Lamp assembly for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a lamp assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle. The vehicle comprises the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly includes: a light emitting module including a light emitting unit and a light guide element for guiding light emitted by the light emitting unit; the shell is integrally formed and comprises a shell body, a cover cap and a hinge part for connecting the cover cap to the shell body; the shell body comprises a containing part used for containing the light-emitting unit, the containing part comprises a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other, the first side is closer to the interior of the vehicle than the second side, the first side is closed, and the second side comprises an opening; the light-emitting unit is installed in the containing part through the opening, the cover cap is configured to be capable of pivoting between an opening position and a closing position around the hinge part, the opening is opened when the cover cap is located at the opening position, and the cover cap at least partially covers the opening when the cover cap is located at the closing position. According to the lamp assembly and the vehicle, waterproof protection is provided for the light-emitting unit, and the light-emitting unit can be prevented from falling off accidentally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a lamp assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle including the lamp assembly. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle center consoles can be equipped with ambient lighting for decorative and lighting effects. For example, some vehicle center consoles feature ambient lighting around the cup holder, typically located below the center console panel. However, in actual use, users may spill liquid on the center console panel. This liquid can then flow through the gaps around the various buttons on the center console panel into the center console and onto the ambient lighting, potentially causing electrical failure of the ambient lighting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and to provide an improved lamp assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle including the lamp assembly.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a lamp assembly for a vehicle, the lamp assembly comprising: a light-emitting module, the light-emitting module comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-guiding element, the light-guiding element being configured to guide light emitted by the light-emitting unit; and a shell, the shell being integrally formed and comprising a shell body, a cover and a hinge portion connecting the cover to the shell body; wherein the shell body comprises a accommodating portion for accommodating the light-emitting unit, the accommodating portion comprising a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first side being closer to the interior of the vehicle than the second side, the first side being closed and the second side comprising an opening, and wherein the light-emitting unit is mounted in the accommodating portion via the opening, the cover being configured to be pivotable about the hinge portion between an open position and a closed position, and the opening is open when the cover is in the open position, and the cover at least partially covers the opening when it is in the closed position.

[0005] The housing of the lamp assembly, which houses the light-emitting unit, is sealed on a first side facing the vehicle interior. This protects the light-emitting unit in the event, for example, a user accidentally spills water on the lamp assembly or the panel covering the lamp assembly. Furthermore, the housing includes a cover on a second side facing away from the vehicle interior to cover the opening. This prevents the light-emitting unit from escaping the housing through the opening during bumpy driving and provides additional waterproof protection. Furthermore, the lamp assembly's housing, including the housing body, cover, and hinge, is integrally formed, facilitating parts management, storage, transportation, and assembly.

[0006] According to the above technical concept, the first aspect of the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some optional forms, the cover includes a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other, wherein the first edge is closer to the hinge portion than the second edge, wherein a retaining arm is provided at the first edge, and the shell body is provided with a retaining aperture, and wherein the retaining arm is adapted to engage with the retaining aperture to retain the cover in the closed position.

[0008] In some optional forms, a guide protrusion is provided in the retaining aperture, and the guide protrusion is configured to guide the retaining arm to be inserted into the retaining aperture when the cover is pivoted from the open position toward the closed position.

[0009] In some optional forms, the guide protrusion includes a first curved surface, and the retaining arm includes a second curved surface matching the first curved surface, wherein the second curved surface is adapted to slide along the first curved surface when the cover pivots from the open position toward the closed position.

[0010] In some optional forms, a retaining hook is provided at the second edge, wherein the shell body is provided with a retaining hole, and wherein the retaining hook is adapted to engage with the retaining hole to retain the cover in the closed position.

[0011] In some optional forms, the cover includes a rib configured to abut the light unit to limit movement of the light unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover when the cover is in the closed position.

[0012] In some optional forms, the accommodating portion includes a limiting protrusion configured to limit movement of the light emitting unit in a direction substantially parallel to the cover in the closed position.

[0013] In some optional forms, the housing body further includes a receiving portion for receiving the light guide element, wherein the receiving portion includes a retaining protrusion configured to retain the light guide element in the receiving portion.

[0014] In some optional forms, the lamp assembly is suitable for being mounted to the panel of the vehicle and includes a clip, and the shell body also includes a first locating hole and a second locating hole, wherein the first locating hole is suitable for cooperating with a first pin on the panel and the clip is disposed in the second locating hole and is suitable for cooperating with a second pin on the panel to limit the movement of the lamp assembly relative to the panel.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising the lamp assembly for a vehicle according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0016] The lamp assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle according to the present invention provide waterproof protection for the light-emitting unit of the lamp assembly and can also prevent the lamp assembly from accidentally falling off. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of the optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a partial schematic diagram of the vicinity of a center console of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of a lamp assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention being mounted on a center console of the vehicle;

[0020] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are views of a lamp assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from different angles, wherein a cover of the lamp assembly is in an open position;

[0021] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a lamp assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a cover of the lamp assembly is in an open position;

[0022] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are views of a lamp assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention viewed from different angles, wherein a cover of the lamp assembly is in a closed position; and

[0023] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lamp assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a cover of the lamp assembly is in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following describes the implementation and use of the embodiments in detail. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. References to the structural positions of components, such as up, down, top, and bottom, are not absolute but relative. These references are appropriate when the components are arranged as shown in the figures, but should be modified if the positions of the components in the figures are changed.

[0025] When describing the structural positions of various vehicle components, terms such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" are not absolute but relative. In this application, unless otherwise specified, these positional terms describe the position of the various components within the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary on a level surface. In this application, unless otherwise specified, the "inner side" or "inner surface" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component facing the interior of the vehicle, while the "outer side" or "outer surface" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component facing the exterior of the vehicle.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical features being referred to. In the present invention, unless expressly provided otherwise, the terms "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integral connections; they may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Figures 1 to 8 A vehicle 1 , a center console 10 of the vehicle 1 , and a lamp assembly 20 for the vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The center console 10 of the vehicle 1 may include an outer panel 102 and an inner panel 104, wherein the outer panel 102 is closer to the interior of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the interior space of the vehicle 1) than the inner panel 104. The outer panel 102 may be provided with a plurality of interactive elements 106 for user interaction, such as buttons, knobs, touch panels, etc., so that the user can control the air conditioner, multimedia devices, etc. The outer panel 102 may also be referred to as a control panel or switch panel. The inner panel 104 may be used to support a display screen, or may also be referred to as a display screen backplane. A cup holder 108 may be provided below the inner panel 104 for users to place water cups, beverages, etc. To facilitate users to smoothly place water cups and beverages in the cup holder 108 in, for example, a dark environment or to enhance the atmosphere and visual effect, a lamp assembly 20 may be provided to provide lighting or decoration for the cup holder 108. The lamp assembly 20 may be provided between the outer panel 102 and the inner panel 104 of the center console 10 and fixed to the inner panel 104.

[0029] Reference Figures 2 to 5 as well as Figure 7, the lamp assembly 20 may include a light emitting module 202 and a housing 204. The light emitting module 202 includes a light emitting unit 206 and a light guide element 208, the light guide element 208 being configured to guide the light emitted by the light emitting unit 206. The housing 204 is integrally formed and includes a housing body 210, a cover 212, and a hinge portion 214 connecting the cover 212 to the housing body 210. The housing body 210 includes a housing portion 216 for accommodating the light emitting unit 206 and a receiving portion 218 for accommodating the light guide element 208. The housing portion 216 includes a first side 220 and a second side 222 opposite to each other, the first side 220 being closer to the interior of the vehicle 1 than the second side 222, the first side 220 being closed and the second side 222 including an opening 224. The light emitting unit 206 is installed in the housing portion 216 via the opening 224. The cover 212 is configured to be able to rotate around the hinge portion 214 in an open position (see Figure 4 ) and closed position (see Figure 7 ) and the opening 224 is opened when the cover 212 is in the open position, and the cover 212 at least partially covers the opening 224 when the cover 212 is in the closed position.

[0030] The housing 204 of the lamp assembly 20, which houses the light unit 206, has a closed portion 216 on a first side 220 adjacent to the interior of the vehicle 1. This protects the light unit 206 in the event, for example, a user accidentally spills water on the outer panel 102 of the center console 10, causing the water to flow through the gaps around the interactive element 106 on the outer panel 102 and into the space between the outer panel 102 and the inner panel 104 (i.e., within the center console 10). Furthermore, the housing 216 includes a cover 212 on a second side 222 facing away from the interior of the vehicle 1, covering an opening 224. This prevents the light unit 206 from escaping the housing 204 through the opening 224 during bumpy driving, and provides additional waterproof protection for the light unit 206. Furthermore, the housing 204 of the lamp assembly 20 is integrally formed, facilitating parts management, storage, transportation, and assembly.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 5 The light-emitting unit 206 of the light-emitting module 202 may include a main body 226 and an interface portion 228. The main body 226 may include a circuit board with light-emitting elements, such as LEDs. The interface portion 228 may be connected to a power cord to provide power to the main body 226. The light-guiding element 208 of the light-emitting module 202 may have an elongated shape and is used to guide light emitted by the light-emitting unit 206 toward the cup receiving portion 108. The light-guiding element 208 may be connected to the light-emitting unit 206 by, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0032] The housing 204 may be integrally formed by injection molding. The receiving portion 216 and the receiving portion 218 of the shell body 210 of the housing 204 may be adjacent to each other and communicate with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 220 of the receiving portion 216 (at the inner side) of the vehicle 1 is adjacent to the first side 220 of the vehicle 1. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the upper side of the receiving portion 216 is closed. In other words, the receiving portion 216 can cover the light unit 206 from above to prevent water that penetrates along the gap around the interactive element 106 on the outer panel 102 of the center console 10 from flowing onto the light unit 206, thereby providing waterproof protection for the light unit 206. The second side 222 of the receiving portion 216 (at the bottom) away from the interior of the vehicle 1 Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the lower side of the receiving portion 216 has an opening 224 for installing the lighting unit 206 in the receiving portion 216 .

[0033] Reference Figures 3 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge portion 214 of the housing 204 is disposed on a side of the accommodating portion 216 away from the receiving portion 218. The cover 212 of the housing 204 is connected to the accommodating portion 216 via the hinge portion 214 and can pivot relative to the accommodating portion 216 about the hinge portion 214 between an open position and a closed position. When the cover 212 is in the open position, the opening 224 is exposed, allowing the light unit 206 to be installed in the accommodating portion 216 via the opening 224. When the cover 212 is in the closed position, the portion of the opening 224 corresponding to the main body 226 of the light unit 206 is covered to prevent the light unit 206 from escaping from the accommodating portion 216 and provide more complete waterproof protection for the light unit 206.

[0034] The cover 212 may include a first edge 230 and a second edge 232 opposite to each other, wherein the first edge 230 is closer to the hinge portion 214 than the second edge 232 .

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, a retaining hook 234 is provided at the second edge 232 of the cover 212. Accordingly, a retaining hole 236 is provided on the side of the receiving portion 216 away from the hinge portion 214. The retaining hook 234 can engage with the retaining hole 236 to retain the cover 212 in the closed position. During movement of the cover 212 from the open position to the closed position, the retaining hook 234 can first mechanically interfere with the edge of the retaining hole 236, causing elastic deformation, allowing the retaining hook 234 to move past the retaining hole 236. When the retaining hook 234 is in place (i.e., when the cover 212 is moved to the closed position), the retaining hook 234 recovers its deformation and hooks onto the edge of the retaining hole 236, thereby retaining the cover 212 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 212 includes two retaining hooks 234, and accordingly, the housing body 210 includes two retaining holes 236. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments not shown, the cover may include another suitable number of retaining hooks, and the housing body may include a corresponding number of retaining holes.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, a retaining arm 238 is provided at the first edge 230 of the cover 212. The housing body 210 is provided with a retaining aperture 239, and the retaining arm 238 is adapted to engage with the retaining aperture 239 to retain the cover 212 in the closed position. The engagement of the retaining arm 238 with the retaining aperture 239, and the engagement of the retaining hook 234 with the retaining aperture 236, enhances the reliability of the connection between the cover 212 and the housing body 210. In particular, the provision of the retaining arm 238 and the retaining aperture 239 allows the cover 212 to be retained to the housing body 210, even in the event of, for example, an accidental breakage of the hinge portion 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 212 includes two retaining arms 238, and accordingly, the housing body 210 includes two retaining apertures 239. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments not shown, the cover may include another suitable number of retaining arms, and the housing body may include a corresponding number of retaining apertures.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, a guide protrusion 240 is disposed within the retaining aperture 239. The guide protrusion 240 is configured to guide the retaining arm 238 into the retaining aperture 239 when the cover 212 pivots from the open position to the closed position. This prevents mechanical interference between the retaining arm 238 and the housing body 210 during the pivoting of the cover 212 from the open position to the closed position, thereby ensuring that the cover 212 closes properly and smoothly. The guide protrusion 240 includes a first curved surface 242, and the retaining arm 238 includes a second curved surface 244 that matches the first curved surface 242. The second curved surface 244 is adapted to slide along the first curved surface 242 when the cover 212 pivots from the open position to the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first curved surface 242 and the second curved surface 244 are curved surfaces. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments not shown, the first curved surface and the second curved surface may have other suitable shapes.

[0038] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The cover 212 may include a rib 246 configured to abut the light unit 206 when the cover 212 is in the closed position to limit movement of the light unit 206 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover 212. The rib 246 may also increase the rigidity of the cover 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 212 may include two ribs 246 that are parallel to each other. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments not shown, the cover may include other suitable numbers of ribs.

[0039] The receiving portion 216 may further include a plurality of limiting protrusions 248, which are distributed around the light emitting unit 206 and are adapted to abut against the light emitting unit 206 to limit the movement of the light emitting unit 206 in a direction substantially parallel to the closed position of the cover 212. The light emitting unit 206 can be stably retained in the receiving portion 216 by the ribs 246 of the cover 212 and the limiting protrusions 248 of the receiving portion 216.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 250 of the receiving portion 218 is adjacent to the interior of the vehicle 1 ( Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the upper side of the receiving portion 218 is closed. In other words, the receiving portion 218 can cover the light guide element 208 from above to provide waterproof protection for the light guide element 208. The second side 252 of the receiving portion 218 (at the bottom) facing away from the interior of the vehicle 1 Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the lower side of the receiving portion 218 is open to facilitate installation of the light guide element 208 into the receiving portion 218. The receiving portion 218 may further include a plurality of retaining protrusions 254 that are distributed around the light guide element 208 and that can retain the light guide element 208 in the receiving portion 218.

[0041] Return to reference Figures 1 to 3The lamp assembly 20 is adapted to be mounted on the inner panel 104 of the hollow table and includes a plurality of clips 256. The housing body 210 further includes a first positioning hole 258 and a second positioning hole 260, wherein the first positioning hole 258 is adapted to cooperate with the first pin 110 on the inner panel 104, and the clip 256 is disposed in the second positioning hole 260 and adapted to cooperate with the second pin 112 on the inner panel 104 to restrict movement of the lamp assembly 20 relative to the inner panel 104, thereby securing the lamp assembly 20 to the inner panel 104. The cooperation between the first positioning hole 258 and the first pin 110 can restrict movement of the lamp assembly 20 relative to the inner panel 104 in a first direction, and the cooperation between the clip 256 and the second pin 112 can restrict movement of the lamp assembly 20 relative to the inner panel 104 in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different directions, thereby stably securing the lamp assembly 20 to the inner panel 104.

[0042] It is understood that the lamp assembly according to the present application can also be used to provide lighting or decoration for various vehicle components other than the cup holder, and can be installed in various locations on the vehicle, for example, the lamp assembly can also be installed in the dashboard, glove box, door armrest, etc. In addition, it is also understood that the housing of the lamp assembly according to the present application can provide dustproof function in addition to providing waterproof protection, and prevent accidental damage to the light-emitting module.

[0043] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubber, metal, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 8 The illustrated embodiment merely shows the shape, size, and arrangement of the lamp assembly for a vehicle and various optional components of the vehicle according to the present invention. However, it is merely illustrative and not restrictive. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] The technical content and technical features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understandable that, under the creative ideas of the present invention, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations and equivalents of these embodiments based on the disclosed content. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A lamp assembly for a vehicle, characterized in that: The lamp assembly (20) comprises: A light emitting module (202), comprising a light emitting unit (206) and a light guide element (208), wherein the light guide element (208) is configured to guide light emitted by the light emitting unit (206); and A housing (204) is integrally formed and includes a housing body (210), a cover (212), and a hinge portion (214) connecting the cover (212) to the housing body (210); The housing body (210) includes a housing portion (216) for accommodating the light emitting unit (206), the housing portion (216) includes a first side (220) and a second side (222) opposite to each other, the first side (220) is closer to the interior of the vehicle (1) than the second side (222), the first side (220) is closed and the second side (222) includes an opening (224), and The light emitting unit (206) is installed in the accommodating portion (216) via the opening (224), the cover (212) is configured to be pivotable about the hinge portion (214) between an open position and a closed position, and the opening (224) is opened when the cover (212) is in the open position, and the cover (212) at least partially covers the opening (224) when the cover (212) is in the closed position.

2. The vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The cover (212) includes a first edge (230) and a second edge (232) opposite to each other, wherein the first edge (230) is closer to the hinge portion (214) than the second edge (232), wherein a retaining arm (238) is provided at the first edge (230), and the shell body (210) is provided with a retaining aperture (239), and wherein the retaining arm (238) is adapted to engage with the retaining aperture (239) to retain the cover (212) in the closed position.

3. The vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A guide protrusion (240) is provided in the retaining aperture (239), and the guide protrusion (240) is configured to guide the retaining arm (238) to be inserted into the retaining aperture (239) when the cover (212) pivots from the open position toward the closed position.

4. The vehicle lamp assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide protrusion (240) includes a first curved surface (242), and the retaining arm (238) includes a second curved surface (244) matching the first curved surface (242), wherein the second curved surface (244) is adapted to slide along the first curved surface (242) when the cover (212) pivots from the open position toward the closed position.

5. The vehicle lamp assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: A retaining hook (234) is provided at the second edge (232), wherein the shell body (210) is provided with a retaining hole (236), and wherein the retaining hook (234) is adapted to engage with the retaining hole (236) to retain the cover (212) in the closed position.

6. The vehicle lamp assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The cover (212) includes a rib (246) configured to abut the light unit (206) to limit movement of the light unit (206) in a direction generally perpendicular to the cover (212) when the cover (212) is in the closed position.

7. The vehicle lamp assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The accommodating portion (216) includes a limiting protrusion (248) configured to limit movement of the light emitting unit (206) in a direction substantially parallel to the cover (212) in the closed position.

8. The vehicle lamp assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The housing body (210) further includes a receiving portion (218) for receiving the light guide element (208), wherein the receiving portion (218) includes a retaining protrusion (254) configured to retain the light guide element (208) in the receiving portion (218).

9. The vehicle lamp assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The lamp assembly (20) is suitable for being mounted on a panel (104) of the vehicle (1) and includes a clip (256), and the shell body (210) further includes a first positioning hole (258) and a second positioning hole (260), wherein the first positioning hole (258) is suitable for cooperating with a first pin (110) on the panel (104) and the clip (256) is arranged in the second positioning hole (260) and is suitable for cooperating with a second pin (112) on the panel (104) to limit the movement of the lamp assembly (20) relative to the panel (104).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle (1) comprises a lamp assembly (20) for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images