Light guide for lamp, lamp for automobile, and method for assembling the light guide

Abstract

The present invention provides a light guide for a lamp, a lamp for a car and a method for assembling the light guide. The light guide includes at least one body suitable for at least partially conducting light therein by total internal reflection and a supporting structure suitable for allowing the body to be connected to the lamp. The body further includes: at least one light inlet portion from which light emitted by at least one light source enters the body; and a plurality of light emission portions from which light at least partially conducted in the body leaves the light guide for being visible to an observer. The body is made of, for example, a silicone-based material. The light guide includes at least two connecting elements suitable for at least allowing the body to be fastened to the supporting structure. The body includes at least one flexible portion located between the connecting elements so that the body can be bent and / or curved to take a variety of different configurations to allow the connecting elements to move relative to each other in space. The interaction between the connecting elements and the supporting structure allows the body of the light guide to maintain a desired configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light guide made of a material having high elasticity and good light-guiding properties, such as silicone, which can adopt different structural configurations starting from a basic or standard structure, so that the shape of the light guide can be adapted to obtain a final construction suitable for the following lamp: this light guide must be installed in this lamp.

[0002] The invention also relates to a lamp for a motor vehicle, the lamp comprising a light guide which is able to change its configuration to provide a desired lamp appearance.

[0003] Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling a light guide, for example in a lamp, such that the light guide will adopt a desired configuration. Background Art

[0004] In the automotive industry, it is known that it would be desirable to reduce the production costs incurred in manufacturing the various components used to manufacture automobiles.

[0005] Besides the possibility of using standardized components for different applications without having to design specific elements for each application, there is also an increasing demand for the possibility to customize some aspects of a vehicle without requiring custom engineering of the component in question.

[0006] These aspects can also be found in the field of vehicle lighting engineering, where there is an increasing demand for cost reduction and the possibility to produce different optical and / or visual effects for the purpose of customizing car models and using individual components for different applications.

[0007] The light guiding properties of silicone based materials are also known, which may allow for low cost production of light guides with total internal reflection.

[0008] There are currently no known lamps in which different configurations of the light guide can be obtained starting from a standardized starting shape without removing material from the light guide itself.

[0009] Likewise, there is no known light guide in which the light guide can be bent or curved appropriately so as to change the configuration of the light guide and obtain different optical effects once the light guide has been properly assembled in a lamp.

[0010] Indeed, it has become common in the industry to specifically design light guides for a given function, and a light guide employed in a manner other than that for which it was designed will exhibit poor performance; for example, a simple 180° rotation about an axis is therefore detrimental to the performance of the light guide. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems and many other problems by incorporating a light guide for a lamp which can undergo flexing, which means that the light guide can be bent, curved, twisted, folded, etc. and assembled in a lamp to provide the desired visual effect.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a light guide for a lamp having the features set out in the first aspect of the invention.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to a lamp for a motor vehicle, the lamp having the features set out in the second aspect of the invention.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a light guide having the features set out in the third aspect of the invention.

[0015] Additional features of the light guide, lamp and method are included in the respective dependent aspects of the first to third aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Features and advantages of the light guide, lamp and method will become apparent from the following patent specification, which describes some possible embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a possible embodiment of a light guide for a lamp according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-sectional view showing a possible shape connection between a body including a connecting element and a supporting structure including a connecting portion ( Figure 2A ); a possible embodiment of a body made of, for example, a silicone-based material having a plurality of connecting elements integrated therein ( Figure 2B );

[0019] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Different illustrative and non-limiting configurations that the body can take, which, by association with a support structure, form a light guide according to the present invention; in particular, Figure 3A A body having a stylized "S" shape is shown; Figure 3B A body having a stylized inverted "U" shape is shown; Figure 3C A body having a stylized "L" shape is shown;

[0020] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D A first possible application of a light guide according to the invention is shown, wherein the support structure is located on the face opposite to the light emitting portion of the light guide, wherein the body adopts a first configuration; in particular, Figure 4A shows one possible cross-sectional view allowing an understanding of the coupling that may occur between the body and the supporting structure; FIG. 4B to FIG. 4D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The illumination areas, in particular the light emitting portions, of the light guides of the various configurations shown;

[0021] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A second possible application of a light guide according to the invention is shown, wherein a support structure is located in front of the light emitting portion of the light guide, the light guide having a Figure 4A The body of the same configuration as shown; specifically, Figure 5A The connection between the body and the support structure is shown in a possible cross-sectional view; Figures 5B to 5D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The illumination areas, in particular the multiple light emitting portions, of the light guides of different configurations shown;

[0022] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D A third possible application of the light guide according to the invention is shown. Figure 4A A body of a second configuration different from the body of the first configuration proposed in the invention, in which the support structure is located on a surface opposite to the light emitting portion of the light guide; specifically, Fig. 6A shows one possible cross-sectional view enabling an understanding of the coupling that may occur between the body and the supporting structure; FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The illumination areas, in particular the light emitting portions, of the light guides of the various configurations shown;

[0023] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D A fourth possible application of a light guide according to the invention is shown, wherein a support structure is located in front of the light emitting portion of the light guide, the light guide having a Fig. 6A The body of the same configuration as shown; specifically, Fig. 7A The connection between the body and the support structure is shown in a possible cross-sectional view; FIG. 7B to FIG. 7D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The illumination areas, in particular the multiple light emitting portions, of the light guides of different configurations shown;

[0024] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A portion of a lamp for a vehicle comprising two light guides according to the present invention is shown; in particular, Fig. 8A shows a possible cross-sectional view of a lamp portion; Figure 8B One possible front view of a lamp section is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to the above-mentioned drawings, reference numeral 5 as a whole denotes a light guide member according to the present invention.

[0026] Reference numeral 2 denotes a vehicle lamp as a whole.

[0027] The light guide 5 according to the invention is particularly suitable for a lamp 2 which is used on a vehicle or a watercraft, in particular on a motor vehicle.

[0028] The light guide 5 according to the invention comprises at least one body 50 adapted to conduct light at least partially within itself by total internal reflection and at least one supporting structure 51 adapted to allow said body 50 of the light guide 5 to be connected to the lamp 2 .

[0029] The body 50 of the light guide 5 further comprises: at least one light entrance portion 52, from which light emitted by at least one light source 3 enters the body 50; and a plurality of light emission portions 54, from which light at least partially transmitted in the body 50 leaves the light guide 5 so as to be visible to an observer.

[0030] The body 50 is at least partially, but preferably entirely, made of a material having good elastic properties so that it can change its own shape, such as an elastomeric material and having a strong ability to conduct light within itself by internal reflection. Such a material may be, for example, a polymer, such as a polymer using a semiconductor material, which preferably includes long chains of oxides of semiconductor materials, alkyl and aryl groups bonded by atoms of semiconductor materials.

[0031] Such materials may be silicone based materials or thermoplastic elastomer materials.

[0032] Preferably, the body 50 is at least partially, but preferably entirely, made of a silicone-based material.

[0033] The light guide 5 according to the invention comprises at least two connection elements 56. Said connection elements 56 are adapted to at least allow fastening said body 50 to a supporting structure 51 .

[0034] In the light guide 5 according to the present invention, the body 50 includes at least one flexible portion 58 located between at least two connecting elements 56, so that the body 50 can be bent and / or curved to take a variety of different configurations. Specifically, the at least one flexible portion 58 allows the at least two connecting elements 56 to move relative to each other in a plane and / or space.

[0035] In the light guide 5 according to the invention, the interaction between the connecting element 56 and the supporting structure 51 is such that the body 50 of the light guide 5 will maintain a desired configuration over time.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one flexible portion 58 allows the body 50 to change its own shape so that the light guide 5 can be bent to obtain a desired configuration.

[0037] For the purpose of this specification, the expression “can be bent” refers to any deformation of the initial shape of the body 50 so that the body 50 will change its own shape from the initial shape, such as bending, bending, folding, twisting, etc. In addition, for the purpose of this specification, the expression “initial shape” refers to the shape when the body 50 is not subjected to force, is not bent, and does not interact with the support structure 51.

[0038] Preferably, such bending is applied to the flexible portion 58 by utilizing the elastic properties of the material used to manufacture the body, preferably a silicone-based material—the flexible portion 58 may be any portion of the body 50 to allow the body 50 to bend. Alternatively, the flexible portion 58 may be a specific portion of the body 50 that is suitable for allowing the body 50 to bend, the specific portion having a reduced thickness and / or a reduced material density compared to adjacent portions, and / or the specific portion having a notch and / or a pre-fracture line, etc.

[0039] Preferably, since the light guide 5 according to the present invention comprises at least one flexible portion 58 between the at least two connecting elements 56, the body 50 can be bent and / or curved to adopt a variety of different configurations. The presence of the at least one flexible portion 58 between the at least two connecting elements 56 allows relative movement of the at least two connecting elements 56 at least in a plane, but preferably in space, thereby allowing the light guide 5 to adopt a desired configuration. Preferably, the body 50 is designed to return to the initial shape when the body 50 stops interacting with the support structure 51, i.e. when the body 50 is idle.

[0040] Generally speaking, the light guide 5 is adapted to be coupled to at least one light source 3 , which is adapted to emit light entering the body 50 of the light guide 5 through the light entrance portion 52 , which is suitably coupled to the light source 3 .

[0041] Preferably, the at least one light source 3 is at least one LED source, such as an RGB LED.

[0042] More generally, the light guide 5 according to the present invention comprises more than one light inlet portion 52 and more than one light emission portion 54 to ensure that whatever the configuration in which the body 50 is held on the support structure 51 by the connecting element 56, the light guide 5 will emit light in a desired direction.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the light guide 5 according to the invention, the connection elements 56 are integrated into the body 50 of the light guide 5. In an alternative embodiment, the connection elements 56 are connected to the body 50, for example removably, for example mechanically fastened to each other or via fixing means, such as glue.

[0044] In a more preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the light guide 5 according to the invention, the connecting element 56 is a protrusion and / or recess formed in the structure of the body 50. In this embodiment, the connecting element 56 is integral with the body 50, the assembly being made, for example, in a one-piece, monolithic piece. In this embodiment, in particular, separating the connecting element 56 from the body 50 would mean damaging, in particular destroying, the body 50. Preferably, the connecting element 56 is formed during the process of manufacturing the body 50.

[0045] More generally, in the light guide 5 according to the invention, the support structure 51 comprises a plurality of connection portions 512. Each connection portion 512 is adapted to be coupled to at least one connection element 56, preferably only one connection element 56, comprised in the body 50.

[0046] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the light guide 5 according to the present invention, the connection portions 512 are appropriately distributed on the support structure 51. Preferably, the connection portions 512 are distributed on the support structure 51 so as to allow the connection element 56 to be appropriately connected, in particular in order to maintain the body 50 of the light guide 5 in any desired position, thereby adopting a selected configuration.

[0047] This solution allows obtaining the desired configuration of the light guide 5, and in particular of the body 50, by appropriately coupling said connection element 56 of the body 50 to the connection portion 512 of the connection structure 51, so that a variety of configurations can be obtained, for example, only FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C As shown in.

[0048] More preferably, said support structure 51 defines an ordered distribution of connection portions 512 , for example in the form of a matrix. Such a solution thus enables a large number of possible configurations of the body 50 to be obtained.

[0049] More generally, as mentioned before, the connection element 56 may be provided in several forms. In a preferred embodiment of the light guide 5 according to the invention, the connection element 56 is a protrusion extending from the body 50. In the same embodiment of the light guide 5, the connection portion 512 is a hole.

[0050] In this embodiment, the connecting element 56 is adapted to be fitted into the connecting portion 512 by form coupling. Such a solution enables the body 50 of the light guide 5 to be kept in the desired configuration over time. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element 56 is a recess, such as a hole, possibly a through hole, and the connecting portion 512 is a protrusion extending along the normal of the support structure 51.

[0051] More generally, the body 50 of the light guide 5 can have different shapes and include one or more faces, preferably flat faces. The body 50 can have an elongated shape with a triangular, square or more generally polygonal cross section, optionally including circular portions, such as those intended to be used as light emitting portions 54.

[0052] Depending on the configuration of the light guide 5, and also in particular on the shape of the body 50, various faces and / or portions of the body 50 may be used as the light emitting portion 54 and / or the light inlet portion 52. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D As shown by way of example in FIG. 5 , the light emitting portion 54 may be any one of the surfaces defined by the body 50 .

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment in which the connecting element 56 is a protrusion extending from the body 50, the plurality of light emitting portions 54 includes the at least two connecting elements 56, such as in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D , in addition to and / or as an alternative to any other faces defined by the body 50, are shown by way of example.

[0054] More generally, the connecting element 56 included in the body 50 is arranged on one or more faces, preferably only one face, preferably on at least one flat face of the body 50. With reference to the embodiment in which the connecting element 56 is a protrusion extending from the body 50 and the connecting portion 512 is a hole, in a more preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the light guide 5 according to the present invention, the supporting structure 51 is designed to be able to at least partially shield the light emitted by the body 50, in particular when the light emitting portion 54 corresponds to the connecting element 56.

[0055] In such an embodiment, such as in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the support structure 51 shields a portion of the body 50 , thereby allowing a user to see light leaving the connecting element 56 , which in fact serves as the light emitting portion 54 when the light guide 5 has been assembled, for example in a lamp 2 , and is seen by an external observer.

[0056] In one possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, the connection portion 512 is a triangular hole and the connection element 56 is a parallelepiped protrusion with a triangular base, for example, as shown in the drawings. As an alternative, the connection portion 512 can have any other shape, such as a rectangular or square hole, and the connection element 56 will have a complementary shape that provides a form connection, such as a protrusion with a rectangular or square cross section.

[0057] More generally, the connection portions 512 in one support structure 51 are all identical; similarly, the connection elements 56 of one body 50 are all identical.

[0058] More generally, the support structure 51 may be made of different materials, such as plastic materials, or the support structure 51 may be provided by means of a PCB. In yet another possible embodiment, the support structure 51 is made of a silicone-based material, for example, having greater rigidity relative to the body 50, either inherently or obtained by means of a reinforcement structure, so that the support structure 51 can properly support the body 50.

[0059] Preferably, the support structure 51 is opaque so that it is light-proof and can be used to shield the body 50 .

[0060] In one possible exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, the support structure 51 comprises a plurality of connecting portions 512 which are initially non-through holes, such as recesses or housings. Figure 5A and Fig. 7A In the embodiment shown, the same connection parts 512, whether one, some or all of them, can be transformed into through holes. Therefore, only the connection parts 512 intended to receive the connection elements 56 that will also serve as the light emitting part 54 will be transformed into actual through holes, while the other connection parts will remain as non-through holes.

[0061] More generally, said support structure 51 advantageously comprises fastening elements (not shown) allowing said support structure 51 to be connected to the lamp 2 , for example to the support element 22 of the lamp 2 .

[0062] In one possible embodiment, said support structure 51 of the light guide 5 is at least partially integrated into the support element 22 of the lamp 2, for example as a single element.

[0063] The light guide 5 according to the invention is particularly suitable for a lamp 2 for a vehicle or a ship, in particular a lamp 2 for an automobile.

[0064] More generally, the lamp 2 comprises at least one supporting element 22 to which the light source 3 is connected, eg suitably coupled, via a supporting structure, eg a PCB, to perform typical functions of the lamp 2 .

[0065] The lamp 2 may be a front lamp or a rear lamp, each lamp performing one or more functions. The functions may be one or more of the following functions: a tail lamp, a running lamp, a brake lamp, etc.

[0066] Preferably, the lamp 2 further comprises a protective element, such as a transparent screen (not shown), adapted to allow the light emitted by the light guide 5 to escape while protecting the light guide 5 from external agents.

[0067] More generally, the lamp 2 according to the invention comprises at least one light guide 5 according to the invention. According to the invention, in the lamp 2, the support structure 51 is fixed to the support element 22, to which the body 50 of the light guide 5 can in turn be fixed in a desired configuration by means of the connecting element 56. In an alternative embodiment, the support element 22 comprises the support structure 51, for example is integral with the support structure 51.

[0068] More generally, the lamp 2 according to the invention may comprise a control system. The control system is at least adapted to at least partially control the light source 3, which in turn is adapted to be coupled to one or more light guides 5 according to the invention. The light guides 3 are appropriately controlled by the control system to appropriately perform the one or more functions of the lamp 2.

[0069] As mentioned above, in addition to the photon emitting means, the at least one light source 3 preferably comprises a carrying structure, such as a PCB. The carrying structure may be integrated or incorporated into the supporting structure 51 of the light guide 5 and / or the supporting element 22 of the lamp 2 according to the invention.

[0070] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a light guide 5 according to the invention.

[0071] The method comprises the following steps, which are preferably performed in sequence:

[0072] - providing a light guide 5 according to the invention;

[0073] - Selecting the desired configuration of the light guide 5;

[0074] - positioning at least one body 50 of the light guide 5 on the support structure 51 so that the desired configuration is defined by bending said at least one body 50 at least in a plane and preferably in space;

[0075] - Attaching the connection element 56 to the support structure 51 to hold the body 50 in the desired configuration.

[0076] The present method enables the production of a light guide 5 having a desired configuration which can be changed over time and / or adapted to the requirements of the user.

[0077] The light guide 5 comprising the support structure 51 and the body 50 as previously described allows to carry out the method for assembling the light guide according to the invention.

[0078] The method allows the user to design the desired shape of the light guide 5 starting from a basic or standard shape of the body 50 through the above steps of selecting the configuration and positioning at least one body, since the body 50 can be bent to take the desired shape.

[0079] When the step of coupling the connection element 56 is performed, the desired configuration of the body 50 on the support structure 51 can be formed so that the configuration can be maintained over time. Similarly, the configuration of the body 50 can also be changed over time by changing the connection point between the connection element 56 and the support structure 51.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of coupling the connection elements 56 comprises inserting at least two connection elements 56 into the connection portions 512 of the support structure 51 to obtain the desired configuration of the body 50. Considering now a preferred embodiment of the light guide 5, by inserting the protrusions 56 into the appropriate holes 512, the desired configuration of the light guide 5 can be maintained due to the form coupling.

[0081] With reference to the exemplary but non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A perspective view of a possible embodiment of a light guide 5 applied to a lamp 2 according to the invention is shown. In this figure, a body 50 having a wing-like or strip-like shape and extending in the longitudinal direction can be seen, the body 50 comprising a plurality of connecting elements 56, which are arranged on the face of the body 50 facing the supporting structure 51. In the embodiment shown, preferably, at least one of the connecting elements 56 constitutes a light inlet portion 52 of the body 50. Conversely, the light emission portion 54 is at least the face of the body 50 opposite to the face carrying the connecting elements 56. The supporting structure 51 comprises a plurality of connecting portions 512 uniformly distributed on the surface defined by the supporting structure 51. The same supporting surface 51 is fastened to the supporting element 22 of the lamp 2 to which the light guide 5 is applied. The light source 3 is arranged on the non-visible face of the supporting structure 51 and the supporting element 22.

[0082] Typically, the body 50 can be made to adopt a desired configuration by means of the flexible portion 58 of the body 50 , and the interaction between said connecting element 56 and said supporting structure 51 allows the body 50 of the light guide 5 to be maintained in the desired configuration.

[0083] Figure 2A A possible cross-sectional view shows a possible shape connection of a light guide 5 according to the invention between a body 50 of the light guide 5 including a connection element 56 and a support structure 51 including a connection portion 512. The figure is merely illustrative and can be modified according to the position and configuration of the connection element 56 and the complementary connection portion 512.

[0084] Figure 2B A possible embodiment of a body 50 is shown, which is made of a silicone-based material and has a plurality of integral connecting elements 56. The dimensions, extensions and shapes of the body 50 and the connecting elements 56 are merely illustrative and may vary according to specific requirements. In this figure, it is easy to understand how the entire body 50 defines a flexible portion 58, due to the elastic properties of the silicone-based material used to make such a body 50. In particular, the portion of the body 50 located between two connecting elements 56 is particularly suitable for deformation, so as to allow the body 50 to take any shape in space, even a sharply curved shape as can be seen in the figure.

[0085] From the diagram showing some exemplary but non-limiting embodiments FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , it can be understood how the body 50 can take different shapes, allowing considerable variations in the construction of the light guide 5. However, it must be noted that the initial shape of the body 50 is merely indicative and such body 50 may have a different shape than that shown in the previous figures.

[0086] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the embodiment shown, it is evident that the light emitting portion 54 is the face of the body 50 opposite the face carrying the connecting element 56, which interacts with the support structure 51, for example with a corresponding connecting portion. In these figures, a support structure 51 with a plurality of connecting portions forming a grid with triangular cells can be seen.

[0087] It can also be seen in this figure that between at least two connecting elements 56 there is a flexible portion 58 which allows the body 50 to bend so that it can adopt a desired configuration.

[0088] Figure 4AA possible connection between a body 50 and a support structure 51 for a first possible application of a light guide 5 according to the present invention is shown in a possible cross-sectional view, wherein the support structure 51 is located on the face opposite to the light emitting portion 54 of the light guide 5, wherein the body 50 adopts a first configuration, wherein the wider face becomes the light emitting portion 54. In this embodiment, the light entrance portion 52 can be one or more of the connecting elements 56 by means of which the body 50 is connected to the support structure 51, or any other face of the body 50 except the face of the body 50 prearranged to become the light emitting portion 54. In the present invention, the support structure 51 includes a connecting portion 512 defining a through hole.

[0089] FIG. 4B to FIG. 4D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Illuminating portion of the light guide 5 in different configurations shown. These figures clearly show that one continuous face of the body 50 defines the light emitting portion 54 and that, due to various weakened portions 58 and connecting elements 56, the light guide 5 can take different configurations.

[0090] Figure 5A A possible cross-sectional view shows the connection between the body 50 and the support structure 51 of the light guide 5 according to the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the support structure 51 is located in front of the light emitting portion 54 of the light guide 5, and the light guide 5 has a Figure 4A The body 50 of the same configuration is shown.

[0091] In the present embodiment, since the connection portions 512 are through holes, the connection elements 56 adapted to be inserted and coupled to these holes by form coupling become the light emitting portions 54. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Compared to the previous embodiment shown in , this solution enables different visual effects to be obtained. The special visual effect obtained by this embodiment is FIG. 5B to FIG. 5D It is clearly visible in FIG. 5B to FIG. 5D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Different configurations of the illuminating portion of the light guide 5 are shown.

[0092] As can be clearly understood from this figure, since the rest of the body 50 is shielded, ie covered, by the support structure 51 , only the connecting element 56 is visible to the observer.

[0093] It can be seen in these figures that only the triangular parts of the connecting element 56 are visible, thereby providing the light guide 5 with a plurality of light emitting portions 54 which are different from each other.

[0094] It can also be understood from these figures that the connection portion 512 defines the area that the observer can see the light emitted from the light guide 5, and in particular from the body 50. Therefore, the rest of the support structure 51, and in particular the area where the connection portion 512 is not present and / or the connection portion 512 is not a through hole and / or such a connection portion 512 faces the body 50 that is not the light emitting portion 54, can shield the body 50, thereby preventing the observer from visually perceiving the light emission.

[0095] Fig. 6A A possible cross-sectional view is shown, which shows a possible connection between a body 50 and a support structure 51 for a first possible application of a light guide 5, wherein the support structure 51 is located on the face opposite to the light emitting portion 54, wherein the body 50 adopts a second configuration, wherein the narrower face becomes the light emitting portion 54. Figure 4A In comparison, it is apparent that the thickness of the light emitting portion 54 is reduced but it is further away from the support structure 51 , thereby providing a different visual effect, which would be caused by the smaller thickness of the light emitting portion 54 and the distance of the light emitting portion 54 from the support structure 51 .

[0096] In this embodiment, the light entrance portion 52 may be one or more of the connection elements 56 or any other surface of the body 50. Also in this embodiment, the support structure 51 preferably includes a connection portion 512 that defines a through hole.

[0097] In this embodiment, the connecting element 56 is located between the main body 50 and Figure 4A The embodiment shown has a face with reduced thickness.

[0098] like FIG. 6B to FIG. 6D As shown, different configurations of the light guide 5 can also be obtained for this embodiment, which are similar to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Those constructions shown in .

[0099] Fig. 7A A possible cross-sectional view shows the connection between the body 50 of the light-guiding element 5 and the support structure 51. Fig. 6A In the present exemplary embodiment, the support structure 51 is located in front of the light emitting portion 54. In the present embodiment, since the connecting portion 512 is a through hole, the connecting element 56 becomes the light emitting portion 54.

[0100] and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D Compared to the previous embodiment shown in and other embodiments previously illustrated herein, the present solution enables a different visual effect to be obtained.

[0101] The special visual effect obtained by this embodiment is FIG. 7B to FIG. 7D It is clearly visible in FIG. 7B to FIG. 7D Shown FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , wherein it can be seen how the support structure 51 is arranged with the light guide 5 of different configurations. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The body 50 is shielded in a manner similar to that shown in , thereby allowing an observer to see only portions of the body 50 .

[0102] at last, Fig. 8A A possible section of a lamp 2 is shown, comprising a supporting element 22, wherein a supporting structure 51 is fixed to the supporting element 22, for example by means of fastening elements, and wherein the supporting structure 51 has a plurality of connecting parts 512, to which a plurality of light guides 5 can be connected by inserting the connecting elements 56 into such connecting parts 512.

[0103] exist Fig. 8A In the upper part of the light guide 5 there is a light guide 5, the body 50 of which is assembled to the support structure 51. In the case of the light guide 5 shown, the light inlet portion corresponds to the connection element 56 when the same connection element 56 is inserted into the connection portion 512.

[0104] exist Fig. 8A In the lower part there is a light guide 5 , the body 50 of which has not yet been assembled to the support structure 51 .

[0105] Figure 8B A portion of a lamp 2 for a vehicle is shown, comprising two light guides 5 according to the invention, wherein Fig. 8A In a substantially similar manner to that shown, the body 50 of the light guide 5 located in the upper part has been connected to the support structure 51 , whereas the body 50 of the light guide 5 located in the lower part has not yet been connected to the support structure 51 .

[0106] Figure 8B Light guides 5 are shown which are arranged linearly, ie without any bends, in particular parallel to one another.

[0107] The present invention enables the assembly of the light guide in a simple and quick manner while obtaining the desired aesthetic effect by using a standardized body 50 that can be appropriately fixed to a support structure, so that the light guide 5 will have the desired configuration and will provide the desired aesthetic effect. Thus, by using a single type of body 50 and a single type of support structure 51, a plurality of different light guides with different configurations can be produced, thereby providing different visual effects. Such different light guides 5 can be obtained by appropriately connecting the connecting element 56 to the support structure 51, and in particular the connecting portion 512, due to the flexible portion 58 of the body 50 and / or the mutual arrangement of the body 50 and the support structure 51.

[0108] Any other embodiment not explicitly described and / or illustrated in this patent application should be deemed to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, and any other embodiment seems obvious to a person skilled in the art based on the contents of this patent application, and can be obtained, for example, by combining different embodiments of the light guide described and / or illustrated in this document.

[0109] Reference numerals:

[0110] 2 lights

[0111] 22 Support element

[0112] 3 Light Source

[0113] 5 Light guide

[0114] 50 body

[0115] 51 Support structure

[0116] 512 Connection part

[0117] 52 Light entrance section

[0118] 54 Light emission part

[0119] 56 Connecting elements

[0120] 58 Flexible part

Claims

1. A light guide (5) for a lamp (2) of an automobile (1), the light guide (5) comprising: - at least one body (50), at least one of said bodies (50) being suitable for conducting light at least partially within itself by total internal reflection; - a supporting structure (51) suitable for allowing the body (50) to be connected to the lamp (2); The body (50) further comprises: - at least one light inlet portion (52), from which light emitted by at least one light source (3) enters the body (50); a plurality of light emitting portions (54) from which light rays at least partially conducted in the body (50) leave the light guide (5) so as to be visible to an observer; The body (50) is made of the following material: the material has good elastic properties so that the body (50) can change its own shape, and the material has a strong ability to conduct internal light through internal reflection; The light guide (5) comprises at least two connection elements (56) suitable for at least allowing the body (50) to be fastened to the support structure (51); The body (50) includes at least one flexible portion (58) located between at least two of the connecting elements (56), so that the body (50) can be bent and / or curved to adopt a variety of different configurations, thereby allowing the at least two connecting elements (56) to move relative to each other in space; The interaction between the connecting element (56) and the supporting structure (51) is such that the body (50) of the light guide (5) will maintain a desired configuration over time; The supporting structure (51) defines a plurality of connecting portions (512), each of the connecting portions (512) being adapted to engage with a corresponding one of at least two connecting elements (56) so as to fix at least one of the bodies (50) to the supporting structure (51) in one of a plurality of different configurations.

2. The light guide (5) according to claim 1, wherein: The body (50) is made of a silicone-based material.

3. The light guide (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The connecting element (56) is integrated into the body (50) of the light guide (5).

4. The light guide (5) according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting elements (56) are protrusions and / or recesses formed in the structure of the body (50).

5. The light guide (5) according to claim 4, wherein: - the connecting element (56) is a protrusion extending from the body (50); - the connecting portion (512) is a hole; The connecting element (56) is adapted to be assembled into the connecting portion (512) by form coupling; The plurality of light emitting portions (54) include at least two of the connecting elements (56) or any other surfaces defined by the body (50).

6. The light guide (5) according to claim 5, wherein: The support structure (51) is designed to at least partially shield light emitted by the body (50) when the light emitting portion (54) corresponds to the connecting element (56).

7. The light guide (5) according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (51) defines an ordered distribution of connecting portions (512).

8. The light guide (5) according to claim 7, wherein: The orderly distribution of the connecting parts (512) is in the form of a matrix.

9. The light guide (5) according to claim 1, wherein: The material is a silicone-based material or a thermoplastic elastomer material.

10. A lamp (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the lamp (2) comprising at least one supporting element (22), to which a light source (3) is connected to perform typical functions of the lamp (2); the lamp is characterized in that the lamp comprises a light guide (5) according to claim 1.

11. The lamp (2) according to claim 10, wherein The support structure (51) is fixed to the support element (22), and the body (50) of the light guide (5) can be fixed to the support structure (51) in a desired configuration by means of the connecting element (56).

12. A method for assembling a light guide (5) according to claim 1; the method comprising the following steps: - providing a light guide (5) according to claim 1; - selecting the desired configuration of the light guide (5); - positioning at least one body (50) of the light guide (5) on the support structure (51) so that the desired configuration is defined by bending and / or curving at least one body (50) in space; - coupling the connection element (56) to the support structure (51) to maintain the body (50) in the desired configuration.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The step of coupling the connection elements (56) comprises inserting at least two connection elements (56) into connection portions (512) comprised in the support structure (51) to obtain the desired configuration of the body (50).

Images