DE102004014901A1 - Motor vehicle lamp, with a LED light, has a transparent light transmission body to take the light to a large surface area through a passage and the passage edge zones - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor vehicle lighting has a lamp (LQ) as a LED and a transparent light transmission body (LK). The light body has a longitudinal passage (AU), flanked by edge zones (RA) which expands into a larger area (AB). The light (L) passes through the passage and the edge zones to the exterior of the light body. The end of the light passage towards the lamp has a conical surface (OF).

Description

The The invention relates to a vehicle lamp, in particular for a road vehicle, with a light source and with a luminaire body of translucent material, in the light from the light source can be coupled. The invention further relates to a method of operating such a vehicle lamp.

Especially for tail lights, Brake lights and turn signals of motor vehicles are increasing Light-emitting diodes used as light sources. Unlike classic incandescent provide market standard Light-emitting diodes almost point-shaped Light sources dar. To a large-area radiation of light, therefore, becomes a plurality of light-emitting diodes combined. Nevertheless, the light pattern thus generated is clear recognizable from individual points with relatively sharp transitions, if not further action be taken. For example, a scattered light disk for Scattering of the light can be used. Known scattered light discs However, they have the disadvantage that they absorb light. Also, that takes complexity the lamp and thus the manufacturing and assembly costs with the Number of parts used too.

It An object of the present invention is a luminaire, in particular for a Road motor vehicle, indicate that at high recoverable light output sharp visible margins avoids the light emerging from the light. It continues an object of the present invention, a corresponding method for operating a luminaire, in particular for a road motor vehicle.

It a vehicle lamp is proposed in which the lamp body a elongated recess which, at least at two opposite Pages bounded by an edge region extending along the recess is. In this case, the light source is arranged such that during a Operation of the vehicle lamp light from the light source through the elongated recess and passes through the edge region and exits at a discharge side of the lamp body.

Further a method for operating a vehicle lamp is proposed, wherein light from at least one light source in an elongated recess a lamp body made of translucent Material and extending in a recess along the Edge area of the lamp body is irradiated, so that the light through the elongated recess and / or passes through the edge region and out at an exit side the lamp body exit.

there can the lamp body be configured so that through the elongated recess then passing light also pass through an area with translucent material of the lamp body must go to the exit side. This will be the light source and / or the lamp body protected.

Especially is the edge area, viewed in a direction transverse to the light path, bounded on both sides so that it has a light guide with opposite one another surfaces forms.

Thereby, that light passes through both the edge area of the recess as well through the recess passes are any sharp edges or Edges of the light distribution of the light emitted by the light source softer. At least at the entrance, the passage and / or the exit of the light in, through or from the lamp body a Scattering, widening and / or weakening of the light, so corresponding surface areas the vehicle lamp is less bright than other surface areas, from which passing through the elongated recess Light comes out. Nevertheless, a high light output can be achieved since at least a portion of the light from the light source through the recess occurs and at least there is not weakened.

Especially arises through the inventive design of the lamp body or by the method according to the invention an appearance as of a three-dimensional shape. This applies accordingly when a plurality of elongated recesses is present and each of the recesses is combined with a light source.

The distribution of light has even softer transitions in a preferred embodiment of the vehicle lamp. In this embodiment, the peripheral portion near a surface of the lamp body defining the exit side of the light transitions to a large outer surface area. In other words, the lamp body widened at the transition. In this embodiment, at least a part of the light passing through the edge area reaches the area with a large outer surface. By way of example, a central region of the outer surface with high luminosity or brightness, for example, thus arises, which extends around this central region niger bright area and a larger area with low brightness. The central region corresponds to the light passing through the recess.

Preferably the light source has a light emitting diode. However, the invention is not limited to light emitting diodes as light sources. Rather, the invention especially with other line-like and / or almost point-shaped light sources be applied.

The Outer surface of the Vehicle light can be defined by the lamp body. At a preferred embodiment, however, the outer surface of the vehicle lamp is through an additional Component or additional Components formed (for example, a housing). The luminaire body in this case represents an internal body, which is a filigree Construction can have. He is by the one or more Components protected, for example through a transparent cover. This corresponds to the lamp body in its function of an internal scattered light disk. He fulfills, however Optionally, other functions, such. B. mechanical support or reinforcement an arrangement with a plurality of light sources. Also, the Luminaire body one Have shape that makes it possible to use it in different vehicle lights and / or several identical or similar luminaire body to use in the same vehicle light. For example, the Shape of the transparent cover vary depending on the vehicle type and still the same type of lamp body can be used.

The Light source or the light sources can be arranged in such a way that the light emitted by them or them in the direction of radiation from behind into the lamp body is radiated into it. The light source or the light sources can or can alternatively in the lamp body be integrated. For this purpose, the lamp body, for example, a receiving space and / or have a holder, for receiving or for holding the light source or the light sources.

Also can the same luminaire body serve, not only light from different sources of light, but also light for various functions such as direction signal (eg turn signal), Taillight, brake light and / or reversing light via a surface to disperse the vehicle light. Preferably, however, are individual luminaire body for the various functions provided.

The Light source may be arranged such that a first part of the Light of the light source enters the elongated recess and a second part of the light of the light source enters the peripheral area. Furthermore you can these different parts of the light over a section of the way or about the entire way when passing through the recess and through the edge area be separated from each other, such as a mirrored surface at the edge of the recess. However, it is preferred that light from the Recess may enter the edge area. In this way, the spatial Luminous intensity distribution even softer at the transitions of the individual areas "recess" and "edge area".

At the Passage of light through the edge area may cause scattering and / or widening of the light, in particular due to at least one the following processes take place: total reflection, scattering and / or Diffraction on surfaces during Entering the edge area, scattering and / or diffraction on surfaces and / or Material transitions to entering the edge area, dispersion, diffraction and / or scattering when exiting the edge area or from the material of the lamp body.

Preferably A light emitting region of the light source extends transversely to a longitudinal direction the recess over a light source width that is less than or equal to a width of the Edge region transverse to the longitudinal direction is. In this way, a particularly high light output is achieved. In particular, if the arrangement additionally comprises means (for example a reflector), on the basis of which light is substantially only in the direction of Recess and emitted in the direction of the edge region can the light output can be increased.

at In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge region is a Pipe wall enclosing the elongate recess. Especially is the tube thus formed rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis the elongated recess. The pipe diameter can in particular on the entire longitudinal extension be constant and amount for example, a few mm to a few centimeters, and is z. B. in the range of 8 mm to 1.2 cm. The pipe wall thickness is e.g. on both sides of the recess in each case 20 to 40% of the diameter.

The tube wall can have a conical surface tapering in the light passage direction at a light entry side facing the light source. Furthermore, the light source may be arranged such that at least a portion of its light-emitting surface is positioned in a gap defined by the free end of the conical surface, wherein the elongate recess begins at the gap. In this way, light is coupled into the edge area in a particularly effective manner. The Light enters the edge area at small angles to the surface normal of the conical surface.

at In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lamp body has a Variety of elongated recesses, each with a light source combined and / or shared with one or more light sources combined. The recesses extend in particular parallel to each other or approximately parallel to each other. Especially if each of the elongated recesses combined with a light emitting diode or other punctiform light source is, can for each of the light sources has the partial homogenization described above the light distribution can be achieved. Depending on the intervals of the Recesses can in this way, the darker, from the individual light sources enlightened surface areas of the lamp body overlap, overall, these areas are brighter and more extensive surface areas of the lamp body nearly uniform luminosity arises. It can due to the light passing through the elongate recesses single brighter spots may be present.

Preferably are the edge regions of the plurality of recesses parts thereof one-piece light body are. Thus, a single lamp body for a part of the light sources the vehicle light or even for all light sources of the vehicle lamp are sufficient. The production cost and the assembly costs are therefore low.

Preferably is the translucent Material of the lamp body crystal clear and especially a plastic. So it is not necessary that the light passing through the edge region is within of the lamp body is scattered to the partial homogenization according to the invention to achieve the light distribution. In particular, the translucent material of the lamp body made of acrylic glass, in particular of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), and / or be manufactured by injection molding. Except acrylic glass are also other plastics, eg. As polycarbonates.

to Invention belongs Furthermore, a lamp body as an independent Product, wherein the lamp body the features according to at least one of the embodiments of the described in this description Vehicle light has.

preferred embodiments The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail. In this are the same and similar Elements and components partially designated by the same reference numerals. The individual figures of the drawing show:

1 a front view of a particularly preferred embodiment of a lamp body according to the invention,

2 a cross section through the lamp body according to 1 along the line II-II,

3 a cross section through a detail of another lamp body,

4 an overall view of a two-part lamp in a rear area of a motor vehicle,

5 a schematic external view of in 4 illustrated vehicle lamp,

6 a lamp body for a brake light,

7 a part of in 4 and 5 illustrated vehicle lamp,

8th another part of in 4 and 5 illustrated vehicle lamp,

9 a cross section through a turn signal lamp, the part of in 8th is shown arrangement.

1 and 2 show a lamp body LK for a vehicle lamp. The luminaire body LK is made in one piece by injection molding of plastic. 1 shows the quadrangular surface from which emerges during operation of the lamp light. The surface is formed by a plate-shaped outer region AB of the lamp body LK.

Out 2 It can be seen that the lamp body LK has a plurality of tubes which extend starting from the back of the plate-shaped outer region AB approximately perpendicular to the surface thereof. The pipe walls are formed by a respective edge region RA. The edge regions RA each define an inner region, a recess AU, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube to the back of the plate-like outer region AB. At the opposite end of the tubes, these are open so that light from not in 1 and 2 shown light sources can enter the open end and can pass through the recess AU. At the open end, the edge regions RA have a conically shaped surface OF. In 1 are the locations of the plate-shaped outer area AB, behind which the recesses AU end broken circles shown. Overall, the lamp body LK thus nine tubes, each with one of the recesses AU.

In 3 is a detail of another lamp body LK combined with a light source shown. Again, the edge region RA of the tube has a conical surface OF at its free end. In the exemplary embodiment, a light-emitting diode is arranged as the light source LQ at the free end of the tube, so that light from the light emitting diode can both pass through the recess AU and enter the edge region RA and can pass through it. The outer area AB has a curved outer surface whose course intersects the longitudinal axis L of the recess AU at an angle of approximately 30 °. In the illustrated example, the outside area AB is open at the end of the recess AU, so that the light from the light emitting diode can partially pass through the recess AU without passing through the material of the outside area AB. However, it is also another embodiment possible, in accordance with as in the 1 and 2 shown lamp body of the outer area AB covering the recess AU.

The light-emitting diode has a width B _L , which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the tube or its ready B _R. In an alternative embodiment, the width of the light emitting diode may be smaller than the diameter of the tube. In particular, the light-emitting diode or light source LQ as well as the tube is approximately rotationally symmetrical. The axes of rotation of the light emitting diode and the tube are aligned in a straight line to each other. The conical surface OF, for example, has an angle α to the longitudinal axis L of the tube of approximately 45 °. In general, the angle α may be, for example, in the range of 10 ° to 80 °, preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °. In the last-mentioned region, the lowest reflections of the light imitated by the light-emitting diode occur at the surface AF. The light source LQ projects into a space defined by the free end of the surface OF, which merges into the recess AU.

A first part of the light emitted by the light source LQ enters the recess AU. A second part of the light emitted by the light source LQ enters the edge area RA. On the further propagation path of the light, a transition between the recess AU and the edge region RA can take place and / or vice versa. Depending on the index of calculation of the lamp body material, however, a more or less large proportion of the light radiating through the edge area RA can be totally reflected at the lateral surfaces of the edge area RA, so that it can not leave the edge area RA there. At the outer region AB, which is integrally connected to the edge region RA and consists of the same material, however, a propagation of light takes place transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis L, as indicated by the arrows a1 and a2. Furthermore, it is indicated by an arrow a3 that a light propagation takes place from the light source LQ through the recess AU through out of the lamp body LK. When viewing the outer surface of the lamp body LK so a bright, central, point-shaped area is visible, which corresponds to the arrow a3. However, the edge of this bright area is not sharp. On the contrary, when the outer surface of the lamp body LK is viewed, the luminous intensity gradually decreases outward from the bright area in the radial direction. At the in 3 1, the generated light image (view of the outer surface of the lamp body LK) is not rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the recess AU, since more light is conducted in the direction of the arrow a2 than in the direction of the arrow a1. At the in 2 On the other hand, a substantially rotationally symmetrical light image is generated by the individual light sources, which, however, by superposition, is a largely homogeneous light image with individual light spots.

In the 1 to 3 shown lamp body can be referred to as a light guide. They are in particular part of a combination vehicle lamp for tail light, brake light, direction indicator (eg turn signal) and tail light. An overall view of such a vehicle lamp is in 4 shown. This vehicle lamp consists of a fixed part FT in the fender of the road vehicle shown and a movable cover part DT in the boot lid of the vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment of in 4 shown vehicle light will now be received.

5 schematically shows the elements of the fixed part FT and the lid part DT. For direction indicator (turn signal), the vehicle lamp on a first turn signal element BL1 and a second turn signal element BL2. The first turn signal element BL1 is approximately crescent-shaped in the view and has a plurality of light sources, as shown by the total of ten small circles in the first turn signal element BL1. How out 8th can be seen, each of the light sources (eg LEDs) as in 1 to 3 may be arranged at the free end of a tube of a lamp body. However, the lamp body corresponding to the first turn signal element BL1 has a different shape. It may be sufficient for a single lamp body for the first indicator element BL1.

Of the fixed part FT still has a combination element for taillight, Brake and turn signal (with the second turn signal element BL2) on. The Taillight SL is as an outer ring configured of the combination element and has a plurality of Light emitting diodes, which are approximately evenly in the circumferential direction over the Ring are distributed. Again, a lamp body for the tail light SL provided be that for each of the LEDs a tube with an elongated recess having.

a inner ring represents the brake light BR. Again, a plurality of LEDs evenly over the Ring distributed in the circumferential direction and in turn can be a single Luminaire body with Be provided tubes, at the rear, free end one each LED is arranged.

A central area of the combination element forms the second turn signal element BL2. In turn, it has a multiplicity of light-emitting diodes, which in turn are distributed uniformly, but here via the circular turn signal element BL2. As 9 shows, the second turn signal element BL2 on an outer surface, which is formed by a circular disc PG, preferably made of acrylic glass. On the back of the disc PG, a plurality of solid (without recess), thread-like light guides LT extends approximately perpendicular to the back surface of the disc PG. At the free ends of the light guide LT, the light-emitting diodes LED are arranged. In operation, the light of the light emitting diodes LED is at least partially radiated onto the free ends of the light guides LT, so that a plurality of punctiform bright areas is visible when viewing the outer surface of the pane PG. However, the light supplied through the light guides LT of the disc PG also spreads laterally in the disc PG, so that the edges of the light spots are out of focus. The arrangement of the light guide LT and the disc PG is similar to that of a toothbrush head. The light guides LT and the disc PG can be produced together as a one-piece part, in particular by injection molding.

8th shows the fixed part FT, which in 4 and 5 illustrated vehicle lamp in perspective view from the side. It can be seen on the left front of the picture, the first turn signal element BL1 with the light emitting diode LED arranged at the free ends of the tubes. The inner surfaces of a housing G of the fixed part FT are mirrored on the edge regions of the first indicator element BL1, laterally of the lamp body LK.

Arranged in front of a large part of the luminaire body LK, the second turn signal element BL2 can be seen. Between the second turn signal element BL2 and the first turn signal element BL1, as shown in FIG 5 arranged the annular elements for the brake light BR and the tail light SL.

alternative for a production of plastic, the lamp body or at least a part of it also be made of glass. this applies not only for the lamp body of the first turn signal element BL1.

Hereinafter, the cover part DT of FIG 4 and 5 illustrated vehicle lamp described in more detail. The cover part DT has a plurality (here: three) of brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 arranged side by side. Each of the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes, as described with reference to FIG 1 and 2 described is combined with a single lamp body of the brake light. Each of the LEDs is arranged at the free end of a tube of the lamp body. This is also apparent from the illustration 6 recognizable for one of the luminaire body LK. At the free end of the tubes with the edge regions RA, two of the LEDs LED are shown as an example. At the plate-shaped outer region AB, which defines the light-emitting outer surface of the lamp body LK, the light propagation already described with the arrows a1, a2, a3 is indicated.

With reference to 5 each of the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 has a total of nine LEDs, as indicated by the corresponding circles. The lamp body LK1, LK2, LK3 the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 are shown in the illustration 7 recognizable, showing the cover part DT. It has a housing G with a transparent cover to allow the light to escape. Within the housing G and the tube packages of the lamp body LK1, LK2 and LK3 are recognizable. The light propagation through arrows a1, a2, a3 is again indicated by the example of the luminaire body LK1.

The individual brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 can be controlled separately. In addition, even individual groups of light emitting diodes of the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 are individually controlled, as in 5 is indicated by the reference numerals ST1 to ST9. A total of nine strips ST are each formed with three LEDs arranged in series one above the other by the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3.

Thereby, the braking of the vehicle can be signaled for example in the following advantageous manner: the tail light SL has a share in the total light output of the tail light SL and all the brake lights BR, BR1, BR2, BR3 for example, 60 percent. If the vehicle is braked when the tail light SL is switched on, the total light output is first increased to a higher value of eg 90 percent by switching on the brake light BR in the fixed part FT. Thus, a widening of the illuminated area is achieved. If the vehicle is braked when the tail light SL is not activated, the tail light SL and the brake light BR are switched on simultaneously, so that 90 percent of the total light output is used immediately.

In dependence from the braking time and / or depending on the strength (e.g. Brake pressure) of braking also become strips ST1 to ST9 of the brake lights BR1, BR2, BR3 connected. For signaling The braking time they are in particular stripewise individually and accordingly the order of their arrangement added. It is preferred with the closest started on the fixed part FT arranged strips ST1, so the strips ST in the order from the outside towards the vehicle center plane be turned on. The total light output of 100 percent will reached when the last strip, here the strip ST9 turned on is. A longer one Continuous braking is therefore easily recognizable for subsequent traffic. For signaling the brake intensity In particular, a number of braking force corresponding to the number Strip connected. Both signaling methods can also be combined.

All In general, the described vehicle lamp due to the use of light emitting diodes as light sources have the advantage that they are close to the side Edge of the vehicle can be arranged. Compared to vehicle lights with light bulbs the space requirement is lower.

Claims (13)

Vehicle lamp (FL), in particular for a road motor vehicle, with a light source (LQ) and with a lamp body (LK) of translucent material, in the light from the light source (LQ) can be coupled, characterized in that the lamp body (LK) is an elongated Recess (AU), which is bounded at least on two opposite sides of a along the recess (AU) extending edge region (RA), wherein the light source (LQ) is arranged such that during operation of the vehicle lamp (FL) light from the light source (LQ) passes through the elongated recess (AU) and through the edge region (RA) and exits at an exit side of the lamp body (LK). Vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source (LQ) has a light-emitting diode (LED). Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the light source (LQ) is arranged such that a first part of the light of the light source (LQ) in the elongated Recess (AU) enters and a second part of the light of the light source (LQ) enters the edge area (RA). Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge region (RA) is a pipe wall which the elongated recess (AU) encloses in a circumferential direction. Vehicle lamp according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tube wall at one of the light source (LQ) facing light entrance side in a light passage direction tapered conical surface (OF). Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the edge area (RA) is near a Surface of the light body (LK), which defines the exit side of the light, in an area (AB) with big Exterior surface passes. Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the lamp body (LK) a plurality of elongated recesses (AU), each with a Light source (LQ) are combined and / or shared with one or several light sources are combined. Vehicle lamp according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the edge regions (RA) of the plurality the recesses (AU) are part of the same one-piece lamp body (LK). Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the translucent material of the lamp body (LK) crystal clear. Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the translucent material of the lamp body an acrylic glass, in particular made of PMMA. Vehicle lamp according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light emitting region of the light source (LQ) transverse to a longitudinal direction (L) of the Ausneh mung (AU) over a light source width (B _L ) which is less than or equal to a width (B _R ) of the edge region (RA) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L). luminaire body (LK) with the characteristics of the lamp body (LK) of the vehicle lamp according to one of the claims 1 to 11. Method for operating a vehicle lamp, in particular for a Road vehicle, being Light from at least one light source (LQ) - In an elongated recess (AU) of a lamp body (LK) made of translucent Material and - in an edge region extending along the recess (AU) (RA) of the lamp body (LK) irradiated so that the light passes through the elongated recess (AU) and / or passes through the edge region (RA) and on a Exit side of the lamp body (LK) exits.