Assembly for vehicle
By setting a combined design of a reflective layer and a coupling output element on the light-guiding element, the problems of light loss and unwanted coupling output are solved, efficient light utilization and complex lighting effects are achieved, and it is suitable for the light-guiding system inside the vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510452625.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-04-11
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing vehicle interior lighting systems, light is easily lost outside the total reflection angle range, resulting in low light efficiency. In addition, light beams are easily undesirably coupled out at connection points, which limits the shape design of light-guiding elements.
A combination of a reflective layer and a coupling-out element is adopted. The reflective layer is interrupted in some areas on the surface of the light-guiding element to reduce light loss, and the coupling-out of light is controlled by the coupling-out element, including recessed portions, partially transmissive mirrors, and structured surfaces, to ensure that light is effectively guided and efficiently output under total reflection conditions.
It improves the utilization rate of optical power, reduces the undesired coupling output of light at the connection part, enhances the shape flexibility of the light-guiding element, can effectively guide light in curves and bends, and provides complex lighting structures and aesthetic effects.
Smart Images
Figure CN120819752A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a light-conducting element and also to a vehicle having such an assembly. Background Art
[0002] Vehicles have lighting options at various locations within their interior. For example, light guides are used in the roof system. Here, total internal reflection is used at the interface between the light guide and the air to retain the light within the light guide. Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is desirable to provide a component for a vehicle that increases the comfort level in the vehicle interior. In particular, the component is installed in the vehicle interior.
[0004] According to one embodiment, a component for a vehicle includes at least one light source and a light-conducting element having an outer surface, wherein the light-conducting element is coupled to the at least one light source and wherein the light-conducting element is configured to guide light fed by the at least one light source and to provide the light for illuminating the vehicle interior in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the component includes a reflective layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, the second main surface being opposite the first main surface in a stacking direction, wherein the reflective layer is at least partially arranged on the outer surface of the light-conducting element. The second main surface faces outwardly, so that light is reflected in a first section of an interface layer between the outer surface and the reflective layer. Furthermore, the component includes at least one outcoupling element, which is suitable for coupling light out of the light-conducting element in a second section of the interface layer between the outer surface and the outcoupling element.
[0005] Light-guiding elements utilize the effect of total internal reflection to guide light and ensure illumination of the vehicle interior. Total internal reflection is a physical effect that occurs in the case of waves, such as light waves. Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident at a flat angle on an interface layer with another light-transmitting medium having a smaller refractive index. The angle of incidence that is effective at this moment is called the critical angle of total internal reflection. The angle of incidence is generally defined as the angle between the surface and a perpendicular line perpendicular to the surface. When the angle is greater than the critical angle, total internal reflection occurs. When the angle is less than the critical angle, the light beam is refracted away from the perpendicular line when it is incident on the interface layer. The light no longer transitions largely into the other medium, but is essentially completely reflected into the original medium. The light beam enters the light-guiding element but only emerges again after multiple total reflections. For example, the light-guiding element is made of or comprises polymethyl methacrylate and / or polycarbonate. The light-guiding element can be formed as a rigid or flexible component or made of a rigid or flexible material.
[0006] The reflective layer is arranged on the light-guiding element. The extent of the first and second main surfaces of the reflective layer is respectively greater than the extent of the side surfaces of the reflective layer oriented transversely to the first and second main surfaces. The reflective layer extends in a planar manner, and the extent of the reflective layer along the first and second main surfaces is significantly greater than the extent transversely to the first and second main surfaces. The light-guiding element and the reflective layer are arranged in such a way with respect to the stacking direction that the outer surface and the second main surface of the light-guiding element are oriented relative to each other. The reflective layer is therefore an additional reflective layer. In addition to the interface layer of the light-guiding element, the reflective layer in the first section of the interface layer provides the additional possibility of specifically reflecting light within the light-guiding element and thus guiding a light beam within the light-guiding element.
[0007] The advantage of the reflective layer is that the loss of the portion of light that is not within the angular range of total reflection and would therefore leave the optical waveguide is reduced, thereby increasing the optical power at the coupling-out point.
[0008] The reflective layer offers the additional advantage of preventing undesired outcoupling of light beams from the light-guiding element. In particular, the reflective layer prevents light from being outcoupled at the connection points of the component when the light-guiding element is in the assembled state. For example, the connection points are adhesive strips, adhesive points, adhesive surfaces, or other transparent attachment elements used to mount the component in the vehicle interior.
[0009] Furthermore, the reflective layer offers the advantage that the shape of the light guide element in which it is provided is less restricted. The effects of total internal reflection limit the application of the component to a lesser extent. This makes it possible to guide light around curves, bends, and turns in the light guide element, for example, without losing any additional light. This prevents the portion of light at curves, bends, or turns from falling below the critical angle for total internal reflection and undesirably leaving the light guide element.
[0010] In order to couple light out of the light guide element in a defined manner, an additional coupling-out element is required. Then, in order to couple light out, the reflective layer is interrupted completely or partially in a second section different from the first section along the stacking direction. This interruption can be achieved locally over a relatively small area. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to make a complete side of the light guide element without a reflective layer. For example, at least one complete side of a rectangular or plate-shaped light guide element can be manufactured and used without a reflective layer. In another example, a light guide element that is circular in cross section can have a reflective layer in the form of concentric circles, especially in the form of a complete or interrupted ring. Possible shapes for this reflective layer are, for example, three-quarters of a circle, a semicircle, or a quarter circle. The reflective layer can be interrupted in only one small section. For example, this small section corresponds to an angular section of a circle with a value of 1°. Additionally, to support coupling-out and / or to avoid total internal reflection, a region of the coupling-out element can be structured.
[0011] For example, the reflective layer is designed as a foil arranged on the light-conducting element. The outcoupling element can be realized, for example, by printing, masking and / or de-lamination.
[0012] In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one outcoupling element comprises at least one first region having a recess which interrupts the reflective layer from the first main surface to the second main surface in order to couple out light.
[0013] Thus, the cutout completely interrupts the reflective layer in the first region, creating a continuous opening between the light-guiding element and the medium surrounding the first main surface of the reflective layer. The cross-section of the cutout can have different sizes and geometries with different numbers of corners. Cutouts with circular or elliptical cross-sections are also possible. In addition, different geometries can be selected for multiple cutouts. For example, one cutout can be circular in cross-section, the next rectangular, and another triangular. In addition, the cutouts can be arranged in a defined pattern to create an aesthetically pleasing pattern for illuminating the vehicle interior.
[0014] In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one outcoupling element comprises at least one second region having a partially transmissive mirror which interrupts the reflective layer from the first main surface to the second main surface in order to couple out light.
[0015] In order to couple light out more efficiently from the light guide element, a partially transmissive mirror is used. In this way, a limited portion of light is coupled out from the light guide, thereby controlling the light efficiency, so as to illuminate the vehicle interior as efficiently as possible.
[0016] In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one outcoupling element comprises at least one third region having a structured surface along the second section of the interface layer in order to couple out light.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the area of the coupling-out element is structured. For example, the outer surface of the light-guiding element and / or the second main surface of the reflective layer is structured by means of offset printing or digital printing or laser delamination. The structuring is, for example, a roughened surface. Alternatively or additionally, the structured surface is very finely structured. The fine structure is applied, for example, in the form of a line structure or a grid structure. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, an inclined surface is possible. In this way, the angle of incidence of the light beam on the interface layer is changed so that the light beam can be emitted from the light-guiding element. The light beam can be perpendicular to the interface layer. Alternatively, it may be emitted at an acute or obtuse angle to the interface.
[0018] A combination of all three regions and corresponding outcoupling elements is also possible. Alternatively, only two different regions with corresponding outcoupling elements can be used. For example, one portion of the outcoupling elements can include a region with a structured surface, while another portion of the outcoupling elements can include a region with a partially transmissive mirror.
[0019] In accordance with at least one embodiment, the light conducting element has an elongated, rod-shaped extension.
[0020] The rod-shaped extension includes a cylindrical light guide element, the geometric base of which is circular, elliptical or polygonal. Thus, the light guide element can have a circular, triangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal cross section, but is not limited to these shapes.
[0021] According to at least one further embodiment, the light-conducting element has a planar extension.
[0022] The planar extension comprises, for example, a cuboid or plate-shaped light-conducting element.
[0023] The light-conducting element can be realized in different shapes and sizes, thereby enabling different possibilities of use and positions of use. The light-conducting element is designed monolithically, preferably in the form of a plate or rod.
[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the light guide element has at least one bent portion and / or curved portion and / or kink portion.
[0025] Due to the different shapes, the light guide elements can also be installed in hard-to-reach areas (schwierig ) without significantly reducing the light efficiency, because practically all the desired light remains in the light guide element. The additional reflective layer prevents the light from being reflected less than the critical angle for total internal reflection at the curves, bends or inflections and from undesirably leaving the light guide element.
[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the light guide element is made of a rigid material.
[0027] The reflective layer also makes it possible to create rigid light guide elements with bends and / or curves and / or bends and with low light losses. This allows for more complex lighting designs that, for example, create three-dimensional effects in the area of the roof system.
[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the light guide element is made of a flexible material.
[0029] The use of light-conducting elements made of flexible materials offers additional possibilities. For example, the flexible light-conducting element can be attached to a roller blind system that serves as a blind shading device for a vehicle. When the roller blind system is rolled up, the light-conducting element can also be retracted. At the same time, the light-conducting element can illuminate the roller blind system in the retracted and at least partially extended state, thereby providing greater comfort for the vehicle occupants.
[0030] Additionally, it is possible to apply a decorative layer and / or a textile layer onto the reflective layer, which is arranged on the first main surface. The decorative layer and / or textile layer can be transparent due to the outcoupling element, thereby achieving a particularly aesthetic effect. Furthermore, specific areas of the light guide element can be glued, further improving the aesthetics.
[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the light guide element consists of methyl methacrylate and / or polycarbonate or comprises such a material.
[0032] According to at least one embodiment, a roof for a vehicle is provided, which has an assembly according to one of the embodiments described herein.
[0033] For example, the assembly is mounted on a roof window panel and / or on the roof and / or on a roof element. Alternatively or additionally, the assembly is for example installed in a vehicle interior space.
[0034] For example, the vehicle is a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck. Public transportation, such as a bus or a train, is also included. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail based on the schematic drawings.
[0036] The accompanying drawings show:
[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a portion of a vehicle according to one embodiment,
[0038] Figures 2 to 6 Schematic diagrams respectively showing components according to embodiments.
[0039] Elements of the same structure and of the same function are marked with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.
[0040] In this description, terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper side", "lower side", "inner" and "outer", "front" and "rear" relate to the orientation and alignment as shown in the drawings and as is customary in a motor vehicle in a state ready for operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Figure 1 The assembly 1 for a vehicle 100 is shown, arranged in the vehicle interior. The vehicle 100 includes a roof 101 and a cover 102 arranged in the roof 101. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes a rear window panel 103, a front window panel 104, and side window panels 105. A vehicle longitudinal direction L2 extends from the rear window panel 103 to the front window panel 104.
[0042] For example, the assembly 1 is installed in the region of the vehicle roof 101. Alternatively or additionally, the assembly 1 is installed at another location in the vehicle interior.
[0043] Figure 2 An embodiment of the component 1 is shown in a schematic sectional view. The component 1 first has a reflective layer 20 along the stacking direction L1. The reflective layer 20 has a first main surface 21 and a second main surface 22 arranged opposite. In the operational state, the first main surface 21 faces a medium located outside the component 1. In the operational state, the second main surface 22 faces the outer surface 11 of the light-guiding element 10. In particular, the second main surface 22 is arranged opposite the first main surface 21 along the stacking direction L1. The two main surfaces 21, 22 are arranged in the same orientation and spaced apart from each other. In particular, the two main surfaces 21, 22 are arranged parallel to each other within conventional tolerances. An interface layer 15 is arranged between the light-guiding element 10 and the reflective layer 20 along the stacking direction L1. Figures 2 to 6In the embodiment, the interface layer 15 surrounds the light guide element 10. In particular, along the stacking direction L1, the light guide element 10 is surrounded by the interface layer 15 on both sides. The interface layer 15 forms the outer surface 11 of the light guide element 10 with the side facing the reflective layer 20. In addition, the interface layer 15 has a first section 25 in which light is reflected between the outer surface 11 and the reflective layer 20. Figures 2 to 6 , light is indicated by dashed lines. At least one outcoupling element 30 is located in the second section 35 of the interface layer. The outcoupling element 30 is suitable for coupling light out of the light-guiding element 10. Light is coupled in by a light source 80 and remains in the light-guiding element 10 due to total internal reflection at the interface layer 15 and reflection at the reflective layer 20 until it is coupled out of the light-guiding element 10 via a suitable outcoupling element 30. The outcoupling element 30 includes at least one first region 31 having a recess 36. The recess 36 interrupts the reflective layer 20 from the first major surface 21 to the second major surface 22 to couple light out of the light-guiding element 10. For example, the light-guiding element may be made of or comprise polymethyl methacrylate and / or polycarbonate. The light-guiding element 10 may be formed as a rigid or flexible component or made of a rigid or flexible material. Furthermore, the reflective layer 20 provides the possibility of the light-guiding element 10 having bends, curves, and / or bends. This has the advantage that even more complex lighting structures can be produced and used. In particular, the assembly of the component 1 is simplified thereby. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic impression is improved.
[0044] For clarity, the interface layer 15 is Figures 2 to 6 The interface layer 15 is defined as a transition between two media having different refractive indices.
[0045] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the assembly 1 is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. This assembly 1 is similar to the Figure 2 : The outcoupling element 30 comprises at least one second region 32 having a partially transmissive mirror 37 which interrupts the reflective layer 20 from the first main surface 21 to the second main surface 22 in order to couple out light.
[0046] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the assembly 1 is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. This assembly 1 is similar to the Figure 2 : The outcoupling element 30 comprises at least one third region 33 which has a structured surface 38 along a second section 35 of the interface layer 15 in order to couple out light.
[0047] Figure 5A further embodiment of the assembly 1 is shown in a schematic sectional view. Figure 2 In this case, the light-guiding element 10 is realized as a rod-shaped, elongated light-guiding element 10. The construction of this assembly is in principle similar to that of Figure 2 The reflective layer 20 is arranged on the circumference of the light-guiding element 10 and also surrounds the rear area facing away from the light source 80. The front area does not have a reflective layer 20, on which the light source 80 couples light into the light-guiding element. In an alternative variant, the front area of the light-guiding element 10 can also be surrounded by the reflective layer 20. For this purpose, a partially transmissive mirror is required, which enables light to be coupled in with the aid of the light source 80. The light-guiding element 10 can be formed as a rigid or flexible component or consist of a rigid or flexible material. In addition, the reflective layer 20 provides the possibility that the light-guiding element 10 includes a bend, a curve and / or a bend. The component 1 has at least one coupling-out element 30. In Figure 5 , five coupling-out elements 30 are shown by way of example, but the assembly 1 is not limited to this number. The coupling-out elements 30 may be of the same type or may be shaped differently. For example, the first two coupling-out elements 30 may have a first region 31 with a cutout 36, while the other three coupling-out elements 30 may have a second region 32 with a partially transmissive mirror 37. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling-out elements 30 may have a third region 33 with a structured surface 38.
[0048] Figure 6 A further embodiment of the assembly 1 is shown in a schematic sectional view. Figure 2 In this case, the light guide element 10 has a planar extension. The planar extension includes, for example, a rectangular or plate-shaped light guide element 10. In addition, the light guide element 10 may have a circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or polygonal cross section, but is not limited to these shapes. For example, Figure 6 The component 1 in FIG. 1 comprises five light sources 80 in order to achieve the most uniform possible coupling-in of light when the light-guiding element 10 is extended in a planar manner. Figure 6 , 24 outcoupling elements 30 are shown, but the assembly 1 is not limited to this number of light sources 80 and outcoupling elements 30. It is possible to configure the outcoupling elements 30 in various positions and patterns. This allows for a specific distribution of the outcoupling light and thus creates a particularly aesthetically pleasing overall impression.
[0049] For the sake of clarity, the dimensional ratios of the individual components do not correspond to the actual dimensional ratios of the assembly 1 .
[0050] Reference Signs List
[0051] 1 component
[0052] 10 light guide elements
[0053] 11External surface
[0054] 15 Interface layer
[0055] 20 Reflection layer
[0056] 21 first main surface
[0057] 22 second main surface
[0058] 25 The first section of the interface layer
[0059] 30 coupling output element
[0060] 31 First Area
[0061] 32 Second Area
[0062] 33 Third Area
[0063] 35 The second section of the interface layer
[0064] 36 blank space
[0065] 37 Partially Transmissive Mirror
[0066] 38 Structured Faces
[0067] 80 light sources
[0068] 100 vehicles
[0069] 101 Roof
[0070] 102 cover
[0071] 103 rear window panel
[0072] 104 front window panel
[0073] 105 side window panels
[0074] L1 stacking direction
[0075] L2 Vehicle longitudinal direction.
Claims
1. An assembly (1) for a vehicle (100), comprising: - at least one light source (80); a light-guiding element (10) having an outer surface (11), wherein the light-guiding element (10) is coupled to the at least one light source (80), and wherein the light-guiding element (10) is designed to guide light fed in by the at least one light source (80) and to provide the light for illuminating the vehicle interior in a predetermined manner; a reflective layer (20), the reflective layer having a first main surface (21) and having a second main surface (22), the second main surface being opposite the first main surface (21) along the stacking direction (L1), wherein the reflective layer (20) is at least partially arranged on the outer surface (11) of the light-guiding element (10), the second main surface (22) facing the outer surface (11), so that light is reflected in a first section (25) of the interface layer (15) between the outer surface (11) and the reflective layer (20); and - at least one coupling-out element (30) suitable for coupling light out of the light-conducting element (10) in a second section (35) of the interface layer (15) between the outer surface (11) and the coupling-out element (30).
2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one coupling-out element (30) comprises at least one first region (31) having a recess (36) which interrupts the reflective layer (20) from the first main surface (21) to the second main surface (22) in order to couple out light.
3. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one coupling-out element (30) comprises at least one second region (32) having a partially transmissive mirror (37) which interrupts the reflective layer (20) from the first main surface (21) to the second main surface (22) in order to couple out light.
4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one outcoupling element (30) comprises at least one third region (33) having a structured surface (38) along a second section (35) of the interface layer (15) for coupling out light.
5. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light-conducting element (10) has an elongated, rod-shaped extension.
6. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The light guide element (10) has a planar extension portion.
7. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light guide element (10) has at least one bent portion and / or curved portion and / or folded portion.
8. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light guide element (10) is made of a rigid material.
9. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The light guide element (10) is made of flexible material.
10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light guide element (10) consists of polymethyl methacrylate and / or polycarbonate or comprises such a material.
11. A roof (101) for a vehicle (100) comprising an assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.