Lighting device for a vehicle, and vehicle component with same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2) having a support structure (3) on which a trim element (4a) with a trim surface (4b) is arranged, with the support structure (3) and the trim element (4a) delimiting an installation space (5) therebetween. It is essential that the lighting device (1) comprises an opaque spacer element (7) with openings (8), light-transmissive and / or translucent light guiding elements (12) and light sources (13) for the provision of light, which are each arranged within an opening (8) of the spacer element (7) such that light provided thereby shines into the surroundings (15) through a respective opening (8) and through a respective light guiding element (12) along a direct light path (14) from a respective light source (13) to the trim surface (4b). The invention also relates to a vehicle component (23) for a vehicle (2), comprising at least one such lighting device (1).

Description

[0001] Lighting device for a vehicle and vehicle component with the same

[0002] The invention relates to a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention particularly relates to a vehicle component with at least one such lighting device according to claim 11.

[0003] A lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 102021 120 868 A1. Further lighting devices are described, for example, in DE 202017 103775 U1, CN 114023866 A, EP 3 575 153 A1, EP 3 150442 A1, or EP 3 891 020 B1. A disadvantage of these lighting devices is that light from neighboring light sources overlaps, which adversely affects the generated light images or patterns.

[0004] This gives lighting effects a certain degree of blurring and, when colored light is used, also leads to color remixing, which noticeably influences the visual comfort experience of a vehicle user.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a lighting device. In particular, a vehicle component with such a lighting device is to be provided.

[0006] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to absorb the light provided by neighboring light sources of the lighting device using an opaque spacer element, so that individual light sources can be shielded, so to speak.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention proposes a lighting device for a vehicle, which has: a support structure designed for arrangement on the vehicle, on which a decorative element of the lighting device is arranged with a decorative surface that is at least partially visible from an environment of the lighting device, wherein the support structure and the decorative element delimit or form an installation space between them.

[0009] It is essential that the lighting device has an opaque spacer element which is arranged within the installation space, supported in contact with an upper side of the supporting structure facing the decorative element and is penetrated by openings which open out on an upper side of the spacer element facing the decorative element on the one hand and on an underside of the spacer element facing the supporting structure on the other hand, in such a way that the openings rest against the supporting structure.

[0010] The lighting device further comprises translucent and / or light-guiding elements, which are arranged, in particular at least in sections, within the installation space and are each supported in contact with the decorative element and the upper side of the spacer element. The light-guiding elements each close a said opening and completely penetrate the decorative element, so that they visibly open out into the surroundings at the decorative surface.

[0011] The lighting device further comprises light sources for providing light, which are arranged within the installation space and each within an opening of the spacer element, for example, on the upper side of the support structure, so that the light provided by them shines through a respective opening and a respective light-guiding element along a direct light path from a respective light source to the decorative surface to the surroundings. The provided light is expediently completely or substantially completely absorbed by the spacer element, so that adjacent light sources and / or adjacent light-guiding elements of the lighting device are optically shielded from one another.

[0012] In this way, unwanted overlapping of light, i.e. in particular a mixing of light, from adjacent light sources can be prevented. This has the advantage that any dilution of the light effects or light images of the lighting device that previously occurred during operation of the lighting device, particularly with sequential control of the light sources, is prevented, and instead clear and sharply contoured light effects or light images can be created. Furthermore, due to the predetermined, direct light path along which the provided light travels from a light source to the environment, light losses that previously occurred at existing boundary and intermediate layers, for example due to scattering, are prevented. The lighting device according to the invention can therefore also be operated efficiently.

[0013] In addition, the light-guiding elements in the region of the decorative surface can have a design region or a design region area that is visible from the surroundings of the lighting device. The design region can be realized by any desired pattern or any desired geometric shape, which can, for example, be raised above the decorative surface. As a result, the light-guiding elements are perceived as a design element by the user of the vehicle, for example, even from a distance. The design region area can be configured to backlight one or more geometric shapes or patterns arranged on the decorative surface. Furthermore, it is possible for the unlit light-guiding elements, i.e. when the light sources are switched off, to form a daytime design. Furthermore, for example, it is possible for the illuminated light-guiding elements, i.e. when the light sources are switched on, to form a nighttime design.

[0014] The support structure is expediently configured for connection to a vehicle body, in particular to a body shell of the vehicle. Furthermore, the support structure can have a receptacle and / or an interface to adjacent vehicle components. The support structure can also be configured to accommodate lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light sources.

[0015] As mentioned, the light-guiding elements are designed to be translucent and / or transparent. The invention defines "translucent" as the property whereby the light-guiding elements are essentially completely transparent (transparent) to the light provided. The invention defines "translucent" as the property whereby the light-guiding elements are partially transparent to the light provided (so-called partial translucency).

[0016] The decorative element can be made of a metallic material, for example, a painted or anodized aluminum material. Alternatively, the decorative element can be made of a plastic material, for example, a painted plastic material or a plastic material. These measures can make the lighting device, or at least the decorative element, weatherproof and robust against damage such as scratches or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advisable for the light-guiding elements to be weather-resistant. This can be achieved, for example, by using a plastic material.

[0018] It is conceivable that the spacer element could have light guide zones, for example, to separate the light. Furthermore, the spacer element could create or cause a light cone to unfold when directly illuminated. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the spacer element could have diffusion layers.

[0019] To make the lighting device robust against environmental influences, it can be expediently provided that the light-guiding elements are molded onto the decorative element. Alternatively, the light-guiding elements can be joined to the decorative element by back-injection. This allows any gaps between the decorative element and the light-guiding elements that may arise during production to be reliably sealed. The seal can, in particular, be fluid-tight, so that the lighting device is water- and dirt-tight. This allows the lighting device to be installed, for example, directly on the vehicle's outer skin or to form one.

[0020] Furthermore, to simplify the production of the lighting device, the decorative element can be implemented as a cover and, together with the light-guiding elements, can be clipped or clamped to the supporting structure, forming a snap-in connection. The snap-in connection can be permanent or removable. The lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light sources are expediently pre-mounted on the supporting structure.

[0021] In this context, it is expedient for the supporting structure to have integral locking hooks projecting from its upper side toward the decorative element to form the locking connection. These hooks have opposing locking lugs for interacting with the decorative element. To support the locking connection, the decorative element can have a circumferential edge projection or counter-locking lugs projecting inward toward the installation space, which interact with the aforementioned locking lugs of the locking hooks of the supporting structure to create the locking connection.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that a sealing means, optionally supported in contact with the upper side of the support structure, is arranged between said locking hooks and the decorative element to seal the installation space from the environment. The sealing means can be implemented, for example, by a sealing tape, a sealing cord, or the like. This allows a gap that may exist between the decorative element and the support structure due to manufacturing processes to be reliably sealed. The seal can, in particular, be designed to be fluid-tight, so that the lighting device is water- and dirt-tight.

[0023] According to the invention, the support structure comprises a circuit board having a mounting surface configured for mounting the light sources, which at least partially forms the upper side of the support structure, with locking hooks of the support structure enclosing the mounting surface all around. The locking hooks have opposing locking lugs, by means of which the circuit board is clipped or clamped to the support structure, forming a locking connection.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that the decorative element is molded onto the supporting structure and the light-guiding elements and / or the spacer element. This effectively overmolds the entire substructure of the lighting device. The lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light sources are expediently pre-mounted on the supporting structure. This has the advantage that the lighting device is water- and dirt-tight. Furthermore, the decorative element can be easily attached to the supporting structure.

[0025] Alternatively, it is expediently provided that the decorative element is implemented as a cover, the support structure has integral locking hooks projecting from its upper side toward the decorative element to form a locking connection, and the support structure further comprises a circuit board having a mounting surface configured for mounting the light sources, which at least partially forms the upper side of the support structure. The locking hooks of the support structure enclose the mounting surface all around, wherein the locking hooks have opposing locking lugs by means of which the circuit board is clipped or clamped to the support structure, forming a locking connection.

[0026] The terms clipped or clamped can be understood in the sense of fixed.

[0027] Furthermore, it is expediently provided that said light sources each comprise an LED (LED) or a group of LEDs (LED array) or a light guide, or are formed by the same. Such light sources can be provided cost-effectively and, at the same time, have a relatively long service life and a relatively high achievable illuminance. Said light sources can be controlled via a suitable regulating and / or control device of the lighting device, for example, sequentially and / or simultaneously. This allows any desired lighting effects, light images, or light scenarios to be provided by means of the lighting device.

[0028] The LED lamps (LED) or a group of LED lamps (LED array) or a light guide can be mounted on the said board.

[0029] The light provided by the light sources is preferably light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0030] Furthermore, the light sources can provide colored light for the human eye. This allows the lighting device to create colored lighting effects, light images, or light installations. The spacer element can be designed to absorb the provided colored light. This can prevent unwanted overlapping of colored light, i.e., in particular, additive color mixing of light, from neighboring light sources.

[0031] A further basic idea of ​​the invention proposes a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular a body component or a B-pillar trim, which is characterized in that it has at least one lighting device designed according to the above description and configured to generate lighting effects and / or light images. This enables the use of a lighting device as a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular as a body component or B-pillar trim. Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings, and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Showing schematically:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a vehicle component according to the invention realized as a B-pillar cover, which has a lighting device according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the lighting device according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a plan view looking in the direction of an arrow II shown in Fig. 1,

[0037] Fig. 3 is a sectional view along a section line AA shown in Fig. 2 through the lighting device of Fig. 1 and finally

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a lighting device according to a further embodiment in a sectional view as in Fig. 3.

[0039] As mentioned above, Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle 2 with a vehicle component 23 according to the invention, realized as a B-pillar cover, which has at least one lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 is configured to generate visually appealing effects for a user of the vehicle 2 using light-guiding elements 12 and / or light sources 13.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the lighting device 1 according to the invention from Fig. 1 in a plan view looking in the direction of an arrow II shown in Fig. 1. It can be seen that the lighting device 1 has a plurality of light-guiding elements 12 arranged on a decorative element 4a of the lighting device 1, which light-guiding elements 12 can be realized in the area visible to the user of the vehicle 2 by any desired geometric shape, for example raised above the decorative element 4a, or any desired pattern. Based on this design of the light-guiding elements 12, which is visible from the outside, a so-called daytime design can be provided, in which the light sources 13 are switched off, ie the light-guiding elements 12 are unlit. Furthermore, based on the illuminated light-guiding elements 12, iewhen the light sources 13 are switched on, light effects or light images visible to the user of the vehicle 2 are generated, so that a night design is realized, although the use of the lighting device 1 with illuminated light guide elements 12 is not limited to the night.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view along section line AA in Fig. 2 through the lighting device 1 of Fig. 1, so that the specific structure of the lighting device 1 is now apparent. The lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment has a flat support structure 3 designed for arrangement on the vehicle 2, on which a decorative element 4a of the lighting device 1 is arranged, with a decorative surface 4b that is at least partially visible from an environment 15 of the lighting device 1. The decorative element 4a is designed, for example, as a one-piece cover 4c or a one-piece cover shell. The support structure 3 and the decorative element 4a are arranged on one another in such a way that an installation space 5 is delimited or formed between them, in which components of the lighting device 1 are accommodated. The lighting device 1 further has a one-piece, opaque spacer element 7.It is arranged within the installation space 5 and supported in contact with an upper side 11 of the support structure 3 facing the decorative element 4a. Furthermore, it is penetrated by openings 8 which open out, on the one hand, at an upper side 9 of the spacer element 7 facing the decorative element 4a and, on the other hand, at an underside 10 of the spacer element 7 facing the support structure 3, with which the spacer element 7 is supported on the support structure 3, such that the openings 8 bear against the support structure 3. The lighting device 1 further comprises a plurality of light-permeable and / or translucent light-guiding elements 12 which are arranged at least in sections within the installation space 5. The light-guiding elements 12 are furthermore each supported in contact with the decorative element 4a and the upper side 9 of the spacer element 7. The light-guiding elements 12 each close an opening 8 and completely penetrate the decorative element 4a, optionallyat least partially protrude beyond the decorative element 4a into the surroundings 15, so that on the one hand they seal the openings 8 and on the other hand they either open out towards the surroundings 15 at least at the decorative surface 4b or are raised above the decorative element 4a. The lighting device 1 further has a plurality of light sources 13 for providing light, which is symbolized in Fig. 3 by simple arrows. For example, each one is an LED lamp (LED) or a group of several LED lamps (LED array) or a light guide. The light sources 13 are arranged within the installation space 5 and each within an opening 8 of the spacer element 7, for example on the upper side 11 of the support structure 3. This means that each opening 8 is assigned a light source 13 of the type mentioned above.As a result, light provided by the light sources 13, for example light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, can pass through a respective opening 8 and a respective light-guiding element 12 along a direct light path 14, symbolized by a dashed line in Fig. 3, from a respective light source 13 to the decorative surface 4b and from there to the environment 15.

[0042] The opaque properties of the spacer element 7 cause complete or substantially complete absorption of the provided light, so that unwanted overlaps of light, i.e., in particular, a mixture of light, from adjacent light sources 13 can be efficiently prevented. This has the advantage that dilution of the generated light effects or light images of the lighting device 1, which has previously occurred during operation of the lighting device 1, is prevented, and instead, clear and sharply contoured light effects or light images can be generated. Furthermore, due to the predetermined, direct light path 14, light losses are prevented, so that the lighting device 1 can be operated even more efficiently.

[0043] According to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, it is also provided that the light-guiding elements 12 are injection-molded onto the decorative element 4a. This allows for reliable sealing of gaps 24 between the decorative element 4a and the light-guiding elements 12 that may be present during production. This seal can, in particular, be fluid-tight, so that the lighting device 1 is water- and dirt-tight. The lighting device 1 can therefore, for example, be used directly on the outer skin of the vehicle 2 or form the same. Furthermore, it is provided that the decorative element 4a, together with the injection-molded light-guiding elements 12, is permanently or releasably clipped or clamped to the support structure 3, forming a snap-in connection, so that the decorative element 4a and the support structure 3 are either permanently or reversibly fixed to one another.To form the aforementioned locking connection, the support structure 3 has a plurality of integral locking hooks 17 projecting from its upper side 11 toward the decorative element 4a. These are equipped with opposing locking lugs 21, which interact with a circumferential edge projection 25 projecting inward toward the installation space 5 or with counter-locking lugs 25 of the decorative element 4a, each projecting inward toward the installation space 5, to form the locking connection. A sealing means 20 is provided between the locking hooks 17 and the decorative element 4a, which seals the installation space 5 from the environment 15, so that a gap 24 present there between the decorative element 4a and the support structure 3 due to manufacturing can be reliably sealed. This seal can also be designed to be fluid-tight, in particular, so that the lighting device 1 is water- and dirt-tight.

[0044] According to Fig. 3, it is further provided that the support structure 3 comprises or forms a circuit board 6, which has a mounting surface 16 configured for mounting the light sources 13, which at least partially forms the upper side 11 of the support structure 3. The aforementioned locking hooks 17 of the support structure 3 enclose the circuit board 6 all around, wherein the locking hooks 17 additionally comprise further, opposing locking lugs 18, by means of which the circuit board 6 is clipped or clamped in place, forming a further locking connection. The locking hooks 17 of the support structure 3 are thus approximately T-shaped. The circuit board 6 can form a light guide.

[0045] The embodiment of the lighting device 1 illustrated in Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, so that the above statements apply analogously to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4. However, the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 in that the decorative element 4a is injection-molded onto the entire substructure of the lighting device 1. This means that the decorative element 4a is injection-molded onto the support structure 3, the light-guiding elements 12 and the spacer element 7, which was illustrated in Fig. 4 by an injection-molded body 26. As a result, all water- and dirt-sensitive components of the lighting device 1 are encapsulated.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2) comprising - a support structure (3) designed for arrangement on the vehicle (2), on which a decorative element (4a) with a decorative surface (4b) visible at least in sections from an environment (15) of the lighting device (1) is arranged, wherein the support structure (3) and the decorative element (4a) delimit or form an installation space (5) between them, - an opaque spacer element (7) arranged within the installation space (5), supported in contact with an upper side (11) of the supporting structure (3) facing the decorative element (4a) and penetrated by openings (8) which open out on an upper side (9) of the spacer element (7) facing the decorative element (4a) on the one hand and on an underside (10) of the spacer element (7) facing the supporting structure (3) on the other hand, in such a way that the openings (8) rest against the supporting structure (3), - light-permeable and / or translucent light-guiding elements (12) arranged within the installation space (5) and each supported in contact with the decorative element (4a) and the upper side (9) of the spacer element (7), wherein the light-guiding elements (12) each close an opening (8) and wherein the light-guiding elements (12) pass through the decorative element (4a) so that they open out at the decorative surface (4b) towards the surroundings (15), - light sources (13) for providing light, which are arranged within the installation space (5) and each within an opening (8) of the spacer element (7), so that light provided by them shines through a respective opening (8) and a respective light-guiding element (12) along a direct light path (14) from a respective light source (13) to the decorative surface (4b) to the environment (15), characterized in that - the support structure (3) has a circuit board (6) which has a mounting surface (16) designed for mounting the light sources (13), which at least partially forms the upper side (11) of the support structure (3), - wherein locking hooks (17) of the support structure (3) are provided, which fence the assembly area (16) all around, - wherein the locking hooks (17) have mutually opposite locking lugs (18) by means of which the circuit board (6) is clipped or clamped to the support structure (3) to form a locking connection.

2. Lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the spacer element (7) absorbs the light provided completely or substantially completely, so that adjacent light sources (13) and / or adjacent light-guiding elements (12) are optically shielded from one another.

3. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the light-guiding elements (12) are injection-molded onto the decorative element (4a) or the light-guiding elements (12) are joined to the decorative element (4a) by back-injection.

4. Lighting device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that - the decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c) and is clipped or clamped together with the light-guiding elements (12) to the supporting structure (3) to form a snap-in connection.

5. Lighting device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that - the support structure (3) has, for forming the locking connection, integral locking hooks (17) projecting from its upper side (11) in the direction of the decorative element (4a), which have opposite locking lugs (21) for interacting with the decorative element (4a).

6. Lighting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that - a sealing means (20) is arranged between the locking hooks (17) and the decorative element (4a), which is optionally supported in contact with the upper side (11) of the supporting structure (3) for sealing the installation space (5) from the environment (15).

7. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the decorative element (4a) is injection-molded onto the supporting structure (3) and the light-guiding elements (12) and / or the spacer element (7).

8. Lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that - the decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c), - the support structure (3) has integral locking hooks (17) projecting from its upper side (11) in the direction of the decorative element (4a) to form a locking connection, - the support structure (3) has a circuit board (6) which has a mounting surface (16) designed for mounting the light sources (13), which at least partially forms the upper side (11) of the support structure (3), wherein the locking hooks (17) of the support structure (3) enclose the mounting surface (16) all around, wherein the locking hooks (17) have opposing locking lugs (18) by means of which the circuit board (6) is clipped or clamped to the support structure (3) to form a locking connection.

9. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the light sources (13) each comprise an LED illuminant (LED) or a group of LED illuminants (LED array) or a light guide or are formed by the same.

10. Vehicle component (23) for a vehicle (2), in particular a body component or a B-pillar panel, characterized in that - it has at least one lighting device (1) which is designed according to one or more of the preceding claims and is arranged to generate light effects and / or light images.

Images