DE4407111A1 - Optical assembly for an elevated braking indicator for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical assembly for an elevated braking indicator for vehicles which is attached in a stable way at an elevated and central position in the passenger compartment of vehicles and interacts with the rear window (27), is attached in a partially covered position in the lower region (10a) or upper region (10b) of the rear window (22), the optical assembly (10) comprising at least one light source (11) which interacts with a reflector (16) connected downstream and an exit lens (14) which has a central reference plane (15), this reference plane (15) extending essentially horizontally and parallel to the floor, the exit lens (14) being divided in the vertical direction into three areas (14a, 14b, 21), into an upper area (14a), a lower area (14b) and a central area (21), the central area (21) being divided centrally by the reference plane (15) and the upper area (14a) and the lower area (14b) being arranged essentially in mirror-inverted fashion with respect to the reference plane (15), and the central area (21) receiving the central light beams (117) essentially parallel to the reference plane (15) while the upper and lower areas (14a, 14b) deflect the light beams (17a, 17b) with respect to the reference plane (15) in such a way that the light beams (17a, 17b) pass through the said reference plane (15) at least at the desired viewing angle and the light beams (17a, 17b) can thus overcome obstacles. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an optical group for a increased brake display according to the preamble of claim 1.

The third brake light appears under this increased brake indicator understood that in the middle and elevated position in the rear area of vehicles is attached.

The term optical group means the components which together increase the photometric properties of the Brake indicator should ensure. These are a reflector, a transparent component and a frame.

The transparent component consists of an exit lens, which provides the color and intensity of the light that in the intended range of visibility angles for this function the increased brake display is required.

The optical group according to the invention for increased braking display is centered on the rear window above or below attached; in other cases it will be together with the stern spoiler attached according to standards.

Optical groups for an increased brake indicator, which on the Rear window are already fixed inside the vehicle known; the invention relates to this application.

The regulations regarding the attachment of this optical Group of an increased brake display dictate that the Device at a visibility angle alpha of 5 ° after must be visible below and at an angle of 10 ° upwards measured from the reference plane of this optical group. The reference plane is essentially horizontal and parallel to the floor and goes through the middle of the outlet  lens.

5 ° and 10 ° are mentioned here, which are the current values are, but the task and the invention Solutions are prescribed for every angle of visibility alpha equal.

The prescribed visibility angle alpha prepares one Variety of disadvantages as far as in some vehicle models and for certain mounting positions of the mentioned optical group the condition for the visibility of the optical group with the prescribed angle alpha Lich the reference level can not be maintained.

For example, if the vehicle is an elongated one or has the rear section drawn upwards, the bundle of light rays generated by the optical group and are directed downward from the body of the vehicle be interrupted if, for example, this optical Group in the lower area of the rear window or on or attached to the parcel shelf.

To solve this problem, the optical group on one higher point, which is in a middle position comes to lie on the rear window and to corresponding Rear view mirror obstructions and safety problems for the driver, which leads to results that result from aesthetic and practical reasons are not acceptable.

If the optical group in the upper or lower area the rear window is installed, it may also happen that the downward beam of light rays from the rear wall of the trim, in which the invention optical group built in for aesthetic and protective reasons is interrupted.  

These disadvantages are due to the fact that they are normally designed for the transparent components, existing made of lenses or prisms, is homogeneous and therefore because they are already divergent from the radiating surface running light beam creates the interference of this Beam of light with possibly adjacent obstacles brings about and so not the provided by the applicable norms can maintain that perspective.

EP-A-0 322 370 shows a typical rear fog lamp with smooth outer surface and attached inside square prisms. The arrangement of the individual prisms and their composition are such that the rays of light generate a light beam based on the prisms mentioned, that is broadcast in a certain area, like this one prescribed by the relevant photometric standards becomes.

These intended light rays are not structured that they can avoid certain obstacles.

DE-A-30 45 127 shows a movable device which can not be fixed, with an optic of the known th type with square prisms. In addition, this is Device not approved according to the standards.

This document provides to overcome the obstacles by placing the device in an elevated position of obstacles.

JP-A-552 004 deals with an aesthetic Problem once the lights are on and essentially with the only visible surface of the rear light, and uses split and split prisms  lying prisms.

The object of the invention is to provide an optical group for a Brake light to be provided inside the vehicles attached in front of the rear window in the upper or lower area and together with the central area of the rear window works.

This optical group according to the invention may be the rear one Do not restrict the driver's field of vision and still must the rear vision regulations of the optical group itself.

The main focus of the invention is one optical group to get the least possible disability causes and at the same time is able to transmit light rays send out that can overcome obstacles.

The optical group according to the invention for a brake light is in such a way that they are practically in any position inside the rear window and in the middle area can be installed in any type of vehicle.

This optical group is also for mounting with decorative panels with those running essentially parallel to the reference plane Suitable walls, always the legally required Values are observed.

Another object of the invention is therefore a light beam provide that can overcome obstacles, although the optical group in a partially hidden position behind the obstacles themselves.

Such obstacles can be: black areas on the Rear windows, sheet metal edges of the body, rear spoiler and  Covers that are suitable for the light itself or its To prevent reflections from entering the vehicle interior, Etc.

According to the invention, the task is achieved through technical teaching of the characterizing part of claim 1 solved. Give in doing so the subclaims further advantageous refinements the invention again.

It is essential that a on the transparent component Optics from lenses and prisms attached to the Surface from which the light emerges, a bundle of light radiate forms that converge at an angle that it allows the ones prescribed by the applicable standards Observe the angle of visibility.

With the solution according to the invention it is achieved that the Point at which light beam changes from convergence to divergence, far from the surface emitting the light.

This solution is possible because of the horizontal and vertical visibility angles do not limit the range full visibility is required, but only certain Light intensity values.

These values can be point by point by light rays, from any place on the light-emitting surface go out, be reached.

This solution allows optical groups for increased braking to realize lights that are lower in height Have impairments.

The solution according to the invention proposes a light source the one or more lamps standing side by side  exists, and combined with a well-known reflector is.

This reflector enables the formation of a bundle of Rays of light, e.g. B. in a parabolic reflector parallel to each other and to the reference axis of the device run.

In a modification, for example when using ellip table or other complex shaped surfaces the light rays formed by the reflector are no longer parallel run.

The optical group according to the invention for increased braking display initially suggests one divided into three areas Lens before, the boundaries of these areas essentially run parallel to the reference plane, i.e. an upper, middle lower and lower area.

The output lens is advantageously symmetrical to the reference plane formed so that the optical according to the invention Group either as intended or rotated by 180 ° the reference plane can be installed upside down.

The rays of light that cross the central area are not distracted up and down and left the output lens, producing a beam of light, the Axis substantially parallel to the reference plane of the device runs.

The rays of light that hit the top and bottom of this In contrast, exit lens are up or deflected below, this deflection the angle gamma corresponds to the reference plane.  

In a first embodiment, this distraction is for all rays of light that hit these areas, i.e. the top or lower, traverse, equal, so that the deflected rays, that form the light beam run parallel to each other. In In this case, the deflection angle gamma results from the sum the angles alpha and beta, where alpha is the prescribed Angle is freely selected in the range from 0 ° to 5 ° can be.

In a further training, the light rays that the traverse the upper or lower area of the exit lens, so distracted that they are in the reference plane of the optical group converge at a desired distance from it. In In this case, the deflection of the light rays decreases with that Distance from the center of the exit lens upwards or down gradually to.

Here the deflection angle gamma increases continuously from 0 ° to to the sum of the angles alpha and beta starting from the middle Area of the exit lens, with alpha in turn the prescribed angle is and beta free between 0 ° and 5 ° can be selected.

This deflection of the light rays is caused by a variety reached by deflection prisms on the exit lens are attached. These prisms can either be on the inside or be provided on the outside of the exit lens.

The light runs in the optical group according to the invention rays that have passed through the exit lens essentially union in an area of the reference plane, the one has a certain distance from the light source and allows the to achieve the legally required angle of visibility and adhere to.  

With the optical group according to the invention for an increased Brake light will comply with the visibility angle of the Lighting device ensures a deflection angle of 2 × gamma.

The subject matter of the present invention provides not only from the subject matter of the claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims below each other. All in the documents - including the menu version - disclosed information and features, in particular the spatial training shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention if they individually or in combination compared to the prior art are new.

The invention is based on several embodiments way illustrated drawings explained in more detail. Go here from the drawings and their description further fiction essential features and advantages of the invention.

It shows

Fig. 1 is a schematic rear view of a vehicle, the rear window is provided for example with two brake lights according to the Invention in an upper and lower position.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the central plane of the vehicle according to Fig. 1, wherein the two attachment options of the brake light and a possible obstacle are shown.

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through an optical group according to the invention for a brake light in an upper fastening position on the rear window of a vehicle.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through an optical group according to the invention for a brake light in a lower fastening position on the rear window of a vehicle.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a first embodiment of the exit lens of the optical group with prisms on the inside of the lens.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a second embodiment of the exit lens of the optical group with prisms on the outside of the lens.

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

The optical group 10 according to the invention for an increased brake display is installed in the rear area inside a vehicle 20 and interacts with the rear window 22 .

The optical group 10 can be attached either in the upper region 10 a or in the lower region 10 b of the rear window 22 , as shown in the figures.

Fig. 2 shows how the light beam of the optical group 10 in the lower region 10 b must overcome the obstacle formed by the rear spoiler 26 .

Even in the case of the optical group 10 in the upper region 10 a, obstacles such as spoilers, a raised rear, deep-drawn rear window or other obstacles may have to be overcome.

In Figs. 3, 4, various kinds of obstacles, the problems in the correct emission of the light beam lying in the reference plane 15 horizontal axis can form.

In Fig. 3 the lower carrier 27 is shown, which has either the fastening 27 a or 27 b or an intermediate fastening. In the case of the attachment 27 b, which essentially hides the optical group 10 , this attachment 27 b represents an essential obstacle.

In Fig. 3 there is also shown an inner black surface 28 attached to the rear window 22 ; this inner black surface 28 covers the optical group 10 , but at the same time generates an essential obstacle for the free light emission.

Fig. 4 shows, in addition the lower support 27 and its mounting 27 b as a limiting case, a section of the body 29th These obstacles 27 b and 29 in particular lead to serious problems that are difficult to overcome by the light beam.

Obviously, these are just a few examples of obstacles nissen, but the list is not exhaustive.

The optical group 10 according to the invention comprises at least one lamp 11 which is mounted in a socket 12 which has a special section 13 with a reflector 16 , the section 13 being closed towards the front by an exit lens 14 .

In the exemplary embodiment in the upper region 10 a according to FIG. 3, the optical group 10 according to the invention is mounted within a decorative panel 23 which can interact with the headlining of the vehicle.

In the exemplary embodiment the lower portion 10 b of FIG. 4, the optical assembly 10 of the invention, mounted inside of two decorative panels, a front decorative panel 24 and a rear 25 and adapted to cooperate with the parcel shelf 30 or be a part thereof.

The exit lens 14 has a central reference plane 15 which emits light, this reference plane 15 being essentially horizontal and parallel to the floor.

The exit lens 14 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5 into three sections, a top 14a, a bottom 14b and a central portion 21 divided arranged in generally mirror image of the reference plane 15.

In a special case, the light emitted by the lamp 11 and reflected by the reflector 16 strikes the exit lens 14 with light rays 17 which are essentially parallel to one another. In another form, which is not shown, but can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the light rays 17 reflected by the reflector 16 are not parallel to one another.

In the optical group 10 according to the invention, the central light beams 117 cross the central region 21 of the exit lens 14 essentially parallel and without deflection, while the upper 17 a and lower beams 17 b, each of the upper 14 a or lower region 14 b of the exit lens 14 traverse, be deflected by an angle gamma downwards or upwards.

In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, all upper 17 a and lower 17 b light beams are deflected accordingly downwards or upwards by an angle gamma which corresponds to the sum of the angles alpha and beta.

In a second embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the light beams 17 a, 17 b, which cross the upper 14 a or lower region 14 b of the exit lens 14 , are deflected so that they are essentially at a point of reference 15 of the optical Group 14 converge at a desired distance from it.

In this case, the deflection angle gamma of the light rays 17 a, 17 b gradually increases with the distance from the central region 21 of the exit lens 14 to the upper and lower edges. Here the exit angle gamma increases continuously from 0 ° in the central region 21 of the exit lens 14 to the sum of the angles alpha and beta at the edge thereof.

FIG. 6 shows the exit angle gamma, which increases steadily from the central region 21 to the upper and lower edge of the exit lens 14 . In this case, the increasing deflection of the light beams 17 is achieved with a plurality of prisms 18 , which are attached in the upper 14 a and lower region 14 b of the exit lens 14 .

In this case, prisms 18 comprise a continuously increasing height, starting from the reference plane 15 of the central portion 21 towards the outer edge of the upper 14a and lower portion 14 b of the exit lens fourteenth The prisms are essentially triangular in shape and in the present case are attached to the outer surface of the exit lens 14 .

The inclined surface 19 of the various prisms 18 shown in FIG. 6 forms an angle delta with the perpendicular to the reference plane 15 of the exit lens 14 , which increases continuously and is, for example, approximately in the range of 3 ° -10 °.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the prisms are mounted on the inner surface of the exit lens 14 18.

Of course, what has been said about FIG. 5 applies accordingly to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 and vice versa.

For the first time, the present invention enables a targeted Bundling of light and can thus also under unfavorable conditions, especially if the visibility range is restricted through various obstacles, a desired radiation ensure the light signal.

Claims (5)

1. Optical group for an increased brake indicator for vehicles, which is securely fastened in an elevated and middle position in the interior of vehicles and interacts with the rear window ( 22 ), in the lower region ( 10 a) or upper region ( 10 b) of the rear window ( 22 ) is fixed in a partially concealed position, the optical group ( 10 ) comprising at least one light source ( 11 ) which interacts with a downstream reflector ( 16 ) and an exit lens ( 14 ) which has a central reference plane ( 15 ) , wherein this reference plane ( 15 ) runs essentially horizontally and parallel to the ground, characterized in that the exit lens ( 14 ) is divided in the vertical direction into three areas ( 14 a, 14 b, 21 ), into an upper area ( 14 a), a lower region ( 14 b) and a central region ( 21 ), the central region ( 21 ) being divided in the middle by the reference plane ( 15 ) and the upper region ( 14 a) and lower region ( 14 b) are arranged essentially in mirror image to the reference plane ( 15 ), and the central region ( 21 ) receives the central light beams ( 117 ) essentially parallel to the reference plane ( 15 ), while the upper and lower regions ( 14 a, 14 b) the light rays ( 17 a, 17 b) deflect with respect to the reference plane ( 15 ) in such a way that the light rays ( 17 a, 17 b) cross them at least from the desired viewing angle and thus the light rays ( 17 a, 17 b) obstructions can overcome. 2. Optical group according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflection angle gamma of the upper and lower light beams ( 17 a, 17 b), each of the upper and lower region ( 14 a, 14 b) of the exit lens ( 14 ) cross, steadily growing from 0 ° in the central area ( 21 ) to the sum of the angles alpha and beta at the edges of the exit lens ( 14 ), alpha being the prescribed visibility angle and beta free in the range between 0 ° and 5 ° can be selected and the deflection angle gamma to the reference plane ( 15 ) is measured. 3. Optical group according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflection angle gamma of the upper and lower light beams ( 17 a, 17 b), each of the upper and lower region ( 14 a, 14 b) of the exit lens ( 14 ) cross, is the same for all deflected light beams ( 17 a, 17 b) and corresponds to the sum of the angles alpha and beta, where alpha is the prescribed visibility angle and beta can be freely selected in the range between 0 ° and 5 ° and the deflection angle gamma for Reference plane ( 15 ) is measured. 4. Optical group according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least the upper region ( 14 a) and / or the lower region ( 14 b) of the exit lens ( 14 ) a plurality of deflection prisms ( 18 ) for deflecting the light beams ( 17 a, 17 b) on the inside. 5. Optical group according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least the upper region ( 14 a) and / or the lower region ( 14 a) of the exit lens ( 14 ) a plurality of deflection prisms ( 18 ) for deflecting the light beams ( 17 a, 17 b) on the outside.