Light-emitting assembly and a vehicle with a light-emitting assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a light-emitting assembly 10 having the features of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle comprising such a light-emitting assembly 10.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a light-emitting assembly having the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle comprising such a light-emitting assembly.

[0002] In the area of ​​modern communication concepts in road traffic, as well as in the control area of ​​future vehicles, the vehicle's outer skin itself can become a communication element. Illuminated symbols, lettering, which can be static or scrolling, or animated, can serve as a basis for this. It may be important (e.g., due to legislation) to prevent colored light transmission in the front and sides of a vehicle. If the vehicle is painted in a single color, the light emitted by a light source will always be filtered and thus glow in the respective color of the exterior paint.

[0003] One could attempt to emit light with a color complementary to the exterior paint color. This would result in the emitted light being strongly absorbed and filtered, resulting in a significant loss of efficiency.

[0004] To transmit white light through a colored paint finish, a (laser) perforation could be provided in the exterior paint. The emitted light could then be guided through the perforation in the exterior paint. The disadvantages of this approach are the low efficiency and the potential for damage to the exterior paint caused by the perforation.

[0005] DE 10 2019 115 368 A1, EP 2 028 048 A1, DE 198 18 009 A1, DE 10 2017 100 292 A1 and DE 10 2021 200 335 A1 each disclose a light-emitting assembly having features of claim 1.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting assembly and a vehicle, wherein the above disadvantages are eliminated. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The above object is achieved by a light-emitting assembly having the features of claim 1. The light-emitting assembly can be a body part of a motor vehicle.

[0008] The light-emitting assembly comprises an outer layer that is designed to transmit light and has a first color doping. In other words, the outer layer is transparent or clear with a first color doping. The outer layer can be designed as a color-doped substrate, an (outer) coating, or a surface coating.

[0009] The light-emitting assembly further comprises a scattering layer adjacent to the outer layer. The scattering layer is color-neutral and light-scattering. The scattering layer can be reflective. The scattering layer can be arranged directly behind the outer layer. In particular, due to the scattering layer, the outer layer and the scattering layer together can be opaque or non-transparent. The scattering layer can be formed as a scattering substrate (volume scatterer), a coating, a structure, and / or a print layer. The scattering layer can be formed as a combination of scattering and reflection elements.

[0010] The light-emitting assembly comprises an absorber layer adjacent to the scattering layer. The absorber layer can be arranged directly behind the scattering layer. In other words, the scattering layer can be arranged between the absorber layer and the outer layer. The absorber layer can be designed as a mask. The absorber layer is designed to absorb light. The absorber layer can be opaque or non-transparent.

[0011] The light-emitting assembly comprises at least one light source. The light source can be arranged behind the scattering layer.

[0012] The light-emitting assembly comprises at least one housing. The housing at least partially surrounds, in particular, the light source. The housing can be designed as a box. The housing adjoins the absorber layer and is designed to absorb light. The housing can be arranged directly behind the absorber layer. The housing can have an opening in which the light source can be arranged. The housing can be angular. It is also conceivable for the housing to have a different geometric shape. The light source can be arranged within the housing.

[0013] The absorber layer has an aperture. The aperture can be formed as a through-hole. In particular, no absorber layer is present in the aperture. The light-emitting assembly is configured such that the light emitted by the light source can be introduced through the aperture into the scattering layer and transmitted through the outer layer.

[0014] This allows light incident on the outer layer from outside to be transmitted through the transparent outer layer. As the light transmits through the outer layer, it is shifted within the color spectrum due to the first color doping. In other words, the color of the light is changed or shifted specifically due to the first color doping. The light transmitted through the outer layer is then scattered or reflected by the scattering layer and thus guided back out through the outer layer. The light is thus transmitted a second time through the outer layer and further shifted within the color spectrum due to the first color doping. This makes the re-radiated or reflected light appear even richer and more powerful.

[0015] The light emitted by the light source can be introduced through the aperture into the scattering layer and then transmitted through the outer layer. Thus, the light emitted by the light source also undergoes a color shift according to and due to the first color doping. If light with a color complementary to the first color doping is transmitted through the outer layer, the color shift due to the first color doping can be compensated for. Since the light emitted by the light source is only transmitted through the outer layer once, the color shift due to the first color doping can be compensated to a much lesser extent. This means that a higher overall transmission can be achieved for white light transmitted outwards through the outer layer.

[0016] The number of light sources and the distance of the light source(s) to the scattering layer can be selected in particular so that a homogeneous, closed light image can be created on the side visible from the outside (on the outer layer) when the light source(s) are switched on.

[0017] This makes it possible to provide a light-emitting assembly (e.g., an exterior paint finish of a vehicle), wherein the light emitted by the light source can be efficiently (with high efficiency) transmitted through the scattering layer and / or the outer layer (through the exterior paint finish) without damaging the surface of one of the layers.

[0018] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the light source can comprise an RGB (red-green-blue) LED. The RGB LED can be a color LED (light-emitting diode).

[0019] This allows the light emitted by the light source to be set as the complementary color of the first color doping in the outer layer. This allows the light emitted by the light source to radiate outward as white light after transmission through the outer layer (and the corresponding color shift due to the first color doping).

[0020] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the light source can comprise a white light diode.

[0021] This can further increase the efficiency, since a white light diode usually has a higher efficiency than, for example, a color LED.

[0022] According to the invention, the light-emitting assembly comprises a filter layer. The filter layer can be designed as a component of a filter or as a filter itself. The filter layer is arranged within the housing between the light source and the scattering layer.

[0023] This allows the white light of a white light diode to be colour-shifted using simple means, so that the white light emitted by the white light diode can be radiated outwards as white light after being transmitted through the filter layer (and a first colour shift due to the filter layer) and after being transmitted through the outer layer (and a further colour shift due to the first colour doping).

[0024] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the scattering layer can have a second color doping in the region of the breakthrough on a side facing the light source. The second color doping can be formed as a color layer within the scattering layer. The color layer within the scattering layer can have a thickness that is smaller than a thickness of the scattering layer. In other words, the color doping or the color layer, in particular, does not extend over the entire thickness of the scattering layer. The scattering layer can continue to retain its (color-neutral) scattering or reflective behavior, in particular on its side facing away from the light source. The second color doping can be formed as a complementary color to the first color doping.

[0025] This allows for greater efficiency to be achieved.

[0026] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the light-emitting assembly can comprise at least one optical element. The optical element can be designed as a lens and / or a reflector. The optical element can be arranged within the housing between the light source and the scattering layer. The optical element can be configured to concentrate the light emitted by the light source onto the aperture in the absorber layer.

[0027] This can further increase efficiency and reduce the size of the breakthrough.

[0028] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the optical element can have a third color doping. The third color doping can be designed as a complementary color to the first color doping.

[0029] In this process, the light generated by the light source (white light) can be color-shifted before being color-shifted again in the outer layer due to the first color doping. This allows the white light generated by the light source to be emitted to the outside as white light.

[0030] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the optical element can be configured to collimate the light emitted by the light source.

[0031] This allows the homogeneity of the irradiated area of ​​the aperture to be optimized. In other words, the light emitted by the light source can be evenly distributed across the aperture (or its surface).

[0032] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the optical element can be configured to focus the light emitted by the light source.

[0033] This allows the light emitted by the light source to be concentrated on the aperture, further increasing efficiency.

[0034] According to a further development of the light-emitting assembly, the light-emitting assembly can comprise an active filter element. The active filter element can be arranged between the light source and the scattering layer, in particular in the aperture. The active filter element can be designed, for example, as an LCD (light crystal display) panel. The active filter element can be configured to generate a complementary color to the first color doping. The active filter element can be arranged directly behind the scattering layer (in the aperture of the absorber layer).

[0035] The above object is further achieved by a motor vehicle having the features of the independent claim. The motor vehicle comprises at least one light-emitting assembly according to the above statements. The light-emitting assembly can be a body part.

[0036] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved, reference is made to the relevant comments on the light-emitting module. The measures described in connection with the light-emitting module and / or those explained below can be used to further configure the vehicle.

[0037] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a light-emitting assembly according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly according to a second embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly according to a third embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the light-emitting assembly according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly according to a sixth embodiment and Fig. 7 schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly according to a seventh embodiment.

[0038] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements bear the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in all figures.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a light-emitting assembly 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The light-emitting assembly 10 may be a body part of a motor vehicle.

[0040] The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises an outer layer 12. The outer layer 12 is light-transmitting or transparent (clear). The outer layer 12 has a first color doping 14.

[0041] The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises a scattering layer 16. The scattering layer 16 is arranged adjacent to the outer layer 12. In other words, the scattering layer 16 is arranged directly behind the outer layer 12. The scattering layer 16 is color-neutral and light-scattering (or light-reflecting).

[0042] The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises an absorber layer 18. The absorber layer 18 is arranged adjacent to the scattering layer 16. In other words, the absorber layer 18 is arranged directly behind the scattering layer 16. The absorber layer 18 is designed to absorb light. The absorber layer 18 can be formed as a mask.

[0043] The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises at least one light source 20.

[0044] The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises a housing 22. The housing 22 is arranged adjacent to the absorber layer 18. The housing 22 is designed to absorb light. In this case, the light source 20 is arranged in an opening of the housing 22. In this case, the housing 22 at least partially surrounds the light source 20.

[0045] The absorber layer 18 has an aperture 24. The light-emitting assembly 10 is configured such that the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 can be radiated through the aperture 24 into the scattering layer 16 and transmitted through the outer layer 12. After being transmitted through the outer layer 12, the light 17 is emitted to the outside.

[0046] The outer layer 12 can represent an outer layer of a vehicle's colored paintwork. If light 11 incident from outside (e.g. daylight) hits the outer layer 12, it is transmitted through the outer layer 12 towards the scattering layer 16. Due to the first color doping 14, the light 11 incident from outside experiences a color shift. The light 11 incident from outside is "colored" or filtered into colored light by this color shift. The colored light is scattered or reflected by the scattering layer 16. The colored light is thus transmitted through the outer layer 12 again. The colored light experiences another color shift due to the first color doping 14 of the outer layer 12. After being transmitted again through the outer layer 12, the colored light 13 is emitted outwards.Due to the double transmission through the outer layer 12 and the first color doping of the outer layer 12, the light 13 emitted to the outside (scattered or reflected) has a rich and strong coloration, which corresponds to the color doping.

[0047] In particular, due to the absorber layer 18 and / or the housing 22, the light source 20, when switched off, is not or hardly visible from the outside.

[0048] In the present case, the light source 20 comprises an RGB light-emitting diode 26. The RGB light-emitting diode 26 is configured to generate light in a complementary color to the first color doping 14. The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 has a complementary color to the first color doping 14. The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 undergoes a color shift due to the first color doping 14 of the outer layer 12. Thus, the light 17 emitted to the outside is white in the present case. In other words, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 as colored light is emitted or transmitted to the outside as white light.

[0049] Since the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is transmitted only once through the outer layer 12, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 experiences only half the color shift experienced by the externally incident light 11 (white daylight), which is transmitted twice through the outer layer 12. The color shift of the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 requires significantly less compensation, and the outwardly emitted light 17 (white light) experiences a higher overall transmission.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first, in Fig. 1 shown, embodiment by the following: In this case, the light source 20 comprises a white light diode 28 instead of the RGB LED 26. The white light diode 28 is configured to generate white light. The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises a filter layer 30. The filter layer 30 is arranged within the housing 22 between the light source 20 and the scattering layer 16. The filter layer 30 can be formed as a component of a filter.

[0051] The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 strikes the filter layer 30 and is color-shifted by the filter layer 30. After the filter layer 30, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 has the complementary color to the first color doping 14 of the outer layer 12. The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is then transmitted through the scattering layer 16 and the outer layer 12. Due to the first color doping 14, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 undergoes a color shift again. Thus, the light 17 emitted outward is white in this case.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the second, in Fig. 2 shown, embodiment by the following: In the present case, instead of the filter layer 30 in the scattering layer 16, a second color doping 34 is provided in the region of the aperture 24 on a side 32 facing the light source 20. The second color doping 34 can be formed as a color layer within the scattering layer 16. In particular, the second color doping 34 does not extend over the entire thickness of the scattering layer 16.

[0053] Thus, on the one hand, the externally incident light 11 can continue to be scattered or reflected on a side 33 of the scattering layer 16 facing away from the light source 20, even in the region of the aperture 24. On the other hand, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 can be (pre-)filtered as desired by the second color doping 34.

[0054] In this case, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is white. The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is color-shifted by the second color doping 34 into the complementary color to the first color doping 14 of the outer layer 12. After transmission through the outer layer 12 and due to the first color doping 14 (or the associated color shift), the light 17 emitted outward is white.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the first, in Fig. 1 shown, embodiment by the following: The light-emitting assembly 10 comprises an optical element 36. In this case, the optical element 36 is designed as a lens. It is also conceivable that the optical element 36 can be designed as a reflector. In this case, the optical element 36 is arranged within the housing 22 between the light source 20 and the scattering layer 16. The optical element 36 can be arranged directly in front of the light source 20.

[0056] The optical element 36 is configured here to collimate the light 15 emitted by the light source 20. This allows the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 to be distributed efficiently and evenly along the aperture 24.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth, in Fig. 4 shown, embodiment by the following:

[0058] The optical element 36 is configured here to focus the light 15 emitted by the light source 20. Thus, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 can be efficiently concentrated onto the aperture 24.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth, in Fig. 5 shown, embodiment by the following: In this case, the light source 20 comprises a white light diode 28 instead of the RGB LED 26. The white light diode 28 is configured to generate white light. To compensate for the color shift during transmission through the outer layer 12 due to the first color doping 14, the optical element 36 in this case has a third color doping 38. Due to the third color doping 38, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 (in this case, white light) is color-shifted to a color complementary to the first color doping 14. Thus, the light 17 emitted outward (after transmission through the outer layer 12) is white in this case.

[0060] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the light-emitting assembly 10 according to a seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth, Fig. 6 shown, embodiment by the following:

[0061] The optical element 36 is configured to collimate the light 15 emitted by the light source 20. The light-emitting assembly 10 includes an active filter element 40. The active filter element 40 is arranged between the light source 20 and the scattering layer 16. The active filter element 40 is arranged in the aperture 24 of the absorber layer 18. The active filter element is configured as an LCD panel.

[0062] The light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is collimated by the optical element 36 and thus evenly distributed to the active filter element 40. Due to the active filter element 40, the light 15 emitted by the light source 20 is color-shifted and, in this case, acquires the complementary color to the first color doping 14. Thus, the light 17 emitted outwardly, after transmission through the outer layer 12, is white.

Claims

[1] Light-emitting assembly (10), in particular a body part of a motor vehicle, comprising: - an outer layer (12), wherein the outer layer (12) is light-transmitting and has a first color doping (14), - a scattering layer (16) adjacent to the outer layer (12), the scattering layer (16) being color-neutral and light-scattering, - an absorber layer (18) adjacent to the scattering layer (16), wherein the absorber layer (18) is designed to absorb light, - at least one light source (20), - at least one housing (22), in particular at least partially surrounding the light source (20), wherein the housing (22) adjoins the absorber layer (18) and is designed to absorb light, wherein the absorber layer (18) has an opening (24), wherein the light-emitting assembly (10) is designed such that the light (15) emitted by the light source (20) can be radiated through the opening (24) into the scattering layer (16) and transmitted through the outer layer (12), wherein the light-emitting assembly (10) comprises a filter layer (30), wherein the filter layer (30) is arranged within the housing (22) between the light source (20) and the scattering layer (16). [2] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , in which the light source (20) comprises an RGB light-emitting diode (26). [3] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the light source (20) comprises a white light diode (28). [4] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the scattering layer (16) has a second color doping (34) in the region of the opening (24) on a side (32) facing the light source (20). [5] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light-emitting assembly (10) comprises at least one optical element (36), in particular a lens and / or at least one reflector, wherein the optical element (36) is arranged within the housing (22) between the light source (20) and the scattering layer (16). [6] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the optical element (36) has a third color doping (38). [7] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the optical element (36) is arranged to collimate the light (15) emitted by the light source (20). [8] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the optical element (36) is arranged to focus the light (15) emitted by the light source (20). [9] Light-emitting assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light-emitting assembly (10) comprises an active filter element (40), wherein the active filter element (40) is arranged between the light source (20) and the scattering layer (16), in particular in the opening (24). [10] Motor vehicle comprising at least one light-emitting assembly, in particular a body part, according to one of the preceding claims.

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