Lighting device, in particular for illuminating the inner part of a handbag

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (10), in particular for illuminating the interior of a handbag, comprising a housing body (11), at least one electrically operable lighting means (12) arranged in the housing body (11), a voltage source configured to operate the lighting means (12), a control unit which is designed and configured to temporarily electrically connect the lighting means (12) to the voltage source in an event-controlled manner, and is characterized in that the housing body (11) comprises a lateral surface (M) which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis (R), wherein the lateral surface (M) is designed to transition into at least one convexly curved translucent end face region (13, 14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, in particular for illuminating the interior of a handbag, comprising a housing body, at least one electrically operable lighting means arranged in the housing body, a voltage source configured to operate the lighting means, and a control device designed and configured to temporarily electrically connect the lighting means to the voltage source in an event-controlled manner. Such lighting devices are used to illuminate closed or closable containers, in particular for illuminating the interior of a handbag.

[0002] Locating items in the dark interior of handbags presents a challenge for the user. In most cases, the items inside the handbag require a grasp, which may be hidden deep within the bag. Typically, the interior of such a container is lined with light-absorbing materials, making it difficult to visually distinguish between the items inside.

[0003] Document DE 20 2019 101 258 U1 describes a handbag light for illuminating the interior of a handbag with an alarm function. Such a handbag light comprises illuminants whose light penetrates the housing, in particular from multiple sides. LEDs are preferably used as the illuminants. The LEDs are arranged such that their light penetrates the top and bottom of the housing. The housing has a flat geometry, so that it is generally positioned so that the top and bottom of the housing are oriented upwards and downwards, respectively.

[0004] Due to this housing geometry, the light emitted by the LEDs is usually directed vertically upwards and downwards. This results in strong glare when a user looks into the handbag or container, as the light emitted from the top of the housing hits the user's eyes directly. In contrast, the light emitted downwards provides virtually no illumination of the interior, as it rests directly against the light-absorbing inner wall of the interior floor. The majority of the light emitted downwards is therefore almost completely absorbed, without contributing to any improved illumination of the interior.

[0005] In addition, vibration or movement of the container and / or handbag can cause the orientation of the handbag light to change. For example, if the housing is rotated 180°, the bulbs will also be directed toward the floor, which means the interior is no longer illuminated reliably and with the desired high light intensity.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that objects inside the handbag light can come to rest on the surface of the handbag light and cover the luminous parts of the housing, thus preventing the desired illumination of the interior.

[0007] A further disadvantage of the handbag light resulting from the document DE 20 2019 101 258 U1 is that it has a housing shape that is easily confused with other objects, such as a storage and charging box for wireless in-ear headphones.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a convenient lighting device that always ensures reliable interior lighting. Furthermore, it is to create a lighting device that ensures the most complete, glare-free illumination of the interior possible. In particular, it is also to ensure optimal interior illumination even when the container is in motion. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a lighting device that is easily distinguishable from other objects by touch.

[0009] The object is achieved by the device mentioned at the outset in that the housing body comprises or has a lateral surface which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis, wherein the lateral surface is designed to transition into at least one convexly curved translucent end surface region.

[0010] This advantageously ensures that the lighting device automatically comes to rest in a preferred orientation in the container. Due to the advantageous housing geometry, the lighting device is preferably aligned such that its outer surface is aligned as parallel as possible to the container base in order to ensure optimal and glare-free illumination across the at least one translucent end face region in parallel alignment to the container base. The probability of such a preferred horizontal orientation of the lighting device is further increased by the at least one convexly curved end face region. If the lighting device comes to rest on the container base with the at least one convexly curved end face region, possibly temporarily, it is in an unstable equilibrium state due to the outer curvature of the end face region, which causes a tipping moment.This increases the probability that the lighting device according to the invention will be in the advantageous orientation described above.

[0011] This advantageously avoids direct glare for the user, as the lighting is preferably provided in the longitudinal direction of the interior, i.e. parallel or essentially parallel to the floor.

[0012] The convexly curved front surface preferably also functions as a diffuser, scattering the light into multiple areas of the interior, thus ensuring optimal glare-free illumination. The translucency of the front surface is preferably achieved by allowing light to pass through it, yet exerting a scattering effect on the light to minimize any potential glare to the user.

[0013] Alternatively, the translucent front surface area can also be completely or partially transparent, thus achieving the highest possible illumination intensity.

[0014] A further advantage is that the lighting device according to the invention, due to its selected geometry, can be distinguished haptically from other common everyday objects. The lighting device can thus advantageously be located in the interior purely by touch, without direct visual contact.

[0015] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the housing body has two opposite convexly curved end face regions.

[0016] This offers the advantage that the interior is illuminated as completely as possible. In other words, the lighting device according to the invention is designed and configured for bidirectional illumination. Even if one of the end face regions is accidentally obscured, for example, by other objects located in front of the end face region, optimal illumination of the interior is always ensured by the second end face region. The convexly curved design of both end face regions prevents an undesirable stable vertical alignment of the housing body.

[0017] A practical embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the housing body is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry lying between the two end face regions. This offers the advantage that the center of gravity of the housing body is preferably located centrally. This ensures that the housing body does not adopt a preferred orientation based on its weight distribution, but rather always lies with its outer surface aligned as parallel as possible to the floor. This symmetry thus always ensures stable alignment of the housing body with respect to the aforementioned requirement of providing the most glare-free illumination of the interior possible.

[0018] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that one of the lighting means is arranged on each of the end face regions. Advantageously, the interior is illuminated on both sides, i.e., starting from the respective end face regions, and thus, with optimal illumination of the interior, the user is always avoided from being dazzled by looking directly into the light sources. Preferably, both lighting means are always designed to be operational for illumination. Alternatively, it is possible for only one of the lighting means to be illuminated during operation in order to illuminate only specific areas of the interior. More preferably, the lighting means are designed for controllable operation. Even with only one lighting means in operation, sufficient illumination of the interior is still guaranteed and, at the same time, power consumption is correspondingly reduced.The lighting means are preferably designed as LEDs. These are particularly cost-effective, energy-efficient, and have a high luminous efficacy. Optionally, the LEDs are designed as colored or color-controllable RGB LEDs, allowing them to produce variable light colors.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the housing body is made of two parts, with the housing parts being designed to be detachably connected to one another. Advantageously, the housing body, with its aforementioned geometry, simultaneously forms a fully enclosed receiving space for the lighting device(s) and all other electrical or electronic components required for their operation. The detachable connection offers the advantage that the voltage source configured to operate the lighting device can be replaced if necessary. Likewise, parts of the electrical components can be easily replaced. This also makes it possible to replace at least one lighting device.

[0020] Optionally, retaining elements are attached to this connection point, which are designed, for example, to releasably attach the lighting device to the inside of the container, in particular to the inside of handbags. Furthermore, the retaining element is designed and configured for attaching key rings.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing parts have a screw, snap, clamp, plug, or magnetic connection. This ensures in a simple manner that both housing parts are reliably connected to each other and secured against accidental release. These connections are inexpensive to manufacture and, at the same time, establish a reliable connection between the two housing parts, which can thus be easily removed again if necessary.

[0022] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the length of the housing body in the direction of the rotation axis is greater than the maximum width of the housing body radially to the rotation axis.

[0023] Advantageously, this additionally supports the already existing property of the present invention, namely the automatic alignment of the lighting device into the aforementioned desired position and the maintenance of a horizontal alignment once it has been assumed. Optionally, it is possible for a further extension element to be arranged between the two end face regions. This gives the lighting device a relatively elongated character in relation to its cross-section. Advantageously, this creates a housing body that is flat in relation to its cross-section, which on the one hand preferably assumes the aforementioned spatial orientation automatically and on the other hand can be positioned in the interior in a space-saving manner. A further advantage is that the housing body with its outer surface only stands up slightly on the interior floor and therefore takes up little volume in relation to the overall volume of the interior.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing body is at least substantially spheroidal or parabolic in shape. This offers the advantage that the surface of the housing body is smooth, thus ensuring that other objects are always prevented from permanently resting on or resting against the housing body in any area. Such objects cannot find any hold on the surface of the housing body and therefore easily slide off. In addition, this promotes the horizontal alignment of the lighting device in the interior, or alignment parallel or essentially parallel to the interior floor. This also promotes the desired alignment through its own dynamics. In this way, the housing body always automatically repositions itself into the desired orientation, particularly in the event of vibrations or external movement of the container or handbag.

[0025] A further advantage is that, due to this preferred geometry, the lighting device according to the invention is easily distinguishable from other common everyday objects. The lighting device can thus advantageously be located in the interior purely by touch, without direct visual contact.

[0026] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control device comprises at least one sensor and is designed to electrically operate the at least one lighting means in dependence on a control signal detected by the sensor at least for a predetermined duration.

[0027] A particular advantage arises from the fact that the at least one lighting device is designed to be controllable. Preferably, the at least one lighting device switches off automatically after a predetermined minimum lighting time. The minimum lighting time is preferably selected so that the time period is always sufficient to locate a required object. Furthermore, it is possible to select a longer lighting time so that the lighting device remains switched on for a moment after the minimum lighting time has elapsed. By automatically interrupting the voltage source to the lighting device, power consumption is minimized and the service life before it is necessary to replace the voltage source or supply electrical energy to charge an energy storage device.

[0028] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor is an optical, electromechanical, and / or acoustic sensor. Advantageously, the voltage source can thus be connected to the lighting device without manually actuating a sensor. This ensures that the interior is illuminated without having to locate the lighting device. Advantageously, the lighting device according to the invention can thus be controlled without contact. For example, an optical sensor is designed and configured to detect incoming light or residual light and thus to detect that a user is about to access the interior. With the advantageous use of an acoustic sensor, this is preferably configured to respond to noises and switch on the at least one lighting device—as previously explained.It is also possible for the sensor to be designed electromechanically, for example as a tilt switch, which switches on at least one lighting device - as described above - when the inclination of the interior deviates from a predetermined target value.

[0029] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the control device and the sensor are designed and configured to electrically operate the at least one lighting means in a voice-controlled manner.

[0030] This offers the advantage of preventing accidental activation of the sensor. This allows very specific terms to be selected that aren't used in everyday language. In other words, the acoustic sensor is designed to recognize predefined keywords using speech recognition and, in response, to activate at least one light source.

[0031] Advantageously, the control device is designed to be self-sufficient, as no additional external device is required, such as a mobile device, which may itself be located in the interior and must first be found.

[0032] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor is configured as a wireless interface, in particular as an RFID, Bluetooth or WLAN interface, and the control device is configured to control the operation of the at least one lighting means by means of a mobile terminal.

[0033] This offers the advantage that the lighting means can be controlled without emitting an acoustic signal. In some situations, a silent control alternative is particularly advantageous. Thus, it is advantageously possible to control the at least one lighting means as soon as the mobile terminal approaches or when it is present within a predetermined distance. Further preferably, the control device is designed to switch on the at least one lighting means when the distance to the mobile terminal falls below a predetermined maximum, provided that the distance between the control device and the mobile terminal exceeds a predetermined minimum distance. When the mobile terminal approaches the interior, the at least one lighting means is advantageously switched on.If the mobile device is stored inside the vehicle and falls below the specified minimum distance, at least one of the lights is switched off. Optionally, the light can serve as a tracking device. This allows not only the light itself but also the container or handbag to be located.

[0034] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the voltage source is formed by at least one battery or accumulator. Advantageously, the voltage source is designed as a standard battery and is therefore correspondingly cost-effective. Depending on the required illuminance and the associated electrical power consumption requirements, it is thus possible to offer the lighting device according to the invention in various designs based on corresponding standard batteries. While the cost-effective variant is provided using a battery power supply, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an accumulator is provided as the voltage source, which represents a sustainable variant.

[0035] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the housing has a USB charging socket, and the control device is designed to electrically charge the battery. This ensures that the battery is electrically rechargeable using a universal and sufficiently widely used connection.

[0036] Further preferred and / or expedient features and embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the lighting device according to the invention according to Figure 1in a two-part embodiment in the unassembled state, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention and Fig. 4 a schematic view of a housing part of the lighting device according to the invention with a further embodiment variant of the lighting means.

[0037] The lighting device 10 shown in the drawing is designed and configured in particular for glare-free illumination of closed or closable containers. Further preferably, the lighting device according to the invention is designed and configured for illuminating the interior of a handbag.

[0038] The Figures 1 to 3 show schematically the lighting device 10 according to the invention. This comprises a housing body 11 and at least one electrically operable device arranged in the housing body 11 - in Figure 4schematically illustrated lighting device 12. To operate this lighting device 12, the lighting device 10 comprises a voltage source (not shown in the drawing). A control device (also not shown in the drawing) is designed and configured to temporarily electrically connect the lighting device 12 to the voltage source in an event-controlled manner. In other words, the control device is designed to switch the lighting device(s) 12 on and off in an event-controlled manner.

[0039] In Figure 1 The lighting device 10 is shown schematically in a perspective view. According to the invention, the housing body 11 is characterized in that it comprises or has a lateral surface M that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to its rotation axis R. The lateral surface M transitions into at least one convexly curved, translucent end face region 13, 14.

[0040] Due to this advantageous housing geometry, the lighting device 10 automatically aligns itself in such a way that its lateral surface M is positioned as parallel as possible to the container bottom (not shown in the drawing) in a preferred orientation within the container. The features and developments of the housing body 11 described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. Each feature functions independently and, particularly in combination, ensures the preferred parallel alignment to the container bottom.

[0041] Preferably, the convexly curved end face regions 13, 14 are arranged opposite one another. The housing body 11 is preferably designed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry S lying between the two end face regions 13, 14. This offers the advantage that the center of gravity of the housing body 11 is preferably located centrally. The resulting position of the center of mass helps ensure the desired, as parallel as possible, alignment of the lateral surface M to the container base.

[0042] The length L of the housing body 11 is preferably greater in the direction of the axis of rotation R than the maximum width B of the housing body 11 radially to the axis of rotation R. The geometry of the housing body is therefore preferably football-shaped. Alternatively, it is possible for an extension element - not shown in the drawing - to be arranged between the two end face regions. Thus, the lighting device has a relatively elongated character with respect to its cross-section. Particularly preferably, the housing body 11 is at least substantially rotationally ellipsoidal or rotationally paraboloidal. Due to this geometric shape, the lighting device 10 can be haptically distinguished from other common everyday objects, in addition to the advantages mentioned. More preferably, the housing body 11 is formed in one piece.

[0043] Furthermore, Figure 21 schematically shows the lighting device 10 according to the invention in a two-part embodiment in the unassembled state. Both housing parts 15, 16 are thus shown separated from one another. The housing body 11 forms a receiving space 17 enclosed on all sides for the lighting means 12 and all other electrical and / or electronic components required for their operation. The housing body 11 is therefore preferably designed in two parts, in that the housing parts 15, 16 can be detachably connected to one another. This allows the electrical and / or electronic components to be replaced at any time if necessary.

[0044] Preferably, the housing parts 15, 16 have a - in Figure 2shown by way of example and only schematically - screw, snap, clamp, plug-in, or magnetic connection 18. Optionally, for a screw connection 18, an external thread is provided on one of the housing parts 15, 16 and an internal thread on the other housing part 16, 15.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention with a snap connection 18, at least one of the housing parts 15, 16 optionally has a spring-elastic locking lug element (not shown in detail in the drawing) for a positive and / or non-positive joining of the housing parts 15, 16. The locking lug element comprises a spring leg and a locking lug arranged thereon, which is designed to engage behind the other of the housing parts 16, 15 in the assembled state such that the housing parts 15, 16 are connected to one another.

[0046] Alternatively, the two housing parts 15, 16 have a clamping connection 18 in which a clamping ring 21 is arranged on one of the housing parts 15, 16 on the side facing the other housing part 16, 15. Preferably, the other housing part 16, 15 in each case has a circumferential recess 22 into which the clamping ring 21 engages. The inner diameter of the circumferential recess 22 is preferably selected such that the clamping ring 21 sits with a tight fit when the two housing parts 15, 16 are connected, so that the two housing parts 15, 16 are releasably connected to one another in a force-locking manner. Preferably, the previously described clamping connection is additionally secured by at least one counterscrew that is guided radially through both housing parts 15, 16. It is also possible for the two housing parts 15, 16 to be releasably connected to one another by means of such a screw connection.

[0047] More preferably, the connection 18 between both housing parts 15, 16 is designed as a magnetic connection 18. For this purpose, at least one magnetic and / or magnetizable element is arranged on both housing parts 15, 16 in such a way that they exert a mutually attractive magnetic force on each other.

[0048] Figure 3 shows schematically the lighting device 10 according to the invention in a further embodiment. In this preferred embodiment, the housing body 11 comprises a control device which is designed and configured to control at least one - as shown in Figure 4 shown - lighting device, to be temporarily electrically connected to a voltage source in an event-controlled manner.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the control device comprises at least one sensor 19 and is designed to electrically operate the at least one lighting means 12 as a function of a control signal detected by the sensor 19, at least for a predetermined duration. As a result, the lighting means 12 is configured to be controllably operable. This sensor 19 is preferably an optical, electromagnetic, and / or acoustic sensor 19. This ensures that the interior is always illuminated in a simple and convenient manner without prior direct haptic contact with the lighting device 10. The control device and the sensor 19 are preferably designed and configured to electrically operate the at least one lighting means 12 under voice control.This has the advantage, on the one hand, that the lighting can be controlled without contact and, on the other hand, that switching on the lighting is preferably linked to predetermined keywords, so that accidental switching on of the lighting means 12 is reliably avoided.

[0050] Further preferably, the sensor 19 is configured as a wireless interface and is designed to detect other electronic devices in the vicinity and, depending on these, to switch the lighting means 12 on or off via the control device. In particular, the sensor 19 is configured as an RFID, Bluetooth, or WLAN interface. In particular, the control device is designed to control the operation of the at least one lighting means 12 using a mobile terminal.

[0051] Preferably, the voltage source is formed by at least one battery or accumulator. Optionally, the housing body 11 has a USB charging socket 20. The control unit is preferably designed to electrically charge the accumulator. This ensures that the accumulator is electrically rechargeable using a universal and sufficiently widely used connection.

[0052] In Figure 4 the illumination means 12 arranged on one of the end face regions 13, 14 of the housing body 11 is shown schematically. As in Fig.4 As shown by way of example, two of the illumination means 12 are arranged in each housing part 15, 16. However, the number of illumination means 12 is not limited to the aforementioned number. Rather, it is possible to adjust the number of illumination means 12 depending on the desired illuminance.

[0053] Preferably, at least one of the illumination means 12 is arranged directly on one of the end face regions 13, 14. Particularly preferably, the at least one illumination means 12 is designed as an LED. Optionally, the at least one illumination means 12 is designed and configured as a halogen, incandescent, or xenon lamp.

Claims

1. Lighting device (10), in particular for illuminating the interior of a handbag, comprising a housing body (11), at least one electrically operable lighting means (12) arranged in the housing body (11), a voltage source configured to operate the lighting means (12), a control device configured and configured to temporarily electrically connect the lighting means (12) to the voltage source in an event-controlled manner, characterized in that the housing body (11) comprises a lateral surface (M) which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis (R), wherein the lateral surface (M) is designed to transition into at least one convexly curved translucent end face region (13, 14).

2. Lighting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing body (11) has two opposite end face regions (13, 14).

3. Lighting device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe housing body (11) is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (S) lying between the two end face regions (13, 14).

4. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of the illumination means (12) is arranged on one of the end face regions (13, 14).

5. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the housing body (11) is in two parts, wherein the housing parts (15, 16) are designed to be detachably connectable to one another.

6. Lighting device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing parts (15, 16) have a screw, snap, clamp, plug or magnetic connection (18).

7. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the length (L) of the housing body (11) in the direction of the rotation axis (R) is greater than the maximum width (B) of the housing body (11) radially to the rotation axis (R).

8. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing body (11) is at least substantially rotationally ellipsoidal or rotationally paraboloidal.

9. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device comprises at least one sensor (19) and is designed to electrically operate the at least one lighting means (12) in dependence on a control signal detected by the sensor (19) at least for a predetermined duration.

10. Lighting device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor (19) is an optical, electromechanical and / or acoustic sensor (19).

11. Lighting device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device and the sensor (19) are designed and configured to electrically operate the at least one lighting means (12) by voice control.

12. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the sensor (19) is designed as a wireless interface, in particular as an RFID, Bluetooth or WLAN interface, and the control device is designed to control the operation of the at least one lighting means by means of a mobile terminal.

13. Lighting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the voltage source is formed by at least one battery or accumulator.

14. Lighting device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing body (11) has a USB charging socket (20) and the control device is designed to electrically charge the accumulator.

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