Lighting device for a motor vehicle
By using an LC display to adjust the light transmission color in the taillights of motor vehicles, the integration problem of white reversing lights and yellow driving direction indicators under a red appearance was solved, achieving module color consistency and light intensity requirements, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 海拉有限双合股份公司
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle taillights cannot simultaneously achieve the signal functions of white reversing lights and yellow driving direction indicators, while maintaining a consistent overall red appearance.
An illumination device comprising at least one first module and a second module is used, each module having a light source of a different color. The transmitted color of the light is adjusted by an LC display in an inactive state, so that the modules have a consistent appearance when not in operation. A passive LC display is used to improve transmittance and reduce costs.
The module achieves consistent color in the inactive state for different signal functions, meets legal light intensity requirements, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves design flexibility and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN116066782B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device for motor vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] The shape and design of the aforementioned types of lighting devices are usually expressed by the expectation of a uniform color appearance, especially in the taillights of motor vehicles by the expectation of the most complete red appearance possible.
[0003] However, it has proven difficult to use white light to signal the reversing lights and yellow light to signal the direction indicators when designing a fully red exterior. The taillights, brake lights, and rear fog lights are red signal functions, which also function through red panels used as covers for different modules, making it impossible for reversing lights with white light and direction indicators with yellow light.
[0004] In the prior art, solutions for tandem lights are achieved by either completely or only in the area of the driving direction indicator being made light red or pink, while the rest of the panel is colored normal red or a darker red. An exception is the reversing light, which is completely ineffective behind the light red panel because the white light is correspondingly colored, or most of the light component is filtered out, leaving only red light. Conversely, the driving direction indicator works with the light red panel by using yellow LEDs with a suitable wavelength range, thereby essentially also producing yellow light in combination. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Therefore, the problem upon which this invention is based is to provide a lighting device of the type described at the beginning, the lighting device having multiple modules for different signal functions and having a uniform color appearance in the inactive state of each of the modules.
[0006] According to the present invention, this is achieved by a lighting device of the type described at the beginning.
[0007] According to the present invention, the lighting device includes:
[0008] - At least one first module for at least one first signal light function, wherein the at least one first module has at least one first light source and is configured to generate light of a first color during operation of the lighting function.
[0009] - At least one second module for at least one second signal light function, wherein the at least one second module has at least one second light source and is configured to generate light having a second color different from the first color when the lighting function is running.
[0010] - A common, at least partially transparent cover for the at least one first module and the at least one second module, the cover being configured such that, during operation of the lighting device, light emitted from the respective module can pass through the cover and exit the lighting device.
[0011] - An LC display, the LC display being disposed between the at least one first module and the cover and being configured to be operated such that, when the at least one first module is in operation, at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one first module enters the incident surface of the LC display and exits at least partially from the exit surface of the LC display toward the cover.
[0012] The color of at least one first module can be influenced by an LC display arranged between at least one first module and a cover, even when the module is inactive.
[0013] It is possible that the LC display can at least partially switch between an operating state and a non-operating state, wherein in the operating state, light emitted from the at least one first module is at least partially emitted through the exit surface of the LC display, and wherein in the non-operating state, light emitted from the at least one first module does not emit through the exit surface of the LC display. In particular, the light may have a suitable color in the non-operating state of the LC display.
[0014] It can be specified that the LC display is a passive LC display. For automotive lighting functions, a small area is typically used, and this area must achieve high light power or high brightness. Therefore, high transmittance of the LC display is important in order to generate the light intensity legally required for the signal function. Unlike active LC displays, passive LC displays do not have active structural elements such as transistors, thus the transmittance of passive LC displays is significantly greater than that of active LC displays. Furthermore, passive LC displays can be manufactured significantly less expensively than active LC displays. In addition, in the case of passive LC displays, the pixelation of the LC display is advantageous due to its arbitrary design. Therefore, the individual switchable pixels of the LC display can obtain arbitrarily different shapes and sizes, and thus actively define the desired design of the switchable matrix of the lighting function.
[0015] There is a possibility that LC displays could be either guest-host displays or smart glass displays. In such LC displays, polarizing filters are unnecessary, allowing for higher transmittance, which is beneficial for meeting required optical functions. Furthermore, since the polarizer is eliminated, LC displays are also viewing angle independent.
[0016] It can be specified that the LC display is an LC display doped with colored pigments. In particular, the LC display can be a so-called dye-doped display, where the colored pigments determine its color in the non-operating state of the LC display. Therefore, especially in the non-operating state, for example, a red or black surface can be seen.
[0017] It is possible that the LC display, in the non-operating state, has a color visible from the outside through the cover, which corresponds to the second color and / or corresponds to the color visible from the outside through the cover of the at least one second module when the second light source is turned off. In particular, the color of the LC display visible from the outside through the cover in the non-operating state could be red or black.
[0018] It can be specified that the at least one first signal function is the function of a driving direction indicator and / or a reversing light, and the first color is yellow and / or white. Furthermore, it can be specified that the at least one second signal function is the function of a taillight and / or a brake light and / or a rear fog light, and the second color is red. Although the colors of the individual modules differ, the color of the modules visible from the outside through the cover can be changed by an LC display arranged in front of the module serving as a driving direction indicator and / or in front of the module serving as a reversing light. For example, in the case of a red second module, the second module, configured as a taillight, brake light, and rear fog light, ensures a uniform appearance of the lighting device in the inactive state of the module by the corresponding red color on the LC display.
[0019] It is possible that the lighting device is a taillight. Here, for example, a driving direction indicator and reversing lights could be set as the first module, and taillights, brake lights, and rear fog lights could be set as the second module.
[0020] It can be specified that the LC display has multiple segments, which can be operated independently of each other. Here, the independently operable segments of the LC display can differ from each other in size and / or in shape.
[0021] There is a possibility of mounting the LC display on the side of the cover facing at least one first module. Here, for example, the LC display can be constructed as a film element, particularly wherein the film element is bonded to the side of the cover facing the at least one first module, or the film element is placed as an injection-molded part into an injection mold and injection-encapsulated with the cover during the manufacture of the cover. This results in a compact construction of the lighting device and a reliable mounting of the LC display.
[0022] Alternatively, there is the possibility of arranging the LC display as a separate component between at least one first module and the cover. This allows for variable positioning of the LC display or, for example, easier replacement in case of defects. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, it is shown that:
[0024] Figure 1 A front view of a first embodiment of a lighting device according to the present invention is shown;
[0025] Figure 2 A front view of a second embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention is shown;
[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a first module of a lighting device according to the invention configured as a driving direction indicator;
[0027] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view is shown of a second embodiment of a first module of a lighting device according to the invention, configured as a driving direction indicator. Detailed Implementation
[0028] In the accompanying drawings, identical and functionally identical parts are given the same reference numerals.
[0029] The lighting device shown in the figure is constructed as a taillight and includes multiple modules, which are capable of performing different signal functions. Each module has at least one... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light source not shown in the drawing can be specifically constructed as a light-emitting diode.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device is divided into two components 1 and 2 arranged side by side (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, it is entirely possible to design the lighting unit as a single piece. Furthermore, it is possible to design the lighting unit so that it extends across the entire width of the vehicle.
[0031] The lighting device includes two first modules 3, which enable the signal function of the driving direction indicator. These two first modules 3 extend from the two components 1 and 2 of the lighting device (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 These two first modules 3 emit yellow light during operation. The lighting device includes another first module 4, which can realize the signal function of the taillights. This first module 4 is arranged in the second part 2 of the lighting device. This first module 4 emits white light during operation.
[0032] The lighting device includes three second modules 5, which enable the signaling function of the rear lights. These three second modules 5 also extend from the two components 1 and 2 of the lighting device (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lighting device includes three additional second modules 6, which can perform the signal function of the brake lights. These three additional second modules 6 are located in the first component 1 of the lighting device. The second modules 5 and 6 emit red light when in operation.
[0033] It is entirely possible that the lighting device has an additional, undrawn second module that can perform the signaling function of the rear fog lights.
[0034] A transparent plastic panel is arranged in front of all modules 3, 4, 5, and 6; this panel serves as a cover 7 (see, for example, [link]). Figure 4 Furthermore, an LC display 8 having an incident surface 9 and an exit surface 10 is arranged between the first modules 3 and 4 and the cover 7, respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gray surface is used to represent this. Here, the LC display 8 is arranged such that light emitted from the first modules 3 and 4 enters the incident surface 9 of the LC display 8 or the LC display arranged in front of the modules 3 and 4.
[0035] The LC display 8 is a passive LC display 8, constructed as a so-called smart glass-display or also a guest-host display. Here, the LC display 8 can particularly be a so-called dye-doped display, doped with colored pigments that determine its color in the non-operating state of the LC display 8. The colored liquid crystal (dye-doped liquid crystal) is sandwiched between two substrate layers, which are in particular thin glass plates or plastic films with conductive layers. Compared to conventional LC displays, this LC display 8 operates without polarizing filters and thus has relatively high transmittance.
[0036] In the operating state (on state), each LC display 8 allows light entering through the incident surface 9 to exit from the exit surface 9 at least partially, and especially mostly, from the incident surface 9. In the non-operating state (off state), the corresponding LC display 8 does not allow light entering through the incident surface 8 to exit from the exit surface 9.
[0037] During the operation of the lighting device, when the corresponding first modules 3 and 4 are activated, the LC display 8 arranged in front of the first modules 3 and 4 respectively switches to the operating state, so that the light generated by the corresponding first modules 3 and 4 can be emitted from the lighting device relatively unobstructed.
[0038] When the lighting device configured as a taillight is to display completely red in the inactive states of modules 3, 4, 5, and 6, the LC display 8 can be configured such that the LC display has red in the non-operating state. Alternatively, for example, the second modules 5 and 6 can display black in the inactive state and the LC display 8 can display black in the non-operating state.
[0039] according to Figure 2 Implementation methods and basis Figure 1 The difference in the implementation method is that, in the second implementation method, the LC display 8 consists of a plurality of individually switchable segments 11.
[0040] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the structure of one of the first modules in the first module 3. This first module can implement the signal function of the driving direction indicator. The illustrated embodiment of the first module 3 includes a light source 12 and an indirect reflector 13. The light source 12 can be, for example, a yellow light-emitting diode.
[0041] It is entirely possible that, instead of the indirect reflector 13, a direct reflector, Fresnel optics, lens optics, or light conductor could be used.
[0042] The light generated by the light source 12 is reflected by the reflector 13 onto the incident surface 9 of the LC display 8 and enters the LC display 8 through the incident surface. During the operation of the LC display 8, most of the light entering through the incident surface 9 is emitted through the exit surface 10 and passes through the cover 7 to leave the lighting device.
[0043] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the LC display 8 is mounted on the side of the cover 7 facing the reflector 13. For this purpose, the LC display is constructed as a film element that can be adhered to the cover 7 or placed in an injection mold within the area where the cover 7 is manufactured as an injection molded part, and then injected and encapsulated or covered by the cover 7.
[0044] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the LC display 8 is arranged as a separate component between the reflector 13 and the cover 7.
[0045] List of reference numerals
[0046] Components of 1 and 2 lighting devices
[0047] 3, 4 First Module
[0048] 5, 6 Module 2
[0049] 7 Covering
[0050] 8LC display
[0051] 9LC display incident surface
[0052] 10LC display emission surface
[0053] 11LC display segment
[0054] 12. The light source of the first module capable of realizing the signal function of the driving direction indicator.
[0055] 13 Reflector of the first module capable of realizing the signal function of the driving direction indicator
Claims
1. A lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising: - At least one first module (3, 4) for at least one first signal light function, wherein the at least one first module (3, 4) has at least one first light source (12), and the at least one first module is configured to generate light having a first color during operation of the lighting function. - At least one second module (5, 6) for at least one second signal light function, wherein the at least one second module (5, 6) has at least one second light source, and the at least one second module is configured to generate light having a second color different from the first color during operation of the lighting function. - A common at least partially transparent cover (7) for the at least one first module (3, 4) and the at least one second module (5, 6), the cover being configured such that light emitted from the respective modules (3, 4, 5, 6) during operation of the lighting device can pass through the cover (7) and exit from the lighting device. - An LC display (8) is disposed between the at least one first module (3, 4) and the cover (7), and the LC display is configured to be manipulated such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one first module (3, 4) during operation enters the incident surface (9) of the LC display (8) and exits at least partially from the exit surface (10) of the LC display (8) toward the cover (7), the LC display (8) being capable of switching at least partially between an operating state and a non-operating state, wherein, In the operating state, light emitted from at least one first module (3, 4) is emitted at least partially through the emission surface (10) of the LC display (8), and in the non-operating state, light emitted from at least one first module (3, 4) is not emitted through the emission surface (10) of the LC display (8), and the LC display (8) in the non-operating state has a color visible from the outside through the cover (7), the color corresponding to a second color and / or corresponding to the color visible from the outside through the cover (7) of the at least one second module (5, 6) when the second light source is turned off.
2. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is a passive LC display.
3. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is a guest-host display or a smart glass display.
4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is an LC display doped with colored pigments.
5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The color of the LC display (8) visible from the outside through the cover (7) when it is not in operation is red or black.
6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one first signal light function is the function of a driving direction indicator and / or a reversing light, and the first color is yellow and / or white.
7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one second signal light function is the function of a rear light and / or a brake light and / or a rear fog light, and the second color is red.
8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The lighting device is a taillight.
9. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The LC display (8) has multiple sections (11) that can be operated independently of each other.
10. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is mounted on the side of the cover (7) facing the at least one first module (3, 4).
11. The lighting device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is configured as a film element.
12. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The LC display (8) is arranged as a separate component between the at least one first module (3, 4) and the cover (7).
13. The lighting device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The membrane element is adhered to the side of the cover (7) facing the at least one first module (3, 4), or the membrane element is placed into an injection mold and encapsulated by injection using the cover (7) within the scope of manufacturing the cover (7) as an injection molded part.