Backlit interior trim panel for vehicle interior
By adopting a two-dimensional light guide with multiple petal-shaped parts and using the light extraction member to achieve uniform light emission, the problem that the two-dimensional light guide in the prior art cannot emit different colors of light uniformly on the entire surface, and the effect of fully hiding optical separation on the backlight interior panel inside the vehicle is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180026363.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-03-13
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-03-11
AI Technical Summary
When existing two-dimensional light guides emit light of different colors at the same time, they cannot emit light uniformly on the entire surface, and the optical separation between the connected parts cannot be completely hidden.
A two-dimensional light guide with a plurality of petal-shaped parts is used, and physically connected and optically separated through its side surfaces, ensuring that the light emitted by each petal-shaped part does not mix with the light of the connected part, and uniform light emission is achieved through the light extraction member.
It is achieved to emit different colors of light at the same time and emit light evenly across the entire surface, avoiding the detection of optical separation between the connected parts and acting as the only light guide.
Smart Images

Figure CN115397697B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a backlit interior panel for a vehicle interior, the backlit interior panel comprising a decorative cover, a support member and a two-dimensional light guide, the two-dimensional light guide comprising a plurality of independent lighting areas disposed between the decorative cover and the support member.
[0002] Specifically, the two-dimensional light guide comprises a plurality of portions that are optically separated from each other in order to obtain the independent lighting areas through a single light guide. Background Art
[0003] One of the current trends for increasing the comfort of vehicle occupants in a vehicle interior is to add a lighting function to an already existing interior panel.
[0004] In some cases, it is desirable to add the lighting function in such a way that the components responsible for the lighting function are hidden when the light source is turned off. Such an interior backlit panel is generally referred to as a backlit interior panel.
[0005] In order to illuminate the interior panel from behind, a two-dimensional light guide is typically used to transmit and distribute light that is typically emitted by a precise light source such as an LED.
[0006] For this purpose, the light guide comprises a light extraction side and a light emission side.
[0007] The light extraction side comprises light extraction members in order to couple the light out of the light guide via the light emission side.
[0008] Depending on the size of the light guide and the amount of light to be emitted, a plurality of light sources may be optically coupled to the light guide.
[0009] In any case, the light injected into the light guide by the light sources optically coupled to the light guide is mixed and distributed within the light guide, and the light emitted is the result of a combination of the different lights injected by each light source.
[0010] In order to obtain a light-emitting surface comprising lighting areas having different colors at the same time, it is generally necessary to combine different independent light guides that transmit and distribute light that is independently coupled to each other.
[0011] In order to achieve this effect by using a single light guide, the known patent EP2021842 is available. This patent discloses a two-dimensional light guide that has a number of optically separated portions. According to one of the embodiments of the patent, the two-dimensional light guide is divided into two independent light guiding portions that are optically isolated by light reflectors or blocking areas. Each light guiding portion comprises its own light source. In this way, the light guide in question is capable of emitting different colors of light at the same time.
[0012] However, according to the configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned patent EP2021842, the light emitted by the two parts cannot emit light over the entire surface of each part unless the light emitted by one part is mixed with the light emitted by the connected part. This is because the two light guide parts are not completely separated by the gap between them and thus allow light transmission between the two parts.
[0013] Therefore, when two light sources emit light simultaneously, the light emitted by this light guide, even with the same light parameters, cannot be uniform over the entire surface of the light guide as if it were the only light guide.
[0014] In view of the above disadvantages, an object of the present invention is a backlit interior panel for a vehicle interior, the backlit interior panel having a two-dimensional light guide including a plurality of independent lighting areas, wherein the two-dimensional light guide can emit light in a controlled manner.
[0015] This control lies in that the light emitted by each independent lighting area does not mix with the light emitted by the connected independent lighting area, and the light emitted by each independent lighting area is uniform.
[0016] According to the above description, it is possible for the light guide to emit different colors at the same time, or the light guide can act as the only light guide, wherein the entire surface of the light guide can emit uniform light over its entire surface, that is to say, the optical separation between the connected parts is not realized. Summary of the Invention
[0017] The present invention is established and characterized by independent claims, while the dependent claims describe additional features of the present invention.
[0018] A two-dimensional light guide having a plurality of lobed parts allows defining a plurality of independent lighting areas, wherein the lobed parts are physically connected through their side surfaces and optically separated from each other.
[0019] Therefore, the two-dimensional light guide can emit lights of different colors simultaneously as the only light guide.
[0020] Since, according to a configuration in which the minimum thickness is at the side surface and the maximum thickness is along the midline "m", each lobed part has a variable thickness in the direction "n", the light emitted by the lobed part does not mix with the light emitted by the connected lobed part.
[0021] Since each lobe portion has a light extraction member, the light extraction member has a light extraction ability that gradually increases as they separate from the light source in the direction "1", and has a light extraction ability that gradually decreases as they separate from the center line "m" in the direction "n" perpendicular to the direction "1". Each lobe portion can define an independent illumination area, and the independent illumination area is configured to emit uniform light from the curved surface of the lobe portion and over the entire surface of the lobe portion.
[0022] On the one hand, the increase in the light extraction ability in the direction "1" allows compensating for the decrease in the available light inside the lobe portion as the light extraction member (5) separates from the light source.
[0023] This is because due to the extraction of light outside the lobe portion, the total amount of available light transmitted on the remaining part of the lobe portion in the direction "1" gradually decreases.
[0024] On the other hand, the light extraction ability decreases as the light extraction member separates from the center line "m" in the direction "n", which is to compensate for the increase in the available light inside the lobe portion as the light extraction member separates from the center line "m", because the thickness of the lobe portion gradually decreases in the "n" direction.
[0025] Therefore, the two-dimensional light guide can emit uniform light over the entire surface of each lobe portion, and in particular, can emit lights of different colors simultaneously, that is, each lobe portion can emit a specific color of light different from the light emitted by the connected lobe portions. In this way, multiple independent illumination areas can be achieved.
[0026] The specific combination of the two-dimensional light guide having a variable thickness according to the specific configuration discussed above and having a light extraction member according to the specific configuration discussed above allows the vehicle occupants not to be aware of the optical separation between two connected lobe portions.
[0027] Therefore, the two-dimensional light guide can act as a single light guide, in such a way that when the light coupled to the lobe portion has the same optical parameters, the light guide can emit uniform light over its entire surface without optical separation between the connected lobe portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] This specification is completed by a set of drawings which show preferred embodiments and in no way limit the invention.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a backlit interior panel for a vehicle interior according to the present invention, from which the basic components of the assembly can be understood.
[0030] Figure 2 A plan view of a two-dimensional light guide according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0031] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a two-dimensional optical waveguide along AA as Figure 2 represented.
[0032] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional optical waveguide in which a light extraction member has been represented.
[0033] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 a detailed view of the light extraction member represented in
[0034] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along BB as represented in the figure.
[0035] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional optical waveguide according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 8 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional optical waveguide according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 9 shows a plan view of a two-dimensional optical waveguide according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description
[0038] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a backlit interior panel 1 of the present invention, in which the main components of the assembly can be understood.
[0039] The backlit interior panel 1 particularly includes a decorative cover 2, a support member 3, and a two-dimensional optical waveguide 4, which includes a plurality of independent lighting areas 40 and is placed between the decorative cover 2 and the support member 3.
[0040] The backlit interior panel 1 can be any trim piece placed inside a vehicle, such as a door trim piece, a pillar trim piece, a dashboard trim piece, a center console trim piece, a carpet, a roof trim piece, or a part of any of them. That is, the backlit interior panel 1 of the present invention can be a backlit trim insert configured to be attached to any of the above-mentioned trim pieces.
[0041] The decorative cover 2 is configured to hide the components including the lighting device when the light source 6 is turned off, that is, the two-dimensional optical waveguide 4, the light source 6, the circuit 8, etc.
[0042] Additionally, the decorative cover 2 is configured to position and fix the two-dimensional optical waveguide 4. These functions can be performed by the decorative cover 2 itself, or they can be performed through the cooperation between the decorative layer 2 and the support member 3.
[0043] To implement the above functions, the decorative layer 2 may include centering and connecting members.
[0044] The decorative cover 2 has a translucent backlight area 20 configured to allow light emitted by the two-dimensional light guide 4 to pass therethrough. The light emitted in this way is visible inside the vehicle.
[0045] The translucent backlight area 20 can be configured in a part of the decorative cover 2, as Figure 1 shown, or according to an embodiment not shown, can form the total surface of the decorative cover 2.
[0046] In the case where the translucent backlight area 20 does not extend over the entire surface of the decorative cover 2, as Figure 1 shown, the decorative cover 2 additionally includes an opaque area 200.
[0047] The decorative cover 2 has a front decorative side 2.1 facing the interior of the vehicle and a back side 2.2 opposite to the front decorative side 2.1.
[0048] The decorative cover 2 receives light emitted by the two-dimensional light guide 4 from its back side 2.2 and emits the received light into the vehicle interior through a part of its front decorative side 2.1 corresponding to the translucent backlight area 20.
[0049] Preferably, the part of the decorative cover 2 corresponding to the translucent backlight area 20 includes a transparent panel covered by a translucent covering element.
[0050] The transparent panel may include a transparent plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), or methyl methacrylate - acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene (MABS).
[0051] The translucent covering element covering the transparent panel to provide an aesthetic appearance and hide the lighting device may include a textile made of natural or synthetic fibers; a synthetic film made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), or a combination thereof; perforated leather; or a translucent veneer made of stone, wood, or cork.
[0052] Additionally, the covering element may include an additional soft layer to provide a soft touch to the translucent backlight area 20. This soft layer can be a translucent foam or a three - dimensional knitted fabric.
[0053] In the case where the translucent backlight area 20 further includes an opaque area 200, the opaque area 200 may include a plastic panel covered by a covering element providing an aesthetic appearance and optionally a soft foam layer for providing a soft touch.
[0054] Preferably, the trimming of both the translucent backlight area 20 and the opaque area 200 is configured to provide a good aesthetic appearance.
[0055] To configure specific lighting markings such as identification or text messages, the backlit interior panel 1 may additionally include a cover (not shown) that configures opaque and translucent portions according to the specific profile of the marking.
[0056] The cover may be configured on the decorative cover 2 or on any layer forming the decorative cover 2.
[0057] In particular, the cover may be produced by a printing process. In this particular case, the printing process may be implemented on any layer forming the decorative cover 2, such as a transparent panel, a translucent covering element, an additional soft foam layer, or on another layer configured to perform this function.
[0058] Optionally, in the case where the cover is configured in the decorative layer 2, the cover may be produced by cutting a portion of an additional opaque layer that is configured to perform the function of forming part of the decorative layer 2.
[0059] On the other hand, the decorative cover 2 may additionally include an electronic circuit (not shown) to perform additional functions related to radio frequency identification applications, capacitive sensing / switching, antenna integration, or heating.
[0060] The electronic circuit may be configured by a printed conductive material or conductive metal wires.
[0061] The support member 3 forming the backlit interior panel 1 of the present invention is configured to protect the two-dimensional light guide 4.
[0062] Additionally, the support member 3 is configured to position and fix the two-dimensional light guide 4. These functions may be performed by the support member 3 itself, or as already discussed above, these functions may be performed through the cooperation between the support member 3 and the decorative layer 2.
[0063] To implement the above functions, the support member 3 may include a plastic rigid portion having centering and connecting members.
[0064] The support member 3 may include a front side 3.1 facing the two-dimensional light guide 4, and the front side is configured to reflect any residual light escaping from the backlight extraction surface 4.2 of the two-dimensional light guide 4.
[0065] On the other hand, the reflection function may be implemented by an additional reflective foil mounted on the front side 3.1 of the support member 3.
[0066] For the purpose of light management to facilitate maximum use of light, preferably, there is an air gap between the support member 3 and the two-dimensional light guide 4.
[0067] The two-dimensional light guide 4 is formed from a plate-shaped optically transparent part that can have a substantially flat main shape or a three-dimensional main shape. This shape depends on the specific shape of the backlit interior panel 1. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the two-dimensional light guide 4 includes a backlight extraction surface 4.2, a front light emission surface 4.1, a plurality of lobe-shaped portions 4.3, and at least a light source 6 corresponding to each of the lobe-shaped portions 4.3.
[0068] The backlight extraction surface 4.2 of the two-dimensional light guide 4 faces the front side 3.1 of the support member 3.
[0069] The front light emission surface 4.1 of the two-dimensional light guide 4 faces the back side 2.2 of the decorative cover 2 and is configured to emit light to this back side, in particular to the part of the decorative cover 2 corresponding to the translucent backlight area 20.
[0070] Each lobe-shaped portion 4.3 extends longitudinally in the direction "1" as indicated in Figure 2 This means that the main longitudinal axis of each lobe-shaped portion 4.3 extends in the direction "1".
[0071] Each lobe-shaped portion 4.3 includes a curved surface 4.3.1 corresponding to the front light emission surface 4.1 of the two-dimensional light guide 4, a flat surface 4.3.2 corresponding to the backlight extraction surface 4.2 of the two-dimensional light guide 4, two side surfaces 4.3.3, and two edges 4.3.4 defined at the ends of each lobe-shaped portion 4.3.
[0072] The lobe-shaped portions 4.3 can have the same length in the direction "1", or can have different lengths. Similarly, the two-dimensional light guide 4 can be formed by some lobe-shaped portions 4.3 with the same length and other lobe-shaped portions 4.3 with different lengths. This will depend on, for example, the design of the surface to be illuminated and / or the available space.
[0073] Each lobe-shaped portion 4.3 can include its two side surfaces 4.3.3, which are parallel to each other and parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the lobe-shaped portion, for example, as Figure 2 shown, or according to an embodiment not shown, the side surfaces 4.3.3 can be non-parallel to each other, for example, according to a divergent or convergent configuration.
[0074] Additionally, the present invention relates to a two-dimensional light guide 4 in which lobe-shaped portions 4.3 with a divergent configuration alternate with lobe-shaped portions 4.3 with a convergent configuration.
[0075] The flat surface 4.3.2 of each lobe-shaped portion defines a median line "m", which is parallel to the direction "1" and is between the two side surfaces 4.3.3 of the lobe-shaped portion 4.3.
[0076] As can be seen in particular in Figure 3 each lobe-shaped part 4.3 has a variable thickness between its flat surface 4.3.2 and its curved surface 4.3.1 in a direction “n” perpendicular to the direction “1”.
[0077] In particular, each lobe-shaped part 4.3 has a minimum thickness emin along its side surface 4.3.3 and a maximum thickness emax along the center line “m”, as already shown in Figure 6 shown.
[0078] On the one hand, the lobe-shaped parts 4.3 are physically connected to each other through the side surfaces 4.3.3.
[0079] On the other hand, the lobe-shaped parts 4.3 are optically separated from each other.
[0080] This means that due to a specific configuration in which the thickness of the side surface 4.3.3 of the lobe-shaped part 4.3 is less than the thickness of the lobe-shaped part 4.3 along the center line “m”, the light distributed and transmitted by a specific lobe-shaped part 4.3 does not pass to the adjacent lobe-shaped part 4.3.
[0081] Although there may be a minimal amount of light passing through the side surface 4.3.3 of the lobe-shaped part 4.3, this amount of light is considered negligible with respect to the total amount of light transmitted along a specific lobe-shaped part 4.3, in such a way that when the interior backlight trim 1 is illuminated from behind, that is, when the light source 6 is turned on, the vehicle occupants are not aware of this light.
[0082] For example, when a lobe-shaped part 4.3 emits light of a first color and an adjacent lobe-shaped part 4.3 emits light of a second color, the vehicle occupants are not aware of any light of a third color formed by mixing the first color and the second color on the part of the interior backlight trim 1 corresponding to the connection part between the two adjacent lobe-shaped parts 4.3.
[0083] In order for the light emitted by each lobe-shaped part 4.3 to pass through its curved surface 4.3.1 corresponding to the front light-emitting surface 4.1 of the two-dimensional light guide 4 and to be emitted uniformly over its entire surface, the flat side 4.3.2 of the two-dimensional light guide 4 includes light extraction members 5. These light extraction members 5 are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown.
[0084] In particular as Figure 5 shown, the light extraction members 5 are specifically configured to have a light extraction ability that gradually increases as the light extraction members 5 are separated from the light source 6 in the direction “1” and to have a light extraction ability that gradually decreases as the light extraction members 5 are separated from the center line “m” in the direction “n”.
[0085] Thus, each lobe portion 4.3 defines an independent illumination area 40, which is configured to emit uniform light from its curved surface 4.3.1 and over its entire surface in such a way that when two connected lobe portions 4.3 emit light with the same illumination parameters simultaneously from their curved surfaces 4.3.1, the optical separation between the connected lobe portions 4.3 is not perceived.
[0086] As already discussed above, this means that a vehicle occupant inside the vehicle and facing the backlit interior 1 does not perceive any separation between two connected lobe portions 4.3.
[0087] As Figure 5 shown in the specific embodiment represented, the light extraction member 5 may include a plurality of light extraction points 5.1 for extracting light from the lobe portion 4.3. These light extraction points 5.1 may include, for example, protrusions, cavities, scratches or portions of material deposited, for example by silk screening, on the flat surface 4.3.2 of the lobe portion 4.3.
[0088] According to the invention, according to an embodiment not shown, the light extraction capacity of the light extraction member 5 may be variable due to the density of the light extraction points 5.1 or due to the size of the light extraction points 5.1, as Figure 5 shown.
[0089] In a particular case where the light extraction member 5 varies due to the density of the light extraction points 5.1, the light extraction points 5.1 may be distributed on the flat side 4.3.2 of the lobe portion 4.3 in such a way that the density of the light extraction points 5.1 increases as they are separated from the light source 6 in the direction "1", i.e., increasing the light extraction capacity, and in such a way that the density of the light extraction points 5.1 decreases as they are separated from the median line "m" in the direction "n", i.e., decreasing the light extraction capacity.
[0090] In the case where the light extraction capacity varies due to the size of the light extraction points 5.1, the light extraction points 5.1 may be sized on the flat side 4.3.2 of the lobe portion 4.3 in such a way that their size increases as they are separated from the light source 6 in the direction "1", i.e., increasing the light extraction capacity, and in such a way that their size decreases as they are separated from the median line "m" in the direction "n", i.e., decreasing the light extraction capacity.
[0091] The invention also encompasses other options in which different densities and different sizes of the light extraction points 5.1 are combined.
[0092] On the other hand, the light extraction member 5 may include a roughness that varies in the "1" and "n" directions according to the specific definition of the light extraction member 5 according to the invention.
[0093] In order to inject light into the interior of the flap portion 4.3, each flap portion 4.3 includes at least a light source 6 corresponding to any one of the edges 4.3.4 of each flap portion 4.3.
[0094] Preferably, the light source 6 is a precision light source, such as an LED.
[0095] Several types of LEDs can be used, such as LEDs, RGB LEDs, or digital LEDs, digital RGB LEDs.
[0096] Each light source 6 and in particular each LED is powered by a circuit 8.
[0097] The circuit 8 may include a strip connected to several LEDs, as Figure 1 shown, or may include a separate circuit for each LED.
[0098] The circuit 8 is connected to a processing member (not shown) in order to control the different light effects that can be obtained by the specific two-dimensional light guide 4 of the present invention.
[0099] In some embodiments, the processing member is placed in a printed circuit board connected by the circuit 8 to the LEDs, thus fully controlling each LED.
[0100] In other embodiments, the processing member is divided into a main processing control for coordinating and synchronizing the entire LED assembly for obtaining a predefined light effect, and an auxiliary individual LED control for controlling the color, intensity, and switching of the LEDs.
[0101] As already discussed above, the specific two-dimensional light guide 4 of the present invention, including the combination of the flap portion 4.3 and its corresponding light source 6, allows for obtaining a plurality of independent illumination areas having different colors simultaneously.
[0102] According to this configuration, dynamic light effects can also be obtained by independently controlling each flap portion 4.3 and in particular its corresponding light source 6.
[0103] According to the size of the backlit interior panel 1 and in particular the translucent backlit area 20 to be illuminated and the intensity of the light to be obtained in the translucent backlit area 20, each flap portion 4.3 may include several light sources 6 optically coupled to its edge 4.3.4, as in Figures 7 to 9 the embodiment shown.
[0104] In particular, Figure 8 the embodiment shown in shows a two-dimensional light guide 4, each flap portion 4.3 of which has two light sources 6 optically coupled to one of the edges 4.3.4 of the flap portion.
[0105] Figure 9 The embodiments shown in [description] show a two-dimensional optical waveguide 4, each lobed portion 4.3 of which has two light sources 6 that are optically coupled to two edges 4.3.4.
[0106] Figure 7 The embodiments shown in [description] show a two-dimensional optical waveguide 4, each lobed portion 4.3 of which has two light sources 6 that are optically coupled, with a first light source 6 coupled to one of the edges 4.3.4 of the lobed portion and a second light source coupled to the other edge 4.3.4.
[0107] In the particular embodiment, each light source 6 coupled to one of the edges 4.3.4 of the lobed portion 4.3 is aligned with a corresponding light source 6 coupled to the opposite edge 4.3.4 of the particular lobed portion 4.3.
[0108] In the case where the two-dimensional optical waveguide 4 is formed by alternating lobed portions 4.3 having a divergent configuration with lobed portions 4.3 having a convergent configuration, the light sources 6 can be arranged in an alternating manner, that is, one light source 6 is coupled to a first lobed portion 4.3 at one of the edges 4.3.4 of the first lobed portion, and the other light source 6 is coupled to an adjacent second lobed portion 4.3 at one of the edges of the second lobed portion opposite the edge of the first lobed portion 4.3.
[0109] According to the present invention, the light source 6 can be directly coupled to the edge 4.3.4 of the lobed portion 4.3 or can be coupled to the edge 4.3.4 by an optical coupling portion 7, as Figure 2 shown.
[0110] The function of the optical coupling portion 7 is to improve the optical coupling between the light source 6 and the lobed portion 4.3. This is because the optical coupling portion 7 allows the light emitted by the light source 6 at the edge 4.3.4 of the lobed portion 4.3 to be evenly distributed.
[0111] To achieve this effect, the optical coupling portion 7 includes a first portion 7.1 having a triangular shape.
[0112] Additionally, the optical coupling portion 7 can include a second portion 7.2 to mix the light before it enters the first portion 7.1 by the light source 6.
[0113] This configuration is particularly advantageous when the light source 6 includes RGB LEDs or digital RGB LEDs that emit light of different colors and it is necessary to mix the light before it enters the lobed portion 4.3.
[0114] To achieve this effect, the second part 7.2 preferably includes a tubular part having a cross-section with a circular shape, which is capable of uniformly mixing the light emitted by the light source 6 in such a way that the light received by the flap part 4.3 has a single color.
[0115] The light coupling part 7 can be aligned with the flap part 4.3, in particular in the direction "1", or can have a curved configuration with respect to the flap part 4.3, as Figure 1 shown. This configuration will depend on the shape of the backlit interior panel 1 and / or the available space for assembling the backlit interior panel 1 in the vehicle body.
Claims
1. A backlit interior panel (1) for a vehicle interior, the backlit interior panel comprising: - A decorative cover (2) having a translucent backlit area (20), the decorative cover having a front decorative side (2.1) facing the vehicle interior and a back side (2.2) opposite the front decorative side, - A support member (3), - A two-dimensional light guide (4) including a plurality of independent illumination areas (40), wherein the two-dimensional light guide (4) is placed between the decorative cover (2) and the support member (3), and wherein the two-dimensional light guide (4) includes: · A backlight extraction surface (4.2), · A front light emission surface (4.1) configured to emit light towards the back side (2.2) of the decorative cover (2) corresponding to the translucent backlit area (20), · A plurality of lobe portions (4.3), wherein each lobe portion (4.3) extends longitudinally in a direction 1, and wherein each lobe portion (4.3) includes a curved surface (4.3.1) corresponding to the front light emission surface (4.1) of the two-dimensional light guide (4), a flat surface (4.3.2) corresponding to the backlight extraction surface (4.2) of the two-dimensional light guide (4), two side surfaces (4.3.3), and two edges (4.3.4) defined at the ends of each lobe portion (4.3), wherein the flat surface (4.3.2) of each lobe portion (4.3) defines a center line m extending in the direction 1 and between the two side surfaces (4.3.3) of the lobe portion, wherein each lobe portion (4.3) includes a variable thickness between its flat surface (4.3.2) and its curved surface (4.3.1) in a direction n perpendicular to the direction 1, such that each lobe portion (4.3) has a minimum thickness emin along its side surfaces (4.3.3) and a maximum thickness emax along the center line m, wherein the lobe portions (4.3) are physically connected to each other through their side surfaces (4.3.3), wherein the lobe portions (4.3) are optically separated from each other, wherein each lobe portion (4.3) includes a light source (6) configured to inject light into the lobe portion (4.3) interior, and wherein the light source (6) corresponds to any one of the edges (4.3.4) of the lobe portion, characterized in that Each flat surface (4.3.2) includes a light extraction member (5), which has a light extraction ability that gradually increases as the light extraction member (5) separates from the light source (6) in the direction 1, and has a light extraction ability that gradually decreases as the extraction member separates from the center line m in the direction n, such that each lobular portion (4.3) defines an independent illumination area (40), which is configured to emit uniform light from its curved surface (4.3.1) over its entire surface, and such that when two adjacent lobular portions (4.3) emit light with the same illumination parameters simultaneously from their curved surfaces (4.3.1), the optical separation between the adjacent lobular portions (4.3) is not perceptible. Wherein each light source (6) is optically coupled to its corresponding lobular portion (4.3) by a light coupling portion (7). Wherein the light coupling portion (7) has a first portion (7.1), which is configured to uniformly distribute the light emitted by the light source (6).
2. The backlight interior trim panel (1) for a vehicle interior according to claim 1, wherein the light coupling portion (7) has a second portion (7.2), which is configured to mix the light emitted by the light source (6).
3. The backlight interior trim panel for a vehicle interior according to claim 2, wherein the second portion (7.2) includes a tubular portion having a cross-section with a circular shape.
4. The backlight interior trim panel (1) for a vehicle interior according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein each lobular portion (4.3) includes a plurality of light sources (6).
5. The backlight interior trim panel for a vehicle interior according to claim 4, wherein the light sources (6) are distributed at one of the edges (4.3.4) of the lobular portion (4.3).
6. The backlight interior trim panel for a vehicle interior according to claim 4, wherein the light sources (6) are distributed at the two edges (4.3.4) of the lobular portion (4.3).
7. The backlight interior trim panel (1) for a vehicle interior according to claim 1, wherein the light extraction member (5) is formed by a plurality of light extraction points (5.1).
8. The backlight interior trim panel for a vehicle interior according to claim 7, wherein the light extraction ability of the light extraction member (5) varies due to the density of the light extraction points (5.1).
9. The backlight interior trim panel for a vehicle interior according to claim 7, wherein the light extraction ability of the light extraction member (5) varies due to the size of the light extraction points (5.1).
Citation Information
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