OPTICAL DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE WITH SAID OPTICAL DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an optical device for a vehicle. The optical device comprises a printed circuit board that may carry several optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the optical device comprises at least one optical element or a group of optical elements that has to be aligned relative to the optoelectronic devices. Further, a corresponding optical element and a vehicle are described.

[0002] It is possible to use a reference point system (RPS) for relative alignment of two parts. Thus, it is possible to use a single protrusion that is arranged within a recess. However, there may be disadvantages using this kind of RPS.

[0003] US 2010/265721A1 discloses an integrated structure for optical refractor comprising a male end clasping portion joined to a baseplate, end clasping portion further comprising: a set of position fixing tenons and a set of clasp pins.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to give an improved, easy and cheap to manufacture, optical device, especially with regard to the alignment devices that are used therein. Furthermore, a corresponding vehicle shall be given.

[0005] This problem is solved by the claims. This object is reached by an optical device and a vehicle according to the independent claims. Further details of the invention unfold from the dependent claims as well as the description and the drawings.

[0006] The optical device for a vehicle comprises:

• a circuit board on which at least one optoelectronic device and at least one recess are arranged,
• an optical element that is arranged on the at least one optoelectronic device, and
• at least one aligning device, each aligning device comprising at least two aligning elements,

  wherein the at least one aligning device aligns the optical device with regard to the at least one optoelectronic device by engagement within a first recess,

  wherein a first aligning element of a first aligning device of the at least one aligning device is arranged on the optical device and is formed as a first flexible element that exerts a pressure force to the first recess, and

  wherein a second aligning element of the first aligning device is arranged on the optical element and formed as a rigid element within the first recess.

[0007] It is possible to compensate for tolerances in an easy way using the alignment device that has a rigid and a flexible element. Aligning with zero tolerance is possible in the aligning direction because the flexible element is used and generates pressure into the aligning direction. Furthermore, there may be still degrees of freedom in other directions that do not correspond to the aligning direction.

[0008] The second aligning element, i.e. the rigid element, may not exert an active resilient force to the first recess or only a small resilient force compared with the resilient force of the first flexible element. The resilient force of the rigid element may be below 10 percent or below 1 percent of the resilient force of the flexible element, especially greater than 0.01 percent. However, the rigid element may exert a counterforce to the resilient force of the first flexible element. The resilient force of the first flexible element may be caused by bending or deflection of the flexible element within the recess, i.e. there is a mechanical bias for instance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 mm (millimeter) compared with the relaxed state of the flexible element.

[0009] The first aligning element and the second aligning element may realize an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into a first direction. The first recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the first recess for a lateral displacement of the first aligning element and of the second aligning element with regard to the first recess. The direction of the lateral displacement within the first recess is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees, i.e. a right angle. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the lateral distances within the first recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the first recess.

[0010] The lateral distances are degrees of freedom to compensate for tolerances of fabrication and tolerances that result from extension or contraction of material depending for instance on temperature. It is possible for the aligning device to move into the spaces that are formed by the lateral distances.

[0011] A second aligning device may comprise a third aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a second flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a second recess. The second aligning device may comprise a fourth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a second rigid element within the second recess. The third aligning element and the fourth aligning element may realize an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into a second direction that is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. An aligning into two directions gives already an exact positioning within a plane, i.e. as viewed from a device level. The directions of aligning may be different from each other. Preferably the alignment direction of the first aligning device and the aligning direction of the second aligning device include a right angle. This results in further aligning and in further reducing the degrees of freedom between the aligned elements.

[0012] The second recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the second recess for a lateral displacement of the third aligning element and of the fourth aligning element with regard to the second recess. The direction of the lateral displacement within the second recess is crossway to the second direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the second recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the second recess. The second aligning device has the same technical effects as the first aligning device. The displacement distances of both aligning elements create local degrees of freedom. Thus, it is possible to compensate for differences in expansion or contraction of the elements that have to be aligned, i.e. the circuit board and the optical element.

[0013] A third aligning device may comprise a fifth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a third flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a third recess. The third aligning device may comprise a sixth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a third rigid element within the third recess. The fifth aligning element and the sixth aligning element may cause an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into the first direction or into a direction that has an angle of 0.1 degrees to 5 degrees to the first direction. Using the first recess and the third recess for aligning allows better positioning and alignment into the first direction of alignment. Using all three recesses also results in a very good alignment into the first direction of alignment and into the second direction of alignment.

[0014] The third recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the third recess for a lateral displacement of the fifth aligning element and of the sixth aligning element with regard to the third recess. The direction of the lateral displacement within the third recess is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the third recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the third recess. This raises the local degrees of freedom to compensate tolerances of fabrication and tolerances that result from different expansions or contractions of material depending on temperature.

[0015] The first aligning element, i.e. the first flexible element, within the first recess and the fifth aligning element, i.e. the third flexible element, within the third recess may exert pressure force into the first direction or into directions that include an angle of less than 5 degrees. It is especially preferred if the same directions are used. Accordingly, the same would be true with regard to the direction of pressure force for the second aligning device and a fourth aligning device that would also align into the second aligning direction, i.e. flexible elements on the same sides of the second recess and of a fourth recess. Thus, it is possible to always align only into two directions, i.e. two direction within a plane. The alignment may be done relative to only one reference point, i.e. to a single reference point. Very exact positioning is possible in this way, especially with zero tolerance.

[0016] The first aligning element, i.e. the first flexible element, or the aligning elements that are formed as flexible elements may be formed in the form of a rod or a bar, preferably of a bar having a square or a rectangular cross section. The longitudinal axis of the respective flexible element is preferably curved if the respective flexible element is in a relaxed state, i.e. it is not under external force. The bar is a very simple flexible element for generating a pressure force. Injection molding of this bar is possible without using a complicated mold, especially without costly sliders or pushers, even without using ejectors for ejecting the bar. It is possible to use no or only a small back taper or undercut on the bar. It is possible to have a slight overhang of the flexible element over the edge of the recess if the flexible element and the recess are engaged with one another. Thus, it is not necessary to use additionally fastening elements that are different from the proposed aligning devices. It is not necessary either to use complicated hooks or snap elements within the proposed aligning devices. However, it is not excluded to use such elements within the proposed aligning devices. Thus, the aligning devices may also have a fastening function. Nevertheless, it is possible to use additional fastening elements if necessary.

[0017] The first recess or the recesses may each comprise two sidewalls that are parallel with regard to each other, preferably planar sidewalls. The effect is that the aligning device may be moved along these parallel sidewalls. In each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess one of the aligning elements may be adjacent and may contact only one of these sidewalls and the other one of the aligning elements may be adjacent and may contact only the other of these sidewalls. In each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess the aligning elements may preferably overlap at a distance, especially at a distance that is greater than 1 millimeter or greater than two millimeters, if seen from a direction that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction of the respective aligning device and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface of a carrier element that is part of the optical element, especially the surface on which the respective aligning device is arranged. Furthermore, in each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess the aligning elements may preferably have a distance from each other along a direction that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction of the respective aligning device and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface of a carrier element that is part of the optical element, especially the surface on which the respective aligning device is arranged, preferably a distance greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters. One technical effect of the overlap is a small installation space. One technical effect of the distance is that it allows the overlap. The overlap is visible from a view that is transversal or crossway to the aligning direction. This may be relevant because it opens a new construction principle for the aligning device. The distance of the overlap is measured in a direction that is equal to the aligning direction which is also the result of the new construction principle for aligning devices. The overlap also enables an efficient usage of the space within a recess. Furthermore, small recesses are possible as well, i.e. the size of the recesses may be reduced.

[0018] The optical device may have at least one, several of or all of the following features:

• the optical device is a head light or a tail light of a vehicle, especially of a car, a bus or a truck,
• the at least one optoelectronic device is an LED (Light Emitting Device) or a light bulb, especially a halogen lamp,
• there are at least two optoelectronic devices on the circuit board,
• the optical element comprises at least one reflector or multiple reflectors, at least one optical lens, especially at least one Fresnel lens, or at least one refracting optical element,
• the optical element comprises at least two single optical elements that are formed integrally within the optical element, and
• the circuit board is a printed circuit board, preferably made of or comprising fire retardant material, especially FR-4 (Fire Retardant) material.

[0019] Exact aligning of head lights or tail lights is especially important for the safety of the driver and for oncoming traffic or traffic that is behind the car. There is a wide range of temperatures, for instance a great difference of temperature between summer and winter and/or night and day. Alignment with zero tolerances can be fulfilled under all circumstances and temperatures by the proposed alignment devices even if different materials, especially materials with different coefficients of length changing depending on temperature, are used for the circuit board and for the optical element. This is especially relevant for long and broad flat parts, i.e. parts that are used for instance in the tail light of a vehicle.

[0020] The reflector may comprise a metallic layer or may comprise a metal. If there is more than one optoelectronic device and more than one optical element the assembly and alignment of the optical device is simpler and more cost effective compared to separate assembly of optical elements and of optoelectronic devices.

[0021] The optical element and the aligning elements may be formed integrally, especially if both are made of plastic or comprising plastic material, preferably PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) or ABS (Acrylnitrile-Butadiene-Styrene). This allows cheap mass production.

[0022] The optical device may have at least one, several of or all of the following features:

• the recess has or the recesses have a maximum lateral dimension of less than 20 millimeters or of less than 10 millimeters and/or the enclosed area of a recess is smaller than 200 square millimeters or smaller than 60 square millimeters, and
• the aligning elements were fabricated using injection molding, especially without using a pusher/slider or even ejectors in the mold region that is used for producing the aligning elements.

[0023] No complicate hooks and/or clips and/or snap elements are necessary. However, alternatively it is possible to use such elements on the aligning elements as well.

[0024] The rigid element or the rigid elements may have smaller cross sections with greater distance to the optical element, especially caused by using a tapered or declined side wall. This makes the assembly of the optical device easier, in particular it is easier to engage an alignment device within the respective recess.

[0025] The aligning devices may be arranged on a straight line or may be straightened. Alternatively, the aligning devices may not be arranged on a straight line. The second aligning device may be arranged between the first aligning device and the third aligning device. There may be a distance between the first aligning device and the second aligning device that is greater than 5 centimeters and/or wherein there is a distance between the second aligning device and the third aligning device that is greater than 5 centimeters.

[0026] The invention also relates to a vehicle that comprises at least one optical device mentioned above. Thus, the same technical effects apply also to the vehicle. The vehicle may be a ship, a motorcycle, a plane, but especially a car, a bus or a truck.

[0027] In other words, a zero tolerance RPS (Reference Point System) is given. For example, the application case is the exact positioning of optical elements relative to each other, especially reflectors and LEDs (Light Emitting Device) during assembly. There is a resilient element that may deliver a mechanical bias, for instance 0.2 millimeters. Furthermore, there is an element forming a rigid stop, i.e. the rigid element. Thus, the resilient element may push a PCB (Printed Circuit board) against the rigid element. The resilient element and the rigid element form an aligning element together. A preferred application case is an arrangement of several aligning devices in combination or within one group on the same part, for instance on an optical element. It is easily possible to produce the tool for injection molding, especially to realize venting. It is possible to produce inserts within the tools for each alignment device. Furthermore, inserts are possible within the injection tool, i.e. within the mold, because no ejector is necessary for taking out the aligning device or the aligning devices from the mold. No pusher/slider is necessary to realize undercuts or a back taper. The forces within the z-direction during ejection of the work piece are within the limits given by the material.

[0028] The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, the same reference signs refer to the same technical features if not stated otherwise. As far as "may" is used in this application it means the possibility of doing so as well as the actual technical implementation. As far as "about" is used in this application, it means that also the exact given value is disclosed.

[0029] Further advantages, features and details of the invention unfold from the following description, in which by reference to drawings examples of the present invention are described in detail. The figures of the drawing are not drawn to scale. Other ratios of aspect may be used. The following is shown in the drawing:

Fig. 1

a top view of a vehicle,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a circuit board,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of an optical device,

Fig. 4

a perspective view of an aligning device,

Fig. 5

a side view of the aligning device,

Fig. 6

a perspective view of an engaged pair of a recess and the aligning device,

Fig. 7

a top view of the engaged pair, and

Fig. 8

a perspective view of a circuit board of a second embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a vehicle 100 that comprises a front side 101, a left front wheel 102, a right front wheel 104, a left rear wheel 106, a right rear wheel 108, an optional combustion motor VM (if the vehicle 100 is driven by fuel or gas), an electrical motor M1 (if the vehicle 100 is a hybrid or a fully electrified vehicle 100) and an accumulator (battery) 110. Furthermore, there is a central control device C that may be used for x-by-wire functions, e.g. steer by wire, brake by wire or for autonomous driving.

[0031] The vehicle 100 has two front lights 112 and 114 at the front side 101. Two tail lights 116 and 18 are arranged at the rear side to warn the traffic that follows behind the vehicle 100. Optical devices 200, 800 that are explained below in detail may be used within the tail lights 116, 118. However, other applications of the optical devices 200, 800 may include the front lights 112, 114 or devices within the cabin of the vehicle 100.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a circuit board 202 that is used within an optical device 200. The circuit board 202 may be a printed circuit board that comprises one layer or more layers of electrical lines that have been produced using photo lithographic techniques or other techniques. The form of circuit board 202 may be rectangular, quadratic, triangular or of another not so regular shape. The circuit board 202 may have a curved side face 204 that is part of the rear side of vehicle 100. A side face 206 is also curved and may be regarded as the second side of a triangular shape. A side face 208 is straight but may alternatively also be curved. There is an optional recess 209 between side faces 206 and 208.

[0033] In the example, there are five optoelectronic devices 210 to 218, for instance LEDs (Light Emitting Devices), power LEDs, or other illumination elements. There may be less or more than five optoelectronic devices 210 to 218, see for instance optional optoelectronic device 210. In other examples, optical sensor devices may be used instead of the devices 210 to 218 and/or 220. The optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and 220 may be aligned on an alignment curve 230. Alternatively, the alignment may be on a straight line or according to another pattern.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a direction 240 of main radiation of the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218. All optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 may have the same direction 240 of main radiation. There may be the same distance d1 to d5 between adjacent optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and/or 220. Alternatively, there may be different distances between the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and/or 220.

[0035] There is at least one recess, for instance a first recess 250, within the circuit board 202, especially a through hole. There may be two optional recesses, i.e. a second recess 252 and a third recess 254. There may be more or less than three recesses 250 to 254. The recesses 250 to 254 may be arranged on a straight line, on a curved line or in a different pattern. The optical elements of the optical device 200 are not shown in Figure 2 but are placed above or onto the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 as is shown in Figure 3. The first recess 250 or the recesses 250 to 254 are used to align the circuit board 202 and the optical element or elements relative to each other. This is explained in more detail below.

[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the optical device 200 that comprises the circuit board 202 and an optical element 300. The optical element 300 comprises a flat carrier element 302, for instance a carrier plate, with five openings 310 to 318 at positions that correspond to the positions of optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 on circuit board 202. Thus, the radiation of optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 may reach respective optical reflectors 330 to 338. The optical reflectors 330 to 338 have a half cylindrical form. An optoelectronic device, for instance optoelectronic device 210, may be arranged at the axis of the corresponding reflector, for instance reflector 330.

[0037] There may be an optional opening 320 for optoelectronic device 220. A corresponding optical reflector is signed by 340. Of course, there may be less or more than five optical reflectors 330 to 338 on optical element 300, i.e. on carrier element 302.

[0038] Optional mounting pegs 350 and 352 at both sides of carrier element 312 may be used as further fastening elements in addition to the aligning devices that are explained in more detail below, i.e. see Figure 4.

[0039] The optical element 300 may comprise further optional optical elements 360 and/or 362, for instance mirrors. Illumination lights for turn signals or for other purposes may be arranged within these mirrors.

[0040] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first aligning device 400 that comprises a first aligning element 402 that is flexible and/or resilient and a second aligning element 404 that is rigid. The view that is shown in Figure 4 is from below with regard to the position of the optical element 300 that is shown in Figure 3. The first aligning element 402 has the form of a bar and is able to generate a pressure force if bent. The second aligning element 404 is not resilient but may be used as a stop element as is explained below with regard to Figure 6.

[0041] The first aligning element 402 has for instance a rectangular foot area 412. A quadratic form of foot area 414 is also possible. The long side of foot area 412 is parallel to an x1-axis of a coordinate system 450. The second aligning element 404 has a rectangular foot area 414. A quadratic form of foot area 414 is possible as well. The long side of foot area 414 is parallel to an y1-axis of the coordinate system 450. The area of foot area 414 may be more than twice the area of foot area 412. Both aligning elements 402 and 404 extend in a z1-direction that is parallel to the z1-axis of coordinate system 450.

[0042] The first aligning element 402 comprises an aligning surface 422 that includes an essentially planar face 422a, a right (with regard to the view shown in Figure 4) side face 424, an essentially planar left side face 426, a curved and/or half-cylindrical top surface 428, and a free surface 430 that directs in the opposite direction of y1-axis. The aligning surface 422 may be biased by recess 250 by a maximum of about 0.2 millimeters at the position that makes contact with recess 250. Alternatively, the range of maximum displacement of the point of contact may be within the range of 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters or within another practicable range depending also on the material that is used to make optical element 300.

[0043] The second aligning element 404 comprises a stop face 432 that comprises a planar face 432a, an essentially planar right side face 434, an essentially left planar side face 436, a top surface 438 that may be also planar, and a declined or tapered face 440. The declined face 440 is declined or tapered relative to x1-z1-plane of coordinate system 450 allowing easy introduction and engagement of first aligning device 400 into a corresponding recess 250 of circuit board 202, see Figure 1 and Figure 6.

[0044] There is a straight alignment line 460 that is parallel to the outer long side of foot area 412. A straight alignment line 462 is parallel to the outer short side of foot area 414. Alignment lines 460, 462 correspond to plane sidewalls within first recess 250, see Figure 6 and corresponding description.

[0045] There is a distance d10 in the x1-direction that defines a gap or a space between first aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404. A distance d12 is in the direction of the y1-axis and defines the length of an overlap between first aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404. However, this overlap is optional. Distance d12 is measured parallel to a first direction 470 of alignment. Distance d10 is measured transversal to first direction 470. The pressure force of first aligning element 402 is directed in the direction of y1-axis.

[0046] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first aligning device 400. There is a slightly curved longitudinal axis 502 of first aligning element 402. The view that is shown in Figure 5 is from below with regard to the position of the optical element 300 that is shown in Figure 3. It is possible to manufacture first aligning element 402 without using pushers or sliders within the mold region that is used for injection molding the first aligning element 402. Ejectors for first aligning element 402 and/or for second aligning device 400 are not necessary either but may be used if there is enough construction space within the mold.

[0047] First aligning element 402 is curved in order to ease engagement of first aligning device 400 into first recess 250 and in order to allow fastening of circuit board 202 and of optical element 300 relative to each other without using additional hooks or snap elements on flexible element 402 and/or on rigid element 404. First aligning element 402 may overlap the edge of first recess 250 slightly if engaged within first recess 250, see Figure 7.

[0048] There is an essentially straight portion 504 that forms the lower half of first aligning element 402. An essentially straight portion 506 forms the upper half of first aligning element 402. The longitudinal axis 502 of first aligning element 402 has an inflection point 508 that is formed within an inflection portion of first aligning element 402 between straight portion 504 and straight portion 506. A direction 510 of view is indicated by a circle comprising a cross, i.e. it symbols an arrow that is directed within the plane in which Figure 5 is drawn. Direction 510 is opposite to the x1-axis of coordinate system 450, see Figure 4. Furthermore, direction 510 is transversal to first direction 470. Both directions 510 and 470 may be arranged by parallel displacement within a plane or are parallel to a plane that is parallel to a surface 512 of the carrier plate 302. First aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404 are arranged on surface 512 and both may for instance be formed integrally.

[0049] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an engaged pair 600 of first recess 250 and first aligning device 400. The view that is shown in Figure 6 is from below with regard to the position of the circuit board 202 that is shown in Figure 2. First recess 250 comprises an essentially planar sidewall 602 that is in contact with the aligning surface 422 of first aligning element 402 and an essentially planar sidewall 604 that is in contact with planar face 432a of first aligning element 404. Both sidewalls 602 and 604 are parallel with regard to each other.

[0050] There is a curved lateral sidewall 606 of first recess 250 that connects sidewalls 602 and 604 at the right (relative to the view that is shown in Figure 6) side of first recess 250. A further curved lateral sidewall 608 of first recess 250 connects sidewalls 602 and 604 at the left side of first recess 250. It is easy to produce first recess 250 because of curved lateral sidewalls 606 and 608, i.e. there are now edges having angles of about 90 degrees. This is especially relevant if the material of circuit board 202 is brittle, i.e. for instance if it comprises glass fibers.

[0051] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the engaged pair 600. It is visible that first aligning element 402 overlaps slightly with the edge of sidewall 602 or with the circuit board 202. This overlap 710 may be measured into first direction 470 and may have a value within in the range of 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeters or within another practicable range.

[0052] There is a lateral distance LD1 between the right (according to the view that is shown in Figure 7) side face 424 of first aligning element 402 and the right end of planar sidewall 602. A lateral distance LD2 is between the right (according to the view that is shown in Figure 7) side face 436 of second aligning element 404 and the left end of planar sidewall 604. Both lateral distances LD1 and LD2 are a measure for the space that may be used for a lateral displacement of first aligning device 400 in direction 700 of lateral displacement. The length of distances LD1 and LD2 may be in the range of 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters or within another appropriate range.

[0053] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a circuit board 802 of a second embodiment. Circuit board 802 corresponds essentially to circuit board 202. However, the differences are mentioned below. Circuit board 802 is part of an optical device 800 that corresponds in principle to optical device 200. Optical device 800 comprises an optical element (not shown) that is identical with optical element 300 apart from that the alignment devices may be arranged in different places and/or that there are at least three alignment devices on the optical element that is not shown in Figure 8.

[0054] Circuit board 802 corresponds to circuit board 202 but has another placement of a first recess 850, of a second recess 852 and of a third recess 854. Again, there are for instance five optoelectronic devices (LED, other example optical Sensor) 810 to 818 on circuit board 802. There may be less or more than five optoelectronic devices 810 to 818, see optoelectronic device 820.

[0055] Figure 8 shows a Cartesian coordinate system 860 that has an x2-axis 862, a y2-axis 864 and a z2-axis 866. A first direction 870 of alignment of a first aligning device 880 and an aligning direction 874 of a third aligning device 884 are parallel to the x2-axis. An aligning direction 872 of a second aligning device 882 is parallel to the y2-axis. Second aligning device 882 is arranged between first aligning device 880 and third aligning device 884.

[0056] First aligning device 880 is arranged within first recess 850 and comprises a first aligning element 902 that is formed as a resilient element and a second aligning element 904 that is formed as a rigid element. Second aligning device 882 is arranged within second recess 852 and comprises a third aligning element 912 that is formed as a resilient element 912 and a fourth aligning element 914 that is formed as a rigid element. Third aligning device 884 is arranged within third recess 854 and comprises a fifth aligning element 922 that is formed as a resilient element and a sixth aligning element that is formed as a rigid element 924. All three recesses 850, 852 and 854 are arranged on a straight line 932 in the second embodiment. Other placement of recesses 850, 852 and 854 and of corresponding alignment devices 880, 882 and 884 is also possible. This means that all three aligning devices 880, 882 and 884 are also arranged on the straight line 934. The length of a distance d20 between first recess 850 and second recess 852 may be the same as the length of a distance d22 between second recess 852 and third recess 854. Alternatively, both distances d20 and d22 may have different lengths. Both distances d20 and d22 may be longer than 5 centimeters.

[0057] The optoelectronic devices 810 to 820 are arranged on a curve 930, alternatively on a straight line. There is a cross point 934 of straight line 932 and of curve 930. A maximum distance d24 between straight line 932 and curve 930 may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter or to 2 centimeters.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

List of reference signs

[0059] 

100

vehicle

101

front side

102

wheel

104

wheel

106

wheel

108

wheel

110

accumulator

112

front light

114

front light

116

tail light

118

tail light

200

optical device

202

circuit board

204

side face

206

side face

208

side face

209

Recess

210

optoelectronic device

212

optoelectronic device

214

optoelectronic device

216

optoelectronic device

218

optoelectronic device

220

optoelectronic device

230

alignment curve

240

direction of main radiation

250

first recess

252

second recess

254

third recess

300

optical element

302

carrier element

310

opening

312

opening

314

opening

316

opening

318

opening

320

opening

330

optical reflector

332

optical reflector

334

optical reflector

336

optical reflector

338

optical reflector

340

optical reflector

350

mounting peg

352

mounting peg

360

further optional optical element

362

further optional optical element

400

first aligning device

402

first aligning element

404

second aligning element

412

foot area

414

foot area

422

aligning surface

422a

planar face

424

side face

426

side face

428

top surface

430

free surface

432

stop face

432a

planar face

434

side face

436

side face

438

top surface

440

declined face

450

coordinate system

452

x1-axis

454

y1-axis

456

z1-axis

460

alignment line

462

alignment line

470

first direction

502

longitudinal axis

504

straight portion

506

straight portion

508

inflection point

510

direction of view

512

surface

600

engaged pair

602

sidewall

604

sidewall

606

lateral sidewall

608

lateral sidewall

700

direction of lateral displacement

710

overlap

800

optical device

802

circuit board

810

optoelectronic device

812

optoelectronic device

814

optoelectronic device

816

optoelectronic device

818

optoelectronic device

820

optoelectronic device

850

first recess

852

second recess

854

third recess

860

coordinate system

862

x2-axis

864

y2-axis

866

z2-axis

870

first direction

872

second direction

874

direction

880

first aligning device

882

second aligning device

884

third aligning device

902

first aligning element

904

second aligning element

912

third aligning element

914

fourth aligning element

922

fifth aligning element

924

sixth aligning element

930

curve

932

straight line

934

cross point

d1

distance

d2

distance

d3

distance

d4

distance

d5

distance

d10

distance

d12

distance

d20

distance

d22

distance

d24

distance

LD1

lateral distance

LD2

lateral distance

M1

electrical motor

VM

combustion motor

Claims

1. Optical device (200, 800) for a vehicle (100) comprising:

a circuit board (202) on which at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220) and at least one recess (250) are arranged,

an optical element (300) that is arranged on the at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220), and

at least one aligning device (400, 880), each aligning device (400, 880) comprising at least two aligning elements (402, 404),

wherein the at least one aligning device (400, 880) aligns the optical device (300) with regard to the at least one optoelectronic device (210) by engagement within a first recess (250),

wherein a first aligning element (402, 902) of a first aligning device (400) of the at least one aligning device (400) is arranged on the optical element (300) and is formed as a first flexible element that exerts a pressure force onto the first recess (250), and

wherein a second aligning element (404, 904) of the first aligning device (400, 880) is arranged on the optical element (300) and formed as a rigid element within the first recess (250).

2. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first aligning element (402) and the second aligning element (404) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into a first direction (470, 870),

whereby the first recess (250, 850) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance (LD1, LD1) within the first recess (250, 850) for a lateral displacement of the first aligning element (402) and of the second aligning element (404) with regard to the first recess (250, 850),

whereby a direction (700) of the lateral displacement within the first recess (250, 850) is crossway to the first direction (470, 870), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby the at least one lateral distance (LD1, LD2) or the sum of the lateral distances (LD1. LD2) within the first recess (250, 850) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side (606, 608) of the first recess (250).

3. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 2, characterized by a second aligning device (882) that comprises a third aligning element (912) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a second flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a second recess (852),

wherein the second aligning device (882) comprises a fourth aligning element (914) that is arranged on the optical element (300, 330) and that is formed as a second rigid element within the second recess (852), the third aligning element (912) and the fourth aligning element (914) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into a second direction (872) that is crossway to the first direction (870), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby preferably the second recess (852) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the second recess (852) for a lateral displacement of the third aligning element (912) and of the fourth aligning element (914) with regard to the second recess (852),

whereby the direction of the lateral displacement within the second recess (852) is crossway to the second direction (872), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees, whereby the at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the second recess (852) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the second recess (852).

4. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by a third aligning device (884) that comprises a fifth aligning element (922) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a third flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a third recess (854),

wherein the third aligning device (884) comprises a sixth aligning element (924) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a third rigid element within the third recess (854),

the fifth aligning element (922) and the sixth aligning element (924) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into the first direction (870) or into a direction (874) that is parallel to the first direction (870) or that has an angle of 0,1 degrees to 5 degrees to the first direction (870),

whereby preferably the third recess (854) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the third recess (854) for a lateral displacement of the fifth aligning element (822) and of the sixth aligning element (824) with regard to the third recess (854),

whereby the direction of the lateral displacement within the third recess (854) is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby the at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the third recess (854) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the third recess (854).

5. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first aligning element (902) within the first recess (850) and the fifth aligning element (922) within the third recess (854) exert the pressure force into the first direction (870) or into opposite directions or into directions that include an angle of less than 5 degrees.

6. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the first aligning element (402, 902) is formed or the aligning elements (902, 912, 922) are formed in the form of a rod or a bar, preferably of a bar having a square or a rectangular cross section,

whereby the longitudinal axis (502) of the respective aligning element (902, 912, 922) that is formed as a flexible element is preferably curved if the respective aligning element (902, 912, 922) that is formed as a flexible element is in a relaxed state.

7. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the first recess (250) or the recesses (850, 852, 854) each comprise two sidewalls (602, 604) that are parallel with regard to each other, preferably planar sidewalls (602, 604),

wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) one (402) of the aligning elements (402, 404) is adjacent and contacts only one (602) of these sidewalls (602, 604) and the other one (404) of the aligning elements (402, 404) is adjacent and contacts only the other one (604) of these sidewalls (602, 604), wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) the aligning elements (402, 404) preferably overlap at a distance (d12), especially at a distance (d12) that is greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters, if seen from a direction (590) that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction (470) of the respective aligning device (400) and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface (512) of a carrier element (302) that is part of the optical element (300), especially the surface (512) on which the respective aligning device (400) is arranged, wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) the aligning elements (402, 404) preferably have a distance (d10) from each other along a direction (590) that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction (470) of the respective aligning device (400) and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface (512) of a carrier element (302) that is part of the optical element (300), especially the surface (512) on which the respective aligning device (400) is arranged, preferably a distance greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters.

8. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one, several of or all of the following features:

the optical device (200, 800) is a head light (112, 114) or a tail light (116, 118) of a vehicle (100), especially of a car, a bus or a truck,

the at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220) is an LED or a light bulb, especially a halogen lamp,

there are at least two optoelectronic devices (210 to 220) on the circuit board (202),

the optical element (300) comprises at least one reflector or multiple reflectors, at least one optical lens, especially at least one Fresnel lens, or at least one refracting optical element,

the optical element (300) comprises at least two single optical elements that are integrally formed within the optical element (300), and

the circuit board (202) is a printed circuit board (202), preferably made of or comprising fire retardant material, especially FR-4 material.

9. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical element (300) and the aligning elements (402, 404) are formed integrally, especially both made of plastic or comprising plastic material, preferably PMMA or ABS.

10. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one, several of or all of the following features:

the first recess (250) has or the recesses (850, 852, 854) have a maximum lateral dimension of less than 20 millimeters or of less than 10 millimeters and/or the enclosed area of a recess is smaller than 200 square millimeters or smaller than 60 square millimeters, and

the aligning elements (402, 404) were fabricated using injection molding, especially without using a pusher or slider and/or without using an ejector or ejectors in the region of the mold that is used for producing the aligning elements (402, 404).

11. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rigid element has or the rigid elements have smaller cross sections with greater distance to the optical element (300), especially caused by using a tapered or declined side wall (440).

12. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the claims 3 or 4 to 11,

characterized in that the aligning devices (880 to 884) are arranged on a straight line (930) or are straightened or in that the aligning devices (880 to 884) are not arranged on a straight line (930),

wherein preferably the second aligning device (882) is arranged between the first aligning device (880) and the third aligning device (884),

wherein especially there is a distance (d20) between the first aligning device (880) and the second aligning device (882) that is greater than 5 centimeters and/or wherein there is a distance (d22) between the second aligning device (882) and the third aligning device (884) that is greater than 5 centimeters.

13. Vehicle (100) comprising at least one optical device (200, 800) according to one of the claims 1 to 12.

Ansprüche

1. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) für ein Fahrzeug (100), umfassend:

eine Leiterplatte (202), auf der mindestens eine optoelektronische Vorrichtung (210 bis 220) und mindestens eine Ausnehmung (250) angeordnet sind,

ein optisches Element (300), das auf der mindestens einen optoelektronischen Vorrichtung (210 bis 220) angeordnet ist, und

mindestens eine Ausrichtvorrichtung (400, 880), wobei jede Ausrichtvorrichtung (400, 880) mindestens zwei Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) umfasst,

wobei die mindestens eine Ausrichtvorrichtung (400, 880) die optische Vorrichtung (300) durch Eingreifen innerhalb einer ersten Ausnehmung (250) in Bezug auf die mindestens eine optoelektronische Vorrichtung (210) ausrichtet,

wobei ein erstes Ausrichtelement (402, 902) einer ersten Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) von der mindestens einen Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) auf dem optischen Element (300) angeordnet ist und als ein erstes flexibles Element ausgebildet ist, das auf die erste Ausnehmung (250) eine Druckkraft ausübt, und

wobei ein zweites Ausrichtelement (404, 904) der ersten Ausrichtvorrichtung (400, 880) auf dem optischen Element (300) angeordnet und innerhalb der ersten Ausnehmung (250) als ein starres Element ausgebildet ist.

2. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Ausrichtelement (402) und das zweite Ausrichtelement (404) ein Ausrichten der Leiterplatte (202) und des optischen Elements (300) in eine erste Richtung (470, 870) bewirken,

wobei die erste Ausnehmung (250, 850) so ausgebildet ist, dass mindestens ein lateraler Abstand (LD1, LD2) innerhalb der ersten Ausnehmung (250, 850) für ein laterales Versetzen des ersten Ausrichtelements (402) und des zweiten Ausrichtelements (404) in Bezug auf die erste Ausnehmung (250, 850) vorhanden ist,

wobei eine Richtung (700) des lateralen Versetzens innerhalb der ersten Ausnehmung (250, 850) quer zur ersten Richtung (470, 870), vorzugsweise in einem Winkel von 85 Grad bis 95 Grad, insbesondere in einem Winkel von 90 Grad, verläuft,

wobei der mindestens eine laterale Abstand (LD1, LD2) oder die Summe der lateralen Abstände (LD1, LD2) innerhalb der ersten Ausnehmung (250, 850) vorzugsweise mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter, insbesondere mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter auf jeder lateralen Seite (606, 608) der ersten Ausnehmung (250) beträgt.

3. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach Anspruch 2, gekennzeichnet durch eine zweite Ausrichtvorrichtung (882), die ein drittes Ausrichtelement (912), das auf dem optischen Element (300) angeordnet ist und das als ein zweites flexibles Element ausgebildet ist, das eine Druckkraft auf eine zweite Ausnehmung (852) ausübt, umfasst,

wobei die zweite Ausrichtvorrichtung (882) ein viertes Ausrichtelement (914), das auf dem optischen Element (300, 330) angeordnet ist und das innerhalb der zweiten Ausnehmung (852) als ein zweites starres Element ausgebildet ist, umfasst, wobei das dritte Ausrichtelement (912) und das vierte Ausrichtelement (914) ein Ausrichten der Leiterplatte (202) und des optischen Elements (300) in eine zweite Richtung (872), die quer zur ersten Richtung (870) verläuft, vorzugsweise in einem Winkel von 85 Grad bis 95 Grad, insbesondere in einem Winkel von 90 Grad, bewirken,

wobei vorzugsweise die zweite Ausnehmung (852) so ausgebildet ist, dass mindestens ein lateraler Abstand innerhalb der zweiten Ausnehmung (852) für ein laterales Versetzen des dritten Ausrichtelements (912) und des vierten Ausrichtelements (914) in Bezug auf die zweite Ausnehmung (852) vorhanden ist, wobei die Richtung des lateralen Versetzens innerhalb der zweiten Ausnehmung (852) quer zur zweiten Richtung (872), vorzugsweise in einem Winkel von 85 Grad bis 95 Grad, insbesondere in einem Winkel von 90 Grad, verläuft,

wobei der mindestens eine laterale Abstand oder die Summe des mindestens einen lateralen Abstands innerhalb der zweiten Ausnehmung (852) vorzugsweise mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter, insbesondere mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter auf jeder lateralen Seite der zweiten Ausnehmung (852), beträgt.

4. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, gekennzeichnet durch eine dritte Ausrichtvorrichtung (884), die ein fünftes Ausrichtelement (922), das auf dem optischen Element (300) angeordnet ist und das als ein drittes flexibles Element ausgebildet ist, das eine Druckkraft auf eine dritte Ausnehmung (854) ausübt, umfasst,

wobei die dritte Ausrichtvorrichtung (884) ein sechstes Ausrichtelement (924), das auf dem optischen Element (300) angeordnet ist und das innerhalb der dritten Ausnehmung (854) als ein drittes starres Element ausgebildet ist, umfasst, wobei das fünfte Ausrichtelement (922) und das sechste Ausrichtelement (924) ein Ausrichten der Leiterplatte (202) und des optischen Elements (300) in die erste Richtung (870) oder in eine Richtung (874), die parallel zur ersten Richtung (870) verläuft oder einen Winkel von 0,1 Grad bis 5 Grad zur ersten Richtung (870) aufweist, bewirken,

wobei vorzugsweise die dritte Ausnehmung (854) so ausgebildet ist, dass mindestens ein lateraler Abstand innerhalb der dritten Ausnehmung (854) für ein laterales Versetzen des fünften Ausrichtelements (822) und des sechsten Ausrichtelements (824) in Bezug auf die dritte Ausnehmung (854) vorhanden ist,

wobei die Richtung des lateralen Versetzens innerhalb der dritten Ausnehmung (854) quer zur ersten Richtung, vorzugsweise in einem Winkel von 85 Grad bis 95 Grad, insbesondere in einem Winkel von 90 Grad, verläuft,

wobei der mindestens eine laterale Abstand oder die Summe des mindestens einen lateralen Abstands innerhalb der dritten Ausnehmung (854) vorzugsweise mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter, insbesondere mindestens 1 Millimeter oder mindestens 2 Millimeter auf jeder lateralen Seite der dritten Ausnehmung (854), beträgt.

5. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Ausrichtelement (902) innerhalb der ersten Ausnehmung (850) und das fünfte Ausrichtelement (922) innerhalb der dritten Ausnehmung (854) die Druckkraft in die erste Richtung (870) oder in entgegengesetzte Richtungen oder in Richtungen, die einen Winkel von weniger als 5 Grad umfassen, ausüben.

6. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Ausrichtelement (402, 902) oder die Ausrichtelemente (902, 912, 922) in der Form einer Stange oder eines Stabes ausgebildet ist bzw. sind, insbesondere eines Stabes mit einem quadratischen oder einem rechteckigen Querschnitt,
wobei die Längsachse (502) des entsprechenden Ausrichtelements (902, 912, 922), das als ein flexibles Element ausgebildet ist, vorzugsweise gewölbt ist, wenn das entsprechende Ausrichtelement (902, 912, 922), das als ein flexibles Element ausgebildet ist, in einem entspannten Zustand ist.

7. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Ausnehmung (250) oder die Ausnehmungen (850, 852, 854) jeweils zwei Seitenwände (602, 604), die in Bezug zueinander parallel sind, vorzugsweise ebene Seitenwände (602, 604), umfassen,

wobei in jedem Paar von einer Ausnehmung (250) und von einer Ausrichtvorrichtung (400), die sich innerhalb dieser Ausnehmung (250) im Eingriff befindet, eines (402) der Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) nur einer (602) dieser Seitenwände (602, 604) benachbart ist und sie berührt, und das andere eine (404) der Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) nur der anderen einen (604) dieser Seitenwände (602, 604) benachbart ist und sie berührt,

wobei in jedem Paar von einer Ausnehmung (250) und von einer Ausrichtvorrichtung (400), die sich innerhalb dieser Ausnehmung (250) im Eingriff befindet, die Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) einander vorzugsweise in einem Abstand (d12), insbesondere in einem Abstand (d12), der größer als 1 Millimeter oder größer als 2 Millimeter ist, bei Betrachtung aus einer Richtung (590), die quer oder transversal zur Ausrichtungsrichtung (470) der entsprechenden Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) ist und die in einer Ebene liegt, die parallel zu einer Oberfläche (512) eines Trägerelements (302), das Teil des optischen Elements (300) ist, insbesondere der Oberfläche (512), auf der die entsprechende Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) angeordnet ist, verläuft, überlappen, wobei in jedem Paar von einer Ausnehmung (250) und von einer Ausrichtvorrichtung (400), die sich innerhalb dieser Ausnehmung (250) im Eingriff befindet, die Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) entlang einer Richtung (590), die quer oder transversal zur Ausrichtungsrichtung (470) der entsprechenden Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) verläuft und die in einer Ebene, die parallel zu einer Oberfläche (512) eines Trägerelements (302), das Teil des optischen Elements (300) ist, liegt, insbesondere der Oberfläche (512), auf der die entsprechende Ausrichtvorrichtung (400) angeordnet ist, vorzugsweise einen Abstand (d10) voneinander aufweisen, vorzugsweise einen Abstand, der größer als 1 Millimeter oder größer als 2 Millimeter ist.

8. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,

gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eines, mehrere oder alle der folgenden Merkmale: die optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) ist ein Scheinwerfer (112, 114) oder eine Heckleuchte (116, 118) eines Fahrzeugs (100), insbesondere eines Personenkraftwagens, eines Busses oder eines Lastkraftwagens,

die mindestens eine optoelektronische Vorrichtung (210 bis 220) ist eine LED oder eine Glühlampe, insbesondere eine Halogenlampe,

auf der Leiterplatte (202) befinden sich mindestens zwei optoelektronische Vorrichtungen (210 bis 220),

das optische Element (300) umfasst mindestens einen Reflektor oder mehrere Reflektoren, mindestens eine optische Linse, insbesondere mindestens eine Fresnel-Linse, oder mindestens ein lichtbrechendes optisches Element,

das optische Element (300) umfasst mindestens zwei einzelne optische Elemente, die innerhalb des optischen Elements (300) einstückig ausgebildet sind, und

die Leiterplatte (202) ist eine gedruckte Leiterplatte (202), vorzugsweise aus einem feuerhemmenden Material hergestellt oder es umfassend, insbesondere FR-4-Material.

9. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das optische Element (300) und die Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) einstückig ausgebildet sind, insbesondere beide aus Kunststoff hergestellt sind oder Kunststoffmaterial enthalten, vorzugsweise PMMA oder ABS.

10. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche,

gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eines, mehrere oder alle der folgenden Merkmale: die erste Ausnehmung (250) oder die Ausnehmungen (850, 852, 854) weist bzw. weisen eine maximale laterale Abmessung von weniger als 20 Millimetern oder von weniger als 10 Millimetern auf, und/oder der umschlossene Bereich einer Ausnehmung ist kleiner als 200 Quadratmillimeter oder kleiner als 60 Quadratmillimeter, und

die Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) wurden unter Verwendung von Spritzgießen hergestellt, insbesondere ohne Verwendung eines Drückers oder Schiebers und/oder ohne Verwendung eines Ejektors oder von Ejektoren im Bereich der Form, die zum Produzieren der Ausrichtelemente (402, 404) verwendet wird.

11. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das starre Element oder die starren Elemente kleinere Querschnitte mit größerem Abstand zum optischen Element (300), insbesondere verursacht durch Verwendung einer sich verjüngenden oder geneigten Seitenwand (440), aufweist bzw. aufweisen.

12. Optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 4 bis 11,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausrichtvorrichtungen (880 bis 884) auf einer geraden Linie (930) angeordnet sind oder begradigt sind, oder dadurch, dass die Ausrichtvorrichtungen (880 bis 884) nicht auf einer geraden Linie (930) angeordnet sind,

wobei vorzugsweise die zweite Ausrichtvorrichtung (882) zwischen der ersten Ausrichtvorrichtung (880) und der dritten Ausrichtvorrichtung (884) angeordnet ist, wobei insbesondere ein Abstand (d20) zwischen der ersten Ausrichtvorrichtung (880) und der zweiten Ausrichtvorrichtung (882) besteht, der größer als 5 Zentimeter ist, und/oder wobei ein Abstand (d22) zwischen der zweiten Ausrichtvorrichtung (882) und der dritten Ausrichtvorrichtung (884) besteht, der größer als 5 Zentimeter ist.

13. Fahrzeug (100), umfassend mindestens eine optische Vorrichtung (200, 800) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12.

Revendications

1. Dispositif optique (200, 800) pour un véhicule (100) comprenant :

une carte de circuit imprimé (202) sur laquelle sont disposés au moins un dispositif optoélectronique (210 à 220) et au moins un évidement (250),

un élément optique (300) installé au moins sur un dispositif optoélectronique (210 à 220), et

au moins un dispositif d'alignement (400, 880), chaque dispositif d'alignement (400, 880) comprenant au moins deux éléments d'alignement (402, 404),

au moins un dispositif d'alignement (400, 880) alignant le dispositif optique (300) par rapport à au moins un dispositif optoélectronique (210) par engagement dans un premier évidement (250),

un premier élément d'alignement (402, 902) d'un premier dispositif d'alignement (400) d'au moins un dispositif d'alignement (400) étant disposé sur l'élément optique (300) et constitué sous la forme d'un premier élément flexible qui exerce une force de pression sur le premier évidement (250), et

un deuxième élément d'alignement (404, 904) du premier dispositif d'alignement (400, 880) étant disposé sur l'élément optique (300) et constitué sous la forme d'un élément rigide à l'intérieur du premier évidement (250).

2. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le premier élément d'alignement (402) et le deuxième élément d'alignement (404) effectuent un alignement de la carte de circuit imprimé (202) et de l'élément optique (300) dans une première direction (470, 870),

sachant que le premier évidement (250, 850) est formé de telle sorte qu'il existe au moins une distance latérale (LD1, LD2) à l'intérieur du premier évidement (250, 850) pour un déplacement latéral du premier élément d'alignement (402) et du deuxième élément d'alignement (404) par rapport au premier évidement (250, 850),

sachant qu'une direction (700) du déplacement latéral à l'intérieur du premier évidement (250, 850) est transversale à la première direction (470, 870), de préférence à un angle de 85 à 95 degrés, en particulier à un angle de 90 degrés, sachant qu'au moins une distance latérale (LD1, LD2) ou la somme des distances latérales (LD1, LD2) à l'intérieur du premier évidement (250, 850) est de préférence d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres, en particulier d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres de chaque côté latéral (606, 608) du premier évidement (250).

3. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé par un deuxième dispositif d'alignement (882) qui comprend un troisième élément d'alignement (912) disposé sur l'élément optique (300) et constitué sous la forme d'un deuxième élément flexible qui exerce une force de pression sur un deuxième évidement (852), le deuxième dispositif d'alignement (882) comprenant un quatrième élément d'alignement (914) disposé sur l'élément optique (300, 330) et constitué sous la forme d'un deuxième élément rigide à l'intérieur du deuxième évidement (852), le troisième élément d'alignement (912) et le quatrième élément d'alignement (914) effectuant un alignement de la carte de circuit imprimé (202) et de l'élément optique (300) dans une deuxième direction (872) transversale à la première direction (870), de préférence à un angle de 85 à 95 degrés, en particulier à un angle de 90 degrés, sachant que de préférence le deuxième évidement (852) est formé de telle sorte qu'il existe au moins une distance latérale à l'intérieur du deuxième évidement (852) pour un déplacement latéral du troisième élément d'alignement (912) et du quatrième élément d'alignement (914) par rapport au deuxième évidement (852), sachant que la direction du déplacement latéral à l'intérieur du deuxième évidement (852) est transversale à la deuxième direction (872), de préférence à un angle de 85 à 95 degrés, en particulier à un angle de 90 degrés,
sachant qu'au moins une distance latérale ou la somme de la distance latérale à l'intérieur du deuxième évidement (852) est de préférence d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres, en particulier d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres de chaque côté latéral du deuxième évidement (852).

4. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé par un troisième dispositif d'alignement (884) qui comprend un cinquième élément d'alignement (922) disposé sur l'élément optique (300) et constitué sous la forme d'un troisième élément flexible qui exerce une force de pression sur un troisième évidement (854),

le troisième dispositif d'alignement (884) comprenant un sixième élément d'alignement (924) disposé sur l'élément optique (300) et constitué sous la forme d'un troisième élément rigide à l'intérieur du troisième évidement (854),

le cinquième élément d'alignement (922) et le sixième élément d'alignement (924) effectuant un alignement de la carte de circuit imprimé (202) et de l'élément optique (300) dans la première direction (870) ou dans une direction (874) parallèle à la première direction (870) ou qui située à un angle de 0,1 à 5 degrés par rapport à la première direction (870),

sachant que, de préférence, le troisième évidement (854) est formé de telle sorte qu'il existe au moins une distance latérale à l'intérieur du troisième évidement (854) pour un déplacement latéral du cinquième élément d'alignement (822) et du sixième élément d'alignement (824) par rapport au troisième évidement (854),

sachant que la direction du déplacement latéral à l'intérieur du troisième évidement (854) est transversale à la première direction, de préférence à un angle de 85 à 95 degrés, en particulier à un angle de 90 degrés,

sachant qu'au moins une distance latérale ou la somme de la distance latérale à l'intérieur du troisième évidement (854) est de préférence d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres, en particulier d'au moins 1 millimètre ou d'au moins 2 millimètres de chaque côté latéral du troisième évidement (854).

5. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le premier élément d'alignement (902) dans le premier évidement (850) et le cinquième élément d'alignement (922) dans le troisième évidement (854) exercent la force de pression dans la première direction (870) ou dans des directions opposées ou dans des directions à un angle inférieur à 5 degrés.

6. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le premier élément d'alignement (402, 902) ou les éléments d'alignement (902, 912, 922) sont constitués sous la forme d'une tige ou d'une barre, de préférence d'une barre ayant une section transversale carrée ou rectangulaire,
sachant que l'axe longitudinal (502) de l'élément d'alignement (902, 912, 922) respectif est formé comme un élément flexible de préférence incurvé si l'élément d'alignement (902, 912, 922) respectif formé comme un élément flexible est dans un état détendu.

7. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le premier évidement (250) ou les évidements (850, 852, 854) comprennent chacun deux parois latérales (602, 604) parallèles l'une par rapport à l'autre, de préférence des parois latérales planes (602, 604), chaque paire d'un évidement (250) et d'un dispositif d'alignement (400) engagé dans cet évidement (250), l'un (402) des éléments d'alignement (402, 404) étant adjacent et ne touchant que l'une (602) de ces parois latérales (602, 604) et l'autre (404) des éléments d'alignement (402, 404) étant adjacent et ne touchant que l'autre (604) de ces parois latérales (602, 604),
chaque paire d'un évidement (250) et d'un dispositif d'alignement (400) engagé dans cet évidement (250), les éléments d'alignement (402, 404) se chevauchant de préférence à une distance (d12), en particulier à une distance (d12) supérieure à 1 millimètre ou à 2 millimètres, si on les observe depuis une direction (590) transversale à la direction d'alignement (470) du dispositif d'alignement respectif (400) et se trouvant dans un plan parallèle à une surface (512) d'un élément porteur (302) faisant partie de l'élément optique (300), en particulier la surface (512) sur laquelle le dispositif d'alignement respectif (400) est disposé, dans lequel dans chaque paire d'un évidement (250) et d'un dispositif d'alignement (400) engagé dans cet évidement (250), les éléments d'alignement (402, 404) sont de préférence à une distance (d10) les uns des autres le long d'une direction (590) transversale à la direction d'alignement (470) du dispositif d'alignement respectif (400) et se trouvant dans un plan parallèle à une surface (512) d'un élément porteur (302) faisant partie de l'élément optique (300), en particulier la surface (512) sur laquelle est disposé le dispositif d'alignement respectif (400), de préférence à une distance supérieure à 1 millimètre ou supérieure à 2 millimètres.

8. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par au moins une, plusieurs ou toutes les caractéristiques suivantes :

le dispositif optique (200, 800) est un phare (112, 114) ou un feu arrière (116, 118) d'un véhicule (100), notamment d'une voiture, d'un bus ou d'un camion,

au moins un dispositif optoélectronique (210 à 220) est une LED ou une ampoule, notamment une lampe halogène,

la carte de circuit imprimé (202) comporte au moins deux dispositifs optoélectroniques (210 à 220),

l'élément optique (300) comprend au moins un ou plusieurs réflecteurs, au moins une lentille optique, notamment au moins une lentille de Fresnel, ou au moins un élément optique réfractant,

l'élément optique (300) comprend au moins deux éléments optiques simples faisant partie intégrante de l'élément optique (300), et

la carte de circuit (202) est une carte de circuit imprimé (202), de préférence faite de ou comprenant un matériau ignifuge, en particulier un matériau FR-4.

9. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément optique (300) et les éléments d'alignement (402, 404) sont formés d'un seul tenant, notamment tous deux en matière plastique ou comprenant une matière plastique, de préférence PMMA ou ABS.

10. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par au moins une, plusieurs ou toutes les caractéristiques suivantes :

le premier évidement (250) ou les évidements (850, 852, 854) a ou ont une dimension latérale maximale inférieure à 20 millimètres ou inférieure à 10 millimètres et/ou la surface fermée d'un évidement est inférieure à 200 millimètres carrés ou inférieure à 60 millimètres carrés, et

les éléments d'alignement (402, 404) ont été fabriqués par moulage par injection, en particulier sans utiliser de poussoir ou de coulisseau et/ou sans utiliser d'éjecteur(s) dans la zone du moule utilisé pour la fabrication des éléments d'alignement (402, 404).

11. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le ou les élément(s) rigide(s) présente(nt) des sections transversales plus petites avec une distance plus grande par rapport à l'élément optique (300), notamment du fait de l'utilisation d'une paroi latérale (440) conique ou inclinée.

12. Dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications 3 ou 4 à 11, caractérisé en ce que les dispositifs d'alignement (880 à 884) sont disposés sur une ligne droite (930) ou redressés ou en ce que les dispositifs d'alignement (880 à 884) ne sont pas disposés sur une ligne droite (930),
le deuxième dispositif d'alignement (882) étant de préférence disposé entre le premier dispositif d'alignement (880) et le troisième dispositif d'alignement (884), une distance (d20) existant particulièrement entre le premier dispositif d'alignement (880) et le deuxième dispositif d'alignement (882) étant supérieure à 5 centimètres et/ou une distance (d22) entre le deuxième dispositif d'alignement (882) et le troisième dispositif d'alignement (884) étant supérieure à 5 centimètres.

13. Véhicule (100) comprenant au moins un dispositif optique (200, 800) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12.

Drawing