Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to a taillight device for a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a lighting device (1) having a light guide element (10) and a circuit board (20), which has an upper side (21) and a lower side (22) opposite the upper side in the height direction (Z), on which a first light source (31) and a second light source (32) are arranged, the light guide element (10) having: a coupling-out section (15), which is annular and closed in itself, the outcoupling section (15) is designed such that light can propagate along the outcoupling section (15) on the basis of total reflection, and the outcoupling section (15) has outcoupling optics along the outcoupling section (15) for outcoupling a part of the light propagating along the outcoupling section (15) from the outcoupling section (15); a first coupling-in section (11) and a second coupling-in section (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device for motor vehicles. In particular, this invention relates to a taillight device for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In lighting devices for motor vehicles, light guide elements, also commonly referred to as light guides or light waveguides, are increasingly used. These light guide elements, based on the principle of total internal reflection, enable light to propagate along them. Such light guide elements typically have coupling optics along their extension direction. These coupling optics may have, for example, structured parts and / or optical elements (such as lenses, prisms, and / or cylindrical optical elements) for coupling a portion of the light propagating within the light guide element out of the light guide element, particularly scattering it away from the light guide element.

[0003] For example, DE102020108404A1 discloses a taillight device for a motor vehicle, wherein the taillight device has a light guide element.

[0004] A system is described in US2022 / 0289104A1, which discloses a device capable of 360° illumination of design elements of a motor vehicle, using light guide elements arranged in an overlapping manner to form a ring for this purpose.

[0005] DE102008034052B4, DE102013010550B4, and US2023 / 0118012A1 disclose other prior art.

[0006] A problem with using light guide elements is that the amount of light radiated into the surrounding environment in the region where the light is coupled into the light guide element is usually greater than the amount of light radiated into the surrounding environment further away from the light coupling point. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve uniform light radiation or uniform illumination using the light radiated by the light guide element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved lighting device for motor vehicles.

[0008] This task is solved by a technical solution with the features of an independent claim. Dependent claims involve advantageous improvements.

[0009] The lighting device according to the present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle. The lighting device has:

[0010] -Light guide element,

[0011] -Circuit board,

[0012] The circuit board has an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side in the height direction. A first light source and a second light source are arranged on the circuit board.

[0013] The light guide element has the following characteristics:

[0014] - A coupling section, which is annular and self-closed, is configured to allow light to propagate along it based on total internal reflection. The coupling section has coupling optics along it for coupling out a portion of the light propagating along it.

[0015] -First coupling section and

[0016] -Second coupling section,

[0017] The first coupling segment and the second coupling segment each have a free end, and the free end has a coupling surface for coupling light into the corresponding coupling segment. The corresponding coupling segment merges into the coupling segment to guide the light coupled into the corresponding coupling segment into the coupling segment.

[0018] The free end of the first coupling section is arranged such that light emitted by the first light source can enter the first coupling section through the coupling surface; the free end of the second coupling section is arranged such that light emitted by the second light source can enter the second coupling section through the coupling surface.

[0019] According to the design of the present invention, particularly uniform illumination of the annular and self-closed coupling section can be achieved in a particularly compact arrangement. Thus, when the coupling section is illuminated by the at least two light sources, it is illuminated particularly uniformly to an external observer. In particular, this avoids excessively bright areas in the coupling region. Although at least two light sources are used, the lighting device can still be designed to be particularly compact because each light source is arranged on a single circuit board. Furthermore, by using a single circuit board, the cost of necessary wiring, such as wiring for controlling the light sources, is reduced. This is beneficial both for assembly costs and for material requirements.

[0020] By constructing the coupling optics along the coupling section, light can radiate throughout the entire area of ​​the coupling section, thus forming a ring-shaped and self-closed radiation region.

[0021] It is considered advantageous if the first light source is located on the upper side of the circuit board and the second light source is located on the lower side of the circuit board. This allows for a particularly compact design.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a third light source is arranged on the upper side of the circuit board, and a fourth light source is arranged on the lower side of the circuit board; the light guide element has a third coupling section and a fourth coupling section; the third coupling section and the fourth coupling section each have a free end, the free end having a coupling surface for coupling light into the corresponding coupling section; the free end of the third coupling section is arranged such that light emitted by the third light source can enter the third coupling section through the coupling surface; the free end of the fourth coupling section is arranged such that light emitted by the fourth light source can enter the fourth coupling section through the coupling surface.

[0023] Despite using at least four light sources, the lighting device can still be designed to be particularly compact because the four light sources are arranged on a single circuit board not only on its lower side but also on its upper side.

[0024] Preferably, the coupling section extends partially above the plane defined by the circuit board and partially below that plane. In other words, the coupling section intersects the plane defined by the circuit board.

[0025] Preferably, the light guide element is constructed as a rigid element.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light guide element is specified to be made of plastic, especially polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0027] The corresponding light source preferably has at least one light-emitting diode.

[0028] Preferably, the corresponding light source positions are fixedly arranged on the circuit board.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling section extends within the main plane.

[0030] It is considered particularly advantageous if the circuit board is constructed to be transverse to, and especially perpendicular to, the main plane. This design allows light emitted by the corresponding light source to be coupled particularly well into the corresponding coupling section.

[0031] Preferably, the circuit board is constructed approximately in the middle of the coupling section relative to the height direction. This allows the spatial extension of the assembly formed by the light guide element and the circuit board in the height direction to be kept particularly small.

[0032] It is considered particularly advantageous if the corresponding coupling surface is formed on the end face, preferably the front face, of the corresponding free end.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first coupling section is configured such that light entering the coupling section via the first coupling section propagates within the coupling section along a first circumferential direction; the second coupling section is configured such that light entering the coupling section via the second coupling section propagates within the coupling section along a second circumferential direction; wherein the second circumferential direction is opposite to the first circumferential direction. This design advantageously affects the uniform illumination of the coupling section.

[0034] In particular, it is considered especially advantageous if the third coupling section is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section via the third coupling section propagates in the second circumferential direction within the coupling section; and the fourth coupling section is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section via the fourth coupling section propagates in the first circumferential direction within the coupling section.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lighting device is specified as a taillight device.

[0036] In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if the light guide element functions as a taillight (commonly known as a rear light).

[0037] A monolithic light guide is considered advantageous due to its exceptionally simple manufacturing process and high self-stability. This is particularly true when assembling lighting devices is exceptionally easy. The advantages of a monolithic light guide are especially evident when the light guide is rigid. With a rigid, monolithic design, the positions of the coupling sections are defined, facilitating accurate orientation with light sources arranged on the circuit board. During assembly, it is then only necessary to correctly orient and fix the light guide relative to the circuit board, and the coupling sections automatically orient themselves correctly with their respective light sources.

[0038] It is considered particularly advantageous if the coupling segments are formed in the same plane. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the respective coupling segments are formed in the main plane defined by the coupling segments. With this design, the light guide element can be designed to be particularly flat, which is especially advantageous when space requirements, particularly the space requirements perpendicular to the plane formed or defined by the coupling segments, are particularly low.

[0039] However, it is also entirely conceivable that at least one of the coupling segments extends at an angle to the main plane formed by the coupling segment, and / or the free end of the coupling segment is configured to be offset from the main plane defined by the coupling segment.

[0040] In a particularly preferred improvement, it is specified that the free ends of at least one of the coupling segments, preferably all of the coupling segments, are configured to be offset from the principal plane defined by the coupling-out segments.

[0041] In the context of particularly good light coupling, it is considered advantageous if at least one of the coupling segments extends in a curved manner and preferably has a change in curvature. Preferably, all coupling segments extend in a curved manner, especially having a change in curvature.

[0042] It is considered particularly advantageous if at least one of the coupling-in sections merges into the coupling-out section from the radially outer side. Preferably, all coupling-in sections merge into the coupling-out section from the radially outer side.

[0043] It is considered particularly advantageous if at least one of the coupling segments, preferably the corresponding coupling segment, merges into the coupling segment at an angle of less than or equal to 40°.

[0044] In the context of lossless light introduction, it is advantageous if at least one of the coupling segments, preferably the corresponding coupling segment, has a curved merging segment into the coupling segment. Preferably, the merging segment is concave and curved relative to a portion of the coupling segment into which the merging segment is joined.

[0045] It is also entirely conceivable that the paired structures of the coupled sections are staggered from the main plane.

[0046] It is considered particularly advantageous if the coupling section extends in a rectangular shape, having a first segment extending in a straight line, a second segment perpendicular to the first segment and extending in a straight line, a third segment parallel to the first segment and extending in a straight line, and a fourth segment parallel to the second segment and extending in a straight line. It is also considered advantageous if the first and second coupling segments merge into the coupling section within the region of the first segment, and / or the third and fourth coupling segments merge into the coupling section within the region of the third segment. It has been shown that with this design, particularly uniform illumination of the coupling section can be achieved even with a particularly compact lighting device size.

[0047] In the case of rectangular coupling sections, it is particularly advantageous if the connecting regions between adjacent sections are curved, especially extending in an arc shape. This design has proven to be particularly advantageous for the propagation of light within the coupling section.

[0048] Preferably, the first segment and the third segment extend parallel to the height direction.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the circuit board is specified as follows: the circuit board has a first circuit board section on which a first light source and a second light source are arranged; and the circuit board has a second circuit board section on which a third light source and a fourth light source are arranged. Preferably, when viewed from above in the main plane of the coupling section, the first and second circuit board sections are located outside the area enclosed by the coupling section. Thus, the enclosed area can be reserved, for example, for installing other lighting functions, such as brake lights or driving direction indicators.

[0050] It is considered particularly advantageous if the coupling section has no coupling-out optical devices, such that light propagating in the coupling section will not or only minimally scatter out of the coupling section, thereby allowing as much of the light propagating or coupled in the coupling section as possible to enter or be introduced into the coupling-out section.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second light sources are staggered from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the height direction, and / or the third and fourth light sources are staggered from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the height direction. This design has proven advantageous, particularly in terms of minimizing the heat load on the respective light sources and the circuit board in the respective light source areas, since the light sources radiate heat when they are operating. By staggering the light sources, this heat can be dissipated more effectively, thereby avoiding hot spots.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling optics are specified to have an optical coupling surface and a functional surface opposite to the optical coupling surface; the functional surface has a structured part (especially a prism structure) and / or an optical element (such as a lens, prism and / or cylindrical optical element).

[0053] It is considered particularly advantageous if the functional surface is self-closed. Preferably, the functional surface is located on the back side of the coupling section, which faces away from the observer (e.g., other road users) when the lighting device is in use as intended. Here, it is entirely conceivable to construct a reflector or reflective surface near the back side of the coupling section so that as much light as possible is radiated toward the observer.

[0054] In an advantageous improvement, the circuit board is specified to have a front edge with two grooves through which the coupling section extends. This design facilitates the arrangement of the circuit board and light guide element during assembly, as the grooves prevent the coupling section from being obstructed by the circuit board in the desired radiation direction. Another advantage of this design is that a particularly compact design can be achieved in the direction perpendicular to the height in terms of the overall extension of the assembly formed by the circuit board and light guide element.

[0055] It is considered particularly advantageous if the lighting device has a housing and a cover covering the housing—with a light guide element arranged between the housing and the cover, and the cover having an annular and self-closing light exit window for light coupled out from the coupling section.

[0056] Preferably, the circuit board is constructed to be rigid or stiff.

[0057] The circuit board is preferably constructed as a plate. The plate shape is particularly understood as a body whose height (extension in the height direction) is much smaller than its width and length extension.

[0058] Motor vehicles according to the invention particularly have lighting devices according to the invention. In this regard, the above description of the advantages and beneficial improvements of the lighting devices is applicable to such motor vehicles.

[0059] In this application, the term "height direction" is used to define the positions of the upper and lower sides of the circuit board in the lighting device. The height direction of the circuit board does not necessarily coincide with the height direction of the motor vehicle. However, it is considered particularly advantageous if the circuit board is arranged such that its height direction corresponds to the height direction of the motor vehicle. The principal plane formed or defined by the coupling section is preferably perpendicular to the plane defined by the circuit board. Here, when the lighting device is used as a taillight device, this principal plane is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0060] The invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of embodiments in the following accompanying drawings, but is not limited to these embodiments. Wherein:

[0061] Figure 1 A side view of a motor vehicle with a lighting device according to the invention, in the form of a taillight assembly, is shown;

[0062] Figure 2 An exploded view of a first embodiment of a lighting device according to the present invention is shown;

[0063] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A perspective view of the components of the lighting device;

[0064] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 Rear view of the light guide element of the lighting device;

[0065] Figure 5 The components of the second embodiment of the lighting device are shown according to... Figure 6 The view of the middle arrow V;

[0066] Figure 6 The components are shown according to Figure 5 The view of the arrow VI in the image;

[0067] Figure 7 The components are shown according to Figure 6 The view of arrow VII in the diagram;

[0068] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 5 A 3D view of the components.

[0069] In the attached diagram, the height direction Z is indicated by arrow Z. The transverse direction, perpendicular to the height direction Z, is indicated by arrow Y. The longitudinal direction X, perpendicular to both the height direction Z and the transverse direction Y, is indicated by arrow X. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 100 is shown, which is equipped with a lighting device 1 according to the invention in the form of a taillight device.

[0071] Figure 2 An exploded view of the components of the lighting device 1 is shown. The lighting device 1 has a housing 2 and a cover device 3 covering the housing 2. The lighting device 1 has a light guide element 10, which is arranged between the housing 2 and the cover device 3. Here, the light guide element 10 functions as the taillight of the taillight device. The lighting device 1 has a circuit board 20, which is constructed in a plate shape. The light guide element 10 and the circuit board 20 are... Figure 3 It is shown in more detail in the middle.

[0072] The light guide element 10 has a coupling section 15. This coupling section 15 is annular and self-closing. In this respect, the coupling section 15 is continuous and uninterrupted. In this embodiment, the coupling section 15 is rectangular. The coupling section 15 defines a main plane HE, to which the circuit board 20 extends perpendicularly.

[0073] The circuit board 20 is centrally positioned relative to the coupling section 15, such that the coupling section 15 is partially above and partially below the plane defined by the circuit board 20.

[0074] The coupling section 15 is configured to allow light to propagate along it based on total internal reflection. The coupling section 15 has coupling optics 161 and 162 constructed along it for coupling a portion of the light propagating along it out of the coupling section 15. Specifically, the coupling optics 161 and 162 have an optical coupling surface 161 and a functional surface 162 opposite to the optical coupling surface. In this embodiment, the functional surface 162 has a structured portion. This structured portion ensures that not all light propagating within the coupling section 15 is totally internally reflected; instead, a portion of the light exits onto the functional surface 162, or is reflected or scattered onto the functional surface 162, such that the light exits from the coupling section 15 in the region of the optical coupling surface 161 or in the region of the functional surface 162. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling optics 161, 162 may also have optics such as lenses (Kissen), prisms, and / or cylindrical optics for coupling a portion of the light propagating along the coupling section 15 out of the coupling section 15. The coupled light can then be emitted into the surrounding environment through an annular and self-closing light exit window 4 constructed within the area of ​​the shielding device 3 to achieve a taillight function (commonly known as a rear light function). To achieve the highest possible light output efficiency, it is entirely conceivable that the housing 2 has a reflective surface at least adjacent to the coupling section 15.

[0075] The circuit board 20 has light sources 31, 32, 33, and 34 in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on its upper side 21 and its lower side 22, which is opposite to the upper side 21 in the height direction Z (corresponding to the thickness direction). The first light source 31 and the third light source 33 are arranged on the upper side 21. The second light source 32 and the fourth light source 34 are arranged on the lower side 22. The first light source 31 and the third light source 33 arranged on the upper side 21 are configured to emit light perpendicular to the upper side 21 of the circuit board 20. The third light source 33 and the fourth light source 34 arranged on the lower side 22 are configured to emit light perpendicular to the lower side 22 of the circuit board 20, in the opposite direction to the light emission of the first light source 31 and the third light source 33.

[0076] The light guide element 10 has a first coupling section 11, a second coupling section 12, a third coupling section 13, and a fourth coupling section 14. Each coupling section 11 has free ends 111, 121, 131, and 141. The front end faces of the respective free ends 111, 121, 131, and 141 form coupling surfaces for coupling light into the respective coupling sections 111, 121, 131, and 141. The respective coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 merge into a coupling section 15 to guide the light coupled into the respective coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 into the coupling section 15. Each coupling section is constructed with multiple bends and has varying curvature. The curved inlet sections 112, 122, 132, and 142 of the inlet and outlet sections 15 of the corresponding inlet sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are concave and curved relative to a portion of the outlet section 15 into which the inlet sections 112, 122, 132, and 142 are inlet sections.

[0077] The corresponding coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are associated with one of the light sources 31, 32, 33, and 34. Specifically, the free end 111 of the first coupling section 11 is arranged such that light emitted by the first light source 31 enters the first coupling section 11 through the coupling surface of the free end 111. The corresponding arrangement applies to the second coupling section 12 with the second light source 32, the third coupling section 13 with the third light source 33, and the fourth coupling section 14 with the fourth light source 34. Light emitted by the corresponding light sources 31, 32, 33, and 34 is coupled into the coupling section 15 through the corresponding coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14. Here, the first coupling section 11 is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section 15 via the first coupling section 11 propagates within the coupling section 15 along a first circumferential direction (indicated by arrow U1). The second coupling section 12 is configured such that light entering the coupling section 15 via the second coupling section 12 propagates within the coupling section 15 along a second circumferential direction (indicated by arrow U2). Here, the first circumferential direction U1 and the second circumferential direction U2 are opposite to each other. The third coupling section 13 is configured such that light entering the coupling section 15 via the third coupling section 13 propagates within the coupling section 15 along a second circumferential direction U2. The fourth coupling section 14 is configured such that light entering the coupling section 15 via the fourth coupling section 14 propagates within the coupling section 15 along a first circumferential direction U1.

[0078] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the corresponding coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are located in the same plane relative to the coupling out section 15, that is, within the main plane HE defined by the coupling out section 15.

[0079] In this embodiment, the coupling segment 15 is constructed as a rectangle and has a first segment 151 extending linearly along the height direction Z, a second segment 152 constructed perpendicular to the first segment 151 and extending linearly, a third segment 153 constructed parallel to the first segment 151 and extending linearly, and a fourth segment 154 constructed parallel to the second segment 152 and extending linearly. The connecting region between segments 151, 152, 153, and 154 is constructed as an arc.

[0080] The first entering section 11 and the second entering section 12 merge into the exiting section 15 within the region of the first segment 151. The third entering section 13 and the fourth entering section 14 merge into the exiting section 15 within the region of the third segment 153.

[0081] The circuit board 20 has a front edge with two grooves 25 and 26, through which segments 15, namely the first segment 151 and the third segment 153, extend.

[0082] Circuit board 20 has a first circuit board segment 23 and a second circuit board segment 24, which are laterally opposite each other with respect to the light guide element 10 and constructed outside the area enclosed by the annular coupling segment 15 when viewed from the main plane HE, as particularly from Figure 3 As can be seen from the diagram. The first light source 31 and the second light source 32 are arranged on the first circuit board section 23. The third light source 33 and the fourth light source 34 are arranged on the second circuit board section 24.

[0083] Figures 5 to 8 The second embodiment of the lighting device 1 shown differs from the first embodiment primarily in the design of the coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14, and the arrangement of the light sources 31, 32, 33, and 34. Unlike the first embodiment, the free ends 111, 121, 131, and 141 of the coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are constructed to be offset from the principal plane HE defined by the coupling section 15, as particularly from… Figure 6 and 7 As can be seen from the diagram, the first coupling section 11 and the third coupling section 13 are offset in the same direction, i.e., offset backward along the longitudinal direction X. The corresponding situation applies to the second coupling section 12 and the fourth coupling section 14, which are offset forward along the longitudinal direction X. Therefore, the first coupling section 11 and the third coupling section 13—in contrast to the second coupling section 12 and the fourth coupling section 14—are offset relative to the principal plane HE. Corresponding to coupling sections 11, 12, 13, and 14, the light sources 31, 32, 33, and 34 are also offset. Therefore, the first light source 31 and the second light source 32 are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The corresponding situation applies to the third light source 33 and the fourth light source 34.

[0084] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0085] 1Lighting device

[0086] 2 shells

[0087] 3 Covering devices

[0088] 4 Optical Coupler Outflow

[0089] 10 light guide elements

[0090] 11 First Coupled-in Section

[0091] 12 Second Coupled-in Section

[0092] 13 Third Coupled Section

[0093] 14 Fourth Coupled-in Section

[0094] 15 coupling section

[0095] 20 circuit boards

[0096] 21 Upper side

[0097] 22 Lower side

[0098] 23 First Circuit Board Section

[0099] 24 Second Circuit Board Section

[0100] 25 grooves

[0101] 26 grooves

[0102] 31 First Light Source

[0103] 32 Second Light Source

[0104] 33 Third Light Source

[0105] 34 Fourth Light Source

[0106] 100 motor vehicles

[0107] 111 Free End

[0108] 112 Merging Section

[0109] 121 Free End

[0110] 122 Merging Section

[0111] 131 Free End

[0112] 132 Merging Section

[0113] 141 Free End

[0114] 142 Merging Section

[0115] 151 First Segment

[0116] 152 Second Segment

[0117] 153 Third Segment

[0118] 154 Fourth Segment

[0119] 161 Optical Coupler Outlet

[0120] 162 functional surfaces

[0121] HE Main Plane

[0122] U1 First Circumferential Direction

[0123] U2 Second Circumferential Direction

[0124] X longitudinal direction

[0125] Y-direction (horizontal direction)

[0126] Z-axis

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein, The lighting device (1) has: -Light guide element (10). -Circuit board (20) The circuit board (20) has an upper side (21) and a lower side (22) opposite to the upper side (21) in the height direction (Z). A first light source (31) and a second light source (32) are arranged on the circuit board (20). The light guide element (10) has the following characteristics: - A coupling section (15), which is annular and self-closed, is configured to allow light to propagate along the coupling section (15) based on total internal reflection. The coupling section (15) has coupling optics along the coupling section (15) for coupling out a portion of the light propagating along the coupling section (15). -First coupling section (11) and -Second coupling section (12). The first coupling section (11) and the second coupling section (12) each have free ends (111, 121), and the free ends have coupling surfaces for coupling light into the corresponding coupling sections (11, 12). The corresponding coupling sections (11, 12) merge into the coupling section (15) to guide the light coupled into the corresponding coupling sections (11, 12) into the coupling section (15). The free end (111) of the first coupling section (11) is arranged such that light emitted by the first light source (31) can enter the first coupling section (11) through the coupling surface. The free end (121) of the second coupling section (12) is arranged such that light emitted by the second light source (32) can enter the second coupling section (12) through the coupling surface.

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first light source (31) is arranged on the upper side (21) of the circuit board (20), and the second light source (32) is arranged on the lower side (22) of the circuit board (20).

3. The lighting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, A third light source (33) is arranged on the upper side (21) of the circuit board (20), and a fourth light source (34) is arranged on the lower side (22) of the circuit board (20). The light guide element (10) has a third coupling section (13) and a fourth coupling section (14). The third coupling section (13) and the fourth coupling section (14) have free ends (131, 141), and the free ends have coupling surfaces for coupling light into the corresponding coupling sections (13, 14). The free ends of the third coupling section (13) are arranged such that light emitted by the third light source (33) can enter the third coupling section (13) through the coupling surface. The free ends of the fourth coupling section (14) are arranged such that light emitted by the fourth light source (24) can enter the fourth coupling section (14) through the coupling surface.

4. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The coupling section (15) extends within the main plane (HE), and the circuit board (20) is configured to be transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the main plane (HE).

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first coupling section (11) is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section (15) through the first coupling section (11) propagates in the coupling section (15) along a first circumferential direction (U1), the second coupling section (12) is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section (15) through the second coupling section (12) propagates in the coupling section (15) along a second circumferential direction (U2), the second circumferential direction (U2) being opposite to the first circumferential direction (U1), and / or the third coupling section (13) is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section (15) through the third coupling section (13) propagates in the coupling section (15) along a second circumferential direction (U2), and the fourth coupling section (14) is configured such that light introduced into the coupling section (15) through the fourth coupling section (14) propagates in the coupling section (15) along a first circumferential direction (U1).

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The lighting device (1) is a taillight device.

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The light guide element (10) is constructed as a single unit.

8. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The corresponding coupling-in sections (11, 12, 13, 14) are constructed within the principal plane (HE) defined by the coupling-out section (15).

9. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The free ends (111, 121, 131, 141) of at least one of the coupling sections (11, 12, 13, 14) are configured to be offset from the principal plane (HE) defined by the coupling section (15).

10. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, At least one of the coupling segments (11, 12, 13, 14), preferably the corresponding coupling segment (11, 12, 13, 14), has a curved merging segment (112, 122, 132, 142) that merges into the coupling segment (15), wherein the merging segment (112, 122, 132, 142) is concavely curved relative to a portion of the coupling segment (15) into which the merging segment (112, 122, 132, 142) merges.

11. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The coupling section (15) extends in a rectangular shape and has a first segment (151) extending in a straight line, a second segment (152) constructed perpendicular to the first segment (151) and extending in a straight line, a third segment (153) constructed parallel to the first segment (151) and extending in a straight line, and a fourth segment (154) constructed parallel to the second segment (152) and extending in a straight line. The first coupling section (11) and the second coupling section (12) merge into the coupling section (15) within the area of ​​the first segment (151), and / or the third coupling section (13) and the fourth coupling section (14) merge into the coupling section (15) within the area of ​​the third segment (153).

12. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein, The circuit board (20) has a first circuit board section (23), on which the first light source (31) and the second light source (32) are arranged, and the circuit board (20) has a second circuit board section (24), on which the third light source (33) and the fourth light source (34) are arranged.

13. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein, The first light source (31) and the second light source (32) are staggered from each other in the longitudinal direction (X) constructed perpendicular to the height direction (Z), and / or the third light source (33) and the fourth light source (34) are staggered from each other in the longitudinal direction (X) constructed perpendicular to the height direction (Z).

14. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The coupled optical device has an optical coupling surface (161) and a functional surface (162) opposite to the optical coupling surface (161), the functional surface (162) having a structured part, especially a prism structure.

15. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The lighting device (1) has a housing (2) and a cover device (3) covering the housing (2), the light guide element (10) is arranged between the housing (2) and the cover device (3), and the cover device (3) has an annular and self-closing light coupling window (4) for light coupling out from the coupling section (15).

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