Holding device for light guide body, and mounting method and device for fixing light guide body therein

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding an elongated light guide comprising holding bodies, the holding bodies having a light guide receptacle and being formed from two holding bodies, the first holding body being formed from a first soft plastic and the second holding body being formed from a second hard plastic, which are rigidly connected to each other. The first holding body is provided with an optical conductor accommodating part which is configured to be a long and thin concave part and a surrounding part which delimits the concave part on the opposite side; the light guide receiving portion has an opening which is formed on a side of the first holding body facing away from the second holding body and which is delimited by a surrounding portion. The second holding body is configured such that it can be elastically deformed by an external force and is connected to the first holding body in such a way that the width of the opening is increased as a result of the elastic deformation thereof relative to the expansion by the surrounding portion of the first holding body in the absence of the external force, such that the light guide body can be inserted into the light guide body receptacle. After the external force is removed, the holding body restores, and the surrounding portion surrounds the optical conductor inserted into the recess and clamps the optical conductor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for a light guide, in particular an elongated light guide, for example a light guide in the form of an optical fiber, for example a flexible optical fiber, wherein the holding device comprises a holding body, wherein the holding body has an optical conductor receptacle for the light guide, wherein the holding body is formed from two holding body parts, namely a first holding body part and a second holding body part, wherein the first holding body part, the so-called inner holding body part, is constructed from a first plastic as a soft component, wherein preferably, the two holding body parts are formed from different plastics and preferably, the second holding body part is constructed from a second plastic as a hard component, and wherein the first holding body part and the second holding body part, the so-called outer holding body part, are firmly connected to one another and form the holding body.

[0002] The invention also relates to a mounting method for fixing at least one light guide on such a holding device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a mounting device for performing the mounting method to fix at least one light guide on a holding device.

[0004] Finally, the invention also relates to a vehicle light and a vehicle having at least one such vehicle light. Background Art

[0005] An elongated light-guiding body, such as an optical fiber, has a longitudinal extension and can be configured to couple light coupled into the optical fiber out at least partially transversely, i.e., perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the optical fiber. For this purpose, such an optical fiber can contain scattering particles and / or scattering structures.

[0006] Optical fibers are widely used, for example, in motor vehicle headlights and lighting systems, such as in daytime running lights and position lights, in blinker lights, to generate light distribution, such as in adaptive headlights, or as design elements. Optical fibers are designed and arranged in various shapes and patterns to create aesthetically pleasing design elements in headlights or lighting systems. This enables vehicle manufacturers to create unique and eye-catching headlight designs that enhance the vehicle's identity and serve to personalize the vehicle's driver.

[0007] Such lighting devices typically have at least one light source, which can be used to generate, for example, one or more light distributions (low beam, high beam, etc.) or signal functions (such as turn signals). The at least one light source can be, for example, one or more LEDs, but can also be a more complex arrangement consisting of light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, which are combined with light-shaping devices (such as reflectors, projection lenses, light guides, etc.) to generate one or more desired light distributions or light functions.

[0008] For the optical fiber or these optical fibers, one or more additional light sources of their own are usually provided, with which light is fed into the optical fiber or these optical fibers at one or more ends thereof, and the light propagates in the optical fiber or these optical fibers along the longitudinal direction thereof and is emitted from the optical fiber or these optical fibers, for example by light scattering on the side of the optical fiber and / or on a scattering structure, so that the optical fiber emits light.

[0009] In typical applications, the optical fiber is attached to a bracket that is arranged in a housing, such as the housing of a motor vehicle headlight or taillight, or in the housing of a lighting device installed in the side area of ​​the vehicle. However, lighting devices for the interior of a vehicle may also have this structure.

[0010] The housing of such a lighting device, in which one or more light sources are typically arranged, is covered or enclosed by a light-transmitting, transparent glass sheet, which in the case of lighting devices for motor vehicles is often referred to as enclosing glass or cover glass. The glass sheet is transparent at least in a portion of the wavelength range of the light emitted by the at least one light source, typically in the visible and / or infrared (IR) wavelength range.

[0011] It is generally desirable to position the optical fibers as close as possible to the transparent glass sheet in order to achieve the best lighting effects, which is particularly advantageous when using the optical fibers as design elements. This positioning is advantageous, for example, in order to optimally achieve so-called "linear" lighting effects or linear lighting phenomena, in which lighting patterns are generated that have a large extension in one direction and a small extension transversely to this direction; this creates narrow, strip-shaped light impressions that function, for example, as outlines or design lines.

[0012] However, the use of optical fibers, for example in combination with a transparent glass sheet, is not only interesting in the field of motor vehicle lighting, but can also be of interest in combination with general lighting devices, for example for lighting of living spaces or work spaces, street lighting, etc., in which a light-transmitting, transparent glass sheet is provided, which, for example, encloses the housing of the lighting device.

[0013] In such applications, at least one light source is usually further provided for realizing the basic function of the lighting device, and this at least one light source - when using at least one additional light source - is used for at least one optical fiber to realize additional light functions, such as realizing designed light.

[0014] Elongated light guides, such as optical fibers, can be used in a variety of ways. These light guides are often also flexible and can thus conform to a variety of different shapes. However, this makes installation time-consuming and complex, and can also result in a wavy appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for stably positioning one or more optical fibers in a defined position, for example as close as possible to a transparent glass sheet, such as a cover glass, in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0016] This object is achieved with the holding device mentioned at the outset in that, according to the invention, the first holding body part has a light conductor receptacle, wherein the light conductor receptacle is designed as an elongated recess which extends along a curve, for example a straight line, in particular along a defined length, preferably over the entire longitudinal extension of the holding body, wherein the first holding body part has two surrounding parts which delimit the recess on opposite sides, and wherein the light conductor receptacle has an opening which is formed on a side of the first holding body part facing away from the second holding body part and is delimited by the two surrounding parts, wherein, in the basic shape of the holding body, The opening has a width, and wherein the second retaining body portion is configured so that the second retaining body portion can be elastically deformed by the action of an external force, and the second retaining body portion is connected to the first retaining body portion, so that due to the elastic deformation of the second retaining body portion, the width of the opening is increased relative to the basic shape of the retaining body without the action of an external force by the two surrounding portions of the first retaining body portion expanding apart from each other, so that the light guide can be inserted into the optical conductor accommodating portion, and wherein, after the external force is removed, the retaining body basically returns to its basic shape, so that the surrounding portions surround the optical conductor inserted into the recess, and the optical conductor is clamped by the surrounding portions.

[0017] The present invention allows a purely mechanical fixation of the light guide without adhesive, whereby adhesive and one or more working steps can be saved, so that a cost-effective clamping of the light guide can be achieved.

[0018] Furthermore, the embodiment according to the invention allows for machine installation.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0020] Advantageously, provision is made for the width of the opening in its basic shape to be smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the optical waveguide.

[0021] The recess has, for example, an approximately circular cross-section. In its basic form, the diameter d of the recess is equal to or preferably slightly smaller than the diameter D of the optical waveguide, which preferably also has a circular cross-section. This ensures a secure and stable clamping of the optical waveguide in the recess.

[0022] Preferably, the holding device is configured to produce a clamping effect over the entire length of the recess. However, it may also be possible to provide that the clamping effect occurs only in certain sections, wherein the recess may for example also have a larger size so that no clamping occurs there.

[0023] The depression has, for example, a substantially circular cross section in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the curve, and in this case the characteristic variable is the diameter d of the circular cross section of the depression.

[0024] The relationship here relates to the situation where the light conductor receptacle is not expanded and no light conductor is inserted. When the light conductor is inserted, the depression or the first holding body part will be slightly deformed in the region of the depression and thus slightly deviate from the circular shape.

[0025] The curve is, for example, a straight line, but may also have a curved shape.

[0026] It can be provided that the second holding body part has a material weakening on the rear side facing away from the light conductor receptacle.

[0027] This makes it possible to achieve an elastic deformability which allows an opening to be widened, ie an increase in the width w of the opening.

[0028] In this case, it can be provided that the material weakening is formed in the form of a recess on the rear side of the second holding body part, which recess preferably extends along the entire longitudinal extension of the holding body and, for example, runs parallel to the curve.

[0029] For example, it can be provided that the material weakening runs parallel to the curve, or that the curve and the material weakening lie in a “horizontal plane”.

[0030] The material weakening can be realized in the form of a recess or a depression in the second holding body part.

[0031] It can also be provided that the second holding body part comprises at least one lever part serving as a lever arm, which is arranged relative to the rear face such that an external force, whose direction vector does not pass through the material weakening, can be exerted on the lever part.

[0032] This force acts, for example, transversely or perpendicularly to the lever arm and causes the second holding body part and thus the opening of the depression to open.

[0033] It can also be advantageous if the first holding body part has a material weakening on the inner side facing away from the second holding body part.

[0034] This allows for easier and more defined opening of the recess.

[0035] Here, it is preferably provided that the material weakening is constructed in the form of a recess on the inner side of the first retaining body part, the recess preferably extending along the entire longitudinal extension of the retaining body and, for example, running parallel to the curve and / or parallel to the material weakening of the second retaining body part, wherein, for example, the material weakening of the first retaining body part is opposite to the material weakening of the second retaining body part.

[0036] It can also be provided that the first holding body part is designed in a front region facing away from the second holding body part, delimiting the opening of the light conductor receptacle, in particular in the region of the surrounding parts, such that it projects beyond the light conductor arranged in the recess.

[0037] It can be provided that the second holding body part comprises a mounting portion which is preferably formed integrally with the second holding body part, in particular consists of the same material, wherein the holding body can be fixed relative to the housing or the cover glass, for example, by means of the mounting portion.

[0038] It can be provided that the holding body is an injection-molded multi-component component, which is formed from at least a first plastic and a second plastic, wherein the first plastic as the soft component and the second plastic as the hard component are connected to one another during the injection molding.

[0039] For example, the hard component is formed from a thermoplastic, in particular PC / ABS (polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PMMA, for example containing a glass fiber component, and the soft component is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone.

[0040] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a mounting method for fixing at least one light guide on the above-mentioned holding device, wherein the mounting method comprises the following steps:

[0041] a) detachably accommodating the light guide in a first mounting device component of the mounting device;

[0042] b) removably receiving the retaining device in the second mounting device assembly;

[0043] c) applying a force to the holding device so that the width of the opening is increased so that the light conductor can be inserted into the light conductor receptacle of the holding device;

[0044] d) splicing the first installation device assembly and the second installation device assembly together so that the light guide accommodated in the first installation device assembly is introduced into the light conductor accommodating portion;

[0045] e) removing the light guide from the first mounting device assembly;

[0046] f) removing the applied force so that the opening is essentially closed to its original width of the basic shape, whereby the light conductor is clamped in the recess of the light conductor receptacle and is prevented from falling out of the opening, wherein steps e) and f) can be performed simultaneously or in any order;

[0047] g) Removing the first mounting device assembly from the second mounting device assembly.

[0048] In this case, during the installation method, provision can be made for the light guide to be accommodated in the first installation device component along an installation path, for example a curved installation path.

[0049] The laying path preferably corresponds to the shape and course of the light conductor receptacle.

[0050] It can be provided that the first mounting device component has vacuum nozzles which are designed to detachably hold the light guide on the first mounting device component by means of negative pressure.

[0051] The present invention also relates to an installation device for performing the installation method, wherein the installation device comprises:

[0052] - a first mounting assembly for removably receiving the light guide;

[0053] - a second mounting device assembly for removably receiving the retaining device; and

[0054] a device for reversibly exerting a force on the holding device, so that the width of the opening is increased, so that the light conductor can be inserted into the light conductor receptacle of the holding device,

[0055] The mounting device is configured to join the first mounting device component and the second mounting device component together such that at least one light conductor accommodated in the first mounting device component is introduced into the light conductor receptacle of the holding device.

[0056] It can be provided that the first mounting device component has vacuum nozzles which are designed to detachably hold the at least one light guide by means of negative pressure.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising a cover glass and a holding device which holds at least one optical waveguide, wherein the holding device is fastened to the vehicle light such that the at least one optical waveguide is held oppositely laterally, in particular on the inner side of the cover glass.

[0058] Here, the holding device, preferably with its mounting part, can be attached, for example, to the closing glass of the lighting device itself, preferably to an opaque area of ​​the closing glass (for example a black component in the case of a 2K closing glass).

[0059] In this case, in the lighting device, provision can be made for the light conductor to be held at a distance greater than zero from a side surface, in particular from an inner side of the cover glass, wherein, for example, a front region of the first holding body part, in particular a surrounding portion that protrudes beyond the light conductor arranged in the recess, rests against the side surface of the cover glass. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, wherein:

[0061] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a holding device according to the invention;

[0062] Figure 2 The vertical section from the plane Ev in its basic shape is shown. Figure 1 The retaining device in the

[0063] Figure 2a Shown from Figure 1 and Figure 2 a holding device in a state opened by applying a force;

[0064] Figure 3 Shown in perspective Figure 1 a holding device having a held elongated light guide;

[0065] Figure 4 The vertical section in plane Ev is shown from Figure 3 The device in

[0066] Figure 5 shows the holding device and the light guide in the region of the cover glass in the installed state in a vertical section; and

[0067] Figure 6a-6e The mounting device and the steps for mounting an elongated light guide in a holding device according to the invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2A holding device 1 is shown for a light guide 2 , in particular an elongated light guide, for example in the form of an optical fiber, for example a flexible optical fiber. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A holding device 1 is shown, which has a light guide 2 held by the holding device.

[0069] The holding device 1 comprises a holding body 10, wherein the holding body 10 has a light conductor receptacle 11 for the light conductor 2. The holding body 10 in turn comprises two holding body parts, namely a first holding body part 20 and a second holding body part 21. The two holding body parts 20, 21 are formed from different plastics, wherein the first holding body part 20, the so-called inner holding body part 20, is formed from a first plastic as a soft component, and the second holding body part 21, the so-called outer holding body part 21, is formed from a second plastic as a hard component.

[0070] The first holding body part 20 and the second holding body part 21 are firmly connected to each other and form the holding body 10 .

[0071] In this case, the holding body 10 is preferably an injection-molded multi-component component, which is formed from at least a first plastic and a second plastic, wherein the first plastic as the soft component and the second plastic as the hard component are connected to one another during the injection molding.

[0072] For example, the hard component is formed from a thermoplastic, in particular PC / ABS (polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PMMA, for example containing a glass fiber component, and the soft component is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone.

[0073] The first holding body part 20 has a light conductor receptacle 11 for receiving the light conductor 2 , wherein the light conductor receptacle 11 is designed as an elongated recess which extends along a curve K in the holding body 10 . For example, the holding body 10 has a longitudinal extension L, and the recess extends over the entire longitudinal extension of the holding body 10 .

[0074] Therefore, the light conductor receptacle 11 is preferably an elongated depression, for example in the form of a groove. The curve K is usually a straight line, but can also have a curved shape.

[0075] The first holding body portion 20 has two surrounding portions 20d, 20e which delimit the recess on opposite sides.

[0076] The light conductor receptacle 11 or recess has an opening 11 ′ which is formed on a side 20 ′ of the first holding body part 20 facing away from the second holding body part 21 and is delimited by the two surrounding parts 20 d , 20 e .

[0077] In the basic shape of the holding body 10 , the opening 11 ′ has a defined width w=w0 . The basic shape is the shape in which no forces act on the holding body 10 and no optical fiber is inserted into the recess 11 .

[0078] The second holding body portion 21 is configured such that it can be elastically deformed by the action of an external force, wherein the second holding body portion 21 is connected, in particular firmly connected, to the first holding body portion 20, so that due to the elastic deformation of the second holding body portion 21, the width w of the opening 11' is increased relative to the basic shape of the holding body 10 without the action of external forces by the two surrounding portions 20d, 20e of the first holding body portion 20 expanding apart from each other, so that the light conductor 2 can be inserted into the light conductor receptacle 11. To this end, the second holding body portion 21 is configured such that, in particular in the region of the surrounding portions 20d, 20e, it surrounds the first holding body portion 20.

[0079] like Figure 2a As shown schematically, the external force F can cause the second holding body part 21 to open, thereby also causing the first holding body part 20, especially the two surrounding parts 20d, 20e, to open, because the second holding body part 21 and the first holding body part 20 are connected to each other, especially firmly connected.

[0080] The width of the opening 11 ′ of the recess 11 can be expanded to a value w=w1. This value w1 can be greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension, for example, the diameter D of the light conductor 2, but it can also be smaller, so that a certain force is required to press the light conductor 2 into the recess 11. Preferably, the diameter d of the recess 11 is also increased.

[0081] After the external force F is removed, the holding body 10 substantially returns to its basic shape, so that the surrounding parts 20d, 20e surround the optical fiber 2 inserted into the recess and the optical fiber is clamped by the surrounding parts 20d, 20e.

[0082] The term "substantially returns to its basic shape" means that the holding body 10 attempts to return to its original shape, i.e., basic shape, after the external force is removed; the holding body 10 also practically returns to this basic shape when no optical waveguide 2 is inserted. When an optical waveguide 2, which is preferably slightly larger in cross section than the recess, is inserted, the holding body 10 is no longer able to fully return to its basic shape; however, a clamping force is exerted on the light guide 2, which clamps it in the recess 11.

[0083] like Figure 1, the width w is measured in a cross-sectional plane Ev1 perpendicular to the curve K. Preferably, the width w—in the basic shape—is the same over the entire length L of the holding body 10. Even in the expanded state, the (thus greater) width is generally constant over the entire length, i.e., the same in all cross sections extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] Preferably, the first holding body part 20 is designed such that the width w=w0 of the opening 11 ′ in the basic shape is smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension D of the optical waveguide 2 .

[0085] The recess 11 has, for example, an approximately circular cross-section. In its basic form, the diameter d of the recess is equal to or preferably slightly smaller than the diameter D of the optical waveguide 2 , which also has, for example, a circular cross-section. This ensures a secure and stable clamping of the optical waveguide in the recess.

[0086] Preferably, the holding device 10 is configured to produce a clamping effect over the entire length of the recess. However, it may also be possible to provide that the clamping effect occurs only in certain sections, wherein the recess may for example also have a larger size so that no clamping occurs there.

[0087] This situation relates to the case where the light conductor receptacle 11 is not opened and no light conductor 2 is inserted. When the light conductor 2 is inserted, the depression 11 or the first holding body part 20 will be slightly deformed in the region of the depression and thus slightly deviate from a circular shape.

[0088] Advantageously, provision is made for the second holding body part 21 to have a material weakening 21 a ′ on a rear side 21 a facing away from the light conductor receptacle 11 .

[0089] By this means, an elastic deformability can be achieved which allows an opening 11 ′ to be widened, ie an increase in the width w of the opening 11 ′.

[0090] As shown in the figures, it can be provided that the material weakening 21a' is formed in the form of a recess on the back side 21a of the second holding body part 21, which preferably extends along the entire longitudinal extension L of the holding body 10 and, for example, runs parallel to the curve K. The material weakening 21a' can be realized in the form of a recess or a depression in the second holding body part 21.

[0091] For example, it can be provided that: the material weakening 21 a ′ runs parallel to the curve K; and / or the curve K and the material weakening are located in a horizontal plane Eh.

[0092] The terms "horizontal plane" Eh and "vertical planes" Ev1, Ev2 refer to specific Figure 1-Figure 5In this embodiment, the optical waveguide is located in a horizontal plane, which for simplicity is assumed to be a flat cover glass 201, such as the lighting device 200 (see Figure 5 )—lies in a vertical plane that is parallel to the second vertical plane Ev2.

[0093] The light conductor 2 or the curve K is assumed to be a straight line. The first vertical plane Ev1 or the first vertical cross-sectional planes passing through the light conductor or through the recess (the curve K or the straight line runs perpendicular to the first vertical plane Ev1 or the first vertical cross-sectional planes) intersect the second vertical plane Ev2 at 90°. Thus, in this embodiment, the planes Eh, Ev1, and Ev2 mentioned are actually horizontal or vertical planes.

[0094] However, in practice, depending on the application and the specific design, the orientation of the light conductor can be different (the light conductor does not necessarily have to be straight), that is, the light conductor and therefore the holding device can be offset in space. Figure 1-Figure 5 The plane referred to as the horizontal plane Eh or the planes referred to as the vertical planes Ev1 , Ev2 could then occupy an orientation different from horizontal or vertical, or the horizontal plane could be a vertical plane, and / or vice versa.

[0095] As shown in the figure, it is advantageously provided that the second retaining body part 21 includes a lever part 21b serving as a lever arm. This lever part is arranged relative to the back side 21a in such a manner that an external force F, whose direction vector does not extend through the material weakening 21a', can be applied to the lever part 21b, and this external force causes the second retaining body part 21 to expand about its material weakening 21a' due to the external force F. The material weakening 21a' effectively forms a virtual pivot axis for the part 21' of the second retaining body part 21 that surrounds the first retaining body part 20. About this virtual pivot axis, the two parts 21' "pivot" and expand relative to each other, and thus also the first retaining body part 20.

[0096] It is also advantageous if, as shown, the first holding body part 20 also has a material weakening 20 a ′ on the inner side 20 a facing away from the second holding body part 21 .

[0097] This allows for easier and more defined opening of the recess.

[0098] In this case, it is preferably provided that the material weakening 20a' is formed—in turn in the form of a recess—on the inner side 20a of the first holding body part 20, said recess preferably extending along the entire longitudinal extension L of the holding body 10 and, for example, running parallel to the curve K and / or parallel to the material weakening 21a' of the second holding body part 21. Preferably, the material weakening 20a' of the first holding body part 20 is situated opposite the material weakening 21a' of the second holding body part 21.

[0099] It can also be provided that the first holding body part 20 is constructed in a front area 20b facing away from the second holding body part 21 and delimiting the opening 11' of the optical waveguide receptacle 11, in particular in the area of ​​these surrounding parts 20d, 20e, so that the front area 20b extends beyond the optical waveguide 2 arranged in the recess, and the front area is connected to these surrounding parts 20d, 20e or is part of these surrounding parts.

[0100] Therefore, the material strength of the first retaining body part 20 is selected so that: at least partially, preferably over the entire length L of the retaining body 10, the region 20b has a normal distance a from the local perpendicular longitudinal center plane Ev2 of the curve K or the outer boundary 20b' of the region 20b, which is greater than the cross-sectional dimension, in particular the diameter D of the optical conductor 2.

[0101] Consequently, the first holding body part 20 projects with this region 20 b beyond the optical fiber 2 inserted into the optical fiber receptacle 11 .

[0102] Figure 5 A transparent cover glass 201 of a lighting device 200 (e.g., a motor vehicle headlight) is schematically shown, wherein the cover glass 201 is, for example, fixed to a housing 203 of the lighting device. Using the holding device 1, the optical waveguide 2 is positioned near the inner side 202 of the cover glass 201 and can be positioned as close to the inner side 202 as possible without contacting it. One or more protruding regions 20b of the first holding body part 20 prevent the optical waveguide 2 from contacting the cover glass 201 or its inner side 202.

[0103] In particular, the design of first retaining body portion 20 made of a soft component allows light guide 2 to be positioned as close to the cover glass as possible or desired. This design, made of a soft component, makes contact between cover glass 201 and region 20 b less critical, for example due to tolerances, and prevents wear due to friction. Positioning as close to the cover glass as possible may be desirable to achieve optimal visibility of the light guide.

[0104] Preferably, the protruding region 20 b also covers that region of the second holding body part 21 which is closest to the cover glass 201 , so that the second holding body part 21 consisting of a hard component cannot rest against the cover glass.

[0105] In order to fix the holding device 1 in a specific position, for example, in a specific position relative to the cover glass 201 of the lighting device 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As described, it is advantageous if the second holding body part 21 comprises a mounting portion 21 c which is preferably formed integrally with the second holding body part 21 , in particular from the same material.

[0106] Next, according to Figure 6a-6e , a mounting method for fixing the light guide 2 on the holding device 1 by means of the mounting device 100 is also described.

[0107] Figure 6a-6e A mounting device 100 is shown, which includes: a first mounting device component 101 for detachably accommodating a light guide 2; a second mounting device component 102 for detachably accommodating a retaining device 1; and - not shown - a device for reversibly applying a force on the retaining device 1 so as to increase the width w of the opening 11' of the optical conductor accommodating portion 11.

[0108] The mounting device 100 is configured or constructed such that the first mounting device component 101 and the second mounting device component 102 can be joined together, so that the light guide 2 accommodated in the first mounting device component 101 can be introduced into the light guide receptacle 11 of the holding device 1 .

[0109] In order to detachably hold the light guide 2 on the first installation device component 101 , it may be provided that the first installation device component has vacuum nozzles which are designed to detachably hold the light guide 2 by means of negative pressure.

[0110] Here, the installation method has the following steps:

[0111] a) detachably accommodating the light guide 2 in the first installation device component 101 of the installation device 100;

[0112] b) detachably accommodating the holding device 1 in the second mounting device assembly 102; here, the holding device 1 can be held on the second mounting device assembly 102 by its mounting portion 21c, for example;

[0113] Here, steps a) and b) can be performed simultaneously or in any order;

[0114] c) applying a force F to the holding device 1 so that the width w of the opening 11' is increased (from the width w=w0 in the basic shape to the width w1), so that the light conductor 2 can be inserted into the light conductor receptacle 11 of the holding device 1 ( Figure 6b 、 6c );

[0115] d) Splice the first installation device assembly 101 and the second installation device assembly 102 together ( Figure 6d ), so that the light guide 2 accommodated in the first installation device assembly 101 is introduced into the light conductor accommodating portion 11 ( Figure 6e );

[0116] e) Remove the light guide 2 from the first mounting device assembly 101 ( Figure 6e );

[0117] f) Remove the applied force F( Figure 6e ), so that the opening 11 ′ is essentially closed to the original width w=w0 of its basic shape, whereby the light conductor 2 is clamped in the recess of the light conductor receiving portion 11 and prevented from falling out of the opening 11 ′,

[0118] Wherein, steps e) and f) may be performed simultaneously or in any order; and

[0119] g) Remove the first mounting device assembly 101 from the second mounting device assembly 102 .

Claims

1. A holding device (1) for a light guide (2), in particular an elongated light guide, for example in the form of an optical fiber, for example a flexible optical fiber, wherein: The holding device (1) comprises a holding body (10), wherein the holding body (10) has a light conductor receptacle (11) for the light conductor (2), wherein the holding body is formed from two holding body parts, namely a first holding body part (20) and a second holding body part (21), wherein the first holding body part (20), the so-called inner holding body part (20), is formed from a first plastic as a soft component, wherein preferably the two holding body parts (20, 21) are formed from different plastics and preferably the second holding body part (21) is formed from a second plastic as a hard component, and wherein the first holding body part (20) is formed from a second plastic as a hard component. The holding body part (20) and the second holding body part (21), the so-called outer holding body part (21), are firmly connected to each other and form the holding body (10), and wherein the first holding body part (20) has the light conductor receiving portion (11), wherein the light conductor receiving portion (11) is designed as an elongated recess, which extends along a curve (K), for example a straight line, in particular along a defined length, preferably over the entire longitudinal extension (L) of the holding body (10), wherein the first holding body part (20) has two surrounding parts (20d, 20e) which are delimited on opposite sides by The recess is defined, and wherein the optical conductor receiving portion (11) has an opening (11'), which is configured on a side (20') of the first holding body portion (20) facing away from the second holding body portion (21) and is delimited by two surrounding portions (20d, 20e), wherein, in the basic shape of the holding body (10), the opening (11') has a width (w), and wherein the second holding body portion (21) is configured so that the second holding body portion can be elastically deformed by the action of an external force, and the second holding body portion (21) is connected to the first holding body portion (20) so that due to the The second retaining body part (21) is elastically deformed, and the width (w) of the opening (11') is increased relative to the basic shape of the retaining body (10) without the action of external force by the two surrounding parts (20d, 20e) of the first retaining body part (20) expanding apart from each other, so that the light guide (2) can be inserted into the light conductor accommodating portion (11), and wherein, after the external force is removed, the retaining body (10) basically returns to its basic shape, so that the surrounding parts (20d, 20e) surround the light conductor (2) inserted into the recess, and the light conductor is clamped by the surrounding parts (20d, 20e).

2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein: The width (w) of the opening (11') in the basic shape is smaller than the smallest cross-sectional dimension (D) of the light conductor (2).

3. A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second holding body part (21) has a material weakening (21a') on the back side (21a) facing away from the light conductor receptacle (11), wherein the material weakening (21a') is configured, for example, in the form of a recess on the back side (21a) of the second holding body part (21), the recess preferably extending along the entire longitudinal extension (L) of the holding body (10) and, for example, running parallel to the curve (K).

4. A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second retaining body part (21) includes at least one lever part (21b) serving as a lever arm, which is arranged relative to the back surface (21a) so that an external force (F) whose direction vector does not pass through the material weakening portion (21a') can be applied to the lever part (21b).

5. A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first holding body part (20) has a material weakening (20a') on an inner side (20a) facing away from the second holding body part (21).

6. The holding device according to claim 5, wherein: The material weakening portion (20a') is constructed in the form of a recess on the inner side (20a) of the first retaining body part (20), and the recess preferably extends along the entire longitudinal extension (L) of the retaining body (10) and runs, for example, parallel to the curve (K) and / or parallel to the material weakening portion (21a') of the second retaining body part (21), wherein, for example, the material weakening portion (20a') of the first retaining body part (20) is opposite to the material weakening portion (21a') of the second retaining body part (21).

7. A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first holding body part (20) is configured in a front region (20b) facing away from the second holding body part (21) and delimiting an opening (11') of the optical conductor receiving portion (11), in particular in the region of the surrounding parts (20d, 20e), so that the front region (20b) or the surrounding parts (20d, 20e) protrudes beyond the optical conductor (2) arranged in the recess.

8. A holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second holding body part (21) comprises a mounting portion (21c), which is preferably constructed integrally with the second holding body part (21), in particular constructed from the same material, wherein, for example, the holding body (10) can be fixed relative to the housing or the cover glass by means of the mounting portion (21c).

9. A mounting method for fixing at least one light guide (2) on a holding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The installation method has the following steps: a) detachably accommodating the light guide (2) in a first mounting device component (101) of a mounting device (100); b) detachably accommodating the retaining device (1) in a second mounting device assembly (102); c) applying a force to the holding device (1) so that the width (w) of the opening (11') is increased, so that the light guide (2) can be inserted into the light guide receiving portion (11) of the holding device (1); d) splicing the first installation device assembly (101) and the second installation device assembly (102) together, so that the light guide (2) accommodated in the first installation device assembly (101) is introduced into the light conductor accommodating portion (11); e) removing the light guide (2) from the first mounting device assembly (101); f) removing the applied force so that the opening (11') is essentially closed to the original width (w) of its basic shape, whereby the light conductor (2) is clamped in the recess of the light conductor receptacle (11) and prevented from falling out of the opening (11'), Wherein, steps e) and f) can be performed simultaneously or in any order; g) Removing the first mounting device assembly (101) from the second mounting device assembly (102).

10. The installation method according to claim 9, wherein: The light guide (2) is accommodated in the first mounting device assembly (101) along a laying path, such as a curved laying path.

11. A mounting device (100) for performing the method according to claim 9 or 10 to fix at least one light guide (2) on a holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The mounting device (100) comprises: - a first mounting device assembly (101) for detachably accommodating the light guide (2); - a second mounting device assembly (102) for removably receiving the retaining device (1); and - a device for reversibly exerting a force on the holding device (1) so that the width (w) of the opening (11') is increased so that the light conductor (2) can be inserted into the light conductor receptacle (11) of the holding device (1), The mounting device (100) is configured to splice the first mounting device component (101) and the second mounting device component (102) together so that at least one light guide (2) accommodated in the first mounting device component (101) is introduced into the light conductor accommodating portion (11) of the retaining device (1).

12. The mounting device according to claim 11, wherein The first mounting device assembly (101) has a vacuum nozzle, which is configured to detachably hold the at least one light guide (2) by means of negative pressure.

13. A lighting device (200) for a vehicle, comprising a cover glass (201) and a holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the holding device holding at least one optical waveguide (2), wherein: The holding device (1) is fixed to the vehicle light (200) in such a way that the at least one optical waveguide (2) is held oppositely on a side, in particular on an inner side (202) of the cover glass.

14. The lighting device (200) according to claim 13, wherein The optical waveguide (2) is kept at a distance greater than zero from the side surface, in particular the inner side (202) of the cover glass (201), wherein, for example, a front region (20b) of the first holding body part (20), in particular a surrounding portion (20d, 20e) extending beyond the optical waveguide (2) arranged in the recess, rests against the side surface of the cover glass (201).

15. A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein: The vehicle has at least one lighting device (200) according to claim 14.

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