Lighting device for a vehicle and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

Lighting device (1; 21) for a vehicle (F), comprising - a first housing part (2) made of a first plastic and a second housing part (3) made of a second plastic, which together form a receiving space (4) having at least one light outlet opening (5), - at least one light generating module accommodated in the receiving space (4) with at least one light source (9) and - at least one light guide (7; 22) accommodated in the receiving space (4) and designed to guide the light (L) emitted by the at least one light source (9) to the at least one light outlet opening (5), where the light guide (7) is a two-component light guide (7) with a first, transparent light guide section (10) and a second, diffuse light guide section (11; 23) optically connected downstream of the first light guide section (10), wherein the light outlet opening (5) is delimited by both housing parts (2, 3), and the second light guide section (11) is fastened in the light outlet opening (5) in such a way that, when light (L) is coupled out by the second light guide section (11; 23), it is emitted through the light outlet opening (5) by the lighting device (1; 21).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising: a first housing part made of a first plastic and a second housing part made of a second plastic, which together form a receiving space having at least one light outlet opening, at least one light generation module accommodated in the receiving space and having at least one light source, and at least one light guide accommodated in the receiving space, which is configured to guide the light emitted by the at least one light source to the at least one light outlet opening. The present invention further relates to a vehicle having such a lighting device, wherein the lighting device is arranged between a windshield and an instrument panel. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a lighting device.The present invention is particularly advantageously applicable to a lighting device for interior lighting or ambient lighting, in particular of passenger cars. State of the art

[0002] DE 10 2010 030 660 A1 discloses an interior trim part for a vehicle, comprising a light-emitting element for emitting light and a strip-shaped light guide element. The light guide element has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is one of the two largest surfaces of the light guide element and the second surface is a surface different from these, and the first surface comprises a coupling surface. Furthermore, the light guide element and the light-emitting element are arranged and configured such that light from the light-emitting element can be coupled into the light guide element via the coupling surface and coupled out via the second surface.

[0003] EP 2 639 108 A2 discloses a lighting device, in particular combined contour and ambient lighting for a motor vehicle, wherein a housing comprising a first and a second housing part which accommodate a light guide between them in a receiving space, and between the edges of which a strip made of a plastic film which is transparent to the light emitted by the light guide is arranged flush with the edge, wherein the emitted light is coupled in at one end face of the strip and coupled out at the other end face, and that a third housing part is provided which is arranged on the second housing part to form a gap which is open towards the edge, wherein a second light guide is accommodated between the second and the third housing part in a receiving space, the emitted light of which passes through the gap.

[0004] EP 2 322 962 A1 further discloses various decorative elements. In one of these, a light guide, a diffuser, and a lamp are arranged between a housing and a cover element. The light generated by the lamp is coupled into the light guide and changes its propagation direction at least once there, so that the light is coupled out in an illuminable area. The light guide is an injection-molded part that is molded onto at least a partial area of ​​the lamp, the cover element, and / or the diffuser.

[0005] DE 10 2015 006 426 A1 discloses a lighting device for generating a light strip along a predetermined contour in the interior of a motor vehicle. The lighting device comprises a housing element, an elongated light-guiding element for emitting light along the contour, and a diffuser with an input region for coupling in the light emitted by the light-guiding element and an output region facing the interior of the motor vehicle for outputting the emitted light. The lighting device comprises a holding element, wherein the housing element and the holding element are mechanically connected to form a receiving space for the light-guiding element and to hold the diffuser. Furthermore, the housing element has a front region which partially covers the output region of the diffuser to generate the light strip along the contour. Description of the invention

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide, using structurally as simple as possible means, a particularly inexpensive and easy-to-manufacture possibility for radiating a strip-shaped light pattern from a vehicle, in particular into an interior of the vehicle, in particular as ambient lighting.

[0007] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0008] A lighting device for a vehicle according to the invention comprises: a first housing part made of a first plastic and a second housing part made of a second plastic, which together form a receiving space having at least one light outlet opening; at least one light generation module accommodated in the receiving space with at least one light source and at least one light guide accommodated in the receiving space, which is designed to guide the light emitted by the at least one light source to the at least one light outlet opening, wherein the light guide is a two-component light guide with a first, transparent light guide section and a second, diffuse light guide section optically connected downstream of the first light guide section.The light outlet opening is defined by both housing parts, and the second light guide section is mounted in the light outlet opening such that when light is coupled out from the second light guide section, it is emitted from the lighting device through the light outlet opening.

[0009] This lighting device has the advantage of being particularly versatile in its design and easy to manufacture. This allows for the accommodation of a wide variety of light generation modules for light generation. Furthermore, the use of two-component housing parts is eliminated. Furthermore, when painting the housing parts, complex masking or lasering is eliminated. Because the light outlet opening is defined by both housing parts and the second light guide section is secured in the light outlet opening, a particularly simple, robust, and precise attachment of the light guide in the light outlet opening can be achieved. The second light guide section can be held between the two housing parts, particularly when the two housing parts are joined.

[0010] The first housing part forms a first partial region of a wall of the receiving space, while the second housing part forms a second partial region of the wall of the receiving space. The first housing part also forms a first partial region of a wall of the light outlet opening, while the second housing part forms a second partial region of the wall of the light outlet opening. The first housing part and / or the second housing part can be painted.

[0011] The light-generating module can, for example, comprise a rigid or flexible circuit board on which at least one light source is arranged. Electronic components such as series resistors or driver components can be arranged on the circuit board.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lighting device has exactly one light-generating module and exactly one light guide. This facilitates manufacture and assembly. In another embodiment, the lighting device has exactly one light-generating module and multiple light guides. The light guides can be assigned to different light sources. In another embodiment, the lighting device has multiple light-generating modules and multiple light guides.

[0013] In a further development, the at least one light source comprises or has at least one light-emitting diode. If there are multiple light-emitting diodes, these can shine in the same color or in different colors. In particular, the light emitted by the light-generating module can be varied in color, or the light-generating module can be a color-variable light-generating module. Multiple light-emitting diodes can generate a mixed light; e.g., white mixed light. A light-emitting diode can be present as an individually housed light-emitting diode or as an LED chip. The at least one light-emitting diode can comprise at least one inorganic light-emitting diode and / or at least one organic LED.

[0014] The fact that the light guide is designed to guide the light emitted by the at least one light source to the at least one light outlet opening includes, in particular, that the light guide is designed and arranged for this purpose.

[0015] The fact that the light guide is a two-component light guide with a first, transparent light guide section and a second, diffuse light guide section optically connected downstream of the first light guide section means, in particular, that the light generated by the at least one light-generating module is coupled into the first light guide section of the light guide, is initially guided in the first light guide section, then passes into the second light guide section, and is coupled out by the second light guide section. The light coupled out by the second light guide section is emitted by the lighting device, in particular through the light outlet opening. The two light guide sections of the two-component light guide are formed integrally or in one piece with one another.

[0016] The two-component light guide is made, in particular, of plastic, namely transparent plastic for the first light-guiding section and diffuse plastic for the second light-guiding section. A matrix material of the second light-guiding section can correspond to the transparent plastic of the first light-guiding section and, for example, additionally contain scattering particles, air inclusions, etc.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second light-guiding section is held in the light outlet opening with a positive fit. This enables particularly precise positioning of the light guide. In another embodiment, the second light-guiding section has at least one laterally projecting projection that engages a matching recess in the first housing part and / or the second housing part. The projection can be designed as a rib, while the recess is designed, for example, as a longitudinal groove.

[0018] It is an additional or alternative embodiment that the second light guide section is held in the light outlet opening in a force-fitting manner, e.g. is clamped between the two housing parts.

[0019] An additional or alternative embodiment is for the second light guide section to be held firmly in the light outlet opening, e.g., by being glued to the two housing parts. This bonding has the advantage of preventing the light outlet opening from opening due to separation of the housing parts.

[0020] It is a further development that the light guide protrudes into the light outlet opening, but is not held there.

[0021] It is a further development that the light guide is completely housed in the receiving space and therefore does not protrude into the light outlet opening.

[0022] One embodiment includes an outer edge of a wall defining the light outlet opening projecting or protruding outward relative to the second light-guiding section. This allows the wall to serve as a diaphragm or shield to laterally limit the pattern of the light emerging from the light outlet opening. This, in turn, provides the advantage of deliberately preventing reflections of the emerging light on vehicle components such as a windshield, dashboard, etc. This embodiment can also be expressed by having the second light-guiding section recessed into the light outlet opening.

[0023] It is a further development that the edge of the light outlet opening protrudes from the second light guide section by between 2 and 8 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm.

[0024] A further development is that the depth of the projection varies depending on its position relative to the light guide. For example, the projection above the light guide can be deeper (protrude further) than below it, etc.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first housing part and / or the second housing part each have at least one rib directed into the receiving space, which rests on the light guide. This facilitates precise positioning of the light guide.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first housing part and the second housing part each have at least one rib directed into the receiving space, which accommodates, in particular contacts, and in particular clamps, the optical fiber between them. This facilitates particularly precise positioning of the optical fiber.

[0027] One embodiment provides for at least one light-generating module and at least one light guide to be firmly connected to one another. This enables particularly precise light transmission and a particularly robust structure. The firm connection can be achieved, for example, by a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material connection. In particular, the light guide can be latched (e.g., clipped), caulked, stamped, etc., to the light-generating module, especially to its circuit board.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first plastic of the first housing part corresponds to the second plastic of the second housing part. This further facilitates manufacturing. The plastic can be or comprise, for example, PC and / or ABS and can, in particular, be opaque, e.g., black.

[0029] In a further development, the light outlet opening is strip-shaped or has a strip-shaped basic shape. Such a light outlet opening is noticeably longer along one direction ("longitudinal direction") than in a direction perpendicular thereto ("width direction"), e.g., at least twice, at least five times, at least ten times, or at least twenty times longer. Such a light outlet opening can also be referred to as a band-shaped or slit-shaped light outlet opening. The light outlet opening can be continuously open or interrupted by narrow webs.

[0030] In one embodiment, the light-generating module has at least one light strip with a plurality of light sources, in particular LEDs, arranged in series. A light strip can be understood, in particular, as a lighting device with a strip-shaped substrate or circuit board on which the light sources are arranged in series along its longitudinal extent, in particular equidistantly. The light sources can also be groups of light sources arranged in series (e.g., groups of LEDs of different colors). In a further development, the light strip has a length that corresponds at least approximately to the length of the light outlet opening.

[0031] It is an embodiment that the at least one optical fiber has a band-like basic shape and is aligned such that the light that can be generated by the at least one light source can be radiated into the optical fiber at a first narrow side and can be coupled out of the optical fiber at an opposite narrow side.

[0032] The object is also achieved by a vehicle having a lighting device as described above, wherein the lighting device is arranged between a windshield and an instrument panel.

[0033] The vehicle can be a motor vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle such as a passenger car, truck, bus, etc. or a motorcycle), a railway, a watercraft (e.g. a boat or a ship) or an aircraft (e.g. an airplane or a helicopter).

[0034] If the vehicle is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, it is an advantageous embodiment that the lighting device extends continuously between the left and right A-pillars of the vehicle.

[0035] The object is further achieved by a manufacturing method for a lighting device as described above, comprising at least the following steps: a) firmly, in particular positively, connecting the at least one light generating module to at least one light guide; b) attaching the at least one light guide to the first housing part; c) connecting the first housing part to the second housing part in such a way that the receiving space and the light outlet opening are formed between them and the at least one light generating module with the at least one light guide is arranged in the receiving space, wherein the light outlet opening is delimited by both housing parts, and the second, diffuse light guide section of the at least one light guide is fastened in the light outlet opening, in particular inserted and / or glued therein in a form-fitting manner, in such a way that when light (L) is coupled out by the second light guide section (11; 23), it is emitted through the light outlet opening (5) by the lighting device (1; 21).

[0036] Such a manufacturing process is particularly simple and inexpensive to implement and results in a robust and precise light-emitting lighting device.

[0037] Step b) may comprise locking / clipping and gluing the light guide to the first housing part.

[0038] Step c) may comprise gluing and / or hot stamping the first housing part to the second housing part. Short character description

[0039] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a sectional side view of a lighting device according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a sectional side view of a first method step for producing the lighting device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a sectional side view of a second method step for producing the lighting device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of a third method step for producing the lighting device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a sectional side view of a section of a vehicle with the lighting device according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a sectional side view of a section of a vehicle with a lighting device according to a second embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a sectional side view of a lighting device 1 for a vehicle F (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) with a first housing part 2 made of a first plastic (e.g., PC and / or ABS) and a second housing part 3 made of a second plastic (e.g., PC and / or ABS). The two housing parts 2, 3 together form a receiving space 4 having a light outlet opening 5. The light outlet opening 5 is delimited by both housing parts 2, 3.

[0041] A light generation module in the form of an LED light strip 6 and a strip-shaped light guide 7 are accommodated in the receiving space 4. The LED light strip 6 has a strip-shaped circuit board 8, the longitudinal extent of which is perpendicular to the image plane and on which a plurality of light sources in the form of LEDs 9 are arranged in series. The light outlet opening 5 is also strip-shaped or strip-shaped with a longitudinal extent perpendicular to the image plane. The light guide 7 is configured, i.e., designed and arranged, to guide the light emitted by the LEDs 9 to the light outlet opening 5. When looking into the light outlet opening 5 from the outside (as indicated by the arrow SL), a light strip or "light line" visible to a viewer is provided.

[0042] The light guide 7 is a two-component light guide with a first light guide section 10 and a second light guide section 11 optically arranged downstream of the first light guide section 10. The first light guide section 10 is made of transparent plastic, while the second light guide section 11 is made of diffuse or light-scattering plastic. The two light guide sections 10, 11 are formed integrally or in one piece with each other. The light guide 7 is manufactured, for example, as a two-component injection-molded part.

[0043] In particular, an outer edge 5a, 5b of the light outlet opening 5 protrudes outward relative to the second light-guiding section 11, in particular by between 2 and 8 mm, in particular by between 4 and 5 mm. An "upper" edge section 5a, formed by the first housing part 2, can protrude to a different depth than a "lower" edge section 5b, formed by the second housing part 3. In particular, the edge sections 5a, 5b can protrude outward relative to the second light-guiding section 11 by between 2 and 8 mm, in particular by between 4 and 5 mm.

[0044] The first light-guiding section 10 is firmly connected, e.g., latched, to the LED strip light 6, in particular to its circuit board 8. The second light-guiding section 11 is fastened in the light outlet opening 5, specifically in this case at least in a form-fitting and material-fitting manner, and possibly also in a force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 can each have an adhesive groove 12, into which a respective lateral projection 13 of the second light-guiding section 11 engages.

[0045] Optionally, the first housing part 2 can have at least one first rib 14 directed into the receiving space 4 and / or the second housing part 3 can have at least one second rib 15 directed into the receiving space 4, which receive, in particular clamp, the light guide 7 between them.

[0046] The second housing part 3 can have at least one fastening component such as a locking pin 16 on a rear side of the receiving space 4, possibly also several locking pins 16 arranged in series.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a sectional side view of a first method step S1 for producing the lighting device 1. In this step, the LED light strip 6, in particular its circuit board 8, is clipped and / or embossed to the light guide 7.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of a second method step S2 for producing the lighting device 1. Adhesive, e.g., in the form of a respective adhesive bead KR, is introduced into the adhesive groove 12 of the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3. The adhesive is, in particular, a UV-curing adhesive.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of a third method step S3 for producing the lighting device 1. In this step, the light guide 7 is clipped and glued to the circuit board 8 on the first housing part 2 (but the glue has not yet cured). Specifically, a portion of the first light guide section 10 can be clipped to the first housing part 2 via a locking hook 17 of the first housing part 2, and a projection 13 of the second light guide section 11 can be inserted into an adhesive groove 12 of the first housing part 2 for bonding.

[0050] In a subsequent process step (not shown), the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 are joined together. This can be done, for example, by gluing the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 together (but possibly not yet hardened) and possibly hot stamping or hot caulking. For hot stamping or hot caulking, the first housing part 2 can, for example, have a corresponding hot stamping rivet 18. The now joined housing parts 2, 3 already correspond to the Fig. 1 shown arrangement.

[0051] In a subsequent process step (not shown), the adhesive can be UV-cured to obtain the finished lighting device 1.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows a sectional side view of a section of a vehicle F with the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 is arranged between a windshield W and an instrument panel I (for example, locked via the locking pins 16), wherein the lighting device 1 extends continuously between the left and right A-pillars (not shown) of the vehicle F.

[0053] The light L emitted by the lighting device 1 into an interior space is perceived by a human eye A as a “light line” due to the strip-shaped design of the light guide 7 and the light outlet opening 5.

[0054] Fig.6 shows a sectional side view of a section of a vehicle with a lighting device 21. The lighting device 21 is designed similarly to the lighting device 1, but now the light guide 22 does not protrude, or only protrudes slightly, into the light outlet opening 5. As a result, the edge 5a, 5b of the light outlet opening 5 protrudes more from the light guide 22, in particular from its second light guide section 23, than in the lighting device 1. In particular, a depth t1 of a projection of the edge 5a is between 2 and 8 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm, and a depth t2 of a projection of the edge 5b is between 2 and 8 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm. For example, as shown, t1 > t2 can also apply. However, in principle, t1 < t2 or t1 = t2 can also apply.In this way, it can be particularly reliably avoided that the light L emitted by the lighting device 21 is reflected on the windscreen W and / or on the instrument panel I.

[0055] In particular, the second light guide section 23 no longer needs to have projections 13, and the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 no longer need to have adhesive grooves 12. Instead, the light guide 22 is now only held by the circuit board 8 and the ribs 14, 15, and possibly by the locking hook 17.

[0056] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals throughout. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 lighting device 2 First housing part 3 Second housing part 4 Recording room 5 Light outlet opening 5a Outer edge of the light outlet opening 5b Outer edge of the light outlet opening 6 LED light strips 7 light guides 8 circuit boards 9 LED 10 First fiber optic section 11 Second fiber optic section 12 Adhesive groove 13 lead 14 First rib 15 Second rib 16 locking pin 17 locking hooks 18 hot stamping rivet 21 Lighting device 22 light guides 23 Second fiber optic section A eye F vehicle I Instrument panel KR adhesive bead L Light SL Arrow S1-S3 process steps t1 depth to the first edge t2 depth to the second edge W Windshield

Claims

[1] Lighting device (1; 21) for a vehicle (F), comprising - a first housing part (2) made of a first plastic and a second housing part (3) made of a second plastic, which together form a receiving space (4) having at least one light outlet opening (5), - at least one light generating module accommodated in the receiving space (4) with at least one light source (9) and - at least one light guide (7; 22) accommodated in the receiving space (4) and designed to guide the light (L) emitted by the at least one light source (9) to the at least one light outlet opening (5), where the light guide (7) is a two-component light guide (7) with a first, transparent light guide section (10) and a second, diffuse light guide section (11; 23) optically connected downstream of the first light guide section (10), wherein the light outlet opening (5) is delimited by both housing parts (2, 3), and the second light guide section (11) is fastened in the light outlet opening (5) in such a way that, when light (L) is coupled out by the second light guide section (11; 23), it is emitted through the light outlet opening (5) by the lighting device (1; 21). [2] Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second light guide section (11) is fastened in the light outlet opening (5) in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. [3] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer edge of the light outlet opening (5) projects outwards relative to the second light guide section (11; 23), in particular between 2 and 8 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm. [4] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing part (2) and / or the second housing part (3) each have at least one rib (14, 15) directed into the receiving space (4) and resting on the light guide (7). [5] Lighting device (1; 21) according to claim 4, wherein the ribs (14, 15) clamp the light guide (7) between them. [6] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light generating module (6) and the light guide (7) are firmly connected to one another or, if the lighting device (1; 21) has two or more light generating modules (6) and / or two or more lighting devices (1; 21), at least one of the light generating modules (6) and at least one of the light guides (7) are firmly connected to one another. [7] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plastic corresponds to the second plastic. [8] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light generating module (6) has at least one light strip (8) with a plurality of light sources (9), in particular LEDs, arranged in series. [9] Lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light guide (7) has a strip-shaped basic shape and is aligned such that the light (L) that can be generated by the at least one light source (9) can be radiated into the light guide (7) on a first narrow side and can be coupled out of the light guide (7) on an opposite narrow side. [10] Vehicle (F) with a lighting device (1; 21) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device (1; 21) is arranged between a windshield (W) and an instrument panel (I). [11] Vehicle (F) according to claim 10, wherein the lighting device (1; 21) extends continuously between the left and right A-pillars of the vehicle (F). [12] Manufacturing method for a lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least the following steps: a) firmly, in particular positively, connecting (S1) the at least one light generating module (6) to at least one light guide (7); b) attaching (S4) the at least one optical fiber (7) to the first housing part (2); c) connecting the first housing part (2) to the second housing part (3) in such a way that the receiving space (4) and the light outlet opening (5) are formed between them and the at least one light generating module (6) with the at least one light guide (7) is arranged in the receiving space (4), wherein the light outlet opening (5) is delimited by both housing parts (2, 3), and the second, diffuse light guide section (11) of the at least one light guide (7) is fastened in the light outlet opening (5), in particular inserted and / or glued therein in a form-fitting manner, in such a way that when light (L) is coupled out by the second light guide section (11; 23), it is emitted through the light outlet opening (5) by the lighting device (1; 21).

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