Side indicator light for vehicles

Abstract

Side indicator light for vehicles with a first lighting unit (9) comprising a first light source (11) and an optical unit (13) associated with the first light source (11) for generating a side indicator function, and with a second lighting unit (10) comprising a second light source (15) and an optical unit (13) associated with the second light source (15) for generating an additional light function, wherein the first light source (11) and the second light source (15) are arranged on a common carrier (12), characterized in that the same optical unit (13) is assigned to the first light source (11) and the second light source (15), and in that the second lighting unit (10) is designed as a visual light-emitting information light device, wherein the second light source (15) can be switched on and / or off depending on a signal from the vehicle that triggers a non-light function of the vehicle.wherein the carrier (12) extends in the direction of extension (E) of the side indicator lamp (1), that a plurality of first light sources (11) and a plurality of second light sources (15) are arranged along the carrier (12), from which light is emitted via the common optical unit (13) in the direction of a light disc (14) enclosing a housing (7) of the side indicator lamp (1), and that the second light sources (15) emit light of such a color that the second light unit (10) serves to generate an information light function for a user of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side indicator light for vehicles with a first lighting unit comprising a first light source and an optical unit associated with the first light source for generating a side indicator function and with a second lighting unit comprising a second light source and an optical unit associated with the second light source for generating an additional light function, wherein the first light source and the second light source are arranged on a common carrier.

[0002] From DE 102 38 073 A1, a side indicator light for vehicles is known, which is arranged in an exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle and serves to implement two lighting functions. To generate a side indicator light function, a first lighting unit is provided, comprising a first light source and an associated first elongated light guide (optical unit). The first light source emits yellow light. To generate a parking light function, a second lighting unit is provided, comprising a second light source and an associated elongated second light guide (optical unit). The second light source is arranged on the side of the exterior rearview mirror facing the vehicle. The elongated light guides extend side by side in an arc to the front surface of the exterior rearview mirror, which contains the mirror surface.Both lighting units have a defined lighting function that is independent of the vehicle type.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further develop a side indicator light for vehicles in such a way that additional lighting functions can be provided in a space-saving and simple manner.

[0004] To solve this problem, the invention in conjunction with the preamble of claim 1 is characterized in that the first light source and the second light source are assigned the same optical unit and that the second lighting unit is designed as a visual light-giving information light device, wherein the second light source can be switched on and / or off depending on a signal from the vehicle that triggers a non-light function of the vehicle.

[0005] According to the invention, a lighting unit is integrated into a side indicator light, which serves to create a space-saving lighting effect for the vehicle or to establish a brand-specific lighting presentation. For this purpose, a second lighting unit with a second light source is provided, which is designed as a visual information light device. The second light source can be switched on and / or off depending on a signal from the vehicle that triggers a non-lighting function. When the vehicle is not in operation, in which the user is essentially outside the vehicle and the engine is not running, the second lighting unit can emit a different color of light than conventional signal lights, for example, blue, purple, cyan, green, etc.This light color or combination of light colors in the case of several "colored" second light sources of the second lighting unit can serve to differentiate the vehicle type or vehicle manufacturer from others in terms of lighting technology.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information lighting device is designed as a lighting display for the vehicle in any color, or in a brand-specific color of the manufacturer or a vehicle segment-specific color, e.g., blue or green for electric vehicles. The information lighting device can also be designed as part of a complete lighting display with other lighting devices, for example, the headlights and taillights of the vehicle. All information lighting devices can be switched on simultaneously or switched on and off sequentially to create a dynamic lighting display for the vehicle. The triggering signal can be the opening or closing of the vehicle by means of a locking or unlocking signal for a door locking device of the vehicle via a remote control by the vehicle user.This is usually done via a remote control integrated into the vehicle key.

[0007] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the information light device is coupled with a door locking device. The second light source of the second lighting unit can be controlled such that when the vehicle user sends an unlock signal and / or a lock signal to the vehicle's door locking device via a remote control, the second light source is switched on or off. The second lighting unit thus interacts with the door locking device and serves as an information light function for the user. By using different numbers of light signals or different light colors when unlocking (green) and locking (red) the door locking device, the user can quickly be informed whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.The information light function can be combined with the vehicle manufacturer's brand-specific lighting design, as the light color of the second light unit matches the manufacturer's corporate color and / or the color of the cockpit or interior lighting. The different colors used when unlocking and locking the vehicle provide clear information, unlike the currently common signal of a flashing yellow turn signal.

[0008] According to a further development of the invention, the carrier of the first and second light sources is arranged in an elongated form extending along the direction of the side indicator light, with a plurality of first and second light sources arranged along the same direction of extension. The side indicator light is therefore compact and elongated.

[0009] According to a further development of the invention, the optical unit is designed as a reflector with an upper and a lower reflector half, wherein the light sources are arranged either between the reflector halves or at a vertical distance below the light sources. In the first variant, it is a direct reflector with a slot in which the majority of the first and second light sources are arranged, so that its light is emitted directly towards the light disk and indirectly towards the light disk by deflection via the reflector. In the second variant, it is an indirect reflector, so that the light is emitted to the light disk exclusively by deflection via the reflector. In this variant, the light sources are directed vertically downwards.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, the reflector is formed by a lower section of the housing, so that the optical unit can be integrated into an external rearview mirror in a space-saving manner.

[0011] According to a further development of the invention, the optical unit is designed as an elongated rod- or planar light guide, at the end face of which the first and second light sources are arranged. Distributed coupling elements on the rod- or planar light guide deflect or couple the coupled light transversely to the elongated light guide of the side indicator light and emit it outwards through the light lens to form the side indicator light on the one hand and the information light device on the other.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the first and second light sources are arranged in pairs. For example, several second light sources of the same or different light colors can be arranged near the first light source. With an increasing number of light sources, the homogeneous illumination of the light-emitting surface can be improved.

[0013] According to a further development of the invention, the light disk can be designed as a crystal-clear light disk with a diffusing optic, in particular with a very small diffusing optic (micro-optics) or as a diffuse, translucent light disk.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, the optical unit can also be formed by lenses, for example Fresnel lenses or freeform lenses. Alternatively, the optical unit can also be formed solely by the light disk that defines the housing of the side indicator light if the light is emitted from directly radiating semiconductor-based light sources. The omission of additional optics must be compensated for by a corresponding number of first and second light sources to ensure homogeneous illumination of the light disk. Optionally, the light disk incorporates diffusing agents for homogenizing the light.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, the second light source is designed as an RGB light source capable of emitting light of different colors. Advantageously, the light color of the second lighting unit can be adjusted, for example, by a vehicle control function; for instance, by the vehicle user, who can program, among other things, the interior lighting or a parking heater of the vehicle via a vehicle control unit located in the vehicle.

[0016] According to a further development of the invention, the first and second light sources can be jointly replaced by an RGB light source, which provides on the one hand the yellow light color for the side flashing light and on the other hand any other color for the information light device.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the side indicator light is integrated into a side trim strip of the vehicle or arranged on a side edge of the vehicle. Advantageously, the side indicator light can be arranged in a side area of ​​the vehicle that is easily visible to the user or driver before entering or exiting the vehicle.

[0018] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further dependent claims.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] They show:

[0021] Fig. 1 a front view of an external rearview mirror of a vehicle in which a side indicator light is integrated,

[0022] Fig. 2 a rear side of the exterior rearview mirror with a horizontally running side indicator light,

[0023] Fig. 3 a rear of the external rearview mirror with a removed upper housing section,

[0024] Fig. 4 a rear view of the side indicator light,

[0025] Fig. 5 a rear view of the side indicator light without lens,

[0026] Fig. 6. A front view of the side indicator light without housing, but with light source mounting plate and lens.

[0027] Fig. 7 A bottom view of the light source support plate with first light sources and second light sources arranged in pairs.

[0028] A side indicator light according to the invention for vehicles can be integrated into a lateral area of ​​the vehicle, for example in a side trim strip or on a lateral edge of the vehicle. In this embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the side indicator light is preferably designed to be elongated and straight.

[0029] After a Fig. 1 to Fig. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 is a side indicator light. 1 in a rearview mirror 2 Integrated into a vehicle. The side indicator light 1 It is elongated and curved in shape and extends across the back side of the exterior rearview mirror. 2 between an upper housing section 3 and a lower housing section 4 a case 5 the exterior rearview mirror 2 .

[0030] As from Fig.As can be seen in section 3, it is inside the housing. 5 the exterior rearview mirror 2 a mirror arrangement 6 provided. A housing 7 the side indicator light 1 shows tabs 8 on, by means of which the side indicator light 1 on the upper part of the housing 3 the exterior rearview mirror 2 is attached.

[0031] The lower housing section 4 the exterior rearview mirror 2 It is shell-shaped. An upper rim of the lower casing section 4 is contoured in such a way that the side indicator light 1 form-fitting onto the lower housing section 4 It can be attached. The side indicator light 1 is in the lower housing section 4 the exterior rearview mirror 2 integrated and is through the upper housing section 3 limited.

[0032] The side indicator light 1a first lighting unit 9 to generate a side indicator function and a second lighting unit 10 to generate an additional lighting function, namely an information lighting function. The second lighting unit 10 is designed as a visual, light-giving information lighting device.

[0033] The first lighting unit 9 exhibits a plurality of first light sources 1 They emit light of a yellow color. The first light sources 11 are on a common light source carrier 12 , preferably on a rigid printed circuit board, extending essentially in a horizontal direction. The first light sources 11 are on a flat underside of the circuit board 12 arranged at a distance a between each other. The light source support 12 runs in the direction of extension E of the side indicator light 1, which arc out in a horizontal direction between the upper housing section 3 and the lower housing section 4 the exterior rearview mirror 2 extends.

[0034] The first lighting unit 9 It features a reflector as its optical unit. 13 on, which is located on an inside of the lower case section 4 is arranged. Preferably the reflector 13 integrally with the lower housing section 4 the exterior rearview mirror 2 connected and / or is connected by a mirrored inner surface of the lower housing section 4 formed. The reflector 13 extends across one of the front surfaces of the exterior rearview mirror 2 facing side of the lower housing section 4 , so that from the first lighting unit 9 Light emitted vertically downwards at the reflector 13reflected and directed towards one of the side indicator lights 1 final light disc 14 is reflected, which is part of the back of the exterior rearview mirror. 2 between a rear surface 3‘ of the upper housing section 3 and a rear surface 4‘ of the lower housing section 4 proceeds.

[0035] The light disc 14 It can be designed as a crystal-clear light disc with a diffusing optic, especially with a very small diffusing optic (micro-optics), or as a diffuse, translucent light disc. In the second alternative, the light disc 14 Part of the optical unit of the first lighting unit 9 .

[0036] The second lighting unit 10 features multiple secondary light sources 15 on the same lower flat side of the light source carrier 12are arranged at a relatively small distance b from the first light sources 11 The first light sources 11 and the second light sources 15 They are therefore arranged in pairs at a small distance b from each other. The second light sources 15 emit light of a different color than the first light sources. 11 For example, the second light sources can 15 Each emits a blue, violet, green, and red light color.

[0037] The second lighting unit 10 features the same optical unit as the first lighting unit 9 . The second light sources 15 is the reflector 13 assigned to reflect the light from the second light source. 15 emitted light from the light disc 14 serves.

[0038] The first lighting unit 9 and the second lighting unit 10They therefore have the same light source carrier 12 and the same optical unit 13 on.

[0039] The second light sources 15 These lights can be switched on and / or off depending on a signal from the vehicle that triggers a non-lighting function. They can serve for the brand-specific information lighting display of a vehicle manufacturer. For example, the secondary light sources 15 They should be controlled in such a way that they emit the same light color as the lights located inside the vehicle. This allows exterior lighting to be provided when the vehicle is not in use.

[0040] Preferably, the non-lighting function or a non-lighting functional device of the vehicle is designed as a door locking device by means of which the vehicle door can be unlocked or locked by the user, for example via a remote control. If the vehicle user activates the radio remote control to open the vehicle, the second light unit is activated simultaneously with the unlocking of the vehicle door. 10 switched on. The operating time of the second lighting unit 10 It can be relatively short, for example one or more seconds. Alternatively, the on-time of the second light unit can be... 10 The light will remain on until the vehicle door is closed or until the vehicle is driven. Similarly, when the vehicle door is locked by the user, the second light unit will also switch on. 10In this case, the activation time is one or a few seconds. For example, the light color can be different when unlocking and locking the vehicle door, so that the vehicle user can see whether the door has been unlocked or locked. This provides visual confirmation that the user has correctly pressed the button on their remote control. In this version of the invention, the second light sources are 15 They are designed as RGB light sources, capable of emitting light in different colors. Alternatively, they can be used as a second light source. 15 It may also be possible to provide two different light sources emitting light in different colors.

[0041] The first light sources 11 and the second light sources 15 are preferably designed as semiconductor-based light sources, preferably as LED light sources.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), instead of the first light source 11 and the second light source 15 Only a single light source is provided, designed as an RGB light source. This serves to generate the side indicator function with yellow light and to generate the information light function with at least one other light color.

[0043] Because the first light sources 11 and second light sources 15 Since they are arranged relatively close to each other, they can cover approximately the same areas of the optical unit or the area of ​​the reflector. 13 can be used. Since either the first lighting unit 9 or the second lighting unit 10 When switched on, this results in a relatively uniform, homogeneous light distribution or illumination of the elongated, preferably strip-shaped light disk. 14 .

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the reflector extends both vertically above and below the first light sources. 11 and second light sources 15 The light source carrier 12 It runs vertically in a slot between an upper and a lower reflector half. This is not an indirect reflector – as in the illustrated embodiment – ​​but a direct reflector that focuses the light from the first light sources. 11 or second light sources 15 emitted light in the same direction as that from the first light sources 11 or second light sources 15 directly emitted light. The light disc 14 is thus directly illuminated by the first light sources. 1 or second light sources 15emitted light and light from the first light sources emitted indirectly via the reflector 11 or second light sources 15 illuminated. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light disc is 14 only indirectly illuminated, namely via the reflector 13 reflected light from the first light sources 1 or second light sources 15 The upper and lower reflector surfaces of the reflector can, for example, be paraboloid in shape, with the first light sources 11 and the second light sources 15 are arranged within the range of its focal length. The light source support 12 is located in a slot between the upper half of the reflector and the lower half of the reflector.

[0045] According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the optical unit can be designed as an elongated rod- or planar-shaped light guide, at the end face of which a single first light source is located. 11 and a single second light source 15 The optical fiber has coupling elements distributed along its length, so that coupled-in light is deflected or coupled out laterally along a strip. If necessary, the light can be emitted directly outwards into the environment without a lens, provided that the lateral strip of the optical fiber forms part of the outer contour of the rearview mirror. 2 between the rear surface 3‘ of the upper housing section 3 and the rear surface 4‘ of the lower housing section 4 educates.

[0046] According to another embodiment not shown, the optical unit of the first lighting unit 9 or the second lighting unit 10 It can also be formed by lens optics, for example Fresnel lenses or freeform lenses. According to another alternative embodiment, the optical unit can also consist solely of the light disk. 14 It can be formed without any further optical means. In this case, it refers to directly radiating primary light sources. 11 and second light sources 15 , whose light falls directly onto the light disc 14 meet.

[0047] It is understood that the aforementioned features can be used individually or in any combination. The described embodiments are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples to illustrate the invention. Reference symbol list 1 side indicator light 2 exterior rearview mirrors 3.3' upper housing section / rear surface 4, 4' lower housing section / rear surface 5 cases 6 Mirror arrangement 7 cases 8 tabs 9 1. Lighting unit 10 2. Lighting unit 11 1. Light sources 12 light source carriers 13 Reflector 14 Light disc 15 2. Light sources a, b distance E Extension direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0048] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0049] DE 10238073 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Side indicator light for vehicles with a first lighting unit ( 9 ) containing a first light source ( 11 ) and one of the first light sources ( 11 ) associated optical unit ( 13 ) to generate a side indicator function and with a second lighting unit ( 10 ) containing a second light source ( 15 ) and one of the second light sources ( 15 ) assigned optical unit ( 13 ) to generate an additional lighting function, wherein the first light source ( 11 ) and the second light source ( 15 ) on a common support ( 12 ) are arranged, characterized by that the first light source ( 11 ) and the second light source ( 15 ) the same optical unit ( 13 ) is assigned and that the second lighting unit ( 10 ) is designed as a visual light-giving information light device, wherein the second light source ( 15) can be switched on and / or off depending on a signal from the vehicle that triggers a non-lighting function of the vehicle. [2] Side indicator light according to claim 1, characterized by that the second light source ( 15 ) is controlled in such a way that it is switched on and / or off when a signal is sent that causes a vehicle door to unlock and a signal that acts on a door closing device of the vehicle and / or when a signal is sent that causes the vehicle door to lock and the door closing device of the vehicle. [3] Side indicator light according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the carrier ( 12 ) in the direction of extension (E) of the side indicator light ( 1 ) runs and that along the support ( 12 ) a plurality of first light sources ( 11 ) and a plurality of secondary light sources ( 15 ) are arranged, from which light passes through the common optical unit (13 ) towards a housing ( 7 ) the side indicator light ( 1 ) final light disc ( 14 ) is emitted, and that the second light sources ( 15 ) emit light of such a light color that the second lighting unit ( 10 ) serves to generate an information light function for a user of the vehicle. [4] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the side indicator light ( 1 ) in a lower housing section ( 4 ) of an exterior rearview mirror ( 2 ) integrated and by an upper housing section ( 3 ) is limited, with the housing sections ( 3 , 4 ,) of the exterior rearview mirror ( 2 ) to accommodate a mirror arrangement ( 6 ) serves. [5] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the optical unit is designed as a reflector with an upper reflector half and a lower reflector half, wherein the support is located in a horizontal area between the upper reflector half and the lower reflector half ( 12 ) with the first light sources ( 11 ) and the second light sources ( 15 ) is arranged so that from the first light sources ( 11 ) and the second light sources ( 15 ) emitted light directly onto the light disc ( 14 ) and secondly indirectly through reflection at the upper half of the reflector and the lower half of the reflector onto the light disk ( 14 ) meets. [6] Side indicator light according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the optical unit is formed by an elongated rod- or planar-shaped light guide, on one end of which the first light source and the second light source are arranged and which has distributedly arranged output coupling elements, so that coupled-in light is deflected laterally or coupled out. [7] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the first light sources ( 11 ) and the second light sources ( 15 ) are arranged in pairs at a small distance (b) from each other. [8] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the first light source ( 11 ) Light of yellow light color and the second light source ( 15 ) emits light of a color that differs from the color of the first light source ( 11 ) differs. [9] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the second light source (15 ) is designed as an RGB light source or that only a single RGB light source is provided as the light source, to generate the side flashing function with yellow light and to generate the information light function with a different light color. [10] Side indicator light according to one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, characterized by that the side indicator light is integrated into a decorative strip or on a side edge of the vehicle.

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