VEHICLE LIGHT

Abstract

A vehicle light, wherein light to be emitted by a base light source which is offset with respect to an emission surface is first conducted radially outwards in targeted manner and is then reflected in an axial direction with respect to the emission surface, uses light-conducting bodies, which are spaced apart from a deflection mirror, or a light-conducting space, which extends first radially and then axially, to obtain as light-intensive, uniform and directional light emissions as possible.

Claims

1: Vehicle light (1) having an emission surface (20) oriented with reference to a main beam direction (10), and having a base light source (30) disposed behind the emission surface (20) and offset with reference to the emission surface (20), wherein a radially active light guide body (40, 41) is disposed on the base light source (30), which body deflects light proceeding from the base light source (30) radially (11) with reference to the main beam direction (10), onto at least one passive reflector (50), which reflects the radially (11) deflected light in the direction of the emission surface (20), and/or wherein an axially active light guide body (40, 45) is disposed on the base light source (30), which body deflects light proceeding from the base light source (30) axially (12) with reference to the main beam direction (10), onto at least one deflection mirror (55), which reflects the light in the radial (11) direction, onto a passive reflector (50) that reflects the radially (11) deflected light in the direction of the emission surface (20), wherein the radially active light guide body (40, 41) and/or the axially active light guide body (40, 45) is/are disposed at a distance from the passive reflector (50).

2: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radially active light guide body (40, 41) has at least one radial coupling region (42), wherein coupled light proceeding from the base light source (30) is radially (11) refracted upon entry into the radial coupling region (42).

3: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 2, wherein light coupled into the light guide body (40, 41) by way of the radial coupling region (42) is passed on radially (11) in the light guide body (40, 41) to a decoupling region (49), wherein the light is preferably refracted in the radial (11) direction during decoupling, and/or wherein the radial coupling region (42) is disposed to the side of the base light source (30).

4: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the deflection mirror (55) and the passive reflector (50) are spaced apart from one another.

5: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axially active or the radially active light guide body (40; 41, 45) and the deflection mirror (55) are disposed at axially different heights and/or wherein the radially active light guide body (41) and the axially active light guide body (45) are configured in one piece as a light guide body (40).

6: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the radial expanse of the passive reflector (50) corresponds to the radial expanse of the emission surface (20).

7: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 11, wherein an empty space (75) is disposed in the distance between the radially active light guide body (41) and the passive reflector (50), between the axially active light guide body (45) and the deflection mirror (55) and/or between the deflection mirror (55) and the passive reflector (50).

8: Vehicle light (1) having an emission surface (20) oriented with reference to a main beam direction (10), on which surface at least one formed-on part (22) is disposed, which part deflects light (83) from a base light source (30) perpendicular to the main beam direction (10) into a lateral emission direction (18), wherein the formed-on part (22) comprises a recess (23) in a body (21) that has the emission surface (20) and/or wherein the emission surface (20) has a region (24A) that extends in the lateral emission direction (18) and a region (24B) that extends perpendicular to the lateral emission region (18), and the formed-on part (22) is disposed in the region (24A) that extends in the lateral beam direction.

9: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 8, wherein the formed-on part (22) reflects light (83) at a surface (22B, 22C) and the surface (22C) forms an edge around the recess (23).

10: Method for providing light to be emitted in directed manner at an emission surface (20) oriented with reference to a main beam direction (10), by means of a base light source (30) that is disposed offset with reference to the emission surface (20), wherein between the base light source (30) and the emission surface (20), the light is first guided radially (11) outward, proceeding from the base light source (30), in a light guide space (70) that extends radially (11) with reference to the main beam direction (10) to a deflection region (72) and from there axially (12) with reference to the main beam direction (10) to the emission surface (20), and subsequently, in the deflection region (72), is deflected in a direction axial (12) with reference to the main beam direction (10), to the emission surface (20).

11: Provision method according to claim 10, wherein the axial expanse of the light guide space (70, 71) that extends radially with reference to the main beam direction (10) to the deflection region (72) is smaller than its radial expanse and/or wherein the radial expanse of the light guide space (70, 73) that extends axially with reference to the main emission direction to the emission surface (20) is smaller than its axial expanse.

12: Provision method according to claim 10, wherein (i) in the deflection region (72), a passive reflector (50) reflects the light in a direction axial with reference to the main beam direction (10), toward the emission surface (20), wherein (ii) part of the light that proceeds laterally (13) from the base light source (30) is first reflected in the axial (12) direction and subsequently deflected in the radial (11) direction, preferably reflected, so that it is passed radially (11) outward, and/or wherein (iii) part of the light that proceeds laterally (13) from the base light source (30) is refracted at least once in the radial (11) direction, and then guided radially (11) outward.

13: Vehicle light (1) or according to claim 1, wherein the mirror or at least one of the mirrors (50, 55) is provided by means of boundary surface reflection (58), by means of a surface (57) of a light guide body (40) that is effectively mirrored toward the inside and/or by means of a mirrored wall (59).

14: Vehicle light (1) or according to claim 1, wherein the passive reflector (50) and the body (21) having the emission surface (20) are spaced apart from one another, wherein an empty space (76) is preferably disposed in the distance between them.

15: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle light (1) comprises a supplemental light source (31) directed at the emission surface (20), which is preferably oriented axially (12) at the emission surface (20), and the light path of which, to the emission surface (20), particularly interrupts the passive reflector (50) or passes through it.

16: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base light source (30) is a single, preferably axially (12) directed light source and/or a central light source.

17: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emission surface (20) is ring-shaped and/or oriented around a central beam axis (15), wherein preferably, the base light source (30) is disposed centrally on the central beam axis (15) and/or the light guide body (40, 41, 45) is disposed centrally on the central beam axis (15) and/or wherein the vehicle light (1) is configured essentially with rotation symmetry with reference to the central beam axis (15).

18: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 17, comprising means (35) for variation of the emission cone and/or of the emission direction of the light emitted by the emission surface (20) along the ring shape or around the central beam axis (15), wherein preferably, the variation means (35) are disposed between the base light source (30) and the emission surface (20).

19: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 17, comprising additional means (36) for manipulation of the emission cone and/or of the emission direction of the light emitted by the emission surface (20), which means are disposed between the base light source (30) and the emission surface (20), wherein the variation means (35) preferably comprise the manipulation means (36).

20: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein an attachment construction space (60), preferably for an attachment light source (32), particularly having an attachment light source emission surface (25), is disposed within the offset axially (12) in front of the base light source (30), wherein preferably, the emission surface (20) and the attachment light source emission surface (25) make a flush transition into one another and/or wherein preferably, the body (21) that has the emission surface (20) and the body (26) that has the attachment light source emission surface (25) are configured in one piece.

21: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein a wall (61) of the attachment construction space (60) forms a wall (79) of the light guide space (70) or lies against one of the light guide bodies (40).

22: Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle light (1) comprises a combination of types of vehicle lights, such as a daytime running light, position light, side marker light, brake light, parking light, turn signal light, taillight, high beam light, and dimmed headlight, wherein preferably, the weaker type of vehicle light is provided by means of the base light source (30) and the stronger type of vehicle light or the one that requires a larger emission surface is provided by way of the supplemental light source (31) and/or the attachment light source (32), and/or wherein the vehicle light (1) is a motorcycle light or bicycle light.

Description

[0078] Further advantages, goals, and properties of the present invention will be explained using the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are particularly also shown in the attached drawing. The drawing shows:

[0079] FIG. 1 a schematic exploded view of a vehicle light;

[0080] FIG. 2 an example of optics for the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through a symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0081] FIG. 3 a second optical arrangement for the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through the symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0082] FIG. 4 a third optical arrangement for a vehicle light similar to the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through the symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0083] FIG. 5 a fourth optical arrangement for the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through the symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0084] FIG. 6 a fifth optical arrangement for the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through the symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0085] FIG. 7 a sixth optical arrangement for the vehicle light according to FIG. 1, in section through the symmetry axis according to FIG. 1,

[0086] FIG. 8 a detail of a body having the emission surface, with an optically active light entry surface;

[0087] FIG. 9 a detail of a further body having the emission surface, with an optically active light entry surface;

[0088] FIG. 10 a detail of a further body having the emission surface, with an optically active light entry surface;

[0089] FIG. 11 a detail of a further body having the emission surface, with an optically active light entry surface;

[0090] FIG. 12 a detail of the optically active body according to FIG. 11, in a section in the circumference direction around the main beam direction;

[0091] FIG. 13 a detail of another optically active body, in a representation similar to FIG. 12;

[0092] FIG. 14 a detail of a further body having the emission surface, with a formed-on part;

[0093] FIG. 15 a detail of the optically active body according to FIG. 14, in a section in the circumference direction around the main beam direction;

[0094] FIG. 16 a top view of the optically active body according to FIGS. 14 and 15; and

[0095] FIG. 17 a detail of a further body having the emission surface, with an optically active light entry surface.

[0096] The vehicle lights 1 shown in the figures comprise a housing 3, in each instance, having a holder arm 4 that projects away from the housing 3, by means of which arm the housing 3 can be attached to a motorcycle, to a bicycle or to another vehicle. Any supplies lines that might be necessary, such as cables and the like, are also conducted into the housing by means of the holder arm 4. It is understood that in deviating embodiments, the housing 3 can have a different shape and, in particular, a differently configured attachment device.

[0097] Except for the holder arm 4, the housing 3 is essentially configured with rotation symmetry with reference to a symmetry axis, which defines a main beam direction 10 of the vehicle light 1.

[0098] The housing 3 is closed off in the direction of the main beam direction 10 by means of a body 21, 26, which constitutes emission surfaces 20, 25 for light sources 30, 31, 32 that are disposed in the housing 3.

[0099] Thus, a base light source 30 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) and an attachment light source 32 (merely shown schematically in FIG. 1) are disposed in the housing 3.

[0100] In this regard, the base light source 30 is mounted in the housing and held in position by a support plate 8 (not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), on which the related electronics are also provided. In all the present exemplary embodiments, the base light source 30 is configured as a light-emitting diode, with it being understood that here—depending on the concrete implementation—other light sources can easily be used, as well.

[0101] As is particularly evident from FIGS. 2 to 6, a light guide body 40 that surrounds the base light source 30 is disposed on the base light source 30 (see also FIG. 1).

[0102] In the present exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, a spacer 5 is disposed around the light guide body 40 (see FIG. 1), which spacer as such is essentially inactive optically, so that it is not shown in the sections according to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 (these figures essentially serve to constitute the optically active elements). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, in contrast, the function of the spacer is fulfilled by the light guide body 40 itself, while in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the base light source 30 is used as a spacer.

[0103] Seen in the main beam direction 10, an attachment construction space 60 is provided behind the spacer 5 or behind the light guide body 40, which space is delimited by a pot-shaped wall 61 having an essentially level bottom and an essentially cylindrical wall surface. Any desired modules can be accommodated in the attachment construction space 60; in the present exemplary embodiments, the attachment light source 32 with its related modules is disposed there.

[0104] The attachment construction space 60 is closed off, in the direction of the main beam direction 10, by means of a body 26 that has the attachment light source emission surface 25, by means of which the light of the attachment light source 32 can leave the vehicle light 1.

[0105] An essentially rotation-symmetrical mantle body 65 having a cylindrical mantle surface and a mantle surface in the form of a truncated cone provided counter to the main beam direction 10 is provided radially on the outside around the arrangement composed of base light source 30, light guide body 40, and—if applicable—spacer 5 as well as the attachment construction space 60, in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 to 7, wherein in this way, a wall 79 of a light guide space 70 is constituted, which space is furthermore delimited by the wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60, and wherein the part in the form of a conical stocking constitutes a passive reflector 50 for light proceeding from the base light source 30, as will still be explained in detail below.

[0106] The light guide space 70 is closed off, in the main beam direction 10, by a body 21 that has the emission surface 20, which body, in this exemplary embodiment, is configured in one piece with the body 26 having the attachment light source emission surface 25. The latter configuration results in significant simplification in installation and adjustment, and means that a small amount of light can get from one emission surface 20, 25 to the other emission surface 20, 25. In deviating embodiments, a multi-piece arrangement can be provided here. Likewise, it is conceivable to provide light-separating devices between the two emission surfaces 20, 25, which can possibly also be introduced into the corresponding bodies 21, 26 in one piece.

[0107] In the present exemplary embodiment, the emission surfaces 20, 25 make a flush transition into one another, but this is not compulsory—especially if separate bodies 21, 26 are used.

[0108] As is directly evident, the main beam direction 10 forms a central beam axis 15 in the present exemplary embodiment, which axis can easily be defined even in the case of elliptical base forms of the emission surfaces 20, 25. In this regard, the essentially rotation-symmetrical modules, lower symmetries are present here in the case of elliptical base surfaces or base surfaces having a different shape, are disposed axially 12 one behind the other along the main beam direction, wherein the emission surface 20 surrounds the attachment light source emission surface 25 radially 11 toward the outside, in ring shape. The other modules, as well, such as the modules that define the attachment construction space 60 and the modules that define the light guide space 70, as well as the light guide bodies 40 are disposed in accordance with these geometries. This particularly holds true also for the base light source 30, which emits axially 12 or toward the front in the main beam direction 10, in each instance, in these exemplary embodiments, and is disposed centrally on the central steel axis 15.

[0109] In detail, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base light source 30 disposed on the support plate 8 is surrounded by a light guide body 40 that in turn is spaced apart both from the passive reflector 50 and from a deflection mirror 55 that is formed out on the back of the wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60, wherein the distance between the deflection mirror 55 and the light guide body 40 is guaranteed by the spacer 5, not shown in FIG. 2.

[0110] The light guide space 70 delimited by the wall 61 and the mantle body 65 is an empty space 75, 76, with the exception of the light guide body 40 and the body 21, 26 that has the emission surfaces 20, 25 (only shown in FIG. 1), so that in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an empty space 75, 76 can be found, in each instance, between the light guide body 40 and the passive reflector 50, on the one hand, between the light guide body 40 and the deflection mirror 55, on the other hand, as well as between the body 21, 26 and the passive deflector 50.

[0111] In this exemplary embodiment, the light guide body 40 is divided into a radially active light guide body 41 that deflects a major portion of the light that leaves the base light source 30 laterally 13 or radially 11 in the radial 11 direction, with a radial coupling region 42, in other words parallelizes it with reference to a radially 11 or laterally 13 oriented plane, parallel to this plane, in other words comes close in the inclination direction of this plane.

[0112] Furthermore, the light guide body 40 comprises an axially active light guide body having an axial coupling region 46, which parallelizes or focuses light that leaves the base light source 30 with an essentially axial 12 component, in the axial direction 12. It is understood that parallelization does not necessarily have to lead entirely to parallel light beams. This is excluded for purely physical reasons right from the start, in view of the spatial expanse of the base light source 30. What is essential is that the light is given a stronger parallel direction component than before during a parallelization process, and thereby is directed more parallel than before.

[0113] The light guide body 40 furthermore has a coupling region 49, which deflects light beams that run radially in the light guide body 40 even further in the radial 11 direction, in order to further reinforce the parallelization of these light beams.

[0114] The light guide body 40 also has an axial decoupling region, which is not numbered for the sake of clarity, which region, however, only refracts the light insignificantly in the present exemplary embodiment, and forms the corresponding light bundle, because it was already possible to implement this, in the present exemplary embodiment, by means of the axial coupling region 46, to an outstanding extent. It is understood that in the case of other embodiments, this axial decoupling region can also be used in essentially parallelizing or focusing manner.

[0115] The light that leaves the light guide body 40 radially 11 gets to a deflection region 72, in which the passive reflector 50 is disposed, by means of the light guide space 71 that constitutes the radial part of the light guide space 70, and is guided axially 12 outward there by means of the light guide space 73, which constitutes the axial 12 region of the light guide space 70. There, the light can accordingly reach the emission surface 20, in that it penetrates into this surface by means of a light entry surface 27 of the body 21, which therefore also acts as a light guide body.

[0116] The light that leaves the light guide body 40 essentially axially 12, in contrast, is first reflected in the radial direction by the deflection mirror 55, and then passes through the same light guide space 70 as the light that leaves the light guide body 40 radially, in corresponding manner.

[0117] In the present exemplary embodiment, it is provided that both the light beams that leave the light guide body 40 axially 12 and those that leave it radially 11 are emitted onto the passive reflector 50, directed essentially radially 11, so that these light beams do not intersect or touch one another, or do so only to a very slight degree. This brings about the result that accordingly, the light beams also leave the passive reflector 50 in parallel manner, and reach the emission surface 20 and can be emitted from there in correspondingly directed manner.

[0118] In deviating embodiments, intersecting light paths can also be provided, something that accordingly leads to light beams that leave the light guide space 73 at an angle as compared with the main beam direction 10. Thus, it is possible, for example, to allow the light beams that leave the deflection mirror 55 to run essentially parallel to the radial 11 direction, so that ultimately, they are also emitted essentially parallel along the main beam direction 10 or along the central beam axis 15, while the light beams that leave the light guide body 40 essentially radially 11 are emitted so as to be distributed over the entire passive reflector 50, so that only the light beams that run essentially radially 11 are also emitted parallel to the main beam direction or to the central beam axis 15, while the light beams that run through the light guide space 71 with an axial 12 component then, accordingly, also run through the light guide space 73 in the axial direction with a radial 11 component, and get to the emission surface 20 at a corresponding angle, and are also passed on optically accordingly. The latter solution ultimately reflects the actual conditions at the base light source 30, in which the light emitted laterally 13, as such, radiates to the side, at least in large part, and frequently cannot be parallelized entirely, even in the case of direct emission. In this regard, the optical emission field of the vehicle light 1 can be influenced in desired manner with reference to the base light source 30 in this way, and can be adapted to existing requirements, such as statutory conditions, for example.

[0119] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the walls of the wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60 that face the light guide space 70, as well as the inside of the mantle body 65, are configured as a mirrored wall 59. In this way, scattered light or diffuse light can also be passed on as background radiation, at least to a great extent. This effect can be further increased if a mirrored surface or a mirrored wall is provided between the support plate 8 and the light guide space 70, which surface or wall, however, does not appear necessary in the present exemplary embodiment, because of the required amount of light.

[0120] Not shown in FIG. 2 are feed lines and the spacer 5, which penetrate the light guide space 70 or are disposed within the light guide space 70. Because the spacer 5 as such is optically inactive, it is not shown in FIG. 2 here. The ducts for the electrical lines and other smaller components influences the optical overall appearance and the beam paths insignificantly and merely at small angles, so that these can be ignored in the present case.

[0121] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2. However, supplemental light sources 31 are also disposed in the light guide space 70, which radiate directly axially through the light guide space 73 onto the emission surface 20. By means of these supplemental light sources 31, it is possible to significantly increase the light output of the light emitted at the emission surface 20 for specific operating states, for example for the case of constituting a brake light. As is directly evident, this amplification does not take place with the uniformity with which the light of the base light source 30 is emitted, but in view of the brightness emitted as a whole and in view of the relatively short radiation times, this can be considered tolerable in this exemplary embodiment. Also, the supplemental light sources 31, only one capture mirror and parallelizing light guide body of which are shown, interrupt the light guide space 70 in the region of the deflection region 72, so that in this way, variations in the uniformity of the light passed from the base light source 30 to the emission surface 20 are brought about. However, it has been shown that these variations are so slight that they only insignificantly impair the overall impression of the emitted light with regard to its intensity, its uniformity, and its direction.

[0122] In a modified embodiment, the supplemental light source 31 or—if multiple sources are provided—the supplemental light sources 31 can be disposed offset axially toward the rear (in other words toward the left in FIG. 3). If applicable, it is also conceivable to allow this light source to radiate radially 11 outward at first, and then to couple it into the light guide space 70 in the axial direction by way of mirrors.

[0123] Depending on the concrete implementation, within the scope of coupling of these supplemental light sources 31, the passive reflector 50 can is configured as a partially transmissible mirror, through which the light of the supplemental light source 31, shining through, can be coupled into the light guide space 71, in each instance, and at which the light that runs radially 11 in the light guide space 71 can still be reflected. In this way, the uniformity of the directed emission can be correspondingly increased.

[0124] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 deviates from the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3 particularly to the effect that the entire light guide space 70 is configured as a light guide body 40, which reaches from the coupling regions 42, 46 all the way to the emission surface 20. In this regard, slight structural measures are required in order to integrate the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 into the arrangement according to FIG. 1.

[0125] In particular, it is conceivable, in this exemplary embodiment, to do without mirrored walls 49, in the case of which the mirror prevents penetration into the mirrored surface and reflects the light away from the surface, because ultimately, the light in the light guide space 70 or in the light guide body 40 can be guided from the coupling regions 42, 46 all the way to the emission surface 20 by way of mirrored surfaces 57 of the light guide body 40, by means of which the light is reflected back into the light guide body, in each instance, or by means of boundary surface reflection 48, particularly by means of total reflections.

[0126] In particular, no separate wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60 as well as of a mantle body 65 is required, wherein it is certainly advantageous, in certain parts, to still provide housing components to also at the attachment construction space 60. In particular, in such an embodiment, the attachment light source emission surface 25 will also have to be provided on a separate body. In an alternative, the emission surface 20 can also be provided separately from the light guide body 40, so that once again, a common body 21, 26 for the emission surfaces 20, 25 can be provided.

[0127] As is directly evident, light that leaves the base light source 30 with an essentially axial 12 direction component is radiated by way of the axial coupling region 46 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, axially directed at the deflection mirror 55 that uses a mirrored surface 57 and a boundary surface reflection 58, and from there it is deflected radially 11 outward. In contrast, light of the base light source 30 that is emitted with an essentially lateral 13 component is coupled into the light guide body 40 in a lateral coupling region 48, wherein this lateral coupling region 48 refracts the light in the axial or in the radial direction, depending on the concrete embodiment, something that is ultimately connected with the reflection angle of a capture mirror 56, by means of which this light, which leaves the base light source 30 laterally 13, is reflected axially 12 onto the deflection mirror 55. From this, this light also follows the light guide body 40 through the light guide space 71 all the way to the deflection region 72, in which a passive reflector 50 is provided by means of a mirrored surface 57 as well as by means of boundary surface reflection 58.

[0128] Both the light that leaves the base light source 30 axially 12 and the light that leaves it radially 11 are reflected in the axial 12 direction and passed on, in directed manner, within the light guide body 40, through the light guide space 73, onto the emission surface 20.

[0129] It is understood that in deviating embodiments, a combination of mirrored surfaces 57 and boundary surface reflection 58 can be left out, if one of the effects reflects the light in sufficiently stable manner. This is ultimately particularly dependent on the required light output. It is understood that light from supplemental light sources can easily be coupled into the light guide body 40 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, as well, something that can take place particularly by way of the passive reflectors 50, but, if applicable, also by way of the deflection mirror 55 or even by way of the capture mirror 56. The latter can also be implemented in the other exemplary embodiments, under some circumstances.

[0130] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, wherein here, the passive reflector 50 is configured to be significantly shorter in the axial 12 direction. This has the result that light beams 81 reflected by the deflection mirror 55 essentially parallel to the radial 11 direction reaches the emission surface 20 in a straight line and in very directed manner, while the light that leaves the radially active light guide body 41 or the light guide body 40 essentially radially 11, which is shown as light beams 82 as an example, has a certain axial 12 component all the way to the passive reflector 50, in order to get to the passive reflector 50. This has the result that it also gets through the light guide space 73 at a corresponding angle, and therefore also reaches the emission surface 20 at a corresponding angle. In a deviating embodiment, these conditions could also be reversed, in that the passive reflector 50 is oriented differently, for example. As was already explained using the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, this leads to a somewhat widened light field, but under some circumstances, this could actually be desirable, in order to thereby fulfill other requirements, for example requirements of law.

[0131] As is directly evident, in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 to 5, the radially active light guide body 41 and the axially active light guide body 45 are configured in one piece as a light guide body 40.

[0132] Furthermore, the radial expanse of the emission surface 20 in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 to 4 corresponds to the radial expanse of the emission surface 20. This is different in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, something that would ultimately make it possible to configure the light guide space 73 as well as the emission surface 20 to be even narrower, so that here, once again, correspondence would be present.

[0133] Likewise, it is conceivable that the decoupling surface 49 of the light guide body 40 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 is active in axially refractive manner in its region that lies next to the base light source 30, in order to also guide lateral light to the passive reflector 50 or into the light guide space 73. This can also be advantageous in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3, if applicable.

[0134] As is directly evident, the light guide space 70 is relatively small in all the exemplary embodiments, so that the axial expanse, in particular, of the light guide space that extends radially with reference to the main beam direction 10, all the way to the deflection region 72, is smaller than its radial expanse. Likewise, the radial expanse of the light guide space 73 that extends axially with reference to the main beam direction, all the way to the emission surface 20, is smaller that its axial expanse.

[0135] In all the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 to 5, the base light source 30 is a single light source, which is disposed centrally axially 12 along the main beam direction 10 or along the central beam axis 15, on this central beam axis 15. This is different in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7, in which the base light source 30 is formed from multiple light sources, which are directed radially 11 outward in this exemplary embodiments, wherein in other exemplary embodiments, if applicable, a different orientation coupled with further optical measures can also be provided. However, the base light source 30 is also disposed centrally on the central beam axis 15 in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0136] It is understood that in deviating embodiments, the base light source 30 of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 5 and the deflection mirror 55 can be interchanged, so that the base light source 30—and, in particular, also the support plate 8, if applicable—is disposed on the wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60 or in the main beam direction 10 behind the light guide space 71. It can then radiate laterally, as in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7, or counter to the main beam direction 10 or away from the attachment construction space, wherein in the latter case, the emitted light can then be deflected, for example by means of a deflection mirror that is disposed in the main beam direction 10 in front of the light guide space 71 or opposite the wall 61 of the attachment construction space 60, and/or laterally onto the passive reflector 50, by way of corresponding light guide bodies, in order to then be reflected parallel to the main beam direction 10.

[0137] In all the exemplary embodiments, the emission surface 20 is also oriented in ring shape around the central beam axis. It is understood that with regard to this arrangement and symmetry, deviations are possible in other embodiments, if, for example, elliptical emission surfaces or other deviations from the ring shape are desired.

[0138] The light guide bodies 40, 41, 45 of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2 to 6 are also disposed centrally on the central beam axis 15 and correspond to the desired symmetry, something that applies accordingly also for the bodies 21, 26, which have the emission surfaces 20, 25. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, the light guide body 30 does not serve only for radial 11 orientation of the light proceeding from the base light source 30, but also for uniformization of the light field proceeding from the base light source in the circumferential direction around the main axis 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, there is no light guide body 40, since it was shown that if applicable, if there are a sufficiently high number of light sources, particularly of micro-LEDs with high light output, a base light source 30 that is sufficiently bright and is uniform in terms of its homogeneity can be provided.

[0139] This homogeneity can lead to the result that very bright regions occur in the main beam direction, something that might need to be avoided. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, the light sources can be oriented so that they do not proceed precisely radially from the main beam direction 10 or from the central beam axis 15, but rather in offset manner. Likewise, supplemental optical devices, such as optically active formed-on parts on mirrors, or convex or concave embodiments of the mirrors, or light entry or exit surfaces of light-conductive bodies can also be provided for this purpose. Thus, for example, the the passive reflector 50 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 has a focusing region 51 as a manipulation means (36) for manipulation of the light between the base light source (30) and the emission surface (20), which focuses light before it exits from the emission surface 20, so that this light leaves the emission surface with a wide emission cone.

[0140] It is understood that alternatively, other manipulation means 36, such as, for example, corresponding optically manipulating light entry surfaces 27 of the body 21 that has the emission surface 20 or also of the light guide body 40 and its light exit surfaces can be used accordingly, as is shown as an example using the light exit surfaces 27 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, which surfaces are configured merely at a slant in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, at a slant and convex in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, concave in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and with a small convex region in the one in FIG. 11. The first two embodiments lead to manipulation of the direction of the emission cone in the plane of the drawing, which corresponds to a section through the main beam direction 10 and the respective light exit point, while the latter three embodiments change the cone angle in this plane. In this regard, as in the focusing region 51 of the passive reflector 50 according to FIG. 3, the focus of the small convex region according to FIG. 11 is still in front of the emission surface 20, so that the light leaves the vehicle light 1 in correspondingly fanned manner.

[0141] In other embodiments, variation means 35 can be provided, which vary corresponding manipulations as a function of the circumference position around the main beam direction 10. Depending on the concrete implementation, these variations means 35 can vary the emission angle and/or the emission direction locally in accordance with the above exemplary embodiments, in that the corresponding configurations take place to a stronger or weaker degree. Also, the emission direction can be varied, in terms of its angle, with reference to the plane of the drawing used in FIGS. 8 to 11, in that the light entry surface 27 of the body 20 that has the emission surface 20 is configured with inclined surfaces (see FIG. 12) or in sine-like manner (see FIG. 13). This then leads to a corresponding inclination of the light that is passed on. It is understood that corresponding measures can also be provided on the mirrors 50 and 55 or on the light guide body 40, in that a deviation occurs from a rotation symmetry about the main steel direction 10 or from a symmetry about the main beam direction 10 that corresponds to the housing 3.

[0142] Particularly in the case of very weakly curved emission surfaces 20 or those that are essentially countersunk into the housing 3, the visibility of the vehicle light 1 from the side might be insufficient. For this purpose, formed-on parts 22 can be provided on the emission surface 20, as shown as an example in FIGS. 14 to 16. One formed-on part 22 might already be enough to guarantee sufficient visibility from the side.

[0143] These formed-on parts 22 are configured in such a manner that light beams 83 are deflected in a lateral direction 18 by them, wherein these light beams have the greatest possible angle with reference to the main beam direction 10, for example up to 80°. In order to achieve this with the least possible projection above the emission surface 20, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 the formed-on parts 22 are recessed into the emission surface 20, in part, and comprise a recess 23 in the body 21 that has the emission surface 20. In this way, one of the surfaces 22A, 22B, and 22C of the formed-on part 22, specifically the surface 22C, is an edge of the recess 23, wherein light beams 83 that are reflected there just reach the surface 22A and can exit there. This guarantees maximal light yield at a minimal expanse of the formed-on part 22 beyond the emission surface 20.

[0144] The formed-on parts 22 can be configured to be as long as possible in the lateral emission direction 18, if they are disposed in regions 24A of the emission surface 20 that extend in the lateral emission direction 18, because there, significantly more surface area is available in the lateral emission direction 18 than in regions 24B that extend perpendicular to the lateral emission direction 18. It is understood that these advantages can be found in emission surfaces 20 that have a different geometrical shape, as well.

[0145] In place of the formed-on parts 22, other measures can also be provided in order to achieve sufficient visibility from the side. This, for example, as shown as an example in FIG. 17, manipulation means 36 can be provided, which bring this about. As an example, the manipulation means 36 can comprise a totally reflective region 28, which guides a desired amount of light to the side, wherein—in the case of a suitable configuration—the emission surface 20, with its refractive properties that occur by their nature when the light leaves the body that has the emission surface 20, can also be used for corresponding orientation of this light emitted to the side, as shown as an example in FIG. 17. It is understood that other optical measures, such as mirrors or the like, can also be provided accordingly. Likewise, it can be desirable that the lateral emission varies over the circumference and is supposed to be present only in the horizontal direction, for example. It is then advantageous to provided the totally reflecting region(s) 28 as variation means that have changing optical properties, or only locally.

[0146] It is understood that the optical arrangements of FIGS. 2 to 7 can also be introduced or installed in other housing shapes and types than what is shown in FIG. 1.

[0147] The vehicle light 1 can particularly be used as a motorcycle light or bicycle light. On the other hand, of course, it can also be used in other vehicles, particularly as an attachment light, for which purpose the holding arm 4 offers the greatest possible flexibility, wherein it is understood that instead of the holding arm 4, other holders, such as holding clamps or articulated couplings, can be used.

[0148] Furthermore, it is understood that different types of vehicle lights, such as a daytime running light, position light, side marker light, brake light, parking light, turn signal light, taillight, high beam light, and dimmed headlight can be implemented by way of the different light sources 30, 31, 32. Here, it is recommended to take the desired light output and the desired optical effects into consideration accordingly, in order to make a decision as to which of the light sources 30, 31, 32 is to be used for which functions.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0149] 1 vehicle light [0150] 3 housing [0151] 4 holding arm [0152] 5 spacer [0153] 8 support plate [0154] 10 main beam direction [0155] 11 radial(ly) [0156] 12 axial(ly) [0157] 13 lateral(ly) [0158] 15 central beam axis [0159] 18 lateral emission direction [0160] 20 emission surface [0161] 21 body having the emission surface 20 [0162] 22 formed-on part [0163] 22A surface of the formed-on part 22 [0164] 22B surface of the formed-on part 22 [0165] 22C surface of the formed-on part 22 [0166] 23 recess [0167] 24A region extending in the lateral emission direction 18 [0168] 24B region extending perpendicular to the lateral emission [0169] direction 18 [0170] 25 attachment light source emission surface [0171] 26 body having the attachment light source emission surface 25 [0172] 27 light entry surface [0173] 28 total reflective region [0174] 30 basic light source [0175] 31 supplemental light source [0176] 32 attachment light source [0177] 35 variation means [0178] 36 manipulation means [0179] 40 light guide body [0180] 41 radially active light guide body [0181] 42 radial coupling region [0182] 45 axially active light guide body [0183] 46 axial coupling region [0184] 48 lateral coupling region [0185] 49 decoupling region [0186] 50 passive reflector [0187] 51 focusing region [0188] 55 deflection mirror [0189] 56 capture mirror [0190] 57 mirrored surface [0191] 58 boundary surface reflection [0192] 59 mirrored wall [0193] 60 attachment construction space [0194] 61 wall of the attachment construction space 60 [0195] 65 mantle body [0196] 70 light guide space [0197] 71 light guide space [0198] 72 deflection region [0199] 73 light guide space [0200] 75 empty space [0201] 76 empty space [0202] 79 wall of the light guide space 70 [0203] 81 light beam [0204] 82 light beam [0205] 83 light beam [0206] 84 light beam