Lighting system for split rear lights of a vehicle

Abstract

A split rear light for a vehicle is provided, comprising a fixed rear light provided in a housing and on a part of the vehicle body and a movable rear light provided in a housing and on a tailgate of the vehicle, wherein the fixed and movable rear lights are opposite each other via a gap when the tailgate is closed, wherein the fixed rear light is powered via a wiring harness of the vehicle and the movable rear light is powered contactlessly such that energy is transferred contactlessly from the side of the fixed rear light to the movable rear light by means of electromagnetic waves and / or electromagnetic fields.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting system for split rear lights of a vehicle.

[0002] Rear lights on vehicles consist of several lights, which can be spatially separated. For example, some lights may be fixed to the body, while others move with the trunk lid. These parts can perform different functions, such as turn signals, brake lights, taillights, reversing lights, or fog lights. Both one-piece and split rear lights are known. The light sources in split rear lights, where one part is fixed to the vehicle and the other to the trunk lid, are controlled via separate power and signal lines. The part of the rear light fixed to the vehicle is controlled via a vehicle-integrated wiring harness, while the part fixed to the trunk lid is controlled via a separate trunk lid wiring harness, which is connected to the vehicle-integrated wiring harness, for example, in the area of ​​the trunk lid hinges.Synchronization of the lights must be provided for certain functions.

[0003] A separate wiring harness in the tailgate, however, is an additional component that requires a lot of material and installation space and is difficult to handle during assembly. Furthermore, the flexible wires used there can break over time and are difficult to replace. For this reason, lighting elements with a safety load are usually integrated into the vehicle's fixed structure.

[0004] From DE 10 2021 131 381 A1, a split rear light is known in which power is supplied via contact elements provided in both parts of the rear light. Power and signal are supplied from the outer rear light to the inner (movable) rear light, so that no separate wiring harness is required. Further prior art regarding light transmission in a split rear light is known from documents DE 10 2021 132 111 A1, KR 10 2018 062 090 A, US 2017 / 0 268 741 A1, and EP 0 053 783 A1. DE 10 2023 106 887 A1 describes the use of a laser light source to illuminate a vehicle door.

[0005] It is an object of this invention to provide an improved or alternative lighting system that also eliminates the need for a separate wiring harness in the area of ​​the movable rear light. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A split rear light for a vehicle is provided, comprising a fixed rear light provided in a housing and on a part of the vehicle body and a movable rear light provided in a housing and on a tailgate of the vehicle, wherein the fixed and movable rear lights are opposite each other via a gap when the tailgate is closed, wherein the fixed rear light is powered via a wiring harness of the vehicle and the movable rear light is powered contactlessly such that energy is transferred contactlessly from the side of the fixed rear light to the movable rear light by means of electromagnetic waves and / or electromagnetic fields.Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one sensor is provided on the side of the movable rear light, which is configured to measure the transmitted light intensity and transmit it to a control unit for further processing, which is configured to output a control signal in the event that the measured light output falls below a predetermined value, in order to increase the transmission power.

[0007] Furthermore, it is planned that control signals will also be transmitted contactlessly.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided that optical energy transmission takes place by providing at least one first optical waveguide on the side of the fixed rear light and a second optical waveguide on the side of the movable rear light, which are positioned opposite each other via opposing openings in the housings in such a way that light can be coupled from the optical waveguide on the side of the fixed rear light into the optical waveguide on the side of the movable rear light.

[0009] Furthermore, it is provided that on the side of the fixed rear light a first lens is arranged such that light coupled out of the optical fiber on the side of the fixed rear light is scattered towards the optical fiber on the side of the movable rear light, and wherein a second lens is provided on the side of the movable rear light, which focuses the received light and couples it into a first end of the optical fiber on the side of the movable rear light, and wherein the light is coupled out at a second end of the optical fiber.

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that a deflecting means is provided and arranged on the side of the movable rear light in such a way that the light coupled out from the second end of the optical fiber strikes it and is directed in a predetermined direction.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that optical energy transfer takes place by providing at least one light source on the side of the fixed rear light and a deflecting means on the side of the movable rear light, wherein the light source is designed and arranged to emit light in the direction of the movable rear light and through opposing openings in the housings such that the light on the side of the movable rear light hits the deflecting means, wherein the deflecting means is formed either as a reflector or as a luminescent surface.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that optical energy transfer takes place by providing and arranging a laser as a light source and a micromirror on the side of the fixed rear light in such a way that laser light emitted by the laser hits the micromirror and is deflected by it in such a way towards the movable rear light and through opposing openings in the housings that the laser light hits a deflecting means arranged there on the side of the movable rear light, which is formed either as a reflector or as a luminescent surface.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that inductive energy transfer takes place by providing at least one first coupling element, serving as a transmitter, on the side of the fixed rear light, which is designed to transfer electrical energy from the side of the fixed rear light to the side of the movable rear light without contact, wherein at least one second coupling element, serving as a receiver, is provided on the side of the movable rear light, which supplies energy to at least one light source provided on the side of the movable rear light.

[0014] Furthermore, it is intended that the light source is designed to emit visible or invisible light.

[0015] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed featuring a split rear light.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing, which shows details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 each show a schematic representation of important components of the split rear light for inductive or capacitive energy transfer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 3 to 5 each show a schematic representation of important components of the split rear light for optical energy transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements or functions are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0019] The basic concept of the invention is to provide a contactless power supply, and if required, a signal supply, for the lights of a movable rear light in the case of a split rear light, so that no separate wiring harness is needed.

[0020] Split taillights consist of two parts: one fixed and one movable. The fixed taillight is permanently attached to a vehicle component, particularly the body, while the movable taillight is permanently attached to a pivoting vehicle component, such as a tailgate. Therefore, the fixed taillight can also be referred to as a vehicle-mounted taillight, and the movable taillight as a tailgate-mounted taillight. The movable taillight is usually located on the inside of the vehicle, while the fixed taillight is typically located on the outside, as it is positioned on an outer body panel.

[0021] According to the invention, the fixed rear light is designed as an active rear light with a connection to the power and signal supply, while the movable rear light is designed as a passive rear light, powered via the fixed rear light. The movable rear light receives its power wirelessly as soon as the tailgate is closed, thus putting both rear lights into their operating position. The fixed rear light is therefore the active part of the rear lights. This eliminates the need for a separate tailgate wiring harness for the movable rear lights, thereby avoiding vulnerable wiring harness bends in the area of ​​the tailgate hinges.

[0022] Both fixed and movable taillights feature a housing containing lights that are designed (size, color, shape) according to their application. Lights that must remain illuminated even when the tailgate is open are advantageously installed in fixed taillights, as they are then permanently connected to the wiring harness. Currently, one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or fiber optics are commonly used as the light source in these lights. Furthermore, reflectors and / or optics are typically incorporated to reflect the light emitted by the light source and / or deflect it in a specific direction.

[0023] According to the invention, no electrical contact elements are provided for the contactless power supply of the movable rear light, which engage with each other as soon as the tailgate is closed. Instead, a contactless transmission is provided, as described below. The design ensures that the housings of the fixed and the movable rear light have the smallest possible, defined gap between them when the tailgate is closed. The light sources in the fixed rear light 10 are directly connected to a vehicle wiring harness for power supply.

[0024] In a first embodiment, energy transfer between the fixed rear light 10 and the movable rear light 20 is provided for by contactless inductive or capacitive means. Both types of energy transfer and their implementation are well known, so they will only be discussed briefly here. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an inductive energy transfer. In the fixed rear light 10, at least one coupling element 12, in the form of a coil, is provided as a transmitter and is supplied with current from the wiring harness. This coil generates an alternating magnetic field. On the side of the movable rear light 20, another coupling element 22, in the form of a coil, is provided as a receiver.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which a coupling element 12, 22 is provided in each rear light for each light source 21. The coupling element 22 on the side of the movable rear light 20 can be formed as part of a light source 21, or the light source 21 can be electrically connected to the coupling element 22. This allows the light sources 21 of the movable rear light to be controlled discreetly and directly from the fixed rear light 10 via their respective coupling elements 12, 22.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which a single coupling element 12, 22 is provided in each rear light 10, 20, i.e. a transmitter (coil) on the side of the fixed rear light 10 and a coil with associated electronics 220 for controlling the light sources 21 on the side of the movable rear light 20.

[0027] Alternatively, one of the coupling elements 12, 22 can be used for transmitting control signals instead of for power transmission, using, for example, frequency modulation or other wireless coding methods. A further coupling element 12, 22 can also be provided to transmit control signals inductively or capacitively. These control signals serve to communicate with the corresponding electronics 220 of the light source 21 in such a way that the correct light source 21 can be controlled.

[0028] In capacitive energy transfer, the transfer does not take place, as in contactless inductive transfer, via magnetically coupled windings (electromagnetic waves), but rather via the use of the electric field. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 also abstractly shows capacitive coupling, where reference symbols 12 and 22 each represent a capacitor.

[0029] As an alternative to transferring electrical energy from the fixed rear light 10 to the movable rear light 20, light can also be transferred. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a light source 11 on the side of the fixed rear light 10 emits light towards the movable rear light 20. This light shines through opposing openings in the fixed and the movable rear light 10, 20 onto the side of the movable rear light 20 and strikes a deflecting element 23 there.

[0030] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a light source 11 on the side of the fixed rear light 10 couples light into one end of an optical fiber 24.1, which is provided on the side of the fixed rear light 10. The other end of the optical fiber 24.1 of the fixed rear light 10 points towards the movable rear light 20. At this end, the light is coupled out and shines through openings 101 provided in the fixed and the movable rear light 10, 20 onto the side of the movable rear light 20. There, another optical fiber 24.2 is provided, into whose end the light couples and along a predetermined path (in Fig. 4 (this is straight, but it can also be curved) is guided to a second end of the optical fiber 24.2, from which it then exits (coups). A deflecting device 23 (e.g., a reflector) can be provided at this end, which deflects the incident light in a predetermined direction. In a further embodiment, a lens 25.1 in the form of a diffusing lens is provided in the housing of the fixed rear light 10, which scatters the light exiting the optical fiber 24.1 towards openings 101. On the side of the movable rear light 20, another lens 25.2 is provided, which focuses the received light and couples it into the optical fiber 24.2. This coupling optic is necessary to compensate for tolerances over a larger area and thus ensure transmission. In general, a larger transmission area of ​​the light automatically results in greater coverage even with suboptimal placement.In this version, a separate optical fiber 24.1, 24.2 is provided for each controllable light (e.g. turn signal, reversing light, brake light, etc.).

[0031] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a laser 27 is provided as the light source 11 on the side of the fixed rear light 10. This laser emits light (laser beam) towards a movable micromirror 28 (MEMS) also provided on the side of the fixed rear light 10. The MEMS is arranged such that it deflects the laser light towards the movable rear light 20. As shown in the figures relating to Fig. 3 and Fig.In the embodiments described in section 4, opposing openings 101 are provided in the housing of the fixed and the movable rear light 10, 20, through which the laser light is guided by means of the micromirror 28. On the side of the movable rear light 20, a deflecting element 23 is provided, by which the laser light is scattered and / or deflected. The micromirror 28 can be movable, in which case it is electrically controlled. By being able to move the micromirror 28, patterns can be projected on the side of the movable rear light 20, particularly if the deflecting element 23 is designed as a luminescent surface (phosphorescent or fluorescent).

[0032] In one embodiment, the deflecting element 23 is formed as a luminescent surface. By selectively and controllably illuminating a luminescent surface with directed, short-wavelength light, the deflection of visible light can be omitted, since the luminescent surfaces are self-illuminating. A pattern can also be displayed by appropriately shaping the luminescent surface.

[0033] In another embodiment, a luminescent surface can also be provided on the side of the fixed rear light 10. Because the luminescent surfaces in both rear lights 10, 20 are illuminated by a light source 21, a uniform light pattern (optical appearance) can be achieved. This is advantageous, for example, in the case of a taillight extending over both rear lights 10, 20.

[0034] The direct, contactless transmission of light to the movable rear light 20 allows for greater freedom in design than before.

[0035] In all embodiments, the transmitted light can be either visible light or (invisible) light with a shorter wavelength (e.g., UV light). In an embodiment in which the light source 11 or the laser 27 emits visible light, the deflecting element 23 is designed as a reflector. In an embodiment in which the light source 11 or the laser 27 emits invisible light, the deflecting element 23 is designed as a luminescent surface that glows when exposed to the incident light. Depending on the functional requirements, the surface can be phosphorescent and / or fluorescent.

[0036] Since energy transfer occurs via a gap between the two rear lights 10 and 20, dirt can accumulate there for a certain period of time, for example, until the next wash. To ensure that sufficient light reaches the movable rear light 20 via optical transmission, one embodiment may include monitoring of the transmitted light intensity. This can be achieved by one or more sensors, positioned, for example, in the movable rear light 20, which measure the received light intensity. Transmission to the control unit via the fixed rear light 10 can be inductive. If the measured light output falls below a predetermined value, the transmission power may be increased to at least reach the predetermined value.This control can be carried out by the control unit that receives the measured values ​​of the light intensity, or by another control unit that controls the optical transmission.

[0037] In summary, a split rear light is provided in which, in the case of optical energy transfer, no powered light source such as an LED is required on the movable rear light 20 side, as the energy transfer occurs via the fixed rear light 10, meaning a powered light source on the fixed tailgate side 10 is used as the light source. In the case of electrical (inductive / capacitive) energy transfer, one or more light sources such as LEDs are present on the movable rear light 20 side, to which electrical energy is transferred contactlessly from the fixed rear light 10 side. Therefore, the wiring harness that would otherwise be required in the area of ​​the movable rear light 20, i.e., the tailgate, can be omitted. Reference symbol list 10 fixed rear lights 101 Opening 11 light bulbs 12 coupling element 20 movable rear lights 201 Opening 21 light bulbs 22 coupling element 220 Electronics 23 Deflection devices 24.1, 24.2 Optical fibers 25.1, 25.2 lens 27 lasers 28 micromirrors

Claims

[1] Split rear light of a vehicle, comprising a fixed rear light (10) provided in a housing and on a part of the vehicle body and a movable rear light (20) provided in a housing and on a tailgate of the vehicle, wherein the fixed and movable rear lights (10, 20) are opposite each other via a gap when the tailgate is closed, wherein the fixed rear light (10) is supplied with energy via a wiring harness (3) of the vehicle and the movable rear light (20) is supplied with energy without contact such that energy is transferred without contact from the side of the fixed rear light (10) to the movable rear light (20) by means of electromagnetic waves and / or electromagnetic fields, characterized by, that at least one sensor is provided on the side of the movable rear light (20) which is designed to measure the transmitted light intensity and to transmit it to a control unit for further processing, which is designed to output a control signal in order to increase the transmission power if the measured light power falls below a predetermined value. [2] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein control signals are additionally transmitted contactlessly. [3] Split rear light of a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein optical energy transmission takes place by providing at least a first optical waveguide (24.1) on the side of the fixed rear light (10) and a second optical waveguide (24.2) on the side of the movable rear light (20), which are opposite each other via opposing openings (101) in the housings such that light from the optical waveguide (24.1) on the side of the fixed rear light (10) can be coupled into the optical waveguide (24.2) on the side of the movable rear light (20). [4] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein on the side of the fixed rear light (10) a first lens (25.1) is arranged such that light coupled out of the optical fiber (25.1) on the side of the fixed rear light (10) is scattered towards the optical fiber (24.2) on the side of the movable rear light (20), and wherein on the side of the movable rear light (20) a second lens (25.2) is provided which focuses the received light and couples it into a first end of the optical fiber (24.2) on the side of the movable rear light (20), and wherein the light is coupled out at a second end of the optical fiber (24.2). [5] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a deflecting means (23) is further provided and arranged on the side of the movable rear light (20) such that the light coupled out from the second end of the optical fiber (24.2) strikes it and is directed in a predetermined direction. [6] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein optical energy transfer is effected by providing at least one light source (11) on the side of the fixed rear light (10) and a deflecting means (23) on the side of the movable rear light (20), wherein the light source (11) is configured and arranged to emit light in the direction of the movable rear light (20) and through opposing openings (101) in the housings such that the light on the side of the movable rear light (20) strikes the deflecting means (23), wherein the deflecting means (23) is formed either as a reflector or as a luminescent surface. [7] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein optical energy transfer takes place by providing and arranging a laser (27) as a light source (11) and a micromirror (28) on the side of the fixed rear light (10) such that laser light emitted by the laser (27) strikes the micromirror (28) and is deflected by it in such a way towards the movable rear light (20) and through opposing openings (101) in the housings such that the laser light strikes a deflecting means (23) arranged on the side of the movable rear light (20), which is formed either as a reflector or as a luminescent surface. [8] Split rear light of a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein inductive energy transfer takes place by providing at least one first coupling element (12) serving as a transmitter on the side of the fixed rear light (10), which is configured to transfer electrical energy from the side of the fixed rear light (10) to the side of the movable rear light (20) without contact, wherein at least one second coupling element (22) serving as a receiver is provided on the side of the movable rear light (20), which supplies energy to at least one light source (21) provided on the side of the movable rear light (20). [9] Split rear light of a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (11, 27) is configured to emit visible or invisible light.

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