MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting module according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a motor vehicle lighting module is known from WO 2017 / 009260 A1. EP 1 903 359 A2 discloses a light for vehicle roofs that achieves uniform light emission across its entire surface, which results from light-emitting means arranged circumferentially on a laminated plate.

[0003] Such motor vehicle lighting modules with a housing formed by a carrier plate and a circular or elliptical upper part attached thereto, wherein the upper part is at least partially translucent and closes off the housing to the outside and wherein a plurality of light sources emitting light rays are accommodated in the housing, are known from the prior art.

[0004] Typically, a carrier plate of a lighting module comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged in an array or parallel LED strips. The light from the LEDs is reflected upwards by a reflection plate and evenly distributed by a light guide plate to produce a homogeneous output light.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known automotive lighting modules, however, is that such backlighting requires a large number of LEDs, which increases the thickness, weight, and power consumption of the lighting module. These arrangements are unsuitable for illuminating, for example, a vehicle manufacturer's emblem.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle lighting module in which illumination, for example of a motor vehicle emblem, is achieved with a smaller number and more effective arrangement of electronic and optical components. In particular, it is desirable that additional electronics, such as sensors and / or a camera, can be accommodated in the housing of such a lighting module.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a motor vehicle lighting module according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0008] Particularly advantageous in the motor vehicle lighting module at least comprising a housing which is formed by a carrier plate and a circular or elliptical upper part fastened thereto, wherein the upper part is at least partially translucent and closes off the housing to the outside, wherein a plurality of light sources emitting light rays are accommodated in the housing, is that a disk-shaped light guide is arranged in the housing and the light sources are arranged such that a circular or elliptical ring is formed in which the light guide lies at least partially, wherein the light guide has at least one shoulder on its circumference and projects beyond the ring formed by the light sources in the radial direction.

[0009] Because the disc-shaped light guide has a shoulder on its circumference, the light guide is formed with a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The first section with the smaller diameter lies within the ring formed by the light sources, and the second section with the larger diameter projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources.

[0010] It is particularly important that the second section of the light guide with the larger diameter projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources so that the light guide can illuminate the circular upper part in its complete circular extent.

[0011] The lighting module can be mounted in clearly visible locations on the front and / or rear of a vehicle.

[0012] The circular upper part of the lighting module can, for example, feature an emblem of a motor vehicle manufacturer, and the light beams emitted by the light sources can serve to illuminate such an emblem. Additional electronic components can also be arranged in the ring formed by the light sources. Furthermore, the lighting module according to the invention can serve as a position light for a vehicle.

[0013] It is common practice to affix a motor vehicle manufacturer's emblem to specific locations on a vehicle, such as the front and / or rear of the vehicle. The emblem typically includes a decorative element in the form of letters, characters, or figures, or their contours. The sense of quality of a motor vehicle can be enhanced by illuminating the emblem. In particular, background lighting can be attractive for the visual representation of an emblem. The lighting module according to the invention is particularly suitable for illuminating a motor vehicle manufacturer's emblem.

[0014] Since automotive lighting modules for an emblem are typically mounted in central, highly visible locations on the front and / or rear of the vehicle, it is particularly advantageous that additional electronics, such as sensors and / or a camera, can be combined with the illumination of the emblem.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the light rays from the light sources are directed towards the centre or focal points of the ring and are introduced into the light guide, so that the light guide is illuminated by the light sources opposite on the ring up to that part which projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources. In the case of a circular ring, this circle has a centre point. In the case of an elliptical ring, this has two focal points of the ellipse. By appropriately aligning at least some of the light rays from the light sources through the centre point in the case of a circular ring or through the focal points in the case of an elliptical ring, it is ensured that the area of ​​the light guide opposite the light source is illuminated.

[0016] The plurality of light sources is arranged in a ring around a light guide, such that two light sources are opposite each other and the light beams emitted by the light sources enter the light guide laterally. The light beams emitted by the light sources propagate in the light guide from one edge of the first section of the light guide to an opposite edge of the second section of the light guide and exit the light guide at the edge of the second section of the light guide perpendicularly in the direction of the upper part. Because two light sources are arranged opposite each other, the circular or elliptical upper part is illuminated in its entire circular or elliptical extent. For this purpose, the disc-shaped light guide is preferably arranged at an angle in the housing.The inclination of the disc-shaped light guide can be realized, for example, by a bevel arranged on the circumference of the carrier plate.

[0017] According to the invention, the ring is divided into two parts, wherein two separate sections of the ring are separated into a right and a left part by a vertical dividing line in the installation position of the lighting module.

[0018] In accordance with legal regulations, this allows for a clear assignment of a right half and a left half of the lighting module. For example, the two halves can be assigned to the right and left headlights of the vehicle, respectively, and switched with them. Due to the beam path of the individual light sources, the left part of the ring is assigned to the right side of the vehicle's lighting modules, while the right part of the ring is assigned to the left side of the vehicle's lighting modules.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the light sources is arranged on a single circuit board or several light sources are arranged on individual circuit boards and the individual circuit boards are electrically connected to one another via an annular stamped grid carried by the carrier plate.

[0020] Regardless of whether one or more light sources are arranged on a single circuit board, the individual circuit boards are arranged in a ring around the light guide, so that two circuit boards are opposite each other.

[0021] A lead frame is a flat structure created by stamping. One application is the creation of a system of electrical conductors in a single production step, manufactured from a metal strip. By using a lead frame to electrically connect the individual circuit boards to each other, high electrical currents can be easily distributed in a confined space. Such a lead frame can enable direct connection to a vehicle's wiring harness via multi-pin connectors. Discrete components such as relays or fuses can be mounted on a lead frame by inserting suitable connectors. The lead frame can accordingly have multi-pin connectors.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the lead frame is divided into two parts to form two separate circuits, in particular the two separate circuits are separated into a right and a left part by a vertical dividing line in the installation position of the lighting module.

[0023] In accordance with legal regulations, the use of two separate circuits allows for a clear assignment of a right and left half of the lighting module. This allows, for example, the two halves to be assigned to the right and left headlights of the vehicle, respectively, and to be switched with them.

[0024] InIn a further preferred embodiment, one or more covers are arranged above the light sources to prevent direct light emission, so that the light rays emitted by the light sources are not radiated to the environment but enter the disc-shaped light guide laterally.

[0025] The cover(s) is / are particularly ring-shaped, so that the second section of the light guide, which has the larger diameter and projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources, is completely covered. This also prevents direct light from escaping from the light guide toward the carrier plate. The cover(s) can have corresponding recesses at the points where the light sources are coupled into the light guide. Such covers, in particular, prevent undesired lighting effects and reflections, since only light rays in the desired orientation are introduced from the light sources into the light guide.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the upper part has an outer surface, which is in particular transparently polished, and a three-dimensionally structured inner surface which corresponds to an emblem, wherein the inner surface has in particular first opaque regions, in particular with a dark high-gloss appearance, second regions with limited light transmission and third translucent regions, in particular transparently polished regions.

[0027] The outer surface forms a front surface of the upper part, on which the backlit emblem is visible. The three-dimensionally structured inner surface of the upper part enables an attractive visual presentation of the emblem. The dark, high-gloss appearance of the first opaque areas can be achieved, for example, by painting, vaporizing, etc. The second, partially transparent areas offer a homogeneous light image and can be created by scarring, satinizing, vaporizing, painting, etc., creating a very high-quality appearance when viewed from the outside. The third, translucent areas ensure unobstructed light emission.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, a transparent diffuser plate is arranged between the light guide and the upper part, which scatters the light rays emitted by the light sources. The diffuser plate has structured surfaces, in particular micropyramids aligned with the contours of the emblem. The diffuser plate ensures uniform illumination of the upper part.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the light sources is formed by a light-emitting diode.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, a sensor, in particular a sensor for adaptive cruise control (in particular a so-called ACC sensor), and / or a camera is / are arranged within the ring formed by the light sources and / or in an installation space starting from the upper part behind the plane spanned by the ring.

[0031] Furthermore, a signaling device coupled to a proximity sensor can also be arranged in the ring formed by the light sources and / or in an installation space extending from the upper part behind the plane spanned by the ring. The illumination of the emblem can then provide both an indication of the distance from the proximity sensor for activation and an indication of an impending opening, for example, of a tailgate, particularly through rapid flashing and / or a color change. Thus, light-emitting diode units can be used as light sources, the control of which enables the emission of light in different colors.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the lighting module is designed as a high-voltage component.

[0033] With the progressive development and introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles and other motor vehicles with high-voltage systems, more and more high-voltage components are required. In the automotive sector, high-voltage refers in particular to voltages of 48 V or higher, or even voltages of 60 V or higher. The development of HV components for the automotive sector is particularly focused on meeting technical requirements. These requirements are met by the lighting module according to the invention.

[0034] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the figures and explained below. They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective sectional view of a section of a motor vehicle lighting module; Fig. 2 shows a top view of the carrier plate of the motor vehicle lighting module; Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the light guide of the motor vehicle lighting module connected to the lead frame; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a section of the light guide connected to the lead frame; Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the upper part of the motor vehicle lighting module;

[0035] In In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0036] As shown schematically in Fig. 1 As shown, a motor vehicle lighting module 10 comprises a housing 20 formed by a carrier plate 21 and a circular upper part 24 attached thereto. The upper part 24 is partially translucent and seals the housing 20 to the outside.

[0037] The carrier plate 21 has two multi-pin connectors 22, each of which serves to directly connect a circuit to a cable harness of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the carrier plate 21 has a plurality of fastening devices that serve to attach the lighting module 10 to a vehicle component, for example, to clearly visible locations on a vehicle front and / or rear. A bevel 211 arranged on the circumference of the carrier plate 21 can be used to create an inclination of the disc-shaped light guide with respect to the carrier plate 21. A coated textile membrane 70 is provided on the outer side of the carrier plate 21 to seal against the ingress of moisture into the housing 20.

[0038] A plurality of light sources 30 emitting light beams 31 are housed in the housing 20. Each of the light sources 30 is formed by a light-emitting diode (LED). Furthermore, a disc-shaped light guide 40 is arranged in the housing 20. The light sources 30 are arranged in such a way that a ring is formed, in which the light guide 40 is partially embedded. The light guide 40 has a shoulder 42 on its circumference and projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources 30.

[0039] Because the disc-shaped light guide 40 has a shoulder 42 on its circumference, the light guide 40 is formed with a first section 43, which has a first diameter, and a second section 44, which has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, as is particularly shown in Fig. 4can be seen. The first section 43 with the smaller diameter lies within the ring formed by the light sources 30, and the second section 44 with the larger diameter projects radially beyond the ring formed by the light sources 30. Additional electronic components, such as a sensor for adaptive cruise control (ACC sensor) and / or a camera 60, can also be arranged in the ring formed by the light sources 30.

[0040] As in the Figures 1 to 4 At least some of the light beams 31 of the light sources 30 are shown directed towards the center of the ring, which is circular in this embodiment, and introduced into the light guide 40, so that the light guide 40 is illuminated by the light sources 30 arranged opposite one another on the ring up to the second section 44, which projects beyond the ring formed by the light sources 30 in the radial direction.

[0041] The plurality of light sources 30 are arranged in a ring around the light guide 40, so that two light sources 30 are opposite each other and so that the light beams 31 emitted by the light sources 30 enter the light guide laterally. The light beams 31 emitted by the light sources 30 propagate in the light guide 40 from a coupling point of a light beam 31 from the light source 30 at the edge of the first section 43 to the opposite edge of the second section 44 and exit from the light guide 40 at the edge of the second section 44 perpendicularly in the direction of the upper part 24, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0042] As from Fig. 1 and 3As can be seen, each of the light sources 30 is arranged on a single circuit board 32. However, several light sources 30 can also be arranged on a single circuit board 32. The individual circuit boards 32 are each electrically connected to one another via an annular lead frame 34 carried by the carrier plate 21.

[0043] As in Fig. 2 and 3 As shown, the lead frame 34 is split in two to form two separate circuits. In the installed position of the lighting module 10, the two separate circuits are clearly separated into a right and a left part by the split lead frame. Each lead frame 34 has a terminal 35 that enables direct electrical connection to a cable harness of a motor vehicle via the multi-pin connector 22 integrated into the carrier plate 21.

[0044] As in Fig. 3shown, a cover 36 is arranged above the light sources 30 to prevent direct light emission, so that the light rays 31 emitted by the light sources 30 are not radiated to the environment, but enter the disc-shaped light guide 40 exclusively from the side.

[0045] As in Fig. 4 As shown, a circuit board 32 has a first end 321 and a second end 322, which is opposite the first end 321. A light source 30 is arranged at the first end 321, and the circuit board 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to the lead frame 34 at the second end, forming a ring whose diameter approximately corresponds to that of the first section 43 of the light guide 40. Further electronic components, such as sensors, can be arranged within the ring.

[0046] As in Figure 1A transparent diffuser plate 50 is clearly visible, arranged between the light guide 40 and the upper part 24. The diffuser plate 50 disperses the light rays 31 emitted by the light sources 30. The diffuser plate 50 has structural surfaces (not shown). The structural surfaces are micropyramids aligned with the contours of the emblem.

[0047] As in Fig. 5As shown, the upper part 24 has an outer surface 25 that is polished to a transparent finish and a three-dimensionally structured inner surface 26 that corresponds to an emblem of a motor vehicle manufacturer. The light beams 31 emitted by the light sources 30 serve to illuminate the emblem. The inner surface 26 has first opaque regions 27 with a dark, high-gloss appearance, second regions 28 with limited light transmission, and third translucent regions 29 that are polished to a transparent finish. The outer surface 25 forms a front surface of the upper part 24, on which the backlit emblem is visible. The three-dimensionally structured inner surface 26 of the upper part enables an attractive visual representation of the emblem. The dark, high-gloss appearance of the first opaque regions 27 can be produced, for example, by painting, vapor deposition, etc.The second, limited light-transmitting areas 28 provide a homogeneous light pattern and can be created by scarring, satinizing, vaporizing, painting, etc., creating a high-quality appearance when viewed from the outside. The third, translucent areas 29 ensure unobstructed light emission.

[0048] The lighting module 10 is designed as a high-voltage component for use in hybrid / electric vehicles and other motor vehicles with high-voltage systems. List of reference symbols

[0049] 10 Automotive lighting module 20 Housing 21 Carrier plate 21 1 Bevel 22 Connector 23 Fastening device 24 Top 25 Outer surface 26 Inner surface 27 First opaque areas 28 Second limited light transmitting areas 29 Third light transmitting areas 30 Light source 31 Light beam 32 Printed circuit board 32 1 First end 32 2 Second end 34 Lead frame 35 Connector 36 Cover 40 Light guide 42 Shoulder 43 First section 44 Second section 50 Diffuser plate 60 Adaptive cruise control sensor 70 Textile membrane

Claims

1. Motor vehicle lighting module (10), comprising at least a housing (20) which is formed from a support plate (21) and a circular or elliptical upper part (24) fastened thereto, wherein the upper part (24) is at least partially light-transmitting and closes off the housing (20) to the outside, wherein a plurality of light sources (30) emitting light beams are accommodated in the housing (20), wherein a disc-shaped light guide (40) is arranged in the housing (20) and the light sources (30) are arranged in such a manner that a circular or elliptical ring is formed, wherein the light guide (40) at least partially lies in the ring, wherein the light guide (40) has at least one shoulder (42) on the circumference thereof and projects beyond the ring formed by the light sources (30) in a radial direction, wherein the light guide is formed with a first section which has a first diameter, and a second section which has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, and wherein the first section with the smaller diameter lies in the ring formed by the light sources and the second section with the larger diameter projects in the radial direction beyond the ring formed by the light sources, characterized in that the ring is divided into two parts, wherein two separate portions of the ring in the installation position of the lighting module are separated into a right-hand and a left-hand part by a perpendicular separating line.

2. Lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the light beams (31) of the light sources (30) are directed in the direction of the center or the focal points of the ring and are introduced into the light guide (40), so that the light guide (40) is illuminated by the light sources (30) arranged lying opposite on the ring right into that part which projects in the radial direction beyond the ring formed by the light sources (30).

3. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the light sources (30) is arranged on an individual printed circuit board (32) or multiple light sources (30) are arranged on individual printed circuit boards (32) and the individual printed circuit boards (32) are electrically connected together by way of an annular lead frame (34) borne by the support plate (21).

4. Lighting module according to claim 3, characterized in that the lead frame (34) is divided into two parts in order to form two circuits which are separate from each other, in particular in that the two separate circuits in the installation position of the lighting module (10) are separated into a right-hand and a left-hand part by a perpendicular separating line.

5. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more cover(s) (36) protecting against direct emergence of light is / are arranged over the light sources (30), so that the light beams (31) emitted by the light sources (30) are not emitted out to the surroundings, but enter laterally into the disc-shaped light guide (40).

6. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (24) has an outer surface (25) which is in particular transparently polished, and a three-dimensionally textured inner surface (26) which corresponds to an emblem, wherein the inner surface (26) has in particular first, non-light-transmitting, regions (27), in particular with a dark high-gloss appearance, second limitedly light-transmitting regions (28), and third light-transmitting, in particular transparently polished, regions (29).

7. Lighting module according to claim 6, characterized in that a transparent diffusor plate (50) is arranged between the light guide (40) and the upper part (24), which diffusor plate scatters the light beams (31) emitted by the light sources (30), wherein the diffusor plate (50) has textured surfaces, in particular micro-pyramids aligned with the contours of the emblem.

8. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the light sources (30) is formed by a light-emitting diode.

9. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor, in particular for an adaptive cruise control (60), and / or a camera is / are arranged within the ring formed by the light sources (30) and / or in an installation space starting from the upper part behind the plane spanned by the ring.

10. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting module (10) is formed as a high-voltage component.