Vehicle light

Abstract

Vehicle light (1) with a first part (2) and a second part (4), which parts (2, 4) each have at least one surface light element (7) and are separated from each other by a joint (8), wherein - in the specified position at least one surface lighting element (7) of the first part (2) and at least one surface lighting element (7) of the second part (4) are arranged overlapping in a viewing direction (B) perpendicular to the vehicle light (1) in the area of ​​the joint (8), - the joint (8) has an angled course when viewed from above, - at least one intermediate section (8c) of the joint (8) is arranged angularly symmetrically between adjacent surface lighting elements (7) that belong to different parts (2, 4) of the vehicle light (1) and - the joint (8) has a section (8d) adjoining the intermediate section (8c), which in plan view extends substantially perpendicular to the intermediate section (8c) to the rear.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle light comprising a first part and a second part, each part having at least one surface light element and being separated from each other by a gap. The invention also relates to a vehicle having at least one vehicle light. The invention is applicable, for example, to rear lights of motor vehicles, which in particular have OLEDs as surface light elements.

[0002] DE 203 16 660 U1 discloses a motor vehicle with motor vehicle components, wherein the hue and / or the optical density of at least a portion of a surface of at least one motor vehicle component, in particular a body component, is changeable, and wherein the hue and / or the optical density is changeable by applying or varying an electric voltage and / or an electric field to an element arranged in the region of the surface of the body component. A body component can be, for example, a tailgate and a trunk lid. The at least one body component can be a motor vehicle light with a light source. The light source of the motor vehicle light can be formed by a plurality of adjacently arranged, in particular organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs or OLEDs).

[0003] DE 10 2013 103 720 A1 discloses a motor vehicle light comprising two light parts with a gap between them, the light parts being arranged overlapping with respect to their respective light-emitting sides. The invention further proposes a motor vehicle comprising a first component and a second component, wherein a light part is mounted in each component and the light parts together form a motor vehicle light. A gap is formed between each of the two components and the two light parts. The light parts are arranged overlapping with respect to their respective light-emitting sides.

[0004] WO 2015 / 039959 A1 discloses a two-part lighting arrangement comprising a first lighting element with a first output section of a common output surface and a second lighting element with a second output section of the common output surface, wherein the second lighting element is spatially separated from the first lighting element such that the common output surface has a gap between the first and second output sections. The two-part lighting arrangement includes a filler lighting element with a filler lighting surface arranged between the first and second lighting elements, which is configured to emit light into the gap between the first and second lighting elements to form a substantially uninterrupted common output surface.A rear light arrangement of a motor vehicle, comprising such a two-part lighting arrangement, is also described. Furthermore, a motor vehicle comprising at least one such rear light arrangement is described.

[0005] DE 10 2012 107 644 A discloses a lighting unit for a motor vehicle with a luminous surface from which visible light can be emitted. It is provided that the luminous surface is formed by at least one first and one second planar OLED element, and that the first OLED element can be controlled independently of the second OLED element, thereby segmenting the luminous surface.

[0006] As in Fig. 2 shown by reference to a rear view of a motor vehicle 100, rear lights 101 of motor vehicles K often consist of two parts, namely a first part 102 which is integrated into a body 103 (also referred to as a "side wall light") and a second part 104 which is integrated into a trunk lid 105 (also referred to as a "trunk lid light").

[0007] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear light 101 from top view. Fig. 1 in a conventional configuration. An observer looking behind the vehicle 100 at its rear views the taillight 101 from a viewing direction B perpendicular to the taillight 101. Both the side panel light 102 and the tailgate light 104 have a housing 106 that is at least partially translucent, each containing a planar organic light-emitting diode or OLED 107. The observer thus has a direct view of the OLEDs 107. However, when the trunk lid 105 is closed, a flat gap 108 appears between the side panel light 102 and the tailgate light 104, which, disadvantageously, is perceived by the observer as a vertically running dark line when the taillight 101 is activated.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art at least partially and in particular to provide a multi-part vehicle light in which a joint is no longer perceived or is no longer perceived as conspicuous.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments can be found in particular in the dependent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved by a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle light with a first part and a second part, each part having at least one surface light element and being separated from each other by a joint, wherein, in the specified position, at least one surface light element of the first part and at least one surface light element of the second part are arranged overlapping in the area of ​​the joint in a viewing direction perpendicular to the vehicle light. The joint has an angled profile when viewed from above. At least one section (which, without loss of generality, can also be called an "intermediate section") of the joint is arranged at least angularly symmetrically between adjacent surface light elements (which are separated by the joint and belong to different parts of the vehicle light).The joint also has a section adjoining the intermediate section, which, in plan view, runs essentially perpendicular to the intermediate section to the rear.

[0011] This vehicle light has the advantage that the overlapping of at least two surface lighting elements results in a continuous, evenly illuminated area in the direction of view. This eliminates dark areas when the vehicle light is activated. In turn, this allows for a consistent lighting design even across separate sections, significantly reducing perceptible optical distortions.

[0012] The fact that the joint has an angled profile when viewed from above is advantageous for a high-quality visual impression. "Top view" can be understood, in particular, as a view perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the joint. The longitudinal extent of the joint can be determined, especially in the direction of view towards the vehicle light, as this allows the length and width of the joint on the outside of the vehicle light to be directly determined. The angled profile can also be understood as the joint running along its depth (e.g., from the outside inwards).

[0013] The requirement that at least one intermediate section of the joint is arranged at least angularly symmetrically between adjacent surface lighting elements may include the following: if the adjacent surface lighting elements or their light-emitting surfaces are not parallel, but are angled or offset from each other by an angle φ, the intermediate section of the joint is offset by an angle φ / 2 relative to each of the two surface lighting elements.

[0014] Because the joint has a section adjoining the intermediate section, which, in plan view, extends essentially perpendicularly to the intermediate section towards the rear, a sufficiently large, and in particular deep, installation space is advantageously provided to integrate the surface lighting elements into the vehicle light or to accommodate them in the associated housing. A "rearward" extension can be understood, in particular, as a joint extending from an outer opening at the front (in the direction of view) to a rear opening at the back.

[0015] A surface lighting element can be understood to be, in particular, a lighting element or light source that has a large, or rather, not just practically point-like, light-emitting surface. Such a surface lighting element can, in particular, have a light-emitting surface with a size in the range of square centimeters or even larger, i.e., measuring at least one square centimeter. A range of surface area between one and 100 square centimeters is particularly preferred. A surface area can be understood to be the size of the surface of the surface lighting element or the size of an area projected perpendicularly onto the vehicle light in the viewing direction.

[0016] The individual components of the vehicle light each have a housing in which at least one surface-mounted light element is located. The housing may have at least one opaque component (the housing "as such") and one translucent component (also referred to as the "cover lens," which may be made of glass or, for example, plastic). The at least one surface-mounted light element may be attached to the opaque component. The joint may occur between the two housings and may be limited, in particular, by wall sections of the two housings.

[0017] The fact that the surface lighting elements of the two parts overlap means, in particular, that there is no continuous joint in the direction of view, but rather that the two parts of the vehicle light also overlap.

[0018] The viewing direction can be, in addition to or as an alternative to the vertical viewing direction, a usual or intended viewing direction, e.g., for a rear light, a viewing direction from behind the vehicle, for a side indicator, a viewing direction from the side of the vehicle, etc. The viewing direction can therefore be dependent on an intended use and / or the installation location of the vehicle light.

[0019] At least one of the surface lighting elements can have a flat or planar light-emitting surface. In particular, all surface lighting elements can have a flat or planar light-emitting surface. Additionally, at least one of the surface lighting elements can have a curved, planar light-emitting surface. In particular, all surface lighting elements can have a curved, planar light-emitting surface.

[0020] The surface lighting elements of both parts can be controlled by a common control circuit. The vehicle light can also have more than two such parts, e.g., three, four, etc., whose surface lighting elements overlap at least partially.

[0021] The specified position can in particular be a closed position, which is assumed, for example, when the vehicle is in driving mode.

[0022] The two parts of the vehicle light can be movable relative to each other, for example, by being mounted on respective movable (e.g., rotatable) parts of the vehicle. They are then separated from each other by a gap, particularly in a predetermined position. This predetermined position could, for example, be a closed position.

[0023] One embodiment involves the first part of the vehicle light being arranged on a locking component of the vehicle, and the second part of the vehicle light being arranged on a stationary component of the vehicle. The locking component could be, for example, a door, flap, etc. The stationary component of the vehicle could be, for example, the body.

[0024] For example, a vehicle light can be a taillight. The locking component can then be, in particular, a tailgate or trunk lid. However, a vehicle light is not limited to taillights and can also be designed, for example, as another indicator and / or warning light for an exterior area of ​​the vehicle. A vehicle light can also be an interior light.

[0025] The intermediate section can be present or formed, in particular, between translucent areas of the respective housings of the two parts of the vehicle light (e.g., between their cover glasses).

[0026] For a particularly high-quality optical impression, it is advantageous if the adjacent surface lighting elements separated by the joint are arranged at least approximately parallel to each other, and if the intermediate section of the joint between them is also parallel. This minimizes optical distortions caused by the translucent areas or cover glass, potentially rendering them barely perceptible. The adjacent surface lighting elements and / or the intermediate section may be laterally offset from each other. "At least approximately" parallel alignment can be understood to mean exact parallel alignment or a slight angular deviation of, for example, up to φ = 10°, and in particular up to φ = 5°.

[0027] The intermediate section can be positioned closer to one of the adjacent surface lighting elements. Alternatively, it can also be positioned centrally or equidistant between the adjacent surface lighting elements.

[0028] The section of the joint adjoining the intermediate section can be bounded, at least partially, by at least one translucent wall, e.g., by a wall section of the housing. A "translucent" wall can be understood to mean either a translucent wall or an opaque wall.

[0029] Each part of the vehicle light can have several surface light elements. These can be arranged overlapping, particularly in the direction of view. The surface light elements can be arranged in a row in only one part of the vehicle light or in several parts of the vehicle light, particularly along a width of the vehicle light. The row can be straight or curved. In particular, the surface light elements of both parts of the vehicle light can be arranged overlapping, in particular forming a group of overlapping surface light elements arranged in a row. The surface light elements can be arranged transversely to the joint, particularly in a row. An angle to φ between adjacent surface light elements can remain constant or change along the row.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one area light source is an organic light-emitting diode, or OLED. OLEDs are advantageously available in large quantities, inexpensive, mechanically easy to shape, and resistant to irradiation and chemical degradation. Alternatively, at least one of the area light sources could be, for example, a liquid crystal display. An area light source could also have an area-like arrangement of individual light sources such as LEDs (especially LED chips), separated from each other, for example, by narrow gaps – e.g., due to manufacturing processes. Thus, an area light source could have a regular arrangement of individual light sources, e.g., in a matrix or hexagonal pattern.

[0031] The task can also be accomplished by a vehicle that has at least one such vehicle light. The vehicle can be, for example, a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a truck, a bus, etc.

[0032] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following schematic description of an exemplary embodiment, which will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a section view in top view of a two-part vehicle light according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of a motor vehicle looking at a split taillight; and Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectioned top view of the conventional two-part rear light. Fig. 2.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view in top view similar to Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a two-part vehicle light according to the invention in the form of a rear light 1 for a motor vehicle K. The rear light 1 can, for example, be used with the motor vehicle 100 instead of the rear light 101. The rear light 1 also has two parts, namely a side wall light 2, which, for example, is integrated into the body 103. Fig. 2 can be integrated, and a tailgate light 4, which is e.g. in the trunk lid 105 from Fig. 2 can be integrated. Consequently, the tailgate light 4 can be moved relative to the side panel light 2 by pivoting the trunk lid 103. An observer looking behind the vehicle K at its rear also views the tailgate light 1 perpendicularly to it in the direction of B.

[0034] Both the tailgate light 4 and the side wall light 2 each have a housing 6a or 6b that is at least partially translucent and may be colored. In both parts 2 and 4 of the tailgate light 1, several surface light-emitting elements in the form of OLEDs 7 are housed. The corresponding light-emitting surfaces 7a are directly visible from the viewing direction B. The OLEDs 7 are arranged in a row across the width of the tailgate light 1, as well as in the tailgate light 4 and the side wall light 2. Adjacent OLEDs 7 are offset laterally and in depth, but overlap with respect to the viewing direction B. This overlap advantageously allows for increased luminous intensity in the overlapping area from the viewing direction B. Adjacent OLEDs 7 can also be angularly offset by an angle φ. The angle φ can vary depending on the adjacent pair of OLEDs 7 under consideration.

[0035] In the closed position of the trunk lid 103 shown, the trunk lid light 4 and the side panel light 2 (or their housings 6a, 6b) are separated from each other by a gap 8. In contrast to the gap 108 made of Fig. 3. The joint 8 has an angled course between an outer, front-facing opening 8a of the joint 8 and a rear opening 8b of the joint 8. The joint 8 also has a first section in the form of a straight "intermediate section" 8c, to which a second straight section 8d is attached perpendicularly to the rear. The longitudinal extent of the joint 8 corresponds to an extent perpendicular to the image plane shown.

[0036] The intermediate section 8c is arranged between adjacent OLEDs 7, 7b and 7, 7c of the rear deck light 4 and the side panel light 2, respectively, separated by the joint 8, and in particular between their light-emitting surfaces 7a. The intermediate section 8c corresponds in particular to a gap between light-transmitting areas of the housings 6a and 6b.

[0037] In particular, the intermediate section 8c is arranged angularly symmetrically between the OLEDs 7b and 7c, meaning that if these two OLEDs 7b and 7c are angularly offset by an angle φ, the intermediate section 8c is angularly offset by φ / 2 relative to each of the two OLEDs 7b and 7c. Here, the two OLEDs 7b and 7c (as well as all other pairs of adjacent OLEDs 7) are arranged approximately parallel to each other, i.e., φ ≤ 10°. Due to this nearly parallel arrangement of the intermediate section 8c, the optical quality is very good. This is because optical distortions, etc., are virtually eliminated.

[0038] The intermediate section 8c makes it possible for the two OLEDs 7b and 7c, belonging to different parts 2 and 4, to be arranged overlapping in the viewing direction B, thus preventing the formation of a dark area at the joint 8 when the OLEDs 7 are activated.

[0039] Section 8d of joint 8 allows sufficient depth for the rear light 4 and the side wall light 2 for the compact installation of the OLEDs 7. The wall area of ​​the housing 6a and / or 6b that borders section 8d of joint 8 can be translucent (e.g., transparent) or opaque.

[0040] The rear light 1 has the advantage, among others, that a continuous light design is possible even across separate parts of a vehicle light, without any noticeable optical distortions occurring.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. Reference symbol list 1 rear light 2 side wall lights 4 tailgate light 6a Housing of the side wall light 6b Housing of the tailgate light 7" OLED 7a Light-emitting surface of the OLED 7b OLED of the side wall light 7c OLED tailgate light 8 joint 8a Front opening of the joint 8b Backward opening of the joint 8c Intermediate section of the joint 8d Subsequent section of the joint 100 motor vehicles 101 Rear light 102 Side wall light 103 Bodywork 104 Tailgate light 105 Trunk lid 106 cases 107 OLED 108 joint B View direction K motor vehicle φ Angle between adjacent OLEDs

Claims

[1] Vehicle light (1) comprising a first part (2) and a second part (4), each part (2, 4) having at least one surface light element (7) and being separated from each other by a joint (8), wherein - in the specified position at least one surface lighting element (7) of the first part (2) and at least one surface lighting element (7) of the second part (4) are arranged overlapping in a viewing direction (B) perpendicular to the vehicle light (1) in the area of ​​the joint (8), - the joint (8) has an angled course when viewed from above, - at least one intermediate section (8c) of the joint (8) is arranged angularly symmetrically between adjacent surface lighting elements (7) that belong to different parts (2, 4) of the vehicle light (1) and - the joint (8) has a section (8d) adjoining the intermediate section (8c), which in plan view extends substantially perpendicular to the intermediate section (8c) to the rear. [2] Vehicle light (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (2) of the vehicle light (1) is arranged on a stationary component (103) of a vehicle (K) and the second part (4) of the vehicle light (1) is arranged on a locking component (105) of the vehicle (1). [3] Vehicle light (1) according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle light (1) is a rear light. [4] Vehicle light (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface light elements (7) separated by the joint (8) are arranged at least approximately parallel to each other and the intermediate section (8c) of the joint (8) is arranged parallel between them. [5] Vehicle light (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the subsequent section (8d) of the joint (8) is at least partially limited by at least one at least translucent wall of a housing (6a, 6b) of the parts (2, 4) of the vehicle light (1). [6] Vehicle light (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the parts of the vehicle light (1) has several surface lighting elements (7) arranged overlapping in the direction of view. [7] Vehicle light (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular at least one surface light element (7) is an OLED. [8] Vehicle (K) comprising at least one vehicle light (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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