INTERIOR LIGHT FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

An interior light (200) for vehicles comprises a housing (202) with a base (202A), a wall structure (202B) extending substantially perpendicularly along a peripheral section of the base (202A) and defining a cavity (202D), and an edge section (202C) extending like a flange along a peripheral section of the wall structure (202B) from an open end of the wall structure (202B). A light source (204) is connected to the cavity (202D). A lens (206) is configured to be attached to the open end of the wall structure and includes a plurality of locking pawls (208). The housing (202) includes a plurality of locking elements (210) that receive the locking pawls (208).The locking elements (210) are located at a junction of the wall structure (202B) and the edge section (202C) to align the locking pawls (208) with the wall structure (202B) and thereby increase the light capture area of ​​the lens (206).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an interior light for vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein forms part of the prior art or is relevant to the present invention, or that any publication to which express or implicit reference is made forms part of the prior art.

[0003] Interior lights in vehicles serve several purposes, primarily illumination and improving functionality and comfort within the vehicle. Interior lights also contribute to safety by ensuring visibility of control units, switches, and occupants, thus reducing the risk of accidents or breakdowns. Some interior lights are designed to function as emergency lighting in the event of a breakdown or other emergency, providing visibility inside the vehicle when no exterior lighting is available.

[0004] In an existing design of an interior light fixture 100, as used in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a printed circuit board (PCB) 106 is mounted in a housing 104 of the luminaire 100 via a set of positioners (not shown) configured along a wall structure of the housing 104, and then a lens 102 is fixed by sliding it into the housing 104, so that a variety of clips (in Fig. (1 not shown) engage with corresponding features on the side walls of the housing 104 to hold the lens in position. The circuit board 106 contains a light source 108 configured to emit light. In the existing internal luminaire 100, the area of ​​the lens exposed to the light from the light source 108 is smaller, resulting in a narrower light distribution and lower brightness.

[0005] Therefore, an improved design of the interior light for vehicles would be advantageous, allowing for a greater spread of light from the light source.

[0006] Patent WO2005007450A1 discloses an interior light for a vehicle, comprising a normal light function and an ambient light function for illuminating the interior of a vehicle. For the normal light function, a light bulb is provided which shines through a light guide designed as a diffuser.

[0007] The reference cited reveals an interior light fixture that combines various lighting functions in a small space, but does not offer a solution to the aforementioned problem of blocking light distribution.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, shortcomings and limitations associated with known indoor lights by providing a simple and improved indoor light with an improved lens mounting design that can increase the light-catching area of ​​the lens, thereby increasing the light output of the light. OBJECTIVITY OF INVENTION

[0009] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide an interior light for vehicles that overcomes the aforementioned limitations of conventional and existing interior lights.

[0010] One purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an interior light for vehicles with improved light output.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an indoor light fixture that requires less material, thereby making the light fixture more cost-effective. SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the technical field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an interior light for vehicles.

[0013] According to one aspect, the proposed interior vehicle light comprises a housing with a base, a wall structure extending substantially perpendicularly along a peripheral section of the base and defining a cavity, and an edge section extending like a flange along a peripheral section of the wall structure from an open end of the wall structure. The interior light further comprises a light source mounted within the cavity of the housing. Additionally, the interior light includes a lens configured to be attached to the open end of the wall structure. The lens includes a plurality of locking pawls.The housing includes a multitude of locking elements configured to accommodate the multitude of locking pawls, with the locking elements being arranged at a junction of the wall structure and the edge section, thereby increasing the light-capturing area of ​​the lens.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the housing and lens can have a substantially rectangular shape, and the multiple locking pawls can be arranged at or near each corner of the lens.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the multiple locking pawls and the corresponding locking elements can be configured so that the lens can be detachably attached to the housing.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, each of the multiple locking paws may have a projection and each of the corresponding locking elements may have a groove configured to receive the projection of the corresponding locking paw.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the grooves at the junction between the wall structure and the section of the edge can be configured such that, when the lens is placed over the open end of the wall structure, the multiple locking pawls are aligned with the wall structure so that the entire open end of the wall structure can be exposed to the lens in order to maximize the light-capturing area of ​​the lens.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the interior light may include a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in the cavity. The light source may be mounted on the circuit board.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the light source can be a light-emitting device (LED). The circuit board can contain one or more electronic components for controlling the LED.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the printed circuit board can be secured in the cavity by a set of clamps arranged on opposite walls of the wall structure of the housing.

[0021] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional indoor light fixture, illustrating the blockage of a light-collecting area of ​​the lens due to the design of the conventional indoor light fixture. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary exploded view of the proposed interior light for vehicles according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the proposed interior light, showing the locking of the plurality of locking jaws with a plurality of locking elements, wherein the locking elements are arranged at a connection of the wall structure and the edge section, such that the locking jaws are aligned with the wall structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the proposed interior light, showing the magnification of a light-capturing area of ​​the lens according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the necessary level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0024] The embodiments described herein relate to the automotive sector. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an interior light for vehicles with an improved lens mounting design that can enlarge the light-catching area of ​​the lens, thereby increasing the light output of the light.

[0025] One aspect is that the proposed internal luminaire features improved means for fixing the lens within the housing. The proposed lens design incorporates a multitude of locking pawls. Furthermore, the luminaire housing includes a multitude of locking elements configured to accommodate these pawls. These locking elements are positioned at the junction of a wall structure and an edge section of the housing, ensuring the pawls align with the wall structure and thus increasing the lens's light-capturing area. This increased light-capturing area results in higher performance (greater brightness) from the luminaire. Additionally, the improved internal luminaire design allows for the use of a smaller printed circuit board (PCB), thereby saving material and manufacturing costs.

[0026] Referring to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B The proposed interior light 200 for vehicles comprises a housing 202 with a base 202A, a wall structure 202B extending substantially perpendicularly along a peripheral section of the base 202A and defining a cavity 202D, and an edge section 202C extending like a flange along a peripheral section of the wall structure 202B from an open end of the wall structure. The interior light 200 further comprises a light source 204 mounted in the cavity 202D of the housing 202. The housing 202 may have a substantially rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the housing 202 may have a shape selected from a group, but not limited to square, circular, oval, and the like, depending on the shape of the lens 206.

[0027] In one embodiment, the interior light 200 comprises a lens 206 configured to be attached to the open end of the wall structure. The lens 206 may have a substantially rectangular shape. The lens 206 may be made of a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a combination thereof. The lens 206 comprises a plurality of locking pawls 208-1, 208-2 (hereafter collectively referred to as 208). The housing 202 comprises a plurality of locking elements 210-1, 210-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 210) configured to accommodate the plurality of locking pawls, the locking elements 210 being arranged at a junction of the wall structure 202B and the edge section 202C, thereby increasing the light-capturing area of ​​the lens 206.In one embodiment, the multiple locking pawls 208 and the corresponding locking elements 210 can be configured such that the lens 206 can be detachably fastened in the housing 202. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pawls 208 can be arranged at each corner of the lens 206. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pawls 208 can be arranged near each corner of the lens 206.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 3A Each of the multiple pawls 208 can contain a projection 302, and each of the corresponding locking elements 210 can contain a groove 304 configured to receive the projection 302 of the corresponding pawl. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 3B, the grooves 304 at the junction of the wall structure 202B and the edge section 202C can be configured such that, when the lens 206 can be placed over the open end of the wall structure, the plurality of locking pawls 208 can be aligned with the wall structure 202B to allow the entire open end of the wall structure 202B to be exposed to the lens 206 in order to maximize the light capture area of ​​the lens 206.

[0029] In one embodiment, the interior light 200 can comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) 212, which is secured in the cavity 202D by a set of clips 214 arranged on opposite walls of the wall structure 202B of the housing 202. The light source 204 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 212. Preferably, the light source 204 can be arranged in a central position on the printed circuit board 212. The light source 204 can be a light-emitting device (LED). The printed circuit board 212 can contain one or more electronic components for controlling the LED.

[0030] In one embodiment, the interior light can be installed in one or more locations within the vehicle. These one or more locations are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of: a vanity light in the headliner, a footwell light in the footwell area, a trunk light in the trunk, a bulb socket light in the bulb socket on the passenger side, a center light in the center console, door exit lights in the doors, and seat footwell lights in the seats.

[0031] The proposed solution overcomes the problem of reduced light diffusion caused by the complex design of the fasteners used to secure the lens 206 in the housing 202. The proposed solution consists of a simpler and improved design for the fasteners used to secure the lens 206 in the housing 202. The proposed design uses shorter locking pawls 208, which are located in a recess at the junction of the edge section 202C and the wall structure 202B of the housing 202 and are flush with the wall structure 202B to create a larger area of ​​the lens exposed to the light from the light source 204. The circuit board 212 is snapped into the housing 202 without interference from the lens, thus providing a larger open area for maximum diffusion of the light from the light source 204.

[0032] The present disclosure thus overcomes the disadvantages, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing indoor luminaires by providing the indoor luminaire 200 with improved means for securing the lens 206 in the housing 202. The proposed design of the lens 206 includes a plurality of locking pawls. Furthermore, a housing 202 includes a plurality of locking elements 210 configured to accommodate the plurality of locking pawls, the locking elements 210 being arranged at a junction of a wall structure 202B and an edge section 202C of the housing 202, thereby increasing the light-capturing area of ​​the lens 206. The increased light-capturing area of ​​the lens 206 results in increased performance (greater brightness) of the luminaire.Furthermore, the improved design of the interior light 200 allows the implementation of the printed circuit board 212 with a reduced size, thereby saving material and costs in the manufacture of the printed circuit board 212.

[0033] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples, provided that they are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention provides an interior light for vehicles that overcomes the limitations of conventional or known interior lights.

[0035] The present invention provides an indoor light with improved light output.

[0036] The present invention provides a design for the components of the interior light, such that the components can be manufactured using simple tools.

[0037] The present invention provides an indoor light that can contribute to CO2 emission reduction and green energy.

[0038] The present invention provides an indoor light fixture designed in such a way that the size of the circuit board can be reduced.

[0039] The present invention provides an interior light that saves material and costs associated with the material to be used for the manufacture of the printed circuit board. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] WO 2005007450A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Interior light (200) for vehicles, the interior light (200) comprising: a housing (202) comprising a base (202A), a wall structure (202B) extending substantially perpendicularly along a peripheral section of the base (202A) and defining a cavity (202D), and an edge section (202C) extending like a flange along the peripheral section of the wall structure (202B) from an open end of the wall structure; a light source (204) connected to the cavity (202D) of the housing (202); a lens (206) configured to be attached to the open end of the wall structure; wherein the lens (206) comprises a plurality of locking pawls (208) and the housing (202) comprises a plurality of locking elements (210) configured to accommodate the plurality of locking pawls, the locking elements (210) being arranged at a junction of the wall structure (202B) and the edge section (202C), thereby increasing the light-capturing area of ​​the lens (206). [2] Interior light (200) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (202) and the lens (206) have a substantially rectangular shape and the plurality of locking pawls (208) are arranged at or near each corner of the lens (206). [3] Interior light (200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking latches (208) and the corresponding locking elements (210) are designed for the releasable fastening of the lens (206) to the housing (202). [4] Interior light (200) according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of pawls (208) comprises a projection (302) and each of the corresponding locking elements (210) comprises a groove (304) configured to receive the projection (302) of the corresponding pawl. [5] Interior light (200) according to claim 4, wherein the grooves (304) at the junction of the wall structure (202B) and the edge section (202C) are configured such that when the lens (206) is placed over the open end of the wall structure, the multiple locking pawls (208) align with the wall structure (202B) to allow the entire open end of the wall structure (202B) to be exposed to the lens (206) in order to maximize the light-capturing area of ​​the lens (206). [6] Interior light (200) according to claim 1, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) (212) which is mounted in the cavity (202D) and wherein the light source (204) is mounted on the PCB (212). [7] Interior light (200) according to claim 6, wherein the light source (204) is an LED and the circuit board (212) comprises one or more electronic components for controlling the LED. [8] Interior light (200) according to claim 6, wherein the circuit board (212) is fastened inside the cavity (202D) by a set of clips (214) arranged on opposite walls of the wall structure (202B) of the housing (202).

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