Illuminating device for vehicle and vehicle component with illuminating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a support structure (3) on which a decorative element (4a) having a decorative surface (4b) is arranged, an installation space (5) being defined between the support structure (3) and the decorative element (4a). Importantly, the lighting device (1) has an opaque spacer element (7) with an opening (8), a light-permeable and / or translucent light guide element (12), and light sources (13) for providing light, which are each arranged in the opening (8) of the spacer element (7) such that the light provided by the light sources passes through the respective opening (8) and the respective light guide element (12), the illumination is directed towards the external environment (15) along a direct light path (14) from the respective light source (13) to the decorative surface (4b). The invention also relates to a vehicle component (23) for a vehicle (2), comprising at least one such lighting device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle component having at least one such lighting device according to claim 11. Background Art

[0002] A lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from document DE 10 2021 120 868 A1. Other lighting devices are described, for example, in DE 20 2017 103775 U1, CN 114023866 A, EP 3 575 153 A1, EP 3150 442 A1, or EP 3 891 020 B1. A disadvantage of these lighting devices is that the light from adjacent light sources overlaps, which creates a certain blurring effect in the generated light pattern or light effect. Furthermore, when colored light is used, this leads to color mixing, which significantly affects the visual comfort of the vehicle user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting device or at least another embodiment of a lighting device. In particular, a vehicle component having such a lighting device should be provided.

[0004] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is to absorb the light provided by adjacent light sources of the lighting device by means of opaque spacing elements, thereby making it possible to perform so-called isolation of the individual light sources.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a lighting device for a vehicle, the lighting device comprising:

[0007] A load-bearing structure adapted for arrangement on a vehicle, on which a decorative element of a lighting device is arranged, the decorative element having a decorative surface at least partially visible from an external environment of the lighting device, wherein an installation space is defined or formed between the load-bearing structure and the decorative element.

[0008] It is important that the lighting device has an opaque spacer element, which is arranged in the installation space, is supported in contact with the upper side of the supporting structure facing the decorative element, and is penetrated by openings, which penetrate on the one hand on the upper side of the spacer element facing the decorative element and on the other hand on the lower side of the spacer element facing the supporting structure, so that these openings are adjacent to the supporting structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the lighting device includes light-transmitting and / or translucent light guide elements, which are (particularly at least partially) arranged within the installation space and are each supported in a contact manner on the decorative element and on the upper side of the spacer element. The light guide elements each close one of the openings and completely penetrate the decorative element, so that they are visible through the decorative surface toward the external environment.

[0010] Furthermore, the lighting device includes light sources for providing light. These light sources are arranged within the installation space and are each arranged within an opening of a spacer element, for example, at the upper side of the support structure, such that the light provided by these light sources passes through the corresponding opening and the corresponding light guide element and is irradiated toward the external environment along a direct light path from the corresponding light source to the decorative surface. Preferably, the provided light is completely or substantially completely absorbed by the spacer element, thereby optically isolating adjacent light sources and / or adjacent light guide elements of the lighting device from one another.

[0011] This prevents unnecessary light overlap, or in particular, light mixing, from adjacent light sources. This has the advantage that blurring of the light effect or light pattern of the lighting device during operation (particularly during sequential control of the light sources) is avoided, and a sharp, well-defined light effect or light pattern is instead generated. Furthermore, the predetermined, direct light path that the provided light follows from the light source to the external environment prevents light losses that would otherwise occur in existing boundary layers and intermediate layers, such as through scattering. Consequently, the lighting device according to the present invention can operate with increased efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, the light guide element in the area of ​​the decorative surface may have a design area or a design area surface which is visible from the external environment of the lighting device. The design area can be realized by any pattern or geometric shape which, for example, can be designed to be raised on the decorative surface. As a result, the light guide element is perceived as a design element, for example even at a certain distance from a vehicle user. The design area surface can be adapted to backlight one or more geometric shapes or patterns arranged at the decorative surface. It is also possible that a non-illuminated light guide element (i.e. when the light source is switched off) forms a daytime design. It is also possible that an illuminated light guide element (i.e. when the light source is switched on) forms a nighttime design.

[0013] The support structure is preferably adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, in particular to the vehicle's body frame. Furthermore, the support structure may have receptacles and / or interfaces with adjacent vehicle components. Furthermore, the support structure may be adapted to accommodate lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light sources.

[0014] As described above, the light guide element is designed to be light-transmissive and / or translucent. In the present invention, "light-transmissive" is understood to mean the property that the light guide element is substantially completely translucent for the supplied light (light-transmissive). In the present invention, "translucent" is understood to mean the property that the light guide element is partially translucent for the supplied light (so-called partially translucent).

[0015] The decorative element can be made of a metal material, for example, painted or anodized aluminum. Alternatively, the decorative element can be made of a plastic material, for example, painted plastic material is conceivable. By these measures, the lighting device, or at least the decorative element, can be designed to be weather-resistant and resistant to damage such as scratches.

[0016] Furthermore, it is expedient if the light guide element is designed to be weather-resistant. This can be achieved, for example, by using a plastic material.

[0017] It is conceivable that the spacer element has a light-guiding region, for example, for light separation. Furthermore, the spacer element can achieve or cause a widening of the light cone during direct illumination. It is also conceivable that the spacer element has a diffusing layer.

[0018] To design the lighting device to be resistant to environmental influences, it can be advantageous to have the light guide element injection-molded onto the decorative element. Alternatively, the light guide element can be joined to the decorative element by back-injection molding. This reliably seals any gaps between the decorative element and the light guide element caused by the manufacturing process. This seal can be particularly fluid-tight, rendering the lighting device waterproof and dustproof. This allows the lighting device to be used, for example, directly on or forming part of the vehicle's exterior.

[0019] Furthermore, to simplify the manufacture of the lighting device, it can be provided that the decorative element is implemented as a cover and, together with the light guide element, is clipped or clamped to the support structure to form a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection can be permanent or removable. The lighting technology and / or the electronics for controlling the light source are preferably pre-installed on the support structure.

[0020] In this context, it is expedient for the support structure to have integral snap-in hooks protruding from its upper side in the direction of the decorative element, and for these snap-in hooks to form the snap-in connection, these snap-in hooks having oppositely arranged snap-in lugs for cooperating with the decorative element. To support the snap-in connection, the decorative element may have a circumferential edge projection or a counter-snap-in lug protruding inwardly toward the installation space, which engages with the snap-in lugs of the snap-in hooks of the support structure to form the snap-in connection.

[0021] Furthermore, a sealing device, optionally supported in contact with the upper side of the supporting structure, can be arranged between the snap hook and the decorative element to seal the installation space from the external environment. The sealing device can be implemented, for example, using sealing tape, sealing cord, or the like. This ensures that gaps between the decorative element and the supporting structure, which may arise due to the manufacturing process, are reliably sealed. This seal can be implemented as a fluid-tight seal, thereby rendering the lighting device waterproof and dustproof.

[0022] According to the present invention, the support structure includes a printed circuit board having a mounting surface adapted for mounting a light source, the mounting surface at least partially forming the top side of the support structure, wherein snap hooks of the support structure surround the mounting surface. The snap hooks have mutually opposing snap lugs, by means of which the printed circuit board is clamped or fastened to the support structure to form a snap connection.

[0023] Furthermore, the decorative element can be injection-molded onto the supporting structure and the light-guiding element and / or the spacer element. Thus, the entire base structure of the lighting device is so-called overmolded. The lighting system and / or the electronics for controlling the light source are preferably pre-installed on the supporting structure. This has the advantage that the lighting device is waterproof and dustproof. Furthermore, it allows for simple fixing of the decorative element to the supporting structure.

[0024] Alternatively, it is expedient to provide that the decorative element is implemented as a cover, and that, to form the snap-fit ​​connection, the support structure has integral snap-fit ​​hooks protruding from its top side toward the decorative element, and the support structure further comprises a circuit board having a mounting surface adapted for mounting a light source, the mounting surface at least partially forming the top side of the support structure. The snap-fit ​​hooks of the support structure surround the mounting surface, the snap-fit ​​hooks having opposing snap-fit ​​lugs, by means of which the circuit board is clamped or fastened to the support structure to form the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0025] The terms "clamp" or "clamping" are to be understood as "fixing".

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that each of the light sources comprises an LED (LED) or a group of LEDs (LED array) or a light guide, or is formed from these. The corresponding light sources can be provided cost-effectively while having a relatively long service life and a relatively high achievable lighting intensity. The light sources can be controlled, for example sequentially and / or simultaneously, via suitable regulating and / or control devices of the lighting device. This allows the lighting device to provide any desired light effects, light patterns, or light scenes.

[0027] An LED light emitting device (LED) or a group of LED light emitting devices (LED array) or a light guide may be mounted on the circuit board.

[0028] The light provided by the light source is preferably light in a wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light sources provide colored light for the human eye. This also makes it possible to generate colored light effects, light images, or light scenes using the lighting device. The spacing elements can be designed so that they absorb the provided colored light. This prevents unwanted overlapping of colored light from adjacent light sources, in particular additive color mixing of the light.

[0030] Another basic concept of the present invention is a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular a body component or a B-pillar panel, characterized in that the vehicle component has at least one lighting device, which is designed according to the above description and is adapted to generate light effects and / or light patterns. This makes it possible to use the lighting device as a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular as a body component or a B-pillar panel.

[0031] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the description of the associated figures based on the drawings.

[0032] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0034] Here:

[0035] Figure 1 Schematically shows a perspective view of a vehicle having a vehicle component according to the invention realized as a B-pillar panel, which has a lighting device according to the invention,

[0036] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 A plan view of the lighting device according to the present invention, with a viewing angle along Figure 1 The direction of arrow II is marked in the figure.

[0037] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 Draw through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the lighting device taken along line AA, and

[0038] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an illuminating device according to another embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 3 Same cross-section as in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] As mentioned above, Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle 2 is shown, which has a vehicle component 23 according to the invention, implemented as a B-pillar panel, having at least one lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 is adapted to generate visually appealing effects for a user of the vehicle 2 by means of a light guide element 12 and / or a light source 13.

[0040] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A plan view of the lighting device 1 according to the present invention, with a viewing angle along Figure 1 , in the direction of arrow II indicated in FIG. As can be seen, lighting device 1 includes a plurality of light guide elements 12, which are arranged on decorative element 4a of lighting device 1. Each of these light guide elements can be implemented in an area visible to a user of vehicle 2 using any geometric shape (e.g., raised on decorative element 4a) or any pattern. This externally visible design of light guide elements 12 allows for a so-called daytime design, in which light source 13 is off, i.e., light guide elements 12 are not illuminated. Furthermore, illuminated light guide elements 12 (i.e., when light source 13 is on) can generate light effects or light patterns visible to users of vehicle 2, thereby enabling a nighttime design, although the use of lighting device 1 with illuminated light guide elements 12 is not limited to nighttime use.

[0041] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Draw through Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the lighting device 1 along the line AA is now shown, making the specific structure of the lighting device 1 visible. The lighting device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a planar support structure 3 adapted for placement on a vehicle 2, on which a decorative element 4a of the lighting device 1 is arranged, the decorative element having a decorative surface 4b that is at least partially visible from the exterior 15 of the lighting device 1. The decorative element 4a is designed, for example, as a one-piece cover 4c or a one-piece cover shell. The support structure 3 and the decorative element 4a are arranged relative to each other such that an installation space 5 is defined or formed therebetween, in which the components of the lighting device 1 are accommodated. The lighting device 1 further comprises a one-piece, opaque spacer element 7. This spacer element is arranged within the installation space 5 and is supported in contact with the upper side 11 of the support structure 3 facing the decorative element 4a. The spacer element is also penetrated by openings 8, which penetrate on the one hand at the upper side 9 of the spacer element 7 facing the decorative element 4a and on the other hand at the lower side 10 of the spacer element 7 facing the supporting structure 3 (with which the spacer element 7 is supported on the supporting structure 3), so that these openings 8 are adjacent to the supporting structure 3. The lighting device 1 also has a plurality of light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding elements 12, which are at least partially arranged in the installation space 5. The light-guiding elements 12 are also each supported in contact at the decorative element 4a and at the upper side 9 of the spacer element 7. The light-guiding elements 12 each close the opening 8 and completely penetrate the decorative element 4a, wherein these light-guiding elements, if appropriate, extend at least partially beyond the decorative element 4a into the external environment 15, so that on the one hand they seal the opening 8 and on the other hand they either penetrate towards the external environment 15 at least at the decorative surface 4b or protrude on the decorative element 4a. The lighting device 1 also has a plurality of light sources 13 for providing light, which are Figure 3 denoted by simple arrows. For example, each light source is an LED light emitting device (LED) or a group of multiple LED light emitting devices (LED array) or a light guide. The light sources 13 are arranged in the installation space 5 and are each in an opening 8 of the spacing element 7, for example, at the upper side 11 of the supporting structure 3. This means that each opening 8 is assigned a light source 13 of the above-mentioned type. As a result, the light provided by the light source 13 (for example, light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye) can pass through the corresponding opening 8 and the corresponding light guide element 12 along a direct light path 14 ( Figure 3 The light (indicated by dotted lines) reaches the decorative surface 4b from the corresponding light source 13, and then reaches the external environment 15 from the decorative surface.

[0042] The opaque nature of spacer element 7 completely or substantially completely absorbs the supplied light, effectively preventing unwanted light overlap, or in particular light mixing, from adjacent light sources 13. This advantageously prevents the blurring of light effects or light patterns generated by lighting device 1, which previously occurred during operation. Instead, a sharp and well-defined light effect or light pattern is generated. Furthermore, the pre-defined direct light path 14 prevents light losses, enabling additional efficient operation of lighting device 1.

[0043] according to Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment further provides that the light guide element 12 is injection-molded onto the decorative element 4a. As a result, any gap 24 that exists between the decorative element 4a and the light guide element 12 due to the manufacturing process can be reliably sealed. The seal can in particular be implemented as a fluid seal, so that the lighting device 1 is waterproof and dustproof. Therefore, the lighting device 1 can be used directly on the vehicle skin of the vehicle 2 or form the vehicle skin. It is further provided that the decorative element 4a, together with the injection-molded light guide element 12, is clamped or clamped to the supporting structure 3 in a non-detachable or detachable manner to form a snap connection, so that the decorative element 4a and the supporting structure 3 are permanently or reversibly fixed to each other. In order to form the snap connection, the supporting structure 3 has a plurality of integrated snap hooks 17 that protrude from its upper side 11 toward the decorative element 4a. These snap hooks are equipped with oppositely arranged snap lugs 21 that cooperate with a peripheral edge projection 25 of the decorative element 4a that projects inwardly toward the installation space 5, or with opposing snap lugs 25 of the decorative element 4a that project inwardly toward the installation space 5, to form a snap connection. A sealing device 20, supported in contact with the upper side 11 of the support structure 3, is arranged between the snap hooks 17 and the decorative element 4a. This sealing device serves to seal the installation space 5 from the external environment 15, thereby reliably sealing any gaps 24 that may exist between the decorative element 4a and the support element 3 due to the manufacturing process. This seal can also be implemented as a fluid-tight seal, thereby rendering the lighting device 1 waterproof and dustproof.

[0044] according to Figure 3 It is further provided that the support structure 3 includes or forms a circuit board 6, which has a mounting surface 16 adapted for mounting the light source 13, and which at least partially forms the top 11 of the support structure 3. The snap hooks 17 of the support structure 3 surround the circuit board 6, and the snap hooks 17 additionally have opposing snap lugs 18, by means of which the circuit board 6 is clamped or secured to form a further snap connection. As a result, the snap hooks 17 of the support structure 3 are approximately T-shaped. The circuit board 6 can form a light guide.

[0045] Figure 4 The embodiment of the lighting device 1 shown corresponds substantially to Figure 3 The embodiment illustrated, so that the above content is similarly applicable to Figure 4 However, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 3 The embodiment shown differs in that the decorative element 4a is injection-molded onto the entire base structure of the lighting device 1. This means that the decorative element 4a is injection-molded onto the support structure 3, the light guide element 12 and the spacer element 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The injection molded body 26 is shown in FIG. Thus, all components of the lighting device 1 that are sensitive to water and dust are encapsulated.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a supporting structure (3) adapted for arrangement on the vehicle (2), on which a decorative element (4a) is arranged, the decorative element having a decorative surface (4b) at least partially visible from an external environment (15) of the lighting device (1), wherein an installation space (5) is defined between the supporting structure (3) and the decorative element (4a) or forms the installation space, - an opaque spacer element (7) arranged in the installation space (5), supported in contact with the upper side (11) of the support structure (3) facing the decorative element (4a), and pierced by an opening (8), which penetrates on the one hand the upper side (9) of the spacer element (7) facing the decorative element (4a) and on the other hand the lower side (10) of the spacer element (7) facing the support structure (3), such that the opening (8) is adjacent to the support structure (3), a light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding element (12) arranged in the installation space (5) and supported in contact at the decorative element (4a) and at the upper side (9) of the spacer element (7), wherein the light-guiding element (12) closes an opening (8) and wherein the light-guiding element (12) penetrates the decorative element (4a) such that it extends towards the external environment (15) at the decorative surface (4b), - a light source (13) for providing light, the light sources being arranged in the installation space (5) and each being arranged in an opening (8) of the spacer element (7), so that the light provided by the light source passes through the respective opening (8) and the respective light guide element (12) and irradiates toward the external environment (15) along a direct light path (14) from the respective light source (13) to the decorative surface (4b), It is characterized by: The carrier structure (3) has a circuit board (6) having a mounting surface (16) adapted for mounting the light source (13), the mounting surface at least partially forming the upper side (11) of the carrier structure (3), - a snap hook (17) of the supporting structure (3) is provided, the snap hook surrounding the mounting surface (16), - wherein the snap hook (17) has opposite snap lugs (18), and the circuit board (6) is clamped or tightened at the supporting structure (3) by means of the snap lugs to form a snap connection.

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The spacing elements (7) completely or substantially completely absorb the provided light, so that adjacent light sources (13) and / or adjacent light guide elements (12) are optically isolated from one another.

3. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The light guide element (12) is injection-molded onto the decorative element (4a), or the light guide element (12) is joined to the decorative element (4a) by back injection molding.

4. The lighting device (1) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c) and is clipped or clamped together with the light-guiding element (12) to the carrier structure (3) to form a snap-fit ​​connection.

5. The lighting device (1) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that - To form the snap connection, the supporting structure (3) has an integral snap hook (17) protruding from its upper side (11) toward the decorative element (4a), the snap hook having oppositely arranged snap lugs (21) for cooperating with the decorative element (4a).

6. The lighting device (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that A sealing device (20) is arranged between the snap hook (17) and the decorative element (4a), optionally supported in contact on the upper side (11) of the supporting structure (3), for sealing the installation space (5) from the external environment (15).

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The decorative element (4a) is injection-molded onto the supporting structure (3) and the light-guiding element (12) and / or the spacing element (7).

8. The lighting device (1) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that - the decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c), - in order to form a snap connection, the supporting structure (3) has an integrated snap hook (17) protruding from its upper side (11) towards the decorative element (4a), The supporting structure (3) comprises a circuit board (6), the circuit board having a mounting surface (16) adapted for mounting the light source (13), the mounting surface at least partially forming the upper side (11) of the supporting structure (3), wherein the snap hook (17) of the supporting structure (3) surrounds the mounting surface (16), wherein the snap hook (17) has opposing snap lugs (18), and the circuit board (6) is clamped or clamped at the supporting structure (3) by means of the snap lugs to form a snap connection.

9. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The light sources (13) each comprise an LED light emitting device (LED) or a group of LED light emitting devices (LED array) or a light guide or are formed by them.

10. A vehicle component (23) for a vehicle (2), in particular a body component or a B-pillar panel, characterized in that The vehicle component comprises at least one lighting device (1) which is embodied according to one or more of the preceding claims and is adapted to generate light effects and / or light patterns.

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