surfaces. For example, an enhanced reflective film is provided on the sides 121 to reflect and emit light to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13. The sides 121 of each optical guide section 12 are inclined with respect to the light-receiving surface 11, and as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the inclination angles of the sides 121 of each optical guide section 12 with respect to each light-receiving surface 11 are different, allowing the corresponding light-emitting surfaces 13 to be arranged in a predetermined configuration. Here, depending on the arrangement requirements of the light-emitting surfaces 13, some of the sides 121 of the optical guide section 12 may be arranged perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 11, as shown in Figure 11. The optical element light-receiving surface is formed by connecting each light-receiving surface 11 within the same plane. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the optical element light-receiving surface is rectangular. Light enters from the optical element light-receiving surface, is branched by each light guide portion 12, and reflected by the side surface 121. The light from each branched portion is then reflected and emitted from the corresponding light-emitting surface 13. Figure 9 shows the illumination effect of the light-emitting surface 13 of the optical element with this structure, viewed from a position outside the car light. Each light-emitting surface 13 is located on the same plane and arranged in a stepped pattern, exhibiting a new car light illumination effect. Of course, each light-emitting surface 13 may be deformed to be arranged in the depth direction, that is, by having different lengths for each light guide portion 12 in the front-to-back direction, each light-emitting surface 13 is arranged in a staggered pattern in the front-to-back direction.As shown in Figure 13, the light-receiving surface 11 is simply a part of the bottom of the optical unit, and the side surface 121 of the optical guide section 12 may be positioned at an angle to the light-receiving surface 11. Light enters from the light-receiving surface 11, the incident light is branched by the optical guide section 12, and the light is reflected by the side surface 121, causing the light to be reflected and emitted from the corresponding light-emitting surface 13.

[0044] As one specific structural form of the optical element, as shown in Figure 1, this optical element can be applied to a light body space where the vertical space is large and the front-to-back space is small. The light-emitting surface 13 faces forward, and the light-receiving surface of the optical element is located below the optical element. Light incident from the light-receiving surface of the optical element is reflected by the first reflective surface 21 to the light-emitting surface 13 and emitted. Specifically, the first reflective surface 21 is positioned between the light guide section 12 and the corresponding light-emitting surface 13. The first reflective surface 21 is positioned at an angle with respect to the light-emitting surface 13, and can reflect light emitted from the light guide section 12 to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13, thereby emitting from the light-emitting surface 13. The optical element of the present invention is installed inside a car light, and from a certain position outside the car light, the shape of the light-emitting surfaces arranged in a predetermined form can be seen, and from other positions outside the car light, the shape of the multiple light-emitting surfaces arranged in the depth direction can be seen, and each light-emitting surface 13 is arranged in a staggered pattern in the front-to-back direction, having a three-dimensional effect and a novel shape. Here, the first reflective surface 21 may be a total reflective surface, which has high optical efficiency, and an enhanced reflective film may be provided on the first reflective surface 21 to enhance the reflective effect.

[0045] In specific embodiments, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the width of the light-emitting surface 13 and the width of the light-receiving surface 11 of each optical unit may be the same. Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figure 27, the light-receiving surface of the optical element is a rectangular light-receiving surface, and the light-receiving surface of the optical element may be divided equally to obtain each light-receiving surface 11. The range of the angle between the first reflective surface 21 and the corresponding light-receiving surface 11 is 30° to 90°, preferably 45°. The selection of the angle is sufficient to satisfy the requirement that the first reflective surface 21 can reflect the light that has passed through the corresponding light-receiving surface 11 to the light-emitting surface 13. For example, if the dimensions of the rectangular light-receiving surface are 40 mm × 40 mm and the width of the light-emitting surface 13 is required to be 10 mm, then by providing four optical units and setting the width of the light-receiving surface 11 of each optical unit to 10 mm, it is possible to create a long car light with a light-emitting surface 13 width of 10 mm.

[0046] As shown in Figures 30 to 33, the inclination angles of the side surfaces 121 of each light guide section 12 with respect to the light-receiving surface 11 are different, and a first reflective surface 21 is provided between the light guide section 12 and the corresponding light-emitting surface 13. Light incident from the light-receiving surface 11 is reflected by one side surface 121, then reflected by another side surface 121 to the first reflective surface 21, and further reflected to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 to be emitted, thereby achieving a predetermined lighting effect. Depending on the arrangement requirements of the light-emitting surface 13, as shown in Figure 31, some of the side surfaces 121 of the light guide section 12 may be arranged perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 11, and light incident in parallel is not reflected by the side surfaces 121 provided perpendicular to the light-receiving surface, but is directly reflected to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 by the first reflective surface 21.

[0047] As shown in Figure 29, under the technical concept of the present invention, a light-emitting surface 13 of any width can be obtained, and not only can a light-emitting surface 13 with a width of 10 mm or less be realized, but optical efficiency is also high. Light incident from each light-receiving surface 11 is emitted directly to the light-emitting surface 13 via the light guide section 12, or light incident from each light-receiving surface 11 is emitted from the light guide section 12 to the first reflecting surface 21, and further projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 by the first reflecting surface 21, thereby obtaining a predetermined lighting effect.

[0048] Depending on the design requirements, the light-emitting surface 13 can be designed to form the desired lighting pattern. The light-emitting surface 13 may be composed of multiple light-emitting unit surfaces 131, each light-emitting unit surface 131 arranged in a predetermined configuration. In the embodiments shown in Figures 22 to 24, each light-emitting unit surface 131 may be arranged in order of height in the vertical direction shown in the figures. The outer shape of the light-emitting unit surface 131 is square, and the lighting effects shown in Figures 25 and 26 can be formed, thereby providing a wider variety of lighting effects for the car lights. Of course, the specific design of the light-emitting surface 13 is not limited to the above examples, and it may be arranged in other shapes and configurations. For example, the outer shape of the light-emitting unit surface 131 may be circular, and each light-emitting unit surface 131 may be arranged in a ring shape.

[0049] As one specific structural form of the optical element, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, each optical unit is arranged sequentially in the front-to-back direction, but not in a staggered pattern in the left-to-right direction. That is, the same side surfaces 121 of each light guide section 12 are located on the same plane, and a second reflective surface 22 is positioned between the light guide section 12 and the corresponding light-emitting surface 13. The second reflective surface 22 is positioned at an angle to the light-emitting surface 13, and can reflect the light emitted from the light guide section 12 to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13, thereby causing the light to be emitted from the light-emitting surface 13. When the optical element of the present invention is installed in a car light, as shown in Figure 20, the shape of the light-emitting surfaces arranged in the vertical direction can be seen from a certain position outside the car light, and as shown in Figure 21, the vertical lighting effect arranged in the depth direction can be seen from another position outside the car light. Each light-emitting surface 13 is arranged in a staggered pattern in the front-to-back direction, resulting in a three-dimensional effect and a novel shape. Here, the second reflective surface 22 may be a total reflective surface, and a reflective coating may be provided on the second reflective surface 22 to enhance the reflective effect and to improve optical efficiency. The angle between the second reflective surface 22 and the corresponding light-receiving surface 11 may be 30° to 90°, preferably 45°. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the side surfaces 121 of each optical guide section 12 are all perpendicular to the light-receiving surface 11, and the side surfaces 121 of each optical guide section 12 may be inclined at the same angle with respect to the light-receiving surface 11. Correspondingly, the external shape of the light-emitting surface 13 may be a parallelogram, or, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, the light-emitting surface 13 may be composed of a plurality of light-emitting unit surfaces 131, and it should be understood that each light-emitting unit surface 131 is arranged in a predetermined form.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, each light-emitting surface 13 may be located on the same plane. That is, based on Figure 1, the three light-emitting surfaces 13 are moved forward until they are on the same plane as another light-emitting surface 13 to form a new structural form of the optical element, and the optical element light-emitting surface shown in Figure 14 is also formed, exhibiting a narrow and elongated external shape, so that the illumination effect of the car lights is displayed in an elongated shape no matter what angle it is viewed from in front of the vehicle.

[0051] The optical guide portion 12 may be a hollow light guide, and the optical unit may be a hollow optical element surrounded by optical surfaces such as the optical element light-receiving surface, the optical guide portion 12, the reflective surface (side surface 121 or first reflective surface 21 or second reflective surface 22), and the light-emitting surface 13. Alternatively, the optical guide portion 12 may be a solid light guide, and the optical unit may be a solid optical element surrounded by optical surfaces such as the optical element light-receiving surface, the optical guide portion 12, the reflective surface (side surface 121 or first reflective surface 21 or second reflective surface 22), and the light-emitting surface 13. Regarding the optical surfaces of the optical unit, other sides other than the light-receiving surface 11, the reflective surface, and the light-emitting surface 13, such as the front and rear sides of the optical guide portion 12, may have a textured surface or be coated with a black light-opaque material such as black paint to prevent light from being reflected off these sides or emitted from these sides and forming stray light that is unfavorable for the illumination of the car lights.

[0052] In the above embodiments, for ease of understanding, the light-receiving surface of the optical element is mainly described as a rectangular light-receiving surface. The light-receiving surface of the optical element is divided into a plurality of light-receiving surfaces 11, and a plurality of optical units are formed correspondingly. As a result, the light incident from the light-receiving surface of the optical element is branched by the light guide unit 12 to the corresponding light-emitting surface 13, thereby achieving a predetermined lighting effect. Note that the light-receiving surface of the optical element is not limited to a rectangular light-receiving surface and may have other shapes.

[0053] As can be seen from the optical path diagrams of the optical elements and each optical unit shown in Figures 29 to 33, when an optical element is applied to a light body space where the vertical space is large and the front-to-back space is small, light enters from the light-receiving surface 11 located at the bottom as shown in the figure, exits to the first reflective surface 21 via the light guide section 12, is reflected by the first reflective surface 21 and projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13, or exits to one side surface 121 via the light guide section 12, is reflected and projected onto another side surface 121, is reflected again and exits to the first reflective surface 21, and finally is reflected by the first reflective surface 21 and projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13.

[0054] In order to ensure the light emission effect of each light-emitting surface 13, as much parallel light as possible must be incident from the light-receiving surface 11. Therefore, a collimating optical unit may be provided below the light-receiving surface of the optical element as shown in the figure, for collimating the light emitted by the light source 3. By combining the optical element in the above embodiment of the present invention with a collimating optical unit, a light module for automobiles can be formed. Several specific embodiments of collimating optical units will be described below with reference to each of them.

[0055] As one specific embodiment of the collimating optical unit, as shown in Figures 34 to 37, the collimating optical unit is a parabolic reflection mirror 4, which is located below the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and the light source 3 may be provided in the focal region of the parabolic reflection mirror 4, that is, the light source 3 may be provided at or near the focal position of the parabolic reflection mirror 4, and as shown in Figure 37, the light emitted from the light source 3 is reflected by the parabolic reflection mirror 4 parallel or approximately parallel to the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and then the light is branched and projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 to achieve a predetermined lighting effect. For example, the light-receiving surface of the optical element may be a rectangular light-receiving surface of 30 mm x 10 mm, which can be considered as being divided into two 30 mm x 5 mm light-receiving surfaces 11, thereby realizing a light-emitting surface 13 with a width of 5 mm.

[0056] As one specific embodiment of the collimated optical unit, as shown in Figures 38 to 41, the collimated optical unit includes a light-gathering cup 51 integrally connected to the optical element, and the light source 3 may be provided in the focal region of the light-gathering cup 51. The light-gathering cup 51 can focus and collide the light emitted from the light source 3 and emit it out onto the light-ingress surface of the optical element. The light is then branched and projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 to achieve a predetermined lighting effect. For example, the light-ingress surface of the optical element may be a rectangular light-ingress surface of 25 mm x 25 mm, which can be considered as being divided into five 25 mm x 5 mm light-ingress surfaces 11, thereby forming five optical units and realizing a light-emitting surface 13 with a width of 5 mm.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 42 to 45, a first lens 52 may be provided between the light-gathering cup 51 and the light-receiving surface of the optical element. The light-gathering cup 51 and the first lens 52 combine to form a collimating optical unit, which can focus and collide the light emitted from the light source 3 onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element. The light is then branched and projected onto the corresponding light-emitting surface 13 to achieve a predetermined lighting effect. The first lens 52 may be a convex lens capable of focusing and collimating light, such as a plano-convex lens or a biconvex lens.

[0058] Furthermore, a light-shielding plate 53 may be provided between the first lens 52 and the focusing cup 51 to form a low-beam cutoff line. Specifically, as shown in Figure 45, a portion of the light emitted from the focusing cup 51 is shielded by the light-shielding plate 53, thereby allowing the light emitted from the light-emitting surface 13 to form a low-beam pattern with a low-beam cutoff line.

[0059] As one specific embodiment of the collimated optical unit, as shown in Figures 46 to 49, the collimated optical unit includes a light condenser 61 and a second lens 62, the light condenser 61 being located below the light-receiving surface of the optical element, the second lens 62 being located between the light condenser 61 and the light-receiving surface of the optical element, the light source 3 being located at the focal point of the light condenser 61, the light emitted from the light source 3 being focused by the light condenser 61 and emitted from the second lens 62, further focused and collimated by the second lens 62 and projected onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element, the light being branched and projected onto each light-emitting surface 13, thereby achieving a predetermined lighting effect.

[0060] Specifically, the light concentrator 61 includes a conical light-receiving end and a light-passing section, the light-receiving end is connected to the light-passing section, the light-receiving end has an inwardly recessed groove structure, and the bottom of the groove structure has an outwardly protruding projection structure, the light source 3 is positioned at the cutout of the groove structure, the groove structure and the projection structure inside it can focus the light, project the focused light onto the light-passing section, and the light-passing section can project it onto the second lens 62. The second lens 62 may be a convex lens that can focus and collimate light, such as a plano-convex lens or a biconvex lens.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 49, a first cutoff line structure 63 for forming a low-beam cutoff line is provided at the trailing edge of the upper end surface of the light concentrator 61. That is, the first cutoff line structure 63 is provided at the trailing edge of the upper end surface of the light-passing portion, and the emitted light can be made into a low-beam pattern having a low-beam cutoff line. As shown in Figure 54, Figure 54 is a diagram of a pattern formed by projecting light emitted from the light-emitting surface 13 corresponding to the collimated optical unit of this embodiment onto a light distribution screen. The pattern has an auxiliary low-beam cutoff line at the position of the 0-degree line, and by providing a light-diffusing structure (e.g., a skin pattern or other microstructure) on the light-emitting surface 13 of the optical element, the widening angle of the pattern can be increased to satisfy the widening requirement of the auxiliary low beam.

[0062] As one specific embodiment of the collimated optical unit, as shown in Figures 50 to 53, the collimated optical unit is a collimated light guide member 7, which is an integrally molded member and includes a light-receiving section 71, a light-passing section 72, and a light-emitting section 73, which are connected in order and integrally molded. The light-receiving section 71 is a focusing structure for focusing light, and has a conical light-receiving end with an inwardly recessed groove structure at the light-receiving end, and a projection structure protruding outward at the bottom of the groove structure, and the light source 3 is positioned at the notch of the groove structure, and the groove structure and the projection structure inside it can focus light, and the focused light can be projected onto the light-passing section 72, and the light-emitting section 73 is a curved surface that protrudes onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and light is emitted from the light-emitting section 73 and projected onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 53, the light-transmitting section 72 is provided with a second cutoff line structure 74 for forming a low-beam cutoff line, and the second cutoff line structure 74 can make the emitted light a low-beam pattern having a low-beam cutoff line. As shown in Figure 54, Figure 54 is a diagram of a pattern formed by projecting light emitted from the light-emitting surface corresponding to the collimated optical unit of this embodiment onto a light distribution screen, and the pattern has an auxiliary low-beam cutoff line at the position of the 0-degree line, and by providing a light-diffusing structure (e.g., skin pattern or other microstructure) on the light-emitting surface of the optical element, the widening angle of the pattern can be increased to satisfy the widening requirement of the auxiliary low beam. Specifically, the light emitted from the light source 3 is focused by the light-receiving section 71 and projected onto the light-transmitting section 72, the light passes through the second cutoff line structure 74 and is projected onto the light-emitting section 73, after being emitted from the light-emitting section 73, it is projected onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element, branched by each optical unit, and then emitted from each light-emitting surface 13 to form a low-beam pattern.

[0064] Typically, an LED light source, a laser light source, or the like can be used as the third light source.

[0065] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the design concept of the optical element of the present invention enables the realization of light-emitting surfaces 13 of various widths and lengths, and enables the linear fabrication of automotive lights. The collimated optical unit and the number of divisions of the rectangular light-receiving surface can be selected according to the client's light-emitting surface dimension requirements, and a variety of lighting patterns can be realized depending on the different structures of the optical element. Compared to the conventional technology, the fabrication of automotive lights is more diverse and is in line with the current trend in automotive light fabrication.

[0066] An embodiment of the automotive light of the present invention may comprise the automotive light module described in any one of the above embodiments, that is, it adopts all the technical proposals of all the above embodiments of automotive light modules, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of at least the technical proposals of the above embodiments of automotive light modules.

[0067] An embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention may be equipped with a car light described in any one of the above embodiments, that is, it adopts all the technical ideas of all the above embodiments of car lights, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of at least the technical ideas of the above embodiments of car lights.

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Various simple modifications can be made to the technical proposal of the present invention, including the appropriate combination of specific technical features, without departing from the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention does not separately describe various possible combinations. However, these simple modifications and combinations should be considered as being within the scope of disclosure of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Brief Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 3 light source 4 Parabolic reflecting mirror 7. Collimating light guide member 11 Light entrance surface 12 Optical guide section 13 Idemitsu surface 21 1st reflective surface 22 Second reflective surface 51 Light-gathering cup 52 First Lens 53 Light-blocking plate 61. Light concentrator 62 Second Lens 63. First Cut-Off Structure 71 Light-receiving section 72 Light passage section 73 Idemitsu Department 74. Second cutoff structure 121 Side view 131 Idemitsu Unit Surface

Claims

1. An optical element comprising a plurality of optical units, each optical unit comprising a light-receiving surface (11), an optical guide portion (12), and a light-emitting surface (13), wherein each light-receiving surface (11) is located on the same plane and connected in order to form an optical element light-receiving surface, each optical guide portion (12) is arranged to branch and emit light incident from the optical element light-receiving surface to the corresponding light-emitting surface (13), and each light-emitting surface (13) is arranged in a predetermined configuration. The optical element is characterized in that the optical guide portion (12) includes side surfaces (121) that are asymmetrical with respect to each of the light-receiving surfaces (11) and have different inclination angles, the side surfaces (121) are located on both the left and right sides of the optical guide portion (12), and two of the same side surfaces (121) located on both the left and right sides of the optical guide portion (12) are parallel to each other, and a portion of the light incident from the light-receiving surface (11) can be reflected when it reaches each of the side surfaces (121).

2. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein a first reflective surface (21) is disposed between the light guide portion (12) and the corresponding light-emitting surface (13), and the first reflective surface (21) is arranged so as to be able to reflect light emitted through the light guide portion (12) to the corresponding light-emitting surface (13) and emit it.

3. The first reflective surface (21) is a total reflective surface, and / or The optical element according to claim 2, characterized in that an enhanced reflective film is provided on the first reflective surface (21).

4. The optical element according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle between the first reflective surface (21) and the corresponding light-receiving surface (11) is 30° to 90°.

5. The optical element according to claim 1, characterized in that an enhanced reflective film is provided on the side surface (121).

6. The optical element according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the light-emitting surfaces (13) is located on the same plane and is connected in order to form an optical element light-emitting surface.

7. The light-emitting surface (13) includes a plurality of light-emitting unit surfaces (131) arranged in a predetermined configuration, and / or The width of the light-receiving surface (11) is the same as the width of the light-emitting surface (13), and / or The optical element according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the optical units are connected to form an integrally molded member.

8. A light module for a car, comprising a collimating optical unit and an optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the collimating optical unit is arranged to focus and collide the light emitted by a light source (3) onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

9. The car light module according to claim 8, characterized in that the collimating optical unit is a parabolic reflecting mirror (4) arranged to reflect light emitted from the light source (3) to the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

10. The car light module according to claim 9, characterized in that the collimating optical unit includes a light-gathering cup (51) integrally connected with the optical element, and the light-gathering cup (51) is arranged to focus and collimate the light emitted from the light source (3) onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

11. The automotive light module according to claim 10, further comprising a first lens (52) positioned between the light-gathering cup (51) and the light-receiving surface of the optical element, which can focus and collimate light emitted through the light-gathering cup (51) onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element.

12. The automotive light module according to claim 11, characterized in that a light-shielding plate (53) for forming a low-beam cutoff line is provided between the first lens (52) and the light-gathering cup (51).

13. The collimating optical unit includes a light condenser (61) and a second lens (62), wherein the second lens (62) is positioned between the light condenser (61) and the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and can focus and collimate the light emitted from the light condenser (61) onto the light-receiving surface of the optical element, as described in claim 8.

14. The automotive light module according to claim 13, characterized in that a first cutoff line structure (63) for forming a low beam cutoff line is provided on the trailing edge of the upper end surface of the light concentrator (61).

15. The automotive light module according to claim 8, wherein the collimating optical unit is a collimating light guide member (7), and the collimating light guide member (7) includes a light-receiving portion (71), a light-transmitting portion (72), and a light-emitting portion (73) that are connected in order and integrally molded.

16. The light-receiving portion (71) is a focusing structure for focusing light, and the light-emitting portion (73) is a curved surface that protrudes toward the light-receiving surface of the optical element, and / or The light module for an automobile according to claim 15, characterized in that the light-transmitting portion (72) is provided with a second cutoff line structure (74) for forming a low-beam cutoff line.

17. A car light, characterized in that it is provided with the car light module described in claim 8.

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