Transparent disc with a holding device for optical fibers

Abstract

Transparent disk (1), wherein the disk (1) is a disk body (1a) that is transparent to light and is bounded by a first surface (2) – referred to as the outer surface (2) – and a second surface (3) opposite the first surface (2) – referred to as the inner surface (3), wherein at least one holding device (10) for holding at least one optical fiber (50) on the disk body (1a) is arranged on the disk body (1a), wherein The holding device (10) is attached to the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) and the holding device (10) has at least one recess (11) extending over a length (L) along the inner surface (3) and substantially parallel to the inner surface (3), wherein the at least one recess (11) is open in a region (12) facing away from the disk body (1a) so that at least one optical fiber (50) can be inserted into the at least one recess (11) from a side facing away from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a), and wherein further holding means (20) are provided with which the at least one optical fiber (50) arranged in the at least one recess (11) can be held, wherein the holding device (10) is designed to project from the inner surface (3) of the disc body (1a), in particular to project vertically, and wherein the at least one recess (11) of cheeks (11a, 11b) is formed, which project from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) and preferably run parallel to each other in the longitudinal extent of the at least one recess (11), and wherein at least one optical fiber (50) can be inserted into the at least one recess (11), wherein the height of the cheeks (11a, 11b) measured from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) is such that the at least one optical fiber (50) protrudes from the recess (11) or does not protrude, and wherein the retaining means (20) comprise a film (70) which is applied to the cheeks (11a, 11b) in such a way that the at least one optical fiber (50) is pressed into the recess (11), and preferably against the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transparent disc, wherein the disc is a disc body transparent to light, which is bounded by a first surface - referred to as the outer surface - and a second surface opposite the first surface - referred to as the inner surface - wherein at least one holding device for holding at least one optical fiber on the disc body is arranged on the disc body.

[0002] Optical fibers are used in a wide variety of applications, for example in automotive headlights and lighting systems, such as daytime running lights and position lamps, turn signals, for creating light distributions (e.g., in adaptive headlights), or as design elements. Optical fibers are shaped and arranged in various forms and patterns to create aesthetically pleasing design elements within the headlight or lighting system. This allows vehicle manufacturers to create distinctive and eye-catching headlight designs that contribute to the vehicle's identity and allow drivers to personalize their vehicles.

[0003] Such lighting devices often have at least one light source, which can be used to generate one or more light distributions (low beam, high beam, etc.) or signal light functions (e.g., cornering lights, etc.). This at least one light source can be, for example, one or more LEDs, but also a more complex arrangement of light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, which, in combination with light-shaping devices (e.g., reflectors, projection lenses, light guides, etc.), produce the desired light distribution(s) or light function(s).

[0004] For the optical fiber(s), one or more additional light sources are usually provided, with which light is fed into the optical fiber(s) at one or the ends and propagates in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber(s) and exits from it, for example by light scattering at the cladding surface of the optical fiber, so that the optical fiber glows.

[0005] In typical applications, the optical fibers are attached to a holder which is located in a housing, such as the housing of a car headlight or taillight, or in the housing of a lighting device that is mounted on a side area of ​​a vehicle.

[0006] The housing of such a lighting device, in which one or more light sources are typically arranged, is covered or closed by a translucent, transparent disc, which in the context of lighting devices for a motor vehicle is often referred to as a cover plate or end plate. The disc is transparent in at least part of the wavelength range of the light emitted by the at least one light source; this wavelength range typically lies in the visible and / or infrared wavelength range.

[0007] Generally, it is desirable to position the optical fiber as close as possible to the transparent disc to achieve an optimal lighting effect, which is particularly advantageous when using the optical fiber as a design element. For example, such positioning is beneficial for optimally achieving so-called "linear" lighting effects, where light patterns emerge that are large in one direction and small in the perpendicular direction; this creates narrow, line-like light impressions that can act as contour or design lines, for example.

[0008] There are solutions in which the optical fiber is arranged directly in an end plate or cover plate, as described, for example, in DE 10 2017 205 628 A1. This document describes how an optical fiber can be inserted from the outside of an end plate into a longitudinal recess in the plate, for which, for example, the end plate is "bent open" in the area of ​​the recess; this bending of the material largely returns to its original state in the case of an elastic material.

[0009] A disadvantage of this solution is that in any case, an intervention in the end glass, especially from the outside, is necessary, which can lead to optical disturbances or disturbance areas on the end glass, which can impair both the optics of the end glass itself and the function of the end glass in optical terms.

[0010] The use of optical fibers in conjunction with a transparent disc is not only of interest in the automotive lighting sector; rather, the use of optical fibers can also be of interest in connection with general lighting devices, e.g., lighting devices for illuminating living or working spaces, street lighting, etc., in which a translucent, transparent disc is provided, which, for example, closes off a housing of the lighting device.

[0011] Even in such applications, typically at least one light source is provided to realize a basic function of the lighting device, which serves at least one optical fiber - using at least one additional light source - to realize an additional lighting function, for example to realize a design light.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution for how an optical fiber or optical fibers can be positioned as close as possible to a transparent disc, such as a cover disc.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention with a cover plate mentioned above in that the holding device is attached to the inner surface of the disc body and the holding device has at least one recess which extends over a length along the inner surface and substantially parallel to the inner surface, wherein the at least one recess is open in a region facing away from the disc body, so that at least one optical fiber can be inserted into the at least one recess from a side facing away from the inner surface of the disc body, and wherein holding means are further provided with which the at least one optical fiber arranged in the at least one recess can be held.

[0014] According to the invention, a holding device, in particular in the form of a structure projecting from the inside and extending – preferably as minimally as possible – into the housing, is provided on the inner surface of the disc body. This holding device allows one or more optical fibers to be held close to the cover disc or the disc body.

[0015] Preferably, the holding device is made of the same material as the disc body.

[0016] It can be advantageous if the holding device is formed integrally with the disc body.

[0017] According to the invention, it is further provided that the holding device is designed to project from the inner surface of the disc body, in particular to project vertically.

[0018] It may be advantageous to provide that the depression is continuous along its length or has one or more interruptions.

[0019] In the first case, the recess extends almost continuously over the entire length of the optical fiber, or at least over the length of the optical fiber located within the disk body. In the other cases, the recess has one or more interruptions, particularly because no retaining device is provided in the interrupted areas, and consequently, the retaining device is divided into two or more separate, spaced-apart areas, each containing sections of the recess.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the holding device is at least partially made of a translucent material.

[0021] The holding device comprises one or more components in which the recess is formed, these components being connected to the disk body. If these components are transparent, the light emerging from the optical fiber can pass through these components of the holding device and then exit through the transparent disk body to the outside. The holding device may also include other components not connected to the disk body, which are generally not in the path of the light emerging from the optical fiber; such components may also be opaque.

[0022] For example, in the variants described below, where a recess is limited by side panels, these panels can also be made of an opaque material, since no light needs to pass through them. In this case, the panels act as shading baffles and suppress light crosstalk, especially with parallel light strokes or lines that are positioned close together and appear as separate lines due to these shading baffles. This allows brightness contrasts and color differences to be more clearly defined.

[0023] If the depression bottom is formed by the disc body itself, light can pass through it unhindered anyway. However, if the depression bottom is formed by an additional material attached to the inner surface of the disc body, this depression bottom is preferably made of a transparent material.

[0024] The optical fiber may be encased in a transparent, optionally colored, sheath, for example, in the form of a transparent tube. Two or more optical fibers can be encased in such a sheath simultaneously.

[0025] The cladding can, in particular in the case of an optical fiber, completely enclose it, especially around its entire circumference; however, it can also be provided that the cladding is only arranged around part of the circumference of the optical fiber.

[0026] Reference should be made again to the statements made above, according to which the wording "at least one optical fiber ... held / fixed / etc." can mean that one, but also two or more optical fibers are directly held / fixed / etc. by the respective structure, but that this wording can also mean that one or more optical fibers, as described above, are provided with a sheath and this sheath is held / fixed / etc.

[0027] The retaining element can be transparent or at least partially made of an opaque material.

[0028] The invention further provides that at least one recess is formed by cheeks which project from the inner surface of the disk body and preferably run parallel to each other in the longitudinal extent of the at least one recess, and wherein at least one optical fiber can be inserted into the at least one recess, wherein the height of the cheeks measured from the inner surface of the disk body is such that the at least one optical fiber protrudes from the recess or does not protrude, and wherein the retaining means comprise a film which is applied to the cheeks in such a way that the at least one optical fiber is pressed into the recess, and preferably against the inner surface of the disk body.

[0029] The film serves as an encapsulation medium for encapsulating at least one optical fiber or the optical fiber tube in the recess.

[0030] For example, it is provided that the disc is arranged to close a housing of the lighting device, wherein the inner surface of the disc body, in a state of the disc being attached to the lighting device, faces a housing interior formed by the disc and the housing.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention relates to a cover plate system comprising a cover plate according to one of the preceding claims and one or more optical fibers which are held by the holding device on the plate body.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a lighting device with a transparent disc, wherein the transparent disc is a disc as described above.

[0033] Preferably, the lighting device includes one or more additional light sources which are / are designed to feed light into the at least one optical fiber which is held on the cover plate.

[0034] Furthermore, it may be provided that the lighting device comprises at least one light source, wherein the lighting device is configured to realize one or more lighting functions with the at least one light source, wherein the transparent disk is positioned in the beam path of the at least one light source such that light emitted by the at least one light source can strike the inner surface of the disk body and pass through it.

[0035] For example, the lighting device has a housing which is enclosed by the disc, wherein the at least one light source and / or the at least one additional light source is / are arranged in the housing.

[0036] For example, the lighting device is designed as a residential or workroom lighting device, such as a ceiling light or floor lamp, or as street lighting, a luminous sign or a facade exterior lighting device.

[0037] Finally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle light, wherein the motor vehicle light is designed as a motor vehicle headlight or rear light, or is arranged in a motor vehicle headlight or rear light, or is designed as a vehicle interior light or as a vehicle ground projection light, wherein the motor vehicle light comprises at least one lighting device as described above.

[0038] The invention is discussed in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This drawing shows Fig. 1. Roughly schematic representation of the cover lens of a rear light with optical fibers, Fig. 2 a lighting device in the form of a motor vehicle headlight lighting device, Fig. 3 a lighting device in the form of a general lighting device, Fig. 3a another example of a lighting device, Fig. 4 a fiber optic tube comprising several optical fibers which are provided with a sheath, Fig. 5a purely schematically a section of an inner surface of a cover plate with exemplary holding devices and optical fibers, Fig. 5b another purely schematic representation as in Fig. 5a, Fig. 6 A first example of a cover plate in a perspective view from a rear oblique angle, Fig. 6a a section through the cover plate Fig. 6 in the area of ​​a holding device, Fig. 6b a section through a cover plate analogous to the cover plate made of Fig. 6, with a differently designed holding device, Fig. 6c another cut analogous to Fig. 6a, with a differently designed holding device, Fig. 7 a second example of a cover plate in a perspective view from a rear oblique angle, Fig. 7a & 7b a section through the cover plate Fig. 7, Fig. 7c a detailed view of an exemplary recess in the embodiment according to Fig. 7, Fig. 8 a cover plate according to the invention in a perspective view from a rear oblique angle, and Fig. 8a a section through the cover plate Fig. 8.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the transparent disc in the form of a disc 1, e.g., a cover disc of a lighting device 100 for a motor vehicle, which in this example is specifically shown in the form of a taillight, as well as a linear arrangement of two optical fibers 50 on the cover disc 1. With such an arrangement, for example, design effects or a special optical appearance can be achieved, generally or in the case of taillights or a vehicle headlight, which allows the manufacturers of the lighting device, e.g., vehicle manufacturers, to individualize the appearance of their vehicles.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a lighting device 100 in the form of a vehicle headlight in a roughly schematic side view. The lighting device 100 has at least one light source 103, which is arranged in a housing 101. The housing 101 encloses an inner housing space 102, which is closed with a transparent disc 1, the so-called cover disc.

[0041] The light source 103 can be used to generate one or more light distributions (low beam, high beam, etc.) or signal light functions (e.g., cornering light, etc.). The light source 103 can consist of one or more LEDs, or a more complex arrangement of light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, which, in conjunction with light-shaping devices (e.g., reflectors, projection lenses, light guides, etc.), produce the desired light distribution(s) or light function(s). Naturally, the housing can also accommodate two or more such light sources.

[0042] The disk 1 consists of a disk body 1a, which is bounded by an inner surface 3, which faces the light source 103 or the interior of the housing, and an outer surface 2, which faces outwards and the lighting device 100 towards the outside.

[0043] In this purely schematic way, it is Fig. Figure 2 further shows that two optical fibers 50 and an optical fiber tube 51 are arranged on the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a. Regarding the term optical fiber tube 51, reference is made to the description below in connection with Fig. 4 referred.

[0044] The optical fibers 50 and the optical fiber tube 51 are coupled into the optical fiber 50 and the optical fiber tube 51 with light from at least one additional light source 113, for example, an LED or laser light source, which can be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board in the lighting device 100 (e.g., on the printed circuit board on which the light source 103 is located). A coupling element is often used, which, like a connector, connects the optical fiber to the light source, with the connection typically only being established when the cover plate (including the optical fiber) is mounted on the housing of the lighting device 100.

[0045] With the purely exemplary arrangement shown, homogeneous contour illumination on the end plate can be generated by the optical fibers 50 or the optical fiber tube 51.

[0046] In general terms, and not limited to a specific embodiment, it should be noted that the disc can be a clear disc, but that the disc can also be designed at least partially, but also completely, for example, in the manner of frosted glass, by being roughened, colored or tinted in certain areas, having optical structures, and also having areas that are not transparent, as well as any combination of these possibilities.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows another example of a lighting device 100, in this case a ceiling light for an interior space, suspended from a ceiling 500 in the interior space. In this case as well, the lighting device 100 has a housing 101 and a housing interior 102, in which a light source 103 is arranged to achieve a desired lighting function. In the beam path of the light source 103 is a transparent disc 1 comprising a disc body 1a, inner surface 3 and outer surface 2.

[0048] Again, additional light sources 113 are provided for feeding light into optical fibers 50, which are attached to the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a.

[0049] Although this example again shows a housing 101 which is closed off by the disk 1, such a housing 101 is not necessarily required. In general, in lighting devices according to the invention, it is only provided that the disk 1 is arranged in the beam path of the (or at least one of the several) light source(s) 103 of the lighting device 100.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3a shows, as a final example, a lighting device 100 in the form of a display board, in which the information “Name A”, “Name B”, “Name C”, “Name D” is displayed on or behind a transparent disc 1, and this information is each framed by a light strip in the form of an optical fiber 50. Each optical fiber 50 is supplied with light by an additional light source 113, whereby the additional light sources 113, for example LEDs, can emit colored light, e.g. red, blue, green and amber, so that different color effects can be created.

[0051] The terms “NAME A” represent placeholder elements for information in any form, be it graphic and / or textual, in the form of pictograms, etc. These placeholder elements can be simple imprints that can be attached to the outer surface 2 or the inner surface 3. The at least one light source 103 illuminates the placeholder elements from the back, as shown in the figure.

[0052] However, it is not absolutely necessary to provide a light source 103, so that in this case the lighting device has “only” one or more additional light sources as light sources.

[0053] However, it can also be a display or a flat screen, so that different, even changing, information is displayed, in which case several, in particular a large number of light sources are provided.

[0054] Subsequently, as mentioned above, the text will often refer to "one" or "at least one" optical fiber. Referring to Fig. 4. It should be noted at this point that, generally, in the general context and not limited to a specific embodiment, an optical fiber 50 can be encased with a transparent, optionally colored, sheathing 52, or that such a sheathing 52 can also encase two or more optical fibers, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cladding can simultaneously encase the optical fiber 50, forming a transparent optical fiber tube 51. The cladding 52 can, particularly in the case of an optical fiber 50, completely encase it, especially around its entire circumference; however, it can also be provided that the cladding is arranged only around a part of the circumference of the optical fiber 50.

[0055] Therefore, when this text and the patent claims refer to an optical fiber (or "optical fiber 50"), this can also refer to a sheathed optical fiber or an optical fiber tube 51 containing optical fibers 50, as in Fig. 4 shown, meant to be.

[0056] The Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b now shows roughly schematic examples of a disk system 200 according to the invention, which comprises a transparent disk 1 according to the invention and one or, as shown, several optical fibers 50 arranged thereon, as is used in the lighting devices 100 described above.

[0057] As described above, the disk 1 comprises a transparent disk body 1a, which has a first surface 2 - referred to as outer surface 2 - and a second surface 3 opposite the first surface 2 - referred to as inner surface 3 - through which surfaces 2, 3 in the lighting device 100 light generated by the light source 103 can escape into the outside space.

[0058] Specifically, the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b a view of the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a of the disk 1, wherein on the inner surface 3 - in this example several - holding devices 10 for holding optical fibers 50 on the disk body 1a are provided.

[0059] As indicated in these figures, the holding devices 10 each have a recess 11 in which the optical fibers 50 are arranged and held.

[0060] The recesses 11 are, as will be discussed in more detail in the further figures, designed to be open in an area facing away from the disk body 1a, so that one or more optical fibers 50 can be inserted into the respective recess 11 from this direction or side.

[0061] The recesses 11 or holding devices 10 extend over a defined length L along the inner surface 3, as shown in Fig. 5b indicated, and run essentially parallel to the inner surface 3. The depressions 11 are continuous over their length L as shown, but may also have one or more interruptions.

[0062] In the first case, the recess extends almost continuously over the entire length of the optical fiber, or at least over the length of the optical fiber located within the disk body. In the other cases, the recess has one or more interruptions, particularly because no retaining device is provided in the interrupted areas, and consequently, the retaining device is divided into two or more separate, spaced-apart areas, each containing sections of the recess.

[0063] Holding devices 10 can be made of the same material as the disk body 1a, in particular a transparent material, and it can be advantageous if the holding device 10 is formed integrally with the disk body 1a. The holding devices can also be made of a non-transparent material if the holding device is designed in such a way that it does not obstruct the direction of propagation of the light emerging from the optical fiber.

[0064] It is preferably provided that the holding device 10 is designed to project from the inner surface 3 of the cover plate 1, in particular to project vertically.

[0065] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 6a shows a first concrete embodiment. In this embodiment, the (at least one) recess 11 is designed in a groove shape and is formed or bounded by groove cheeks 11a, 11b projecting from the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a, in particular perpendicularly projecting, preferably parallel to each other in the longitudinal extent of the recess 11.

[0066] Furthermore, see in particular Fig. 6a, retaining means 20 are provided, with which the optical fiber 50 arranged in the recess 11 is held. In the present example, the retaining means 20 are formed by the groove cheeks 11a, 11b, in that the groove cheeks 11a, 11b are designed and arranged to each other in such a way that they clamp an optical fiber 50 inserted into the groove-shaped recess 11 in the recess 11.

[0067] In the present example, the holding device 10 thus consists of a holding device body 10' in which the recess 11 is formed in the form of a groove.

[0068] The groove cheeks 11a, 11b thus form a recess 11 that tapers towards the disk body 1a, so that the optical fiber 50, when inserted sufficiently deep into the recess 11, is clamped in it.

[0069] In addition to the groove cheeks, the groove also has a groove base 11c, which faces the inner surface 3. The groove base 11c can be straight / flat ( Fig. 6b, Fig. 6c) or corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber 50 ( Fig. 6a) be formed. It can also be provided that the groove cheeks 11a, 11b are formed at a distance from each other on the inner surface 3, so that the groove base 11c is formed by the inner surface 3 of the cover plate itself ( Fig. 6b), so that light can pass directly and unhindered from the holding device through the cover plate.

[0070] The groove cheeks 11a, 11b can be parallel, but preferably V-shaped (for example with a draft angle of 0° - 10°) or conical, or the cross-section of the groove-shaped recess 11 can be dovetail-shaped.

[0071] Fig. Figure 6c shows a further embodiment in which two recesses 11 share a common groove cheek 11a, 11b, the middle of the depicted groove cheeks.

[0072] The optical fiber 50 (or an optical fiber tube 51) embedded in the groove 11 can be clamped directly in the groove 11. Optionally, the remaining free space in the groove between the groove bottom, groove sides, and optical fiber 50 or tube 52 can be filled with a filler material, preferably transparent, thereby stabilizing the connection in the groove. This situation is described in Fig. 6b shown schematically (filling material 13), where such a filling material is also available in the variants according to Fig. 6a and Fig. 6c may be provided for.

[0073] The filling material is located, for example, only on the back of the optical fiber, or on the back and side surfaces, or on all 4 sides including the front facing the cover plate.

[0074] The filler material is designed to allow unimpeded light emission from the optical fiber to the inner and outer surfaces of the cover plate. If an opaque filler material, for example transparent silicone liquid, is used, which is introduced into the groove and cured after the optical fiber is inserted, it is preferably provided that only the back and / or side surfaces of the optical fiber or optical tube, i.e., areas facing away from the disc body 1a, are covered.

[0075] If no filling material is introduced, an air gap preferably forms between the groove bottom 11c and the optical fiber 50 or the optical fiber tube 51.

[0076] The direction of light emission from the optical fibers is in Fig. 6c is indicated with direction X.

[0077] The Fig. Figures 7 and 7a-7c show a second specific embodiment. In this embodiment, at least one recess 11 is formed by cheeks 11a, 11b, which project from the inner surface 3 of the cover plate 1, in particular perpendicularly, and preferably run parallel to each other along the longitudinal extent of the recess 11. The recess 11 can again be formed in the form of a groove.

[0078] The retaining means 20 comprise a retaining element 21 in which the optical fiber 50 is firmly arranged. The retaining element 21 is designed such that when the retaining element 21 is assembled with the holding device 10, the optical fiber 50 is inserted into the recess 11; in particular, as shown, a portion of the retaining element 21, which holds the optical fiber 50, is inserted into the recess 11.

[0079] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the cover plate, Fig. Figure 7a shows a state in which a retaining element 21 is not yet inserted into the recess 11 in the upper area, while in Fig. 7b both shown retaining elements 21 are inserted into their assigned recesses 11.

[0080] The holding means 20 include, in addition to the holding element 21, fixing means 22, with which the holding element 21 can be fixed to the holding device 10, as will be described further below.

[0081] The optical fiber 50 can be bonded to its retaining element 21 and / or the retaining element 21 can have mechanical means for retaining the optical fiber 50. These mechanical means can be implemented, for example, by providing a recess 60 in the retaining element 21, bounded by two sides 61, 62, for instance in the form of a groove, in which the optical fiber 50 can be clamped or clipped, or alternatively or additionally, it can be bonded in this recess. Fig. 7a and, in enlarged view Fig. Figure 7c shows such a depression 60 formed from cheeks 61, 62, into which an optical fiber 50 ( Fig. 7a) or an optical fiber tube 51 ( Fig. 7c) is used and held.

[0082] In this context, reference should be made again to the statements made above, according to which the wording "at least one optical fiber ... held / fixed / etc." can mean that one, but also two or more optical fibers are directly held / fixed / etc. by the respective structure, but that this wording can also mean that one or more optical fibers, as described above, are provided with a sheath and this sheath is held / fixed / etc.

[0083] The retaining element 21 can be transparent, for example colored or opaque.

[0084] Regarding the fixing of the retaining element 21 to the cover plate, it can be provided that the retaining element 21 and the fixing means 22 are designed such that the optical fiber 50 (the optical fiber tube 51) faces the inner surface 3 of the cover plate 1 with an exposed optical fiber area 50a (optical fiber tube area 51a). "Exposed" in this context means that the area 50a, 51a is not covered by the retaining element 21.

[0085] For example, the fixing means may include adhesives or a mechanical connection between the at least one retaining element 21 and the holding device 10, e.g., clipping the at least one retaining element 21 to the holding device 10, or a welded connection between the at least one retaining element 21 and the holding device 10.

[0086] The retaining element 21 itself can be attached to the holding device 11, for example, by gluing, (laser) welding, or clamping. The retaining element 21 can be designed to be complementary to the holding device 10, in particular to the recess 11, so that it is positively engaged with it.

[0087] Fig. Figure 7c shows a further embodiment of the fixing means 22. According to this figure, it can be provided that the fixing means 22 comprise at least one elastically designed spring element 23, which is preferably arranged in the recess 11, and which, when the retaining element 21 is inserted into the recess 11, exerts a restoring force on the retaining element 21 such that the retaining element 21 and thus the optical fiber - or in the example shown, an optical fiber tube 51 - is mechanically held in the recess 11.

[0088] In the example shown, the spring element 23 is attached in the recess 11 on the cheek 11a of the recess 11 and presses on the retaining element 21 when the latter is inserted into the recess 11.

[0089] The Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 8a shows an embodiment according to the invention. In this embodiment, the at least one recess 11 is formed by cheeks 11a, 11b, which project from the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a, in particular perpendicularly, and preferably run parallel to each other in the longitudinal extent of the at least one recess 11, and wherein the height of the cheeks 11a, 11b, measured from the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a, is such that the at least one optical fiber 50 inserted into the recess 11 protrudes from the recess 11 or does not protrude, i.e., is approximately flush with the upper boundary surface 11a', 11b' of the cheeks 11a, 11b.

[0090] The retaining means 20 can, for example, comprise a film 70 which is applied to the cheeks 11a, 11b, in particular to their upper boundary surfaces 11a', 11b', in such a way that the optical fiber 50 is pressed into the recess 11, and preferably against the inner surface 3 of the disk body 1a, or is held against it.

[0091] The film, e.g. an adhesive film, is applied to the upper boundary surfaces of the cheeks ("cheek end surfaces") in such a way that the opening of the recess 11 is closed and the optical fibers are held inside. 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] DE 10 2017 205 628 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Transparent disk (1), wherein the disk (1) is a disk body (1a) that is transparent to light and is bounded by a first surface (2) – referred to as the outer surface (2) – and a second surface (3) opposite the first surface (2) – referred to as the inner surface (3), wherein at least one holding device (10) for holding at least one optical fiber (50) on the disk body (1a) is arranged, wherein The holding device (10) is attached to the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) and the holding device (10) has at least one recess (11) extending over a length (L) along the inner surface (3) and substantially parallel to the inner surface (3), wherein the at least one recess (11) is open in a region (12) facing away from the disk body (1a) so that at least one optical fiber (50) can be inserted into the at least one recess (11) from a side facing away from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a), and wherein further holding means (20) are provided with which the at least one optical fiber (50) arranged in the at least one recess (11) can be held, wherein the holding device (10) is designed to project from the inner surface (3) of the disc body (1a), in particular to project vertically, and wherein the at least one recess (11) of cheeks (11a, 11b) is formed, which project from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) and preferably run parallel to each other in the longitudinal extent of the at least one recess (11), and wherein at least one optical fiber (50) can be inserted into the at least one recess (11), wherein the height of the cheeks (11a, 11b) measured from the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) is such that the at least one optical fiber (50) protrudes from the recess (11) or does not protrude, and wherein the retaining means (20) comprise a film (70) which is applied to the cheeks (11a, 11b) in such a way that the at least one optical fiber (50) is pressed into the recess (11), and preferably against the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a). [2] Disc according to claim 1, wherein the holding device (10) is made of the same material as the disc body (1a). [3] Disc according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (10) is formed integrally with the disc body (1a). [4] Disc according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the depression (11) is continuous over its length (L) or has one or more interruptions. [5] Disc according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (10) is formed at least partially from a transparent material. [6] Disc (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disc (1) is configured to close a housing (101) of a lighting device (100), wherein the inner surface (3) of the disc body (1a) in a state of the disc (1) attached to the lighting device (100) faces a housing interior (102) formed by the disc (1) and the housing (101). [7] Cover plate system (200) comprising a cover plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims and one or more optical fibers (50) which are held by the holding device (10) on the disc body (1a). [8] Lighting device (100) with a transparent disc (1), wherein the transparent disc (1) is designed as a disc (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Lighting device according to claim 8, comprising one or more additional light sources (113) which are configured to feed light into the at least one optical fiber (50) which is held on the cover plate (1). [10] Lighting device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising at least one light source (103), wherein the lighting device (100) is configured to realize one or more lighting functions with the at least one light source (103), wherein the transparent disk (1) is positioned in the beam path of the at least one light source (103) such that light emitted from the at least one light source (103) can strike the inner surface (3) of the disk body (1a) and pass through it. [11] Lighting device according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising a housing (101) which is enclosed by the disk (1), wherein the at least one light source (103) and / or the at least one additional light source (113) is / are arranged in the housing (101). [12] Lighting device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the lighting device is designed as a residential or work room lighting device, for example as a ceiling light or floor lamp, or as street lighting, a luminous sign or a facade exterior lighting device. [13] Motor vehicle light, wherein the motor vehicle light is designed as a motor vehicle headlight or rear light or is arranged in a motor vehicle headlight or in a rear light, or is designed as a vehicle interior light or as a vehicle ground projection light, wherein the motor vehicle light comprises at least one lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

Images