Lighting unit of a vehicle exterior mirror

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit (2) of a vehicle exterior mirror (1) comprising a housing which includes a housing half-shell (21) and a light lens (24), wherein a receiving space (26) is formed inside between the housing half-shell (21) and the light lens (24), a light guide (8) which is arranged in the receiving space (26) and extends along the light lens (24), which forms an outer contour of the lighting unit (2), a light source (9), preferably an LED which is arranged on a circuit board in the housing, wherein the light from the light source (9) is coupled into the light guide (8), wherein the light guide (8) comprises light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures (86 / 87), and wherein the coupled light is deflected by the structures (86 / 87) such that the light shines outwards through the light lens (24).To generate dynamic lighting effects, the light guide (8) is arranged rotating around its longitudinal axis (L) in the housing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting unit of a vehicle exterior mirror, as well as a vehicle exterior mirror with such a lighting unit.

[0002] Vehicle exterior mirrors with integrated side indicator lights are known, for example, from documents EP 0 941 892 A2, EP 1 698 515 A2 and EP 0 858 932 A2. According to applicable ECE standards, these so-called side indicator lights must emit light in the opposite direction of travel within an angle of 5 to 60°. The section of the lighting unit that meets these legal requirements constitutes the legally defined illumination area.

[0003] ECE regulations define cross-border technical requirements for establishing approvals or uniform approval procedures for motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. ECE R6 is the relevant standard for turn signals (indicators) mounted on the side or rear of a vehicle.

[0004] To improve the visibility of the lighting function of such light units, additional light emission in the direction of travel is desired. Accordingly, the light units are designed with an additional lighting area. Furthermore, vehicle manufacturers require that this additional lighting area serve a design function. This allows for a design differentiation between vehicles from different manufacturers. This additional lighting area is subsequently referred to as the design lighting area.

[0005] Document DE 20 2005 014 267 U1 discloses a signal light unit comprising a legally required illumination area and a design illumination area. For this purpose, the signal light unit uses LEDs as light sources, which couple the light into light guide elements. These light guide elements are designed as rod-shaped components with an output structure and are arranged and configured such that the coupled light is directed to a large-area light-emitting surface designed as a light disk. This light-emitting surface often extends in a band shape from a point on the mirror housing facing the vehicle to an outer point on the mirror housing facing away from the vehicle.

[0006] Vehicle manufacturers use this optional area in particular to achieve lighting effects that have a design function and thus establish a clear association with the respective vehicle manufacturer.

[0007] Due to the aforementioned regulations governing the approval process, only lighting units that produce a static emission of light waves when the LEDs are activated can be used for the turn signals integrated into the vehicle's exterior mirrors. The design effects achievable in the area of ​​decorative lighting are therefore very limited.

[0008] Document DE 20 2015 105 115 U1 discloses a lighting unit for a rearview mirror of a vehicle, comprising a light source and a first and second optical unit. In one embodiment, a light guide is provided which, in a first mode, directs the light from the light source to the first optical unit and, in a second mode, directs the light from the light source to the second optical unit.

[0009] EP 1 923 266 A1 discloses an external rearview mirror for vehicles. The external rearview mirror has a mirror housing with a light window and a light source arranged behind the light window. The light source has a bulb, the light from which passes through the light window. Part of the light source is adjustable.

[0010] Document JP 2022 - 82 086 A describes a direction indicator for vehicles, with a drive unit designed to emit light in a chain-like pattern by rotating a light shielding element when the light source is in the illuminated state.

[0011] JP 2000 - 322 909 A shows a lighting system for a vehicle with a rotating device that rotates a rotating side light guide to selectively direct light from a light source onto each of the stationary side light guides.

[0012] The present invention aims to further develop a lighting unit of a vehicle exterior mirror in such a way that the variation of design effects in the design lighting area is expanded and the light effects appear dynamic.

[0013] The present invention solves this problem, in a first aspect, by means of a lighting unit of a vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 1.

[0014] The lighting unit of a vehicle exterior mirror comprises a housing which includes a housing half-shell and a light lens, wherein a receiving space is formed inside between the housing half-shell and the light lens, a light guide which is arranged in the receiving space and extends along the light lens which forms an outer contour of the lighting unit, a light source, preferably an LED which is arranged on a circuit board in the housing, wherein the light of the light source is coupled into the light guide, wherein the light guide comprises light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures, and wherein the coupled light is deflected by the structures in such a way that the light shines outwards through the light lens.

[0015] The light guide is arranged in the housing in a rotating position around its longitudinal axis.

[0016] The light-refracting and / or light-scattering structures are arranged or designed in such a way that they create a dynamic light effect visible through the light disk when the light guide is rotated.

[0017] Another aspect involves the implementation of a vehicle exterior mirror with an integrated lighting unit.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0019] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawing.

[0020] It shows: Fig. 1. A view of a vehicle exterior mirror with integrated lighting unit according to the state of the art, Fig. 2 a cross-section through a vehicle exterior mirror with integrated lighting unit according to the present invention, Fig. 3 a partial view of a light guiding element of the lighting unit according to a first embodiment, Fig. 4 a partial view of a light guide element of the lighting unit according to a second embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a method for manufacturing the light guiding element according to the second embodiment.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle exterior mirror 1 with an integrated lighting unit 2, comprising a mirror base 3 and a mirror head 4. The vehicle exterior mirror 1 is attached to the driver's or passenger's side of the vehicle in a known manner. The front view shown depicts the side of the vehicle exterior mirror facing forward in the direction of travel when mounted. The mirror head 4 is typically adjustable or foldable on the mirror base 3 and has a mirror housing 5 made of a thermoplastic material. A mirror disc 7 is inserted into a first receiving opening of the mirror housing 5 and is mounted on an adjustable bracket located inside the mirror housing 5. The mirror disc 7 is shown in the illustration. Fig. 1. Not visible, as it is located on the back of the vehicle's exterior mirror. From the Fig. Figure 1 shows that a recess is provided in the mirror housing 5, into which a lighting unit 2 is inserted.

[0022] The lighting unit 2 is designed as a module and has the function of an additional flashing light in the vehicle's exterior mirror 1.

[0023] The lighting unit 2 extends over approximately the entire width of the rearview mirror housing 5, starting from a side Z of the vehicle exterior mirror 1 facing the vehicle to an outer side A of the mirror housing 5 facing away from the vehicle.

[0024] For these additional turn signals integrated into the vehicle's exterior mirror, the applicable ECE standards stipulate that the light must be emitted against the direction of travel within an angle of 5 to 60° (arrow R1). This legally prescribed area is indicated in the drawings by arrow R1. This illumination area is referred to as the legally mandated illumination area and, in the embodiment according to the invention, is achieved by a separate light guide 6.

[0025] To improve the visibility of the lighting function of such lighting units, additional light emission in the direction of travel is desired. This optional area of ​​the lighting function is indicated in the drawings by the arrow R2.

[0026] Vehicle manufacturers also use this optional area in particular to achieve lighting effects.

[0027] In another embodiment of the vehicle exterior mirror 1, the mirror housing 5 can also be made in one piece, with a corresponding recess for receiving the housing in order to integrate the lighting unit 2.

[0028] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the vehicle exterior mirror 1 with built-in lighting unit 2 in a cross-section.

[0029] The luminaire unit 2 essentially comprises a trough-shaped housing shell 21, a light diffuser 24, a light guide 8 for fulfilling the design lighting area, at least one light source 9, a circuit board with electrical connections, and control electronics (not shown). Furthermore, the illustrated luminaire unit includes a light guide 6 for fulfilling the legally required lighting area. This legally required area is not described in detail below, as it is known to those skilled in the art. The housing shell 21 is in the Fig. 2 not shown. The light lens 24 is made of a translucent first plastic material by an injection molding process and, in the installed position in the vehicle exterior mirror, forms a light-transmitting window section 22. The light-transmitting window section 22 is, as can be seen from the Fig. 1 can be seen as a narrow, ribbon-shaped section. The housing shell 21 is made of a colored plastic material and, together with the light lens 24, forms a closed, modular housing with an intermediate receiving chamber 26.

[0030] The light guide 8 is elongated and extends parallel behind and along the translucent window section 22 of the light disk 24 in the receiving space 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 8 is designed as a cylindrical element with a longitudinal axis L. The light guide 8 has external teeth 84 at its first end region.

[0031] The light guide 8 is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis L in the receiving space 26 of the housing. For this purpose, the lighting unit 2 has an actuator 30 arranged in the housing, which comprises an electric motor 31 and a gear 32. The gear 32 has external teeth and is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the electric motor. The external teeth of the gear 32 mesh with the external teeth 84 of the light guide 8, so that the light guide 8 can be set into rotation by means of a corresponding control signal to the electric motor 31.

[0032] The optical fiber 8 has at least one coupling section 81. The coupling section 81 is arranged at the first end region of the optical fiber 8 facing side Z.

[0033] Behind the light disc 24, in an area adjacent to the coupling section 81, light sources 9 are arranged. Light sources 9 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). As can be seen from the illustration of the Fig. As can still be seen in Figure 2, the light source 9 is arranged on a circuit board P, which is connected to electrical terminals and an associated control unit. Circuit board P and light-emitting diode (LED) 9 are arranged in the receiving space 26 such that, when appropriately controlled to achieve a lighting effect, the light shines into the coupling section 81 of the associated light guide 8. The light is emitted as static continuous light waves in accordance with the prescribed legal requirements.

[0034] The optical fiber 8 has light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures 87 / 86 for light extraction, which are designed such that when the optical fiber 8 is rotated about its longitudinal axis L, the light coupled into the coupling section 81 is deflected by the structures 87 / 86 in such a way that the light, or at least a part of the light rays, shines outwards through the light disk 24 (symbolized by the arrows R2). This creates dynamic lighting effects.

[0035] Based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 describes two possible designs of optical fibers 8 with light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures 86 / 87. These are described in the Fig. 2 not apparent.

[0036] In a first embodiment according to the Fig. 3 The light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures 86 are designed as spiral helixes 88 with light-extraction structures running longitudinally around the light guide 8. This spiral helix 88 generates the desired dynamic light effect when the light guide 8 is rotated about its longitudinal axis L, which is perceptible through the light window 22 of the light disk 24.

[0037] The optical fiber 8 with a circumferential helical helix 88 is manufactured from a plastic material using a known extrusion process. Extrusion is a shaping process primarily used for thermoplastic materials. In this process, the plastic, as a viscous mass, is forced through a die under high pressure and temperature. Preferably, a screw extruder is used in the manufacturing process for producing the optical fiber 8. In the first step, the plastic to be processed, in the form of granules, is fed into a cylinder via a hopper. The plastic is continuously melted by means of heating elements and the resulting frictional energy. The screw or twin screw conveys and compacts the melting granules, continuously pressurizing them.Following the actual extrusion, a water-cooled calibration step is often performed, which completes the shaping process by pressing the part against the calibration wall, forming the opening 103. The calibration is typically followed by a water bath to cool the optical fiber 8.

[0038] In a second embodiment according to the Fig. 4 The light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures 87 are designed as gas bubbles located longitudinally within the light guide 8. These irregularly distributed gas bubbles inside the light guide 8 produce the desired dynamic light effect when the light guide 8 is rotated, which is perceptible through the light window 22 of the light disk 24.

[0039] The optical fiber 8, with gas bubbles 87 formed inside it, is also manufactured from a plastic material using a known extrusion process. Preferably, a screw extruder is used in the manufacturing process for producing the optical fiber 8. In the first step, the plastic 100 to be processed, in the form of granules, is introduced into a cylinder via a hopper 101. The plastic is continuously melted by means of heating elements and the resulting frictional energy. The screw or twin screw 102 conveys and compacts the melting granules, continuously pressurizing them. During this process step, nitrogen is injected into the melted granules via a corresponding feed line 104.Following the actual extrusion, a water-cooled calibration process is often used, which completes the shaping by pressing the workpiece against the calibration wall, which acts as the forming opening. The calibration process is typically followed by a water bath to cool the optical fiber 8.

Claims

[1] Lighting unit (2) of a vehicle exterior mirror (1) consisting of - a housing which comprises a housing half-shell (21) and a lens (24), wherein a receiving space (26) is formed in the interior between the housing half-shell (21) and the lens (24) - a light guide (8) which is arranged in the receiving space (26) and extends along the light disc (24) which forms an outer contour of the lighting unit (2), - a light source (9), preferably an LED arranged on a circuit board in the housing, wherein the light of the light source (9) is coupled into the light guide (8) - wherein the light guide (8) comprises light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures (86 / 87), and wherein the coupled-in light is deflected by the structures (86 / 87) in such a way that the light radiates outwards through the light disc (24), wherein - the light guide (8) is arranged in the housing so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis (L), wherein - the light-refracting and / or light-scattering structures (86 / 87) are arranged or designed in such a way that they produce a dynamic light effect visible through the light disc (24) upon rotation of the light guide (8), and wherein the light-refracting and / or light-reflecting structures (86 / 87) either - designed as a spiral helix (88) extending longitudinally around the outer circumference of the light guide (8) or - are designed as gas bubbles formed in the interior of the light guide (8) and the light guide (8) is produced from a thermoplastic material in an extrusion process, wherein the gas bubbles (87) are formed by injecting a gas, preferably nitrogen, during the extrusion. [2] Lighting unit (2) of a vehicle exterior mirror (1) according to claim 1, characterized byin that the lighting unit (2) comprises an actuator (30) which is arranged in the housing, wherein the actuator (30) comprises an electric motor (31), and wherein the electric motor (31) is operatively connected to the light guide (8) to achieve the rotation. [3] Lighting unit (2) of a vehicle exterior mirror (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the operative connection is formed by a gear wheel (32) arranged on the motor shaft of the electric motor (31) with an external toothing and a toothing (84) on the outer circumference of the optical fiber (8). [4] Vehicle exterior mirror (1) with integrated lighting unit (2) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the vehicle exterior mirror (1) comprises a mirror housing (5) with at least one recess, wherein the lighting unit (2) is arranged integrated in the recess of the mirror housing (5) such that the light guide (8) is arranged in the design lighting area of ​​the vehicle exterior mirror (1).

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