Assembly for illuminating a decorative element and motor vehicle having assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly (1) for illuminating a decorative element (2), which has the decorative element (2) and an optical waveguide (3). According to the invention, the decorative element (2) has a recess (6) which is open at a rear side (5), extends in the direction of a front side (4), tapers in the direction of the front side (4) and opens into at least one associated light outlet opening (7) at the front side (4), wherein a light-scattering body (8) is received in the recess (6). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (100) having such an assembly (1).

Description

[0001] Assembly for illuminating a decorative element and motor vehicle with assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly for illuminating a decorative element, in particular for a motor vehicle, which assembly comprises the decorative element and a light guide. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such an assembly.

[0003] It is known to illuminate decorative elements in a motor vehicle.

[0004] For example, it is known from DE 102017214 943 A1 to arrange a light source behind a decorative element. A laser creates a three-dimensional appearance on the side of the decorative element facing the light source, which is illuminated by the light source during operation.

[0005] The present invention addresses the problem of providing improved or at least different embodiments for an assembly comprising a decorative element of the type mentioned above for illuminating the decorative element, as well as for a motor vehicle with such an assembly, which, in particular, eliminate disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the present invention addresses the problem of providing improved or at least different embodiments for the assembly and for the motor vehicle, which are characterized by a space-saving design with an improved appearance.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the general idea of ​​providing a decorative element to be illuminated with a recess on the side facing away from the light exit side, tapering toward the light exit side. A light-diffusing material penetrates into this recess. The light emitted via the light exit side is guided to the material via a light guide. The light-diffusing material and the tapering toward the light exit side achieve uniform illumination and targeted light guidance, while the recess and the light guide simultaneously result in a compact design. This makes the structure compact, and the appearance perceived from the light exit side is improved.

[0008] According to the inventive concept, an assembly comprising the decorative element also has the light guide. The decorative element has a front side and a rear side facing away from the front side. The light guide is arranged on the rear side of the decorative element and extends along the rear side. The decorative element has at least one recess which is open at the rear and extends towards the front side, tapers towards the front side and opens into at least one associated light exit opening on the front side. A light-diffusing body is accommodated in the recess, such that light introduced into the light guide radiates via the body out of the at least one associated light exit opening. The at least one light exit opening on the front side forms a pattern.

[0009] Thus, during operation, i.e. when light is introduced into the light guide, the pattern is illuminated.

[0010] The light guide is preferably light-diffusing. This results in homogeneous light distribution within the light guide and consequently an improved appearance of the illuminated pattern.

[0011] The light guide is preferably provided, facing away from the front side, with a structure comprising structural elements for coupling out light, such that light guided through the light guide radiates from the structure toward the at least one body. This results in improved light guidance within the assembly and an improved appearance of the illuminated pattern.

[0012] The structure can be of any type.

[0013] The structure can, for example, comprise microstructures at least partially incorporated into the optical fiber. The microstructures can be introduced into the optical fiber using appropriate tools and / or a laser. The structure can, for example, comprise colored elements, preferably white colored elements, applied at least partially to a rear side of the optical fiber facing away from the at least one body. The colored elements can, in particular, be applied to the rear side by means of a color print.

[0014] The decorative element is, in particular, a chrome frame. The chrome frame is preferably a plastic component that is chrome-plated, at least on the front side.

[0015] The front side of the decorative element forms the light exit side of the decorative element.

[0016] The front of the decorative element is appropriately visible in an associated application, in particular, it is a visible surface, so that the illuminated pattern is visible from the outside. Likewise, the pattern can be visible from the outside when not in operation, i.e., when no light is introduced into the light guide.

[0017] The module can be used in any application.

[0018] In particular, the assembly is used in a motor vehicle. Thus, the decorative element is a part of the motor vehicle. The decorative element can, for example, be part of a radiator grille or a dashboard of the motor vehicle, or form such a part.

[0019] If the decorative element has two or more such recesses, these are advantageously spaced apart from one another.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one of the at least one bodies tapers toward the at least one associated light exit opening. Preferably, the body at least substantially fills the associated recess.

[0021] At least one of the at least one body can be a component of the light guide. This means that the light guide has the body as a projection and penetrates the associated recess with the body. This results in improved light guidance up to the at least one associated light exit opening. Furthermore, this simplifies the assembly of the module. In particular, it is conceivable for the respective at least one body to be a component of the light guide. If two or more such bodies are provided, the light guide therefore has two or more such projections, which are advantageously spaced apart from one another.

[0022] At least one of the at least one light exit openings can be covered with a foil, in particular a hot-stamping foil, so that the associated body is invisible outside of operation. This leads to an improved appearance.

[0023] The foil, in particular the hot stamping foil, can, for example, be one known from DE 102014 112 073 A1.

[0024] The foil, in particular the hot stamping foil, can be applied to the front side of the decorative element. It is also conceivable to apply the foil, in particular the hot stamping foil, to the side of the body facing the at least one light exit opening.

[0025] At least one of the at least one bodies can be a component of the decorative element, which for this purpose is a multi-component component, in particular a two-component component. The body is formed by a light-scattering component of the decorative element, which is also referred to below as the scattering component. In contrast, the associated recess is delimited by another component of the decorative element, which is expediently non-light-scattering, preferably opaque, and is also referred to below as the main component. This leads to simplified assembly of the module. Furthermore, it results in the pattern appearing opaque from the outside when not in operation, thus improving the appearance.

[0026] The litter component is preferably a thermoplastic, preferably polycarbonate or "PC" for short.

[0027] Advantageously, at least one of the at least one scattering components has a component inner side facing the light guide, and the light guide has a conductor outer side belonging to the scattering component and facing the scattering component, which run parallel and preferably flat. This results in improved light transmission from the light guide into the scattering component and thus into the body. Consequently, the appearance is improved. It is conceivable for at least one of the at least one recesses to open into a single such light exit opening. This means that the light guided by means of the associated body radiates from a single light exit opening.

[0028] It is also conceivable for at least one of the at least one recesses to open into at least two, preferably several, such light exit openings, which are recessed on the front side of the decorative element. This creates an additional optical effect in the appearance, particularly in the appearance of the illuminated pattern.

[0029] The light exit openings can be cut out in any way on the front.

[0030] The light exit openings can be inserted into the decorative element in a simplified and precise manner using a laser, i.e. by means of a laser process.

[0031] In principle, it is conceivable that at least one of the at least one body penetrates into at least one of the at least one associated light exit openings.

[0032] In advantageous embodiments, at least one of the at least one body, preferably the respective body, is spaced apart from the front side, in particular from the at least one associated light exit opening. This results in the body being invisible or at least difficult to see from the outside, resulting in an improved appearance. Furthermore, environmental influences on the body are prevented or at least reduced in this way, resulting in improved durability of the assembly.

[0033] The pattern formed by means of the at least one light exit opening can be of any type.

[0034] In particular, the pattern can be lettering. It can also be a logo.

[0035] Preferred embodiments are those in which the areal density of the structural elements of the structure increases toward the center of the pattern. This means that the proportion of the surface area covered by the structural elements increases toward the center of the pattern. This results in a homogenization of the illuminated pattern and consequently in an improved appearance. Alternatively or additionally, the structural elements can be more pronounced toward the center of the pattern for this purpose.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the light for illuminating the pattern is introduced into the light guide along the front and / or back. This results in a compact assembly design and an improved appearance.

[0037] The light is introduced by means of at least one light source, which generates and emits light during operation.

[0038] At least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source, is advantageously an LED. This results in a more compact design and economical operation.

[0039] At least one of the at least one light source can be part of the assembly and, during operation, can introduce light along the rear or the front side of the light guide.

[0040] The at least one body and / or the light guide is / are expediently fixed relative to the decorative element. For this purpose, the at least one body and / or the light guide can be glued to the decorative element. This can be achieved, for example, by using at least one adhesive tape.

[0041] Advantageously, the light guide, in particular together with the at least one illuminant, preferably also together with corresponding electronics, is accommodated in a housing part.

[0042] The housing part is preferably arranged on the rear side of the decorative element and is fluidically sealed to the rear side. Thus, the components accommodated in the housing part—i.e., the light guide, preferably also the at least one light source, and preferably also the electronics—are protected from external influences, in particular from the ingress of liquids. The fluid-tight connection can be achieved, for example, using a potting compound.

[0043] It is understood that, in addition to the assembly, the motor vehicle with the assembly also falls within the scope of this invention. Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the drawings, and the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0044] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0046] Showing schematically:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a section through an assembly with a decorative element in a motor vehicle,

[0048] Fig. 2 is an isometric external view of the assembly in the motor vehicle in an illuminated state,

[0049] Fig. 3 the view from Figure 2 in an unlit state,

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a section through an assembly in another embodiment,

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a section through an assembly in a further embodiment,

[0052] Fig. 6 an internal view of the assembly.

[0053] An assembly 1 for illuminating a decorative element 2, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 6, can be used in a motor vehicle 100 shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 6. In addition to the decorative element 2, the assembly 1 comprises a light guide 3. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the light guide 3 is preferably light-diffusing. The decorative element 2 has a front side 4 and a rear side 5 facing away from the front side 4. The light guide 3 is arranged on the rear side 5 of the decorative element 2 and extends along the rear side 5. The decorative element 2 has at least one recess 6 that is open on the rear side 5 and extends toward the front side 4, tapering toward the front side 4. Furthermore, the recess 6 opens into at least one associated light exit opening 7 on the front side 4.A body 8 is accommodated in the at least one recess 6, which is light-scattering, so that light introduced into the light guide 3 (see Figure 6) radiates via the body 8 out of the at least one associated light exit opening 7. The at least one light exit opening 7 forms a pattern 9 on the front side 4, as can be seen in particular from Figures 2 and 3. As a result, the pattern 9 is illuminated during operation, i.e. when light is introduced into the light guide 3. Figure 2 shows the illuminated state, whereas Figure 3 shows an unilluminated state and thus a state outside of operation.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiments, the decorative element 2 is a chrome frame 26, which is a chrome-plated plastic component 27. The decorative element 2 can be part of a radiator grille 101 of the motor vehicle 100.

[0055] As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the pattern 9 forms lettering 10 in the exemplary embodiments shown. As can also be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the decorative element 2 has two or more such recesses 6 and the assembly 1 has an associated body 8 for each such recess 6. A summary of Figures 1 to 3 further shows that, in the exemplary embodiments shown, a recess 6 is assigned to each letter of the lettering 10 purely by way of example. In particular, each letter is formed by the at least one associated light exit opening 7.

[0056] As can be seen from Figures 1, 4 and 5, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective body 8 tapers analogously to the associated recess 6 in the direction of the front side 4. As can also be seen from the figures, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective body 8 essentially fills the associated recess 6.

[0057] As can be seen from Figures 1, 4, and 5, the light guide 3 is provided, facing away from the front side 4, with a structure 12 having structural elements 11 for coupling out light, such that light guided through the light guide radiates from the structure 12 in the direction of the at least one body 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the respective body 8 is a component of the light guide 3 and is designed as a projection 17 of the light guide 3. Consequently, the light guide 3 has, for the respective recess 6, an associated projection 17 as the body 8, with which the light guide 3 penetrates into the associated recess 6.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the respective body 8 is a component of the decorative element 2. For this purpose, the decorative element 2 is designed as a multi-component component 18, in the embodiments shown as a two-component component 19. The respective body 8 is formed by a light-scattering component 20 of the decorative element 2, hereinafter also referred to as the scattering component 20. The scattering component 20 is, for example, polycarbonate. In contrast, the respectively associated recess is delimited by another component 21 of the decorative element 2, hereinafter also referred to as the main component 21. The main component 21 is opaque in the embodiments shown.In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the respective scattering component 20 has a component inner side 22 facing the light guide 3 and the light guide 3 has a conductor outer side 23 belonging to the scattering component 20 and facing the scattering component 20, which run parallel and flat.

[0059] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, the respective recess 6 can open into a single such light exit opening 7. As can be seen from Figure 5, the respective recess 6 can open into at least two, preferably several, light exit openings 7, which are recessed on the front side 4 of the decorative element 2, for example by means of a laser process with a laser.

[0060] In the embodiments shown, the respective body 8 is spaced from the at least one associated light exit opening 7 and thus from the front side 4.

[0061] As can be seen from Figure 1, the light exit openings 7 can be covered with a foil 24, in particular hot stamping foil 25, so that the associated body 8 is invisible when no light emerges from the light exit opening 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the foil 24 is applied to the side of the respective body 8 facing the at least one associated light exit opening 7.

[0062] As can be seen from Figure 6, in the exemplary embodiments shown, a light source 28 for introducing light into the light guide 3 is a component of the assembly 1. The assembly 1 therefore has at least one such light source 28, which introduces light along the rear side 5 and / or along the front side 4 into the light guide 3. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the at least one light source 28 is an LED 29. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the assembly 1 has at least two such light sources 28, which each introduce light laterally into the light guide 3 during operation. As can be seen from Figure 6, the light sources 28 are arranged laterally of the pattern 9 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 6, the assembly 1 has, purely by way of example, six such LEDs 29, with three LEDs 29 arranged opposite one another. Thus, during operation, light is introduced laterally into the light guide 3 by means of the LEDs 29, as indicated by dashed arrows for only three of the LEDs 29. The opposite LEDs 29, i.e., three LEDs 29 in each of the illustrated embodiments, are preferably mounted on a circuit board 30 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. As can be seen from Figure 6, a supply line 31 for the electrical supply of the lighting means 28 leads to the respective circuit board 30.

[0064] As can also be seen from the figures, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the assembly 1 has a housing part 14 designed as a shell 13, in which the light guide 3 is accommodated. The housing part 14 is arranged on the rear side 5 of the decorative element 2 and fastened to the decorative element 2, such that the decorative element 2 closes the housing part 14 designed as a shell 13. In addition, the shell 13 is sealed to the outside. In the exemplary embodiments shown, this is achieved via a fluid-tight connection between the housing part 14 and the decorative element 2. For this purpose, a potting compound 15 is arranged between the decorative element 2 and the housing part 14 in the exemplary embodiments shown. Thus, the components accommodated in the housing part, in particular the light guide 3, preferably also the at least one lighting means 28, and preferably also the electronics, are protected from external influences, in particular from the ingress of liquids.The fluid-tight connection can be achieved, for example, by means of a potting compound 15. As can be seen from Figure 2, it is also possible, alternatively or additionally, to bond the light guide 2 to the rear side 5, for example, using at least one adhesive tape 16.

[0065] The supply line 31 has, according to Figure 6, in the shown

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, an interface 32, for example a plug 33, is provided outside the housing part 14, with which the supply line 31 can be connected to a vehicle electrical system (not shown) of the motor vehicle 100.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting means 28 including the circuit boards 30 are also accommodated in the housing part 14. Figure 6 shows an interior view toward the rear side 5, in which the housing part 14 is shown only at the edges for better understanding.

[0068] As can be seen from Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the number of structural elements 11 increases toward the center of the pattern 9. This means that the areal density of the structural elements 11 increases toward the center of the pattern 9. As indicated in Figure 6 with structural elements 11 of different sizes, the structural elements 11 are also more pronounced toward the center of the pattern 9.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Eschbach September 20, 2023 Patent claims 1. Assembly (1) for illuminating a decorative element (2), in particular for a motor vehicle (100), - with a decorative element (2) which has a front side (4) and a rear side (5) facing away from the front side (4), - with a light guide (3) which is arranged on the rear side (5) of the decorative element (2) and extends along the rear side (5), characterized in that - that the decorative element (2) has at least one recess (6) which is open at the rear side (5) and extends in the direction of the front side (4), which tapers in the direction of the front side (4) and opens into at least one associated light exit opening (7) on the front side (4), - that a light-scattering body (8) is accommodated in the recess (6), so that light introduced into the light guide (3) radiates via the body (8) out of the at least one associated light exit opening (7), - that the at least one light exit opening (7) on the front side (4) forms a pattern (9).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the at least one body (8) is a component of the light guide (3), so that the light guide (3) penetrates into the associated recess (6).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative element (2) is a multi-component component (18) and at least one of the at least one body (8) is formed by a light-scattering scattering component (20) of the decorative element (2) and the associated recess (6) is delimited by a main component (21) of the decorative element (2). An assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the at least one scattering components (20) has a component inner side (22) facing the light guide (3), and the light guide (3) has a conductor outer side (23) belonging to the scattering component (20) and facing the scattering component (20), which run parallel and, in particular, are also planar. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the at least one light exit openings (7) is covered with a film (24), in particular a hot-stamping film (25), so that the associated body (8) is invisible when no light emerges from the light exit opening (7). An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the at least one recesses (6) opens into a single such light exit opening (7).An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the at least one recesses (6) opens into at least two, preferably several, such light exit openings (7) which are recessed on the front side (4) of the decorative element (2). An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the at least one body (8) is spaced from the front side (4). An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that. - that the light guide (3) is provided, facing away from the front side (4), with a structure (12) having structural elements (11) for coupling out light, such that light introduced into the light guide (2) radiates from the structure (12) in the direction of the at least one body (8), - that a surface density of the structural elements (11) increases towards the center of the pattern (9). A motor vehicle (100) with an assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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