LIGHTING DEVICE FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE VEHICLE INTERIOR

Description

Technical subject area

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for illuminating the interior of a vehicle, in particular relating to a backlit decorative panel, which is arranged, for example, in the dashboard of a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Nowadays, emphasis is placed on ensuring that vehicle interior lighting not only serves a practical function, such as illuminating various vehicle controls during evening or nighttime driving, but also an aesthetic one. Ambient lighting creates an appealing interior, makes the journey more pleasant, and allows the light color to be changed according to the current needs or mood of the passengers. For example, current technology includes illuminated trim panels mounted on the vehicle's dashboard.

[0003] The known solutions for backlit decorative panels typically use a large number of LEDs shining laterally into a flat light guide, above which is a strip with an IMD film bearing the desired design. However, the light transmission of this film is usually only around 10%, necessitating the use of multiple LEDs for backlighting and requiring the development of a special printed circuit board (PCB) and software to control the LEDs. This significantly increases production costs. Furthermore, these existing backlit decorative panels do not offer any other type of illumination, such as a light line or indirect lighting, unlike the decorative panels documented, for example, in patents CN110667471 A or EP3819535 A1. Should such additional lighting be required, the decorative panel would need to be equipped with additional light guides and, more importantly, additional light sources.

[0004] Patent EP4061672 A1 discloses a solution for a lighting module for illuminating the vehicle interior, which offers a combination of an illuminated decorative panel and indirect lighting. However, each of these lighting types is implemented with its own light source, which in turn increases production costs and complicates the overall design of the solution.

[0005] Further solutions for lighting modules for illuminating the vehicle interior are known from WO 2017 / 220181 A1 and EP 2 676 841 A1.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to find a lighting solution characterized by a simple design that allows for the combination of multiple lighting types using a single light source. The new solution should thus be affordable while simultaneously providing visually appealing lighting for the vehicle interior. Summary of the invention

[0007] The aforementioned defects are eliminated to a certain extent by a lighting device for illuminating the vehicle interior, comprising a support part for mounting in the vehicle interior, a first light guide, a second light guide, a diffuser, a cover part and at least one light source, wherein the first light guide has an elongated shape and has at least one entry surface for light entry, wherein the light source is directed towards the at least one entry surface of the first light guide.The essence of the present invention consists in the fact that the light from the at least one light source is distributed from the first light guide to the diffuser and the second light guide, and that a cavity is defined between the cover part and the support part in which the first light guide, the second light guide, and the diffuser are arranged, wherein the second light guide is arranged along the first light guide so that the light from the at least one light source can propagate from the first light guide to the second light guide, wherein the second light guide has a flat shape comprising a back side facing the support part and a front side facing the cover part. At least a portion of the cover part is transparent, and an output coupling structure is arranged on the back side of the second light guide to couple the light out of the second light guide towards the cover part.The cavity between the cover part and the support part comprises a first gap extending along the cover part into the vehicle interior, wherein at least a part of the diffuser is arranged in this first gap and serves to create a line of light in this first gap.

[0008] The main advantage of this solution is that it allows for the combination of multiple lighting types, even when using a single light source. Therefore, unlike previous solutions that used multiple light sources to illuminate the IMD film, there is no need to develop a special circuit board or control software. This results in visually appealing interior lighting in a cost-effective manner. Specifically, at least two lighting types are achieved. The translucent portion of the cover acts as the illuminated trim panel, and the portion of the diffuser positioned in the first gap forms the light line. The lighting unit can be mounted on the dashboard, door panels, or other interior components.

[0009] At least part of the diffuser is preferably arranged between the first and second light guides, the diffuser having a first side facing the first light guide and an opposite second side facing the second light guide. This arrangement of the diffuser ensures that the light from the first light guide passes more homogeneously into the second light guide. The resulting illumination passing through the translucent part of the cover also exhibits greater homogeneity.

[0010] Advantageously, the cover or second light guide includes a second decorative structure. This second decorative structure enhances the visual appeal of the lighting, as it creates a certain depth effect (3D) in combination with the output structure, which can be considered the first decorative structure.

[0011] The cover preferably comprises a translucent aperture and a frame arranged around the perimeter of the translucent aperture. The translucent aperture of the cover serves both to protect the second light guide and other components from dirt accumulation and to improve the overall visual appearance. For example, the translucent aperture can be darkened (smoke-colored) and a second decorative structure can be applied to it.

[0012] The second decorative structure is preferably positioned on the back side of the translucent diffuser, facing the second light guide. This arrangement creates a depth effect and also prevents potential dirt accumulation on the second decorative structure. Alternatively, a second decorative structure can be applied to the front of the translucent diffuser (although dirt accumulation may still occur here) or to the front of the second light guide.

[0013] The extraction structure attached to the back of the second light guide preferably forms a decorative pattern. Therefore, the extraction structure preferably not only fulfills the function of extracting light from the second light guide through the translucent part of the cover, but it can itself be arranged in a decorative pattern or image. This can contribute to an even more attractive overall appearance.

[0014] The cover part includes an upper edge, and the first gap preferably extends along the upper edge of the cover part into the interior of the vehicle. The resulting line of light is located above the illuminated trim panel.

[0015] The cavity between the cover and the support part preferably contains a second opening that extends into the vehicle's interior. This allows for a combination of three different lighting types, all using only one light source. In addition to the illuminated trim and the light line, indirect lighting is also provided. Indirect lighting occurs when the light passes through a second opening and illuminates a component of the vehicle's interior located near the lighting device.

[0016] The cover has a lower edge, and the second opening preferably extends along the lower edge of the cover into the vehicle's interior. The resulting indirect lighting illuminates the dashboard or another part of the vehicle interior beneath the illuminated trim panel. Explanation of drawings

[0017] The essence of the invention will be further explained with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are described with the aid of accompanying drawings showing: Fig. 1 a lighting device according to the present invention in cross-section AA, Fig. 2 a lighting device according to the present invention with a light source in a front view and with representation from the section plane AA and Fig. 3 a lighting device according to the present invention with two light sources in a front view. Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the corresponding drawings.

[0019] The lighting device according to the present invention comprises a support part 1, a first optical fiber 2, a second optical fiber 3 , a diffuser 4 , a cover part 5 and at least one light source 6, wherein in the first exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The lighting system includes only one light source 6. The relative arrangement of the aforementioned individual components and their specific design will be explained below primarily based on the Fig. 1 described in more detail in the cross-section, in which the arrangement of the individual components of the lighting device can best be seen.

[0020] The support part 1It serves to mount the lighting device in the vehicle interior, specifically, for example, on the dashboard, door panel, or another part of the interior. Ideally, the interior parts to which the lighting device can be mounted should have a flat surface. In the first exemplary design, which is shown in the Figure 1 The supporting part shown is 1 Designed as a body whose cross-sectional shape resembles the letter L. The outer surfaces of this support part 1, In particular, its top and back surfaces are flat, and it is designed to be attached to the flat part of the interior. Alternatively, if the lighting device is to be attached to a curved part of the interior, the support part can be 1It should also be curved so that its shape matches the shape of the relevant part of the interior, allowing for convenient mounting of the lighting fixture. The mounting itself can be achieved, for example, by gluing (with adhesive or tape) or screwing, etc. In the Fig. 1 It can be seen that the support part 1 It is attached to the dashboard on its upper side, but alternatively it can also be attached to other parts, e.g. its back.

[0021] Furthermore, other components of the lighting system are attached to the carrier part. 1 It is attached, for example, by clamps, screws, or adhesive. However, it is important to note that the first light guide 2, the second light guide 3 and the diffuser 4They should not be glued, as light could be coupled out at the glue joint. This would not only lead to a weaker intensity of the resulting illumination, but also to the appearance of various inhomogeneities in this illumination. The cover part 5 can be used with the carrier part 1 to be glued on, for example the cover part 5 however, with the help of clamps on the support part 1 attached. These clips can be attached, for example, to the lateral sides of the cover part. 5 and the carrier part 1 are located and are on average in the Fig. 1 Not visible. The diffuser is also an example. 4 with clamps on the support part 1 fastened. Alternatively, the individual components can be fastened differently, provided that this design ensures a compact construction of the lighting device and there is no risk of the first light guide coming loose. 2,the second light guide 3 or the diffuser 4 detach, shift, or even remove from the carrier part 1 fall out.

[0022] As from the Figure 1 As can be seen, the individual components of the lighting device essentially form a sandwich structure, with the cover part 5 on the front of the lighting device and the support part 1 on the opposite rear side of the lighting device. The term "front" is chosen because this is the side from which the lighting device can be observed by a person inside the vehicle. Between the cover part 5 and the carrier part 1 A cavity is created to accommodate further components of the lighting system, specifically the first light guide. 2, the second optical fiber 3 and the diffuser 4 , to include. In the exemplary version according to Fig. 1This cavity has an approximately L-shaped profile in cross-section and forms an initial gap. 8 and a second gap 9, where the first gap 8 and the second gap 9 extend into the vehicle interior.

[0023] In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the first light guide is located 2 and the first gap 8 near the top of the support part 1 and conversely, the second gap 9 is located near the underside of the support part. 1. The first optical fiber 2 has an elongated shape and runs in the longitudinal direction of the lighting device, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cross-section AA according to Fig. 2 To get light from the light source 6 to the first light guide 2 The first light guide includes the light guide. 2at least one entry surface. This entry surface is located, for example, on at least one lateral side of the first optical fiber. 2, In other words, at least at one end of the first optical fiber. 2. Specifically, the entrance surface is located on at least one base of the cylinder, prism, or other elongated shape of the first optical fiber. 2. The light source, for example an LED module, is directed onto this entry surface. The light source 6 is in the Fig. 2 shown, where it is also visible that the light enters the first light guide from the side. 2 enters. The first optical fiber 2 It consists of plastic, preferably clear PMMA or polycarbonate. From the first light guide 2 The light is then directed further towards the diffuser. 4 and to the second optical fiber 3 distributed, as described below.

[0024] The second light guide 3It has a flat shape and is located along the first light guide. 2 arranged, i.e., it also runs in the longitudinal direction of the lighting device. The first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 are arranged in such a way that the light from the first light guide 2 to the second light guide 3 can spread, preferably with at least a part of the diffuser 4 between the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 is arranged.

[0025] The diffuser 4 It also has an elongated shape and runs lengthwise along the lighting device, along the first light guide. 2 and the second optical fiber 3. The diffuser 4 has a first side that corresponds to the first light guide 2 is facing, and a second side that faces the second light guide 3is directed towards, in particular in the execution according to Fig. 1 , the first side of the diffuser 4 a top side of the diffuser 4 is and the second side of the diffuser 4 one underside of the diffuser 4 is. The diffuser 4 is preferably shaped so that it fits into the space between the support part 1 and the cover part 5 the formed cavity fits and this cavity together with the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 efficiently fills out.

[0026] The light from the first light guide 2 passes through the first side of the diffuser. 4 into diffuser 4 and spreads through the diffuser 4 to its second side, from which part the light from the diffuser emerges. 4 into the second light guide 3 is decoupled. In the first exemplary version, the first side of the diffuser is 4by an order of millimeters from the first optical fiber 2 spaced apart, and the second side of the diffuser is similarly spaced. 4 from the second optical fiber 3 spaced apart. This distance of the first light guide 2 from the first side of the diffuser 4 This is ensured, for example, by ribs located on these two parts, and the distance of the second light guide can be adjusted in the same way. 3 from the second side of the diffuser 4 to be ensured. Alternatively, the first light guide can also be used. 2 or the second optical fiber 3 from the first or second side of the diffuser 4 They may have a different distance if this design ensures a safe light passage from the first light guide 2 to the diffuser. 4 and from the diffuser 4 to the second light guide 3 This allows it. Alternatively, the first side of the diffuser can be used. 4in contact with the first light guide 2 and the second side of the diffuser 4 in contact with the second light guide 3 be.

[0027] In addition to the function already mentioned, light in the second light guide 3 The diffuser fulfills the function of decoupling. 4 Its essential function is to create a line of light. Therefore, it can be defined that the diffuser... 4 consists of two basic parts, the first part being located between the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 is arranged and serves to direct the light into the second light guide 3 to detach and the second part in the first gap 8 between the support part 1 and the cover part 5 is arranged and serves to create a line of light in this first gap 8 to form. Thus, the second part of the diffuser 4an elongated, flat shape that fits snugly into the first gap 8 intervenes, whereby in the first exemplary implementation the first gap 8 between the support part 1 and the top edge of the cover part 5 is formed. Furthermore, the diffuser can 4 a connecting part for connection to the support part 1 exhibit, whereby in Fig. 1 the connecting part to the part of the diffuser 4 corresponds to the one through the carrier part 1 through it. Alternatively, the diffuser must 4 however, it does not include such a connecting part and can be accessed via another part of the diffuser. 4 , e.g. via the first or second part of the diffuser described above. 4, on the support part 1 They can be attached, e.g. by gluing.

[0028] The diffuser 4It consists, for example, of a milky plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), which creates a sufficiently homogeneous line of light in the first gap. 8 This enables, and also ensures that the light from the first light guide 2 more homogeneous in the second light guide 3 This results in sufficiently homogeneous illumination of the backlit decoration, as described below. Alternatively, the diffuser can be used 4 it can also be used only to form a light line, i.e., it does not need to include a first part that connects the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 is arranged as long as the light is still coming from the first light guide 2 to the second light guide 3 is allowed through. In this case, the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3They are positioned at a specific distance from each other or are in contact with each other at specific points. However, as mentioned above, this alternative design, in which no part of the diffuser is located... 4 between the first light guide 2 and the second optical fiber 3 is located, which generally impairs the homogeneity of the backlit decor.

[0029] The backlit decoration is created by the cover part 5 with light from the second light guide 3 is illuminated, i.e. the light is initially directed from the second light guide 3 towards the cover part. 5 decoupled and then at least partially passes through the cover part 5 into the vehicle interior. Therefore, at least part of the cover must be removed. 5 It should be translucent so that the lighting can be observed from inside the vehicle.

[0030] The second light guide 3 has one of the carrier part1 reverse side facing the cover part and one facing the cover part 5 facing front, with the back of the second light guide 3 a decoupling structure 7 to extract the light from the second optical fiber 3 is arranged. The coupling structure 7 is formed, for example, by a series of recesses and projections, thus forming individual coupling elements from which light flows to the front of the second optical fiber. 3 and thus to the cover part 5 is reflected. As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the coupling elements can, for example, have a round shape. The specific arrangement of the coupling structure 7 However, it can also be implemented differently, and a person skilled in the art can implement the individual alternative designs, since the solutions for extracting the light from the optical fiber are generally known. Preferably, the extraction structure forms 7A decorative pattern; that is, it not only serves to couple the light from the second light guide, but this decorative pattern is also reflected in the final shape of the illuminated decoration. The second light guide is, for example, made of plastic, specifically, for instance, clear PMMA or polycarbonate.

[0031] As shown in the cross-sectional diagram in the Fig. 1 As shown, the cover part closes 5 to the second light guide 3 it overlaps from the front and also partially connects to the diffuser. 4 on, namely on the second side of the diffuser 4 In a first exemplary design, the cover part comprises 5 a translucent aperture 10 and a frame 11, the circumference of the light-transmitting aperture 10 is arranged around it. The frame 11It consists, for example, of a non-translucent plastic, e.g., black polycarbonate, and serves for attachment, e.g., for clipping, to the support part. 1. The shape of the frame 11 is advantageously adapted to the shape of the diffuser. 4 adapted, specifically by being partially beveled, with this bevel matching the bevel of the diffuser. 4 corresponds to a partition between a first part of the diffuser. 4 to extract the light from the first optical fiber 2 to the second light guide 3 and a second part of the diffuser 4 to form the light line in the first gap 8 educates.

[0032] The frame 11 further defines an opening for the light-transmitting aperture 10, where this opening has an exemplary rectangular shape. The second light guide 3 and the translucent aperture 10They have an exemplary rectangular panel shape, creating a rectangular backlit design. Alternatively, the translucent panel can be used. 10 and the corresponding opening within the framework 11 However, they can also have a different shape, creating a translucent decoration with a different form. Depending on the shape of the translucent panel. 10 The shape of the second light guide can also be 3 will be changed.

[0033] The decorative pattern of the backlit decor is created, on the one hand, by a decoupling structure. 7 on the back of the second light guide 3 formed, which can be described as the first decorative structure, but preferably also by a second decorative structure 12, which are preferably located on the back of the translucent aperture 10, i.e. on the second light guide 3 The second decorative structure is arranged on the facing side.12 This is exemplified as a series of notches or recesses. Alternatively, the second decorative structure can be... 12 also on the front of the translucent aperture 10 can be arranged, but an arrangement on the back of the translucent aperture is preferred. 10. The second decorative structure 12 in combination with the coupling structure 7 This allows for a more visually appealing pattern of the backlit decoration. The resulting layered pattern also creates a certain depth effect (3D effect). The resulting decorative pattern is in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 to be seen, where the long longitudinal lines correspond to the effect caused by the coupling structure 7 is produced, and the shorter longitudinal formations correspond to the effect created by the second decorative structure 12 is created by the second decorative structure. 12For example, diagonal or V-shaped patterns are formed. However, other shapes and patterns are also possible.

[0034] The translucent aperture 10 It can be made of clear plastic, for example, but also of smoke-colored (darkened) plastic to further improve the visual perception of the lighting. Alternatively, the cover part 5 can be a frame. 11, but no light-transmitting aperture 10 more, with the translucent aperture replacing the light-transmitting aperture. 10 A corresponding opening remains through which light is emitted into the vehicle interior. However, such a design is not very visually appealing. Alternatively, the second decorative structure can be... 12 also on the front side of the second light guide 3, that is, on the arrangement of the coupling structure 7 opposite side.

[0035] In addition to the backlit decor and the light line, the lighting fixture in the version in the Fig. 1 It also provides indirect lighting. The indirect lighting arises from the fact that between the cover part... 5 and the carrier part 1 near the underside of the lighting device, a second gap 9 is formed through this second gap. 9 Part of the light from the second light guide will be 3 emitted, specifically from its underside. Is the lighting device in the vehicle interior positioned in such a way that an interior component is located near the second gap? 9 This component is located by the light passing through the second gap. 9 The light falls, illuminates. This illumination of a specific interior component is then perceived by the vehicle occupants as so-called indirect lighting. In the Fig. 2 or Fig. 3The area of ​​indirect lighting is schematically represented by the dashed line.

[0036] In a first exemplary embodiment, a portion of the dashboard located below the backlit trim is indirectly illuminated. Alternatively, the indirect lighting can also be positioned elsewhere, for example, above the backlit trim. In such an embodiment, the light line can also be located at a position other than above the upper edge of the cover element 5, for example, below the backlit trim. The light line need not be perfectly straight in the front view, but can, for example, be curved or wavy. The advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that it combines up to three types of lighting (backlit trim, light line, and indirect lighting) with only one light source. 6enabled. The relative arrangement of the first gap 8 with the part of the diffuser 4 to form the light line, the second gap 9 for the formation of the indirect lighting and the translucent part (translucent aperture) 10) of the cover part 5 The formation of the backlit decoration can vary in several exemplary designs.

[0037] In an alternative version, the lighting device includes two light sources. 6 , as in the Fig. 3 is shown. Each light source 6 , e.g. LED, is located on a lateral side of the first light guide. 2 and thus radiates from both lateral sides into the first light guide 2. Although the use of two light sources 6 In principle, it is not necessary and all types of lighting can be done with just one light source. 6, as in the Fig. 2shown, can be guaranteed, thanks to two light sources 6 The lighting can become more intense. Commercial applicability

[0038] The lighting device described above for illuminating the vehicle interior can be installed not only on the dashboard, but also, for example, on the door trim or other components of the vehicle interior. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 - Carrier part 2 - First light guide 3 - Second light guide 4 - Diffuser 5 - Cover part 6 - Light source 7 - Output structure 8 - First gap 9 - Second gap 10 - Translucent aperture 11 - Frame 12 - Second decorative structure

Claims

1. Lighting apparatus for illuminating a vehicle interior, comprising a support part (1) for fastening in the vehicle interior, a first light guide (2), a second light guide (3), a diffuser (4), a cover part (5) and at least one light source (6), wherein the first light guide (2) has an elongated shape and comprises at least one entry surface for the light entry, wherein the at least one light source (6) is directed towards the at least one entry surface of the first light guide (2), characterized in that the light from the at least one light source (6) is distributed from the first light guide (2) to the diffuser (4) and to the second light guide (3), and in that a cavity is defined between the cover part (5) and the support part (1), in which cavity the first light guide (2), the second light guide (3) and the diffuser (4) are arranged, wherein the second light guide (3) is arranged along the first light guide (2) so that the light from the at least one light source (6) can propagate from the first light guide (2) to the second light guide (3), wherein the second light guide (3) has a flat shape comprising a rear side facing the support part (1) and a front side facing the cover part (5), wherein at least one part of the cover part (5) is translucent and a decoupling structure (7) is arranged on the rear side of the second light guide (3) for decoupling the light from the second light guide (3) in the direction of the cover part (5), wherein the cavity between the cover part (5) and the support part (1) comprises a first gap (8) which, when the lighting apparatus is fitted on the vehicle, extends into the vehicle interior along the cover part (5), and wherein at least part of the diffuser (4) is arranged in this first gap (8) and is used to produce a light line in this first gap (8).

2. Lighting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the diffuser (4) is arranged between the first light guide (2) and the second light guide (3), wherein the diffuser (4) comprises a first side facing the first light guide (2) and an opposite second side facing the second light guide (3).

3. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser (4) consists of two basic parts, wherein the first part is arranged between the first light guide (2) and the second light guide (3) and is used for decoupling the light into the second light guide (3), and the second part is arranged in the first gap (8) between the support part (1) and the cover part (5) and is used to form the light line in this first gap (8).

4. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover part (5) or the second light guide (3) comprises a second decorative structure (12).

5. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover part (5) comprises a translucent screen (10) and a frame (11) which is arranged around the perimeter of the translucent screen (10).

6. Lighting apparatus according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the second decorative structure (12) is arranged on the rear side of the translucent screen (10) facing the second light guide (3).

7. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoupling structure (7) forms a decorative pattern on the rear side of the second light guide (3).

8. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover part (5) has an upper edge and the first gap (8) extends along the upper edge of the cover part (5) into the vehicle interior.

9. Lighting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity between the cover part (5) and the support part (1) has a second gap (9) which extends into the vehicle interior.

10. Lighting apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover part (5) has a lower edge and the first gap (8) extends along the lower edge of the cover part (5) into the vehicle interior.