A car dashboard ambient light

Abstract

This invention discloses an ambient light for an automotive dashboard, comprising a dashboard frame, an ambient light bracket, and an ambient light strip. The ambient light bracket is a light-transmitting bracket, positioned on the dashboard frame and partially extending out of it. The ambient light strip is installed inside the ambient light bracket. The extended portion of the ambient light bracket includes a visible part and a downward-facing invisible part. Light from the ambient light strip is emitted from the visible part to form a direct-light-emitting area, and light from the invisible part is emitted onto the dashboard components to form a reflective-light-emitting area. This automotive dashboard ambient light has a reasonable structural design, achieving both direct and reflective lighting effects simultaneously with a single light strip, resulting in diverse ambient light effects. Furthermore, it has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and is securely and reliably installed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive ambient lighting technology, and in particular to an automotive dashboard ambient light. Background Technology

[0002] Ambient lighting, as an auxiliary lighting system, is increasingly being used in automotive trim such as the dashboard, door panels, and headliner. It typically takes the form of point light sources, strip light sources, and area light sources, with single-color and multi-color options available. By arranging a set of light strips and components in each area requiring illumination, different lighting atmospheres are achieved, creating a comfortable interior environment. However, as the number of ambient lights increases, the number of light strips and components also increases significantly, leading to a substantial increase in component cost and weight, as well as increased installation difficulty. This does not align with the current mainstream trend of low-carbon and green development in the automotive industry.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN111762091A discloses an ambient light for a car door panel. The ambient light strip is set on a snap-fit ​​structure that protrudes into the car from the lower body of the door panel. The ambient light strip is covered by an electroplated trim strip in the direction inside the car, and the electroplated trim strip and the snap-fit ​​structure are kept at a certain safe distance. The lower edge of the electroplated trim strip bends towards the car door, and a gap is formed between the edge of the bend and the single layer of leather applied to the surface of the trim panel in the door panel. The ambient light shines through the gap onto the single layer of leather to create a halo effect. The luminous atmosphere is uniform. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an ambient light for automotive dashboards that achieves diverse ambient lighting effects through a single light strip.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] The automotive dashboard ambient light includes a dashboard frame, an ambient light bracket, and an ambient light strip. The ambient light bracket is a light-transmitting bracket, positioned on the dashboard frame and partially extending out of it. The ambient light strip is installed inside the ambient light bracket. The extended portion of the ambient light bracket includes a visible portion and a downward-facing invisible portion. The light from the ambient light strip shines from the visible portion to form a direct light-emitting area, and the light from the invisible portion shines onto the dashboard components to form a reflective light-emitting area.

[0007] Further:

[0008] The instrument panel frame has an inwardly turned-up edge on its side, and the main body of the instrument panel frame has a gap area corresponding to the inwardly turned-up edge area for the ambient light bracket to extend out.

[0009] The ambient light bracket is a semi-milky white strip bracket with a light transmittance of more than 70%, and the ambient light strip is arranged along the length of the ambient light bracket.

[0010] The ambient light bracket has a horizontal slot on its inner side, and the ambient light strip is positioned and snapped into place within the horizontal slot.

[0011] The instrument panel frame is provided with a main positioning pin and an auxiliary positioning pin arranged in a staggered manner. The ambient light bracket is provided with a positioning hole that matches the positioning pin. The ambient light bracket is fixed to the instrument panel frame by screws.

[0012] The ambient light bracket has a mating groove on its side that fits with the flange of the dashboard frame. The lower front face of the mating groove forms a visible part, and the upper part of the mating groove extends outward, with a snap-fit ​​structure for positioning.

[0013] Below the gap area are a decorative panel and an air vent knob. Light shines from the invisible part onto the surface of the decorative panel and the air vent knob to form a reflective light-emitting area.

[0014] The lower surface of the invisible part of the ambient light bracket is a horizontal plane.

[0015] The central axis of the positioning pin is perpendicular to the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

[0016] The instrument panel frame is provided with a skin, and the skin at the inner flange is located in the mating groove.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] The ambient lighting structure of this car dashboard is reasonably designed, achieving both direct and reflective lighting effects through a single light strip, resulting in diverse ambient lighting effects; moreover, the structure is simple, easy to assemble, and securely and reliably installed. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following is a brief explanation of the contents of each of the accompanying drawings and the markings in the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the dashboard ambient light of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 Schematic diagram of sectional view AA.

[0022] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the BB section.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ambient light mounting and fixing structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the snap-fit ​​position of the ambient light bracket of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the skeleton positioning structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the screw fastening structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective light-emitting area of ​​the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the direct light-emitting area of ​​the present invention.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Instrument panel frame, 101. PVC skin, 102. 3D mesh fabric, 2. Ambient light bracket, 3. Direct light-emitting area, 4. Ambient light strip, 5. Reflective light-emitting area, 6. Air vent knob, 601. Air vent knob illumination area, 7. Air vent blade, 8. Main positioning pin, 9. Auxiliary positioning pin, 10. Bracket pre-clamping structure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through the description of the examples.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the car dashboard ambient light includes a dashboard frame 1, an ambient light bracket 2, and an ambient light strip 4. The dashboard frame 1 is a hollow frame structure, the ambient light bracket 2 is a light-transmitting bracket, the lower part of the dashboard frame has a gap, and the ambient light bracket is positioned on the dashboard frame and partially extends out from the gap of the dashboard frame.

[0033] The ambient light strip 4 is installed inside the ambient light bracket 2, integrated and compact in structure; the extended part of the ambient light bracket includes a visible part and a downward invisible part. The front end of the downward extended part of the ambient light bracket is the visible part, and the lower surface of the downward extended part of the ambient light bracket is the part that the occupants cannot see directly; the light from the ambient light strip shines from the visible part to form a direct light-emitting area 3, and the light from the invisible part shines onto the dashboard components to form a reflective light-emitting area 5.

[0034] The present invention provides a reasonable design for the automotive dashboard ambient light structure. It achieves both direct and reflective lighting effects through a single light strip, resulting in diverse ambient light effects. Furthermore, the structure is simple, easy to assemble, and securely and reliably installed.

[0035] The ambient light bracket 2 is a semi-milky white strip bracket with a light transmittance of more than 70%. The ambient light strip 4 is arranged along the length of the ambient light bracket. The ambient light strip is a rigid light strip, and the ambient light bracket is a transparent component. The light strip is directly integrated and positioned on the ambient light bracket, resulting in a compact structure.

[0036] The instrument panel frame 1 has an inwardly turned-up edge on its side. The main body of the instrument panel frame has a gap area corresponding to the inwardly turned-up edge area for the ambient light bracket to extend. One side of the ambient light bracket is stuck inside the inwardly turned-up edge, resulting in a compact structure. The inwardly turned-up edge effectively improves the structural strength of the frame.

[0037] The ambient light bracket has a mating groove on its edge that mates with the flange of the dashboard frame. The lower front face of the mating groove forms a visible part, and the upper part of the mating groove extends outward. The extended part has a snap-fit ​​structure for positioning, resulting in a compact structure. The mating groove of the ambient light bracket and the inner flange of the dashboard frame are connected in a concealed manner, so that the mating part cannot be seen by the occupants, thus improving the quality of the product.

[0038] The dashboard frame is equipped with a PVC skin 101 and a three-dimensional mesh fabric 102. The skin at the inner edge is located in the mating groove. The skin edge can be squeezed and positioned by the mating groove of the ambient light bracket. The structural stability and reliability are improved by its own mating structure.

[0039] Below the gap area are the decorative panel and the air vent knob 6. Light shines from the invisible part onto the surface of the decorative panel and the air vent knob to form a reflective luminous area. The lower surface of the invisible part of the ambient light bracket is a horizontal plane. For example, at the position of the air outlet blade 7, the upper surface of the air vent knob 6 corresponds to the lower surface of the ambient light bracket, forming an air vent knob illumination area 601 on the upper surface of the air vent knob, creating a variety of atmospheric effects.

[0040] The ambient light bracket has a horizontal slot on its inner side, and the ambient light strip is snapped into place within the horizontal slot. The instrument panel frame has a main locating pin 8 and an auxiliary locating pin 9 arranged in a staggered manner. The ambient light bracket has locating holes that match the locating pins. The ambient light bracket is fixed to the instrument panel frame by screws. The central axis of the locating pin is perpendicular to the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

[0041] The instrument panel ambient lighting arrangement of this invention enables a single light strip to simultaneously achieve both direct and reflective lighting effects; it is securely installed, has better light transmission consistency, a simple structure, is easy to install, and has a novel form, ensuring the effects of both direct and reflective lighting.

[0042] The automotive dashboard ambient lighting assembly includes an ambient light strip and an ambient light bracket mounted on the dashboard. The ambient light strip and the ambient light bracket are snap-fit ​​connected. The ambient light bracket and the dashboard frame are screwed and pre-snap-fitted. The dashboard frame has a main locating pin and an auxiliary locating pin. The ambient light bracket assembly has a main locating hole into which the main locating pin is inserted and an auxiliary locating hole into which the auxiliary locating pin is inserted.

[0043] The ambient light bracket is milky white with a light transmittance of 75%. The bracket has multiple screw fastening points along the length of the ambient light; the screws are arranged sequentially at intervals of 100mm-120mm; a total of 5 screw fastening points are provided.

[0044] The width of the reflective surface of the ambient light bracket is 20.18mm; the width of the direct reflective surface of the ambient light bracket is 2.2mm; the length of the reflective surface of the ambient light bracket is 565.1mm; the wall thickness of the reflective surface of the ambient light bracket is 2.5mm; the projected area of ​​the reflective surface of the reflective ambient light is 14311.388 square millimeters; the projected area of ​​the reflective surface of the direct ambient light is 1657.923 square millimeters.

[0045] The direct and reflective ambient light materials are made of translucent PC material, which requires 90°C & 2H annealing treatment to remove the internal stress of the PC ambient light trim strip and prevent stress release that could cause cracking. The automotive dashboard ambient light assembly of this invention is securely installed and has better light transmission consistency, ensuring the effects of both direct and reflective lighting.

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0047] Based on the accompanying drawings, a detailed description of the actual embodiments of the present invention is provided through a physical description of the dashboard ambient lighting. The purpose is to help engineers in the field of dashboard ambient lighting to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the concept, technical solution, and overall layout of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation in subsequent projects.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the locations of direct and reflective ambient lighting on the dashboard are illustrated, and the specific locations of ambient lighting within the cabin are briefly described; for example... Figure 2 As shown, the main cross-section of the direct and reflective ambient lighting on the dashboard body—reflective effect—right side trim panel area: The names of each area are: ① Dashboard frame, ② Ambient light bracket, ③ Direct light-emitting area, ④ Ambient light strip, ⑤ Reflective light-emitting area—reflective light area width 32mm—right side trim panel. For example... Figure 3As shown, the main cross-section of the direct and reflective ambient lighting on the dashboard body—the reflective effect—is the air vent assembly area. The names of each area are: ① Ambient light strip, ② Dashboard frame, ③ Ambient light bracket, ④ Illuminated area of ​​air vent knob area, ⑤ Air vent knob, ⑥ Air vent blade.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the installation and fixing diagram for direct and reflective ambient lights includes: ① 1 main positioning pin, ② 3 auxiliary positioning pins, ③ 10 pre-clamping structures for the ambient light bracket, and the reflective surface length of the ambient light bracket is 565.1mm; Figure 5 As shown, the main cross-section of the direct and reflective ambient lighting and the dashboard frame includes: ① 3.1mm three-dimensional mesh fabric layer, ② PVC skin, ③ 0.2mm pre-clamping allowance, ④ 4.8mm diameter ambient light strip, ⑤ 2.2mm width of direct ambient light, ⑥ dashboard frame, and ⑦ 20.18mm width of reflective ambient light. Figure 6 As shown, the main positioning diagram of the direct and reflective ambient lighting and the dashboard frame: the gap between the main positioning and the surrounding component positioning is 0.1mm. Figure 7 As shown, this is a diagram of the direct and reflective ambient lighting fixtures and their screw fastening to the dashboard frame; the fastening screws are Q2734216F31E screws; as shown... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the projected area of ​​the reflective surface of the reflective ambient light is 14311.388 square millimeters; the projected area of ​​the reflective surface of the direct ambient light is 1657.923 square millimeters.

[0050] This invention provides an ambient lighting assembly for an automotive dashboard that achieves two light reflection methods (reflective and direct), including an ambient light strip and an ambient light bracket mounted on the dashboard frame, wherein the ambient light strip and the ambient light bracket are snap-fit ​​connected; as shown Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the ambient light bracket is semi-milky white, made of translucent PC material with good light transmittance (75%). The bracket is 562mm long, and the ambient light strip is arranged along its length. The ambient light strip is a rigid light strip (extruded process).

[0051] The instrument panel frame is equipped with main and auxiliary locating pins, and the ambient light bracket has main and auxiliary locating holes for inserting the main and auxiliary locating pins (with a limit gap of 0.1mm). One main and one auxiliary locating pin are provided, and the central axis of the main and auxiliary locating pins is perpendicular to the length direction of the ambient light bracket. The main and auxiliary locating pins are on the same straight line parallel to the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

[0052] The ambient light bracket is connected to the dashboard frame by screws. Correspondingly, the ambient light bracket has screw holes through which screws pass. The axis of the screw holes is parallel to the axes of the main locating pin and the auxiliary locating pin. The ambient light bracket has multiple screw fastening points, arranged sequentially along the length of the bracket at intervals of 100mm-120mm. A total of 5 screw fastening points are provided.

[0053] During assembly, the ambient light strip is first installed on the ambient light bracket. The ambient light strip and the ambient light bracket are connected by snap-fit ​​to form the ambient light assembly of the car dashboard. Then, the ambient light bracket is installed on the dashboard frame assembly. This assembly method facilitates the installation and fixation of the light strip and also promotes the consistency of light transmission of the light fiber, ensuring the lighting effect.

[0054] When installing the ambient light bracket, align the main locating pin and auxiliary locating pin on the ambient light bracket with the main locating hole and auxiliary locating hole on the instrument panel frame, respectively. Insert the main locating pin into the main locating hole and the auxiliary locating pin into the auxiliary locating hole to complete the positioning of the ambient light bracket on the instrument panel assembly. Finally, fix the ambient light bracket on the frame with screws.

[0055] The above description is merely an illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the above technical features can be arbitrarily combined to form multiple embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ambient light for an automotive dashboard, comprising a dashboard frame, an ambient light bracket, and an ambient light strip, characterized in that: The ambient light bracket is a light-transmitting bracket. The ambient light bracket is positioned on the dashboard frame and extends partially from the dashboard frame. The ambient light strip is installed inside the ambient light bracket. The extended part of the ambient light bracket includes a visible part and a downward-facing invisible part. The light from the ambient light strip shines from the visible part to form a direct light-emitting area, and the light from the ambient light strip shines from the invisible part onto the dashboard components to form a reflective light-emitting area. The instrument panel frame has an inwardly turned-up edge on its side, and the main body of the instrument panel frame has a gap area corresponding to the inwardly turned-up edge area for the ambient light bracket to extend out; below the gap area are a decorative panel and an air vent knob, and light shines from the invisible part onto the surface of the decorative panel and the air vent knob to form a reflective light-emitting area.

2. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ambient light bracket is a semi-milky white strip bracket with a light transmittance of more than 70%, and the ambient light strip is arranged along the length of the ambient light bracket.

3. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ambient light bracket has a horizontal slot on its inner side, and the ambient light strip is positioned and snapped into place within the horizontal slot.

4. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The instrument panel frame is provided with a main positioning pin and an auxiliary positioning pin arranged in a staggered manner. The ambient light bracket is provided with a positioning hole that matches the positioning pin. The ambient light bracket is fixed to the instrument panel frame by screws.

5. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ambient light bracket has a mating groove on its side that fits with the flange of the dashboard frame. The lower front face of the mating groove forms a visible part, and the upper part of the mating groove extends outward, with a snap-fit ​​structure for positioning.

6. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the invisible part of the ambient light bracket is a horizontal plane.

7. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The central axis of the positioning pin is perpendicular to the length direction of the ambient light bracket.

8. The automotive dashboard ambient light as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The instrument panel frame is provided with a skin, and the skin at the inner flange is located in the mating groove.

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