Lighting device for a rear view device of a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lighting device (100) for a rear view device (200) of a vehicle (300), the lighting device comprising: a housing (102) having an upper portion (102a) and a lower portion (102b); at least one light source (106) disposed within the housing (102); at least one light guide (108) disposed at least partially within the housing (102) and having a first end (108c) and a second end (108d), where the at least one light source (106) is located at one of the first end (108c) and / or the second end (108d) of the at least one light guide (108), and where the at least one light source (106) is located at one of the first end (108c) and the second end (108d) of the at least one light guide (108). The at least one light guide (108) is configured to transmit light from the first end (108c) to the second end (108d) of the at least one light guide (108), and wherein the at least one light guide (108) has at least one light receiving surface (110) and at least one light emitting surface (112, 114); and a reflective element (118) disposed on at least a portion of at least one of the housing (102) and the at least one light guide (108) for reflecting a portion of light from the at least one light guide (108) wherein the at least one light guide (108) has a first arm (108a) and a second arm (108b) connected to the first arm (108a) at an angle (P), thereby forming a substantially 7-shaped cross-section and defining a recess; or a cover element (120) having a first arm (120a) and a second arm (120b) connected to the first arm (120a) at an angle (Q) forming a substantially 7-shaped cross-section and defining a recess, the cover element being disposed between the upper portion (102a) and the lower portion (102b) of the housing (102) to allow the light from the at least one light guide (108) to exit the lighting device (100), and when the rear view device (200) is mounted to the vehicle (300), the first arm (108a) of the at least one light guide (108) or the first arm (120a) of the cover element (120) extends substantially horizontally. The disclosure also relates to a rear view device having at least one such lighting module and a vehicle having at least one such rear view device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination device for a rear-view device of a vehicle as described in the preamble of claim 1. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an illumination device for emitting a turn signal and / or a light pattern from a rear-view device of a vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a rear-view device having at least one such illumination module and a vehicle having at least one such rear-view device. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles generally include rear-view devices mounted inside and outside the vehicle. Rear-view devices typically include one or more mirrors, cameras, or any combination thereof for observing at least the scene around the rear end of the vehicle, and one or more illumination devices.

[0003] The term "vehicle" denotes any motor vehicle, with or without a trailer, driven by a driver, where the driver requires information about persons, other vehicles, or objects in the vicinity of the vehicle in order to be able to drive safely. By way of example, the vehicle is a car, a truck, a tractor, or a trailer.

[0004] The term "rear view" is hereby defined as the observation of the surrounding area that is not within the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle, i.e., the directions opposite to, to the left, right, below, and above the observation direction, but may also include the observation in the direction of the driver's observation direction and / or any combination of directions.

[0005] The terms "driver" and "driver of the vehicle" hereby refer to a person who controls the main parameters of the vehicle, such as direction, speed, and / or altitude, e.g., typically a person located in a position designated for the controlling person (e.g., a seat), but may also refer to any other person or entity inside or outside the vehicle.

[0006] The term "light source" denotes a device from which light is generated and emitted. The light source may include one or more light-emitting devices or solid-state light sources. The term "solid state" generally refers to light emitted by solid-state electroluminescence rather than by incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes. For example, the light source may include semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), LED lamp packages, LED chips, or LED die, or an array composed of one or more of these devices. It should be understood that the light source may also include color-changing LEDs, i.e., the LEDs may be configured to change color when needed.

[0007] The term "light guide" refers to a light-conducting element that at least partially forms part of a housing, where the light guide has: a light-receiving surface located within the outer housing, which can be at least partially provided by the housing; and a light-emitting surface located outside the outer housing, such that light emitted from a light source is received by the light-receiving surface of the light guide and is guided towards the light-emitting surface of the light guide, such that light is emitted from the light guide. The light guide can be made of a transparent material. Light can be emitted from the light guide with a uniform brightness over the entire light-emitting surface.

[0008] The term "reflective element" refers to a reflective surface, such as the surface on which light emitted from the light guide falls and is reflected along a reflection direction to emit reflected light. The reflective element can be a polished or coated surface that provides a mirror-like surface finish.

[0009] Different functions and devices can be incorporated into and / or controlled by means of a rear-view device. Of particular interest are functions and devices that enhance, extend, and / or maintain the functionality of the rear-view device during normal or extreme conditions. Corresponding facilities can include heating and / or cooling facilities, cleaning facilities (such as wipers, liquid and / or gas sprays), actuator facilities for moving the rear-view device or parts thereof (such as a display, a camera system, and / or parts of a camera system, including for example lenses, filters, light sources, adaptive optics such as deformable mirrors, sensors, and / or mirrors); and / or actuator facilities for causing other objects (such as parts of a vehicle and / or objects around the vehicle) to move. In addition, a linear track and / or a rotating wheel for exchanging optical elements, such as a filter wheel, can be included, and the optical elements include for example lenses, mirrors, light sources, sensors, adaptive optics such as deformable mirrors, and / or filters.

[0010] Outstanding examples of functions and devices incorporated into and / or controlled by means of a rear-view device include lighting devices, for example in the form of any type of lamp module, such as an external lamp module, an internal lamp module, a headlamp, a rear lamp, a fog lamp, a brake lamp, an acceleration lamp, a turn signal, a marker lamp, a puddle lamp, a flash lamp, a navigation lamp, a position lamp, an emergency lamp, a spotlight, a green lamp, a red lamp, a warning lamp, a turn signal lamp module, an approach lamp, a searchlight, an information lamp, a display, and / or any combination thereof.

[0011] In recent years, lighting devices for vehicles have become important because of their aesthetic appeal to consumers. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers have made efforts in designing vehicle lighting devices in consideration of the styling of the vehicle on which the lighting device is installed. In addition, vehicle manufacturers can provide optional lighting effects (in addition to the legally required lighting functionality) to enhance the vehicle styling.

[0012] It is difficult to provide an aesthetically appealing vehicle lighting device that meets the required technical specifications. For example, the taillights of existing automobiles tend to be energy-intensive and require various components, such as reflectors. Headlights are similar in that they require multiple components, such as reflectors, cut-off devices, etc. An aesthetic lighting effect results in an even greater number of components and complexity. Such vehicle lighting devices are not easily adaptable to the styling of the vehicle.

[0013] Rearview devices with lighting devices for providing signals such as turn signals, warning lights, fog lights, etc. are commonly used in vehicles. These lighting devices not only enhance or expand the functionality of the rearview device, but also provide aesthetic appeal to the vehicle. The lighting device of the rearview device may include a light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and an optical waveguide that is irradiated to provide a signal outside the vehicle. These lighting devices can be further enhanced to emit a light pattern that not only provides lighting functionality to the vehicle, but also provides aesthetic appeal and enhances the styling of the vehicle.

[0014] DE 10 2012 211 822 A1 describes a housing element for a lighting unit of a motor vehicle, the housing element including a shell layer of a housing made of a thermoplastic material, the shell layer of the housing designating an internal space for accommodating a plurality of light sources of a signal lamp unit and a plurality of optical waveguide devices assigned to these light sources, the shell layer of the housing can be produced by an injection molding process, and a translucent window section is formed in the shell layer of the housing, wherein during the injection molding process, a plurality of optical waveguides are integrally obtained with the shell layer of the housing.

[0015] DE 20 2007 016 755 U1 teaches an exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle, which has a rearward opening in its housing, the housing enclosing a cavity in which a rearview mirror can be received, and also having a forward opening that limits a rear wall, the rear wall having an outer surface with a flashing unit, wherein light is guided in at least two optical waveguide sections, each of the optical waveguide sections having a first end and a second end, and at least two optical waveguide sections converge together at a node at one of their ends, and the node forms a light decoupling region. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present disclosure is to further develop known lighting devices for rearview devices of vehicles to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object is to enhance the aesthetic appeal and styling of known lighting devices for rearview devices of motor vehicles.

[0017] This object is achieved by the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the lighting device of the present disclosure are described in claims 2 to 11.

[0018] Accordingly, there is provided an illumination device for a rearview device of a vehicle, the illumination device comprising: a housing having an upper part and a lower part, the housing being made in particular of an opaque material; at least one light source arranged in the housing; at least one light guide, the light guide being arranged at least partially in the housing and having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one light source is located at one of the first end and / or the second end of at least one light guide, and wherein at least one light guide is configured to transmit light from the first end of at least one light guide to the second end of at least one light guide, and wherein at least one light guide has at least one light receiving surface and at least one light emitting surface; and a reflecting element arranged on at least a part of at least one of the housing (in particular on a structural element of the housing) and at least one light guide (in particular on the back surface of the light guide facing away from at least one light emitting surface) for reflecting a part of the light from at least one light guide, wherein at least one light guide has a first arm and a second arm connected to the first arm at an angle, thereby forming a substantially L-shaped cross section and defining a recess; or a covering element has a first arm and a second arm connected to the first arm at an angle, thereby forming a substantially L-shaped cross section and defining a recess, the covering element being arranged between the upper part and the lower part of the housing to allow the light from at least one light guide to leave the illumination device, and when the rearview device is mounted on the vehicle, the first arm extends substantially horizontally.

[0019] The features of the embodiment may lie in that the first arm of at least one light guide is configured to emit light directly towards the outside of the illumination device, in particular by providing a first light emitting surface, and / or in particular by providing a second light emitting surface to emit light towards the reflecting element, and the second arm is configured to allow the reflected light from the reflecting element to pass through.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed to arrange at least one light source at the first arm of at least one light guide, in particular at at least one light receiving surface of at least one light guide that is substantially perpendicular to the first light emitting surface and / or the second light emitting surface.

[0021] The features of other embodiments also lie in that the first arm and the second arm of at least one light guide are configured to face the outside of the illumination device, or the first arm of at least one light guide is arranged behind the housing, and the second arm of at least one light guide is configured to face the outside of the illumination device, or the first arm and the second arm of the covering element are configured to face the outside of the illumination device, or the first arm of the covering element is arranged behind the housing, and the second arm of the covering element is configured to face the outside of the illumination device.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one light guide has a square or rectangular cross section, and / or at least one light guide is arranged behind another covering element, and / or at least one light guide is arranged behind the housing for emitting the light reflected from the reflecting element through the covering element.

[0023] It is also proposed that the second arm of the covering element has an extension for supporting the covering element within the housing.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is also proposed that the housing further includes a light guide support element for removably mounting at least one light guide within the housing. In this regard, it is also possible that at least one light guide, in particular the first arm of at least one light guide, is arranged between on the one hand the upper part of the housing and / or the covering element or another covering element and on the other hand the support element.

[0025] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as that the reflecting element includes or is provided with a pattern generating element for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text or a combination thereof, and / or the covering element or another covering element includes or is provided with a pattern generating element for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text or a combination thereof.

[0026] For those embodiments, the pattern generating element may include at least one of a laser printing part, a cutout, a masking part, a molding, an etching, a drawing or a printing of a 2D or 3D shape for making a pattern, logo, symbol, icon or text.

[0027] It is also proposed that at least one light source includes a color-changing light source and / or cooperates with a color-changing element, and / or at least one light source is switchable between an on and an off state.

[0028] The lighting device of the present disclosure has the following advantages: By using at least one light source, light can be emitted from one or more layers or edges of the lighting device. This is feasible because a first part of the light can be directly emitted from the light guide, thereby emitting the light of the first layer / edge, and / or a second part of the light can be reflected from the reflecting element, thereby emitting the light of the second layer / edge. Therefore, the lighting device of the present disclosure can provide the functionality of a turn signal and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The lighting device can have various embodiments. For example, the lighting device can emit light of only one layer / edge by allowing only a part of the light to be emitted from the light guide (either directly from the light guide or reflected from the reflecting element). In other embodiments, the lighting device can emit light of two layers / edges by allowing a part of the light to be directly emitted from the light guide and allowing a part of the light to be reflected from the reflecting element.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one light guide has a first arm and a second arm connected to the first arm at an angle, thereby forming a recess, wherein the first arm is configured to emit light directly towards the exterior of the lighting device and towards a reflecting element, and the second arm is configured to allow the reflected light from the reflecting element to pass through. The advantage of this design of at least one light guide having a 7-shaped cross-section is that it provides light from two layers / edges emitted from the lighting device. The light of the first layer / edge directly comes from the first arm, and the light of the second layer / edge comes from the second arm, and the second arm allows the reflected light from the reflecting element to pass through.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one light source is disposed at the first arm of at least one light guide. This configuration allows light to enter the first arm of at least one light guide, and the light is evenly distributed across the entire span of the first arm of at least one light guide. Accordingly, the first arm of at least one light guide emits light evenly and directly towards the exterior of the lighting device and / or towards the reflecting element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first arm and the second arm of at least one light guide are configured to face the exterior of the lighting device. In this configuration, light from two layers / edges can be emitted from the lighting device. The light of the first layer / edge is directly emitted from the first arm of at least one light guide, and the light of the second layer / edge is emitted from the second arm of at least one light guide.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first arm of at least one light guide is disposed behind the housing, and the second arm of at least one light guide is configured to face the exterior of the lighting device. In this configuration, only light from one layer / edge is emitted from the lighting device, that is, the light from the first arm of at least one light guide is directed towards the reflecting element, and thus, the reflected light passes through the second arm of at least one light guide and is emitted from the lighting device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a light guide support element for removably mounting at least one light guide within the housing. The light guide support element can be a part of the housing and can be encapsulated within the housing. The light guide support element is configured to fix at least one light guide within the housing.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one light guide is mounted on the light guide support element by at least one of a screw, a nut, an adhesive, a plug-in connection, a form-fit connection, a butt strap joint, and a clamping connection.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lighting device further includes a covering element disposed between the upper and lower portions of the housing, wherein the covering element allows light from at least one light guide to exit the lighting device. The advantage of having a covering element is that the covering element provides a seal for the lighting device and protects the lighting device from dust, dirt, moisture, etc. The covering element can be in the form of a transparent lens. In other embodiments, the lighting device may not have a covering element, and in such embodiments, at least one light guide is disposed between the upper and lower portions of the housing to provide a seal for the lighting device and protect the lighting device from dust, dirt, moisture, etc.

[0036] In one embodiment, the reflecting element has a pattern generating element for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text, or a combination thereof. The advantage of having such a pattern generating element in the reflecting element is that light can be emitted in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text, or a combination thereof, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and / or functionality of the lighting device. For example, a warning message in the form of text or a symbol can be displayed from the lighting device by using such a pattern generating element.

[0037] In one embodiment, the pattern generating element includes at least one of a laser printed portion, a cutout, a masking portion, a molded, etched, drawn, or printed 2D or 3D shape for creating a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, or text.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one light guide has a square or rectangular cross-section. The advantage of having such a design of at least one light guide is that the at least one light guide can be easily assembled within the housing.

[0039] In one embodiment, at least one light guide is disposed behind the housing for emitting reflected light from the reflecting element. In such a configuration, only one layer / edge of light is emitted from the lighting device, i.e., the light from at least one light guide is directed towards the reflecting element and thus reflected light is emitted from the lighting device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the covering element has a first arm and a second arm connected to the first arm at an angle, wherein the second arm of the covering element has an extension for supporting the covering element within the housing. The advantage of the covering element having such a design is that the covering element is rigidly fixed to the housing.

[0041] The present disclosure also provides a rearview device, which includes at least one lighting device according to the present disclosure. The rearview device may further include a control unit for controlling the lighting device, particularly at least one light source of the lighting device.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a vehicle, which includes at least one rearview device, and the rearview device includes at least one lighting device according to the present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0043] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 : shows an external view of a rearview device of a vehicle having a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 : shows the front part of the rearview device of an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 in a front view, which shows a lighting device according to;

[0046] Figure 3a , 3b and 3c: show cross-sectional views of the lighting device of the present disclosure Figure 2 taken along section line A-A, wherein three different embodiments of the lighting device are shown;

[0047] Figure 4 : shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of the present disclosure Figure 2 taken along section line B-B;

[0048] Figure 5a and 5b : show external views of a rearview device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which depict additional features of the lighting device;

[0049] Figure 6 : shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of the present disclosure Figure 5b taken along section line C-C;

[0050] Figure 7a and 7b : show external views of a rearview device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which show additional lighting devices;

[0051] Figure 8 : shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of the present disclosure Figure 7a taken along section line D-D;

[0052] Figure 9a and 9b : show external views of a rearview device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which depict additional features of the lighting device;

[0053] Figure 10 : shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of the present disclosure Figure 9a taken along section line E-E;

[0054] Figure 11 : A front view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown, which shows a rearview device and a lighting device. Detailed Description

[0055] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as restrictive, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in different ways.

[0056] Figure 1 is shown Figure 11 An external view of the rearview device 200 of the vehicle 300 shown. The rearview device 200 includes a head portion 202 and a base portion 204. The rearview device 200 can be mounted on the vehicle 300 on the left and right sides of the vehicle 300 via the base portion 204. The base portion 204 can be mounted on the door, window triangle or body of the vehicle. The base portion 204 can have various configurations and designs according to the mounting position. The rearview device 200 is configured to observe the surrounding environment of the vehicle 300, particularly the rear view. The rearview device 200 can include a mirror (not shown). The rearview device 200 can also include at least one camera 206 for enhancing the view of the vehicle environment. The rearview device 200 also includes a lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 can be used to provide at least one of a turn signal, a warning signal, a fault signal, a home signal, an autonomous driving mode signal, a battery charging signal, a low battery signal, a welcome signal, and a parking signal. In addition to providing the said signals, the lighting device 100 can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 300. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the lighting device 100 provides a first light portion 104 in the form of a layer or an edge and a second light portion 105 in the form of a layer or an edge. The first light portion 104 and the second light portion 105 are shown in Figure 1 with different hatching. The light output of the two layers / edges enhances the aesthetic appeal and styling of the vehicle 300. The lighting device 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 can be an external part of the rearview device 200. The housing 102 can be made of an opaque material, such as plastic, metal, 3D printing, carbon fiber, or any other synthetic or natural material. The housing 102 includes an upper housing portion 102a and a lower housing portion 102b, see also Figures 3a to 3c . The upper housing portion 102a and / or the lower housing portion 102b have cutouts that allow the light from the lighting device 100 to leave the rearview device 200.

[0057] Figure 2 shows the front part of the rear view device 200, which shows the lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 includes at least one light source 106, and the at least one light source is arranged behind the housing 102 such that the at least one light source 106 is not visible from the outside. The part located behind the housing 102 in Figure 2 is shown within the dashed line to illustrate the position and arrangement of the at least one light source 106 within the housing 102. The at least one light source 106 may include a semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a polymer light emitting diode (PLED), an LED lamp package, an LED chip or an LED die, or an array composed of one or more of these devices. The at least one light source 106 may include a color-changing LED so as to obtain various color outputs through one LED. In one embodiment, a color-changing LED is used as the at least one light source. The advantage of using a color-changing LED as the light source is that multi-color light can be emitted from the lighting device to achieve different functionalities and / or enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. For example, in order to emit a turn signal, the LED can be switched to yellow; in order to emit a home signal, the LED can be switched to blue; or in order to emit a warning signal, the LED can be switched to red.

[0058] The lighting device 100 further includes at least one light guide 108. The at least one light guide 108 has a first end 108c and a second end 108d. The at least one light source 106 is arranged adjacent to the first end 108c and / or the second end 108d of the at least one light guide 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one light source 106 is arranged adjacent to the first end 108c of the at least one light guide 108. However, it should be understood that the at least one light source 106 can be arranged at any position along the entire length of the at least one light guide 108. The at least one light guide is made of a transparent material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyphenylene oxide (PPO). The at least one light guide 108 is configured to receive light from the at least one light source 106 and guide the light through the entire length of the at least one light guide 108 such that the at least one light guide 108 emits light uniformly along the entire length. The at least one light guide 108 has at least one light receiving surface 110 as shown in Figure 4 and at least one light emitting surface 112, 114 as shown in Figures 3a-3c shown.

[0059] Figure 3a shows the lighting device 100 along Figure 2A cross-sectional view taken along the section line A-A shown in the figure. As shown, at least one light guide 108 is disposed in the gap between the upper housing portion 102a and the lower housing portion 102b. At least one light guide 108 has a first arm 108a and a second arm 108b connected to the first arm 108a at an angle P, thereby forming a 7-shaped cross-section, and thus forming a recess for providing space between the two arms 108a, 108b. The angle P between the first arm 108a and the second arm 108b can vary within the range of 1° to 179°. The thicknesses of the two arms 108a and 108b can be the same or different. The first arm 108a and the second arm 108b can be made as a single unit. Alternatively, the first arm 108a and the second arm 108b can be manufactured separately and connected together by gluing or an adhesive. In Figure 3a In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 108a and the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108 are configured to face the outside of the lighting device 100. That is, both the first arm 108a and the second arm 108b are configured to emit light to the outside of the lighting device 100 and to the outside of the rearview device 200, respectively, see the light beams L1 and L2.

[0060] At least one light guide 108 is removably mounted on or to the housing 102 via a light guide support element 116. The light guide support element 116 is a part of the housing 102 that is configured to support and fix at least one light guide 108. At least one light guide 108 is mounted on the light guide support element 116 via at least one of screws, nuts, and adhesives, plug-in connections, form-fitting connections, butt strap joints, and clamping connections (not shown).

[0061] At least one light receiving surface 110 of at least one light guide 108 is configured to receive light from at least one light source 106, and at least one light emitting surface 112, 114 of at least one light guide 108 is configured to emit light to the outside of at least one light guide 108, as Figure 3a and Figure 4 shown. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one light source 106 is located near the first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108, see Figure 4 . Accordingly, the first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108 can be configured to receive light from at least one light source 106, and the second arm 108b may not directly receive light from at least one light source 106. The first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108 can have one light receiving surface 110 (as Figure 4 shown) and two light emitting surfaces 112 and 114 (as Figure 3a shown). The first light emitting surface 112 of the first arm 108a emits light directly to the outside of the lighting device 100, i.e., in a substantially horizontal direction, see Figure 3athe first light beam L1 therein. The second light-emitting surface 114 of the first arm 108a emits light towards the reflecting element 118, i.e., the light is along a substantially vertical direction so as to reflect the light along a substantially horizontal direction as well, see Figure 3a the second light beam L2 therein.

[0062] The reflecting element 118 may be provided on the housing 102 such that the reflecting element 118 is configured to face the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108. More particularly, the reflecting element 118 may be provided on the light guide support element 116. Thus, the light emitted from the second light-emitting surface 114 of the first arm 108a of the light guide 108 falls on the reflecting element 118. The reflecting element 118 is configured to direct the light towards the outside of the lighting device 100. The second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108 (having a transparent body) is configured to allow the light from the reflecting element 118 to pass through. Thus, two light portions 104, 105 are provided for the light leaving the lighting device 100, i.e., in the form of two light beams L1 and L2. The first light portion 104 is directly related to the first light-emitting surface 112 of the first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108, as shown by the first light beam L1, and the second light portion 105 is indirectly related to the second light-emitting surface 114 of the first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108, because the second light beam L2 is reflected by the reflecting element 118 and passes through the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108.

[0063] The reflecting element 118 may further include a pattern generating element for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text or a combination thereof. Figure 5a 、 5b Figures 9, 9a and 9b show embodiments of such patterned light output. In these embodiments, the corresponding reflecting element 118 includes a pattern generating element such that when light falls on the reflecting element 118 having the pattern generating element, the reflected light is emitted in the form of a pattern logo, symbol, icon, text or a combination thereof. The pattern generating element may include at least one of a laser printing portion, a cutout, a masking portion, molding, etching, drawing, printing 2D or 3D shapes for making a pattern, logo, symbol, icon or text.

[0064] Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Except for the arrangement of the reflecting element 118, this embodiment is the same as Figure 3ais similar to the embodiment shown. In this embodiment, the reflecting element 118 is disposed on the back surface of the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108 such that light emitted from the light emitting surface 114 of the first arm 108a of at least one light guide 108 falls on the reflecting element 118 disposed on the back surface of the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108, is reflected, and passes through the transparent body of the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108.

[0065] Figure 3c FIG. shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Except for the additional parts to be discussed herein, this embodiment is similar to Figure 3a the embodiment shown. The lighting device 100 may include a covering element 120 disposed between the upper part 102a and the lower part 102b of the housing 102. The covering element 120 allows light from at least one light guide 108 to leave the lighting device 100. The covering element 120 may be made of a transparent material and act as a lens. The advantage of having the covering element 120 is that the covering element 120 provides a seal for the lighting device 100 and protects the lighting device 100 from dust, dirt, moisture, etc. In Figure 3a and 3b the embodiment shown, the lighting device 100 may not have a covering element, and in such an embodiment, at least one light guide 108 is disposed between the upper part 102a and the lower part 102b of the housing 102 to provide a seal for the lighting device 100 and protect the lighting device 100 from dust, dirt, moisture, etc.

[0066] Figure 4 FIG. shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 taken along the Figure 2 section line B-B shown in to illustrate the arrangement of at least one light source 106, at least one light guide 108, and the housing 102. As shown, at least one light source 106 is disposed behind the housing 102 such that at least one light source 106 is not visible from the outside. The light receiving surface 110 of at least one light guide 108 is configured to receive light from at least one light source 106 and direct the light along the entire length of at least one light guide 108. Figure 4 The light guide support element 116 is also shown.

[0067] Figures 1 to 4 In the above embodiment shown, light from two layers / edges leaves the lighting device 100. However, other embodiments of the lighting device 100 may have only one light portion. Figure 5a and 5b FIG. shows one such embodiment.

[0068] Figure 5a and Figure 5bShows an external view of the rear-view device 200 of the vehicle 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a Shows the lighting device 100 in the closed state, Figure 5b and shows the lighting device 100 in the open state. In this embodiment, the lighting device 100 emits light only within one light portion, but emits it in the form of a pattern. In this embodiment, the reflective element 118 includes a pattern generating element 122 such that the second light portion 105 provides a pattern of the light emitted from the lighting device 100. In Figure 5a , even when the lighting device 100 is in the closed state, the pattern generating element 122 can be visible from the outside of the rear-view device 200 because at least one light guide 108 is transparent, thus making the pattern generating element 122 visible from the outside. In Figure 5b , the second light portion 105 of the light is emitted from the lighting device 100 in the form of a pattern. Figure 6 This embodiment is further described.

[0069] Figure 6 Shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 taken along the Figure 5b section line C-C in. Except for the positions of at least one light guide 108 and the pattern generating element 122, this embodiment is similar to the Figure 3b embodiment. In this embodiment, the light emitted from at least one light guide 108 is restricted to one direction and is thus limited to one light beam L2. The first arm 108a of at least one light guide is disposed behind the upper portion 102a of the housing 102 such that the first light emitting surface 112 of the first arm 108a is shielded by the opaque housing 102, and thus, the second light emitting surface 114 is configured to emit light toward the reflective element 118 disposed on the back of the second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108. The second arm 108b of at least one light guide 108 is configured to face the outside of the lighting device 100. That is, the second arm 108b is configured to emit light to the outside of the lighting device 100. The reflective element 118 includes a pattern generating element 122 (as Figure 5a shown) for providing a light pattern for the second light portion 105. The pattern generating element 122 may include at least one of a laser printing portion, a cutout, a masking portion, a molding, an etching, a drawing, or a printed 2D or 3D shape.

[0070] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Shows an external view of the rear-view device 200 of the vehicle 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7a Shows the lighting device 100, which shows the light output at the second light portion 105 as a first color, Figure 7bThe lighting device 100 is shown, which shows that the light output at the second light part 105 is of a second color. This can be achieved by using a color-changing LED as at least one light source 106. Different colors can indicate different functions of the lighting device 100. For example, as described above, yellow can indicate a turn signal, blue can indicate a home signal, and red can indicate a warning / fault signal. The lighting device 100 can change the color based on a predefined algorithm according to the vehicle state and can be controlled by a control unit or manually by the driver. For example, when receiving a turn signal from the driver, the lighting device 100 can emit yellow light, and in the case of a vehicle failure, the lighting device 100 can change the color to red. This embodiment is further described in Figure 8 in.

[0071] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 taken along Figure 7a the section line D-D in is shown. In this embodiment, at least one light guide 108 has a substantially square cross-section. In another embodiment, at least one light guide may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The lighting device 100 includes a covering element 120. The covering element 120 has a first arm 120a and a second arm 120b connected to the first arm 120a at an angle Q. The angle Q between the first arm 120a and the second arm 120b can vary within the range of 1° to 179°. The thicknesses of the two arms 120a and 120b can be the same or different. The first arm 120a and the second arm 120b can be made as a single unit. At least one light guide 108 is disposed behind the first arm 120a of the covering element 120, and the first arm 120a of the covering element 120 is disposed behind the upper part 102a of the housing 102. Therefore, the second light-emitting surface 114 of at least one light guide 108 is configured to emit light towards a reflecting element 118 disposed on a support element. The reflecting element 118 reflects the light towards the second arm 120b of the covering element 120, see Figure 8 the light beam L2 in. The covering element 120 (which is transparent) allows the reflected light to leave the lighting device 100. Therefore, the lighting device 100 is configured to emit the second light part 105 of the light by disposing at least one light guide 108 behind the housing 102 such that the direct light from the light guide 108 is restricted by the housing 102.

[0072] The covering element 120 further includes an extension part 120c for supporting the covering element within the housing 120. The extension part 120c is disposed between the lower housing part 102b and the light guide support element 116. This configuration of the covering element 120 rigidly disposes the covering element 120 within the housing.

[0073] Figure 9a and Figure 9bShows an external view of the rear-view device 200 of the vehicle 300 according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9a Shows the lighting device 100, which shows the light output through the second light portion 105 in a certain pattern. Figure 9b Shows the lighting device 100, which shows the light output through the second light portion 105 in a second pattern. The lighting device 100 of the present embodiment is similar to the embodiments of Figure 7a , Figure 7b and 8 , except that the reflective element 118 of this embodiment includes a pattern generation element 122 as shown in Figure 10 .

[0074] Figure 10 Shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 100 taken along the section line E-E in Figure 9a . As shown in Figure 10 , the reflective element 118 includes a pattern generation element 122 for emitting light in a pattern. The pattern generation element 122 may include at least one of a laser printing portion, a cutout, a masking portion, a molded 2D or 3D shape for making a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, or text. By having various pattern generation elements 122 on the reflective element 118, various combinations of patterns, logos, words, and symbols can be achieved.

[0075] Figure 11 Shows a front view of the vehicle 300 according to the present disclosure, which shows the rear-view device 200 and the lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 may be provided on the rear-view device 200. The vehicle 300 may include two rear-view devices, one on the left side of the vehicle 300 and the other on the right side of the vehicle 300.

[0076] Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims need not be limited to the above specific features or acts. On the contrary, the above specific features and acts are disclosed as examples for implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. That is, the features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims, and drawings, whether individually or in any combination, may be necessary for carrying out the present disclosure in its various embodiments. The embodiments shown herein are merely examples of the present disclosure and thus should not be construed as restrictive. Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally covered by the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0077] Reference numerals

[0078] 100: Lighting device

[0079] 102: Housing

[0080] 102a: Upper part of the housing

[0081] 102b: Lower part of the housing

[0082] 104: First light part of the light

[0083] 105: Second light part of the light

[0084] 106: At least one light source

[0085] 108: At least one light guide

[0086] 108a: First arm of the at least one light guide

[0087] 108b: Second arm of the at least one light guide

[0088] 108c: First end of the at least one light guide

[0089] 108d: Second end of the at least one light guide

[0090] 110: Light receiving surface of the at least one light guide

[0091] 112: Light emitting surface of the at least one light guide

[0092] 114: Light emitting surface of the at least one light guide

[0093] 116: Light guide support element

[0094] 118: Reflective element

[0095] 120: Covering element

[0096] 120a: First arm of the covering element

[0097] 120b: Second arm of the covering element

[0098] 120c: Extension part of the covering element

[0099] 122: Pattern generating element

[0100] 200: Rear view device

[0101] 202: Head part of the rear view device

[0102] 204: Base part of the rear view device

[0103] 300: Vehicle

[0104] P: Angle between the first arm and the second arm of the at least one light guide

[0105] Q: Angle between the first arm and the second arm of the covering element

[0106] A-A: Figure 2 Section line of

[0107] B-B: Figure 2 Section line of

[0108] C-C: Figure 5b Section line of

[0109] D-D: Figure 7a Section line of

[0110] E-E: Figure 9a Section line of

[0111] L1: Light beam

[0112] L2: Light beam

Claims

1. A lighting device (100) for a rear-view device (200) of a vehicle (300), the lighting device comprising: a housing (102) having an upper part (102a) and a lower part (102b), the housing being made in particular of an opaque material; at least one light source (106) arranged within the housing (102); at least one light guide (108), the light guide being arranged at least partially within the housing (102) and having a first end (108c) and a second end (108d), wherein the at least one light source (106) is located at one of the first ends (108c) of the at least one light guide (108), and wherein the at least one light guide (108) is configured to transmit light from the first end (108c) of the at least one light guide (108) to the second end (108d), and wherein the at least one light guide (108) has at least one light receiving surface (110) and at least one light emitting surface (112, 114); and a reflecting element (118) arranged on at least a part of at least one of the housing (102) and the at least one light guide (108) for reflecting a part of the light from the at least one light guide (108), wherein the at least one light guide (108) has a first arm (108a) and a second arm (108b) connected to the first arm (108a) at an angle (P), thereby forming a substantially 7-shaped cross-section and defining a recess, or a covering element (120) has a first arm (120a) and a second arm (120b) connected to the first arm (120a) at an angle (Q), thereby forming a substantially 7-shaped cross-section and defining a recess, the covering element being arranged between the upper part (102a) and the lower part (102b) of the housing (102) to allow the light from the at least one light guide (108) to leave the lighting device (100), and when the rear-view device (200) is mounted to the vehicle (300), the first arm (108a) of the at least one light guide (108) or the first arm (120a) of the covering element (120) extends substantially horizontally.

2. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting element (118) is arranged on a structural element (116) of the housing (102) and / or on the back surface of the light guide (108) facing away from at least one light emitting surface (112, 114).

3. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first arm (108a) of the at least one light guide (108) is configured to emit light directly towards the outside of the lighting device (100) by providing a first light emitting surface (112), and / or to emit light towards the reflecting element (118) by providing a second light emitting surface (114), and The second arm (108b) is configured to allow the reflected light from the reflection element (118) to pass through.

4. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one light source (106) is arranged at the first arm (108a) of the at least one light guide (108), at the at least one light receiving surface (110) of the at least one light guide (108), the light receiving surface being substantially perpendicular to the first light emitting surface (112) and / or the second light emitting surface (114).

5. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first arm (108a) and the second arm (108b) of the at least one light guide (108) are configured to face the outside of the lighting device (100), or the first arm (108a) of the at least one light guide (108) is arranged behind the housing (102), and the second arm (108b) of the at least one light guide (108) is configured to face the outside of the lighting device (100), or the first arm (120a) and the second arm (120b) of the covering element (120) are configured to face the outside of the lighting device (100), or the first arm (120a) of the covering element (120) is arranged behind the housing (102), and the second arm (120b) of the covering element (120) is configured to face the outside of the lighting device (100).

6. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one light guide (108) has a square or rectangular cross-section, and / or the at least one light guide (108) is arranged behind another covering element (120), and / or the at least one light guide (108) is arranged behind the housing (102) for emitting the light reflected from the reflection element (118) through the covering element (120).

7. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the second arm (120b) of the covering element (120) has an extension part (120c) for supporting the covering element (120) in the housing (102).

8. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the housing (102) further includes a light guide support element (116) for removably mounting the at least one light guide (108) in the housing (102).

9. The lighting device (100) according to claim 7, wherein, the at least one light guide (108) is arranged on the one hand between the upper part (102a) of the housing (102) and / or the covering element or the another covering element (120), and on the other hand between the support element (116).

10. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reflection element (118) comprises or is provided with a pattern generating element (122) for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text, or a combination thereof, and / or The covering element or the further covering element (120) comprises or is provided with a pattern generating element (122) for emitting light in the form of a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, text, or a combination thereof.

11. The lighting device (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The pattern generating element (122) comprises at least one of a laser printed part, a cutout, a masking part, a molded, etched, drawn, or printed 2D or 3D shape for making a pattern, logo, symbol, icon, or text.

12. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one light source (106) comprises a color-changing light source and / or cooperates with a color-changing element, and / or The at least one light source (106) is capable of switching between an on state and an off state.

13. A rear-view device (200), the rear-view device comprising at least one lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The rear-view device (200) according to claim 13, the rear-view device further comprising a control unit for controlling the lighting device.

15. A vehicle (300), the vehicle comprising at least one rear-view device (200) according to claim 13 or 14.

Images