VEHICLE WITH INTERIORS EQUIPPED WITH MODULAR LED LIGHTING DEVICES

Abstract

The interiors of a vehicle are equipped with at least two LED lighting devices (6a,6b,6c) configured to emit respective light beams (7a,7b,7c), which are different from each other; the LED lighting devices (6a,6b,6c) have respective support bodies (41) which are the same as each other and support an electronic board (44) with a LED (45), and respective lenses (42) which are configured to concentrate the light of the corresponding LED (45) and are also the same as each other; the LED lighting devices (6a,6b,6c) have respective external lenses (10a,10b,10c) which are positioned to receive the light of the corresponding lenses (42) and are different from each other in order to define the characteristics of the respective light beams ((7a,7b,7c). Main figure: 7

Description

Title of the invention: “VEHICLE WITH INTERIORS EQUIPPED WITH MODULAR LED LIGHTING DEVICES” TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0001] This innovation relates to the sector of vehicles whose interiors are equipped with LED lighting devices, for example in the passenger compartment, in the side walls of the luggage compartment, in storage compartments, in the interior trim of the doors or the rear hatch, etc. EARLY ART

[0002] In the vehicle sector, particularly in cars, the lighting of the passenger compartment, luggage compartment, storage compartments, etc. is typically achieved by means of dedicated LED lighting devices.

[0003] In other words, the lighting device is designed and manufactured separately from the other LED devices mounted on the same vehicle, depending on the properties of the light beam to be projected. These properties essentially include: the position from which the light beam must be emitted, i.e. the position where the lighting device must be installed; the aperture / emission angle of the light beam; the inclination of the light beam with respect to an axis in which the intensity of the light emitted by the LED is maximum.

[0004] Consequently, along the vehicle interior assembly lines, each LED lighting device is identified by its own identification number distinct from the others, requires a dedicated supply and storage area, and usually requires dedicated installation techniques and instructions, based on the specific construction characteristics and dimensions of the device.

[0005] The substantial differences between the various lighting devices used in vehicle interiors obviously lead to long design, procurement, storage and installation times, with consequent costs that can also be significant.

[0006] There is therefore a need to reduce these times and costs by standardising and making the characteristics of the lighting devices as modular as possible, whilst still respecting the different requirements regarding the properties of the light beams that need to be projected.

[0007] The aim of innovation, therefore, is to satisfy the above-mentioned need, preferably in a simple and effective way. SUMMARY OF INNOVATION

[0008] The above object is achieved by a vehicle comprising interiors provided with a first LED lighting device and at least one second LED lighting device having, respectively, a first external surface and a second external surface and configured so as to emit, respectively: - a first light beam along a first axis, with a first predefined aperture angle and with a first predefined inclination angle with respect to said first external surface, and - a second light beam along a second axis, with a second predefined aperture angle and with a second predefined inclination angle with respect to said second external surface;

[0009] wherein said first opening angle and said second opening angle are different from each other, and / or said first inclination angle and said second inclination angle are different from each other;

[0010] wherein said first LED lighting device and second LED lighting device comprise: - respective support bodies; - respective electronic boards carried by the support bodies and equipped with LEDs; - respective lenses configured to concentrate the light and having input surfaces facing the LEDs and output surfaces opposite said input surfaces;

[0011] characterized by the fact that: - the said supporting bodies are equal to each other; - the said lenses are equal to each other; - said first LED lighting device and second LED lighting device comprise, respectively, a first external lens and a second external lens, which are directed towards the output surfaces of said lenses, and are different from each other so as to define said first opening angle and first inclination angle and, respectively, said second opening angle and second inclination angle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the following, for a better understanding of the present innovation, preferred embodiments will be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vehicle according to the present innovation, with one door open to show a beam of light projected from the interior of the vehicle; - Figures 2 to 5 show various details of the interior of the vehicle in Figure 1, with other beams of light projected; - [Fig.6] and 7 are an overall perspective view and, respectively, an exploded perspective view of a LED lighting device configured to emit the light beams indicated in figures 1 to 5; - Figure 8 is a cross-section, on an enlarged scale, of a component of the LED lighting device of Figure 7; - [Fig.9] and 10 show, in perspective and in cross-section respectively, an external lens of the LED lighting device according to a first version; - [Fig. 11] and 12 are similar to [Fig.9] and 10 respectively, and show a second version of the external lens; and - [Fig. 13] and 14 are similar to [Fig.9] and 10 respectively, and show a third version of the external lens.

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATION

[0014] In Figures 1 to 5, reference numeral 1 indicates a vehicle, in particular a car, having interiors that are provided with a plurality of LED lighting devices which, in the preferred example illustrated, are indicated by reference numerals 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e respectively.

[0015] The term “interiors” refers to all those components arranged towards the inside of the vehicle 1 itself, when the latter is in driving conditions; specifically, such components can be defined as finishes, covering walls, fabrics, structures in plastic, elastomeric or composite material, etc... which cover, towards the inside, parts of the bodywork of the vehicle 1. However, more generally, the term “interiors” can also be understood as uncoated parts of the bodywork, always facing towards the inside of the vehicle 1 when the latter is in driving conditions.

[0016] With reference to figure 1, the vehicle 1 comprises a side door 21, which is shown in the open position (therefore in an operating condition other than the driving condition indicated above) and has a lower wall 22 where the LED lighting device 6a is mounted. The latter is arranged in such a position as to project a beam of light 7a downwards along an axis 8a, in order to illuminate an area of ​​the road surface 23 next to the vehicle 1, approximately below the side door 21 itself, and therefore facilitate the exit of the driver or passenger in conditions of poor external lighting (for example, in order to highlight the presence of any puddles next to the vehicle 1). In particular, the beam of light 7a is defined by a cone of light, so it has axial symmetry.

[0017] The LED lighting device 6a has an outer surface 9a, from which the light beam 7a is emitted. Preferably, the LED lighting device 6a is recessed into the door 21 such that the outer surface 9a is flush with an outer surface of the lower wall 22.

[0018] The outer surface 9a is defined by an outer lens 10a, made of light-permeable material and shown in [Fig.9] and 10. The outer lens 10a is configured to emit the light beam 7a with a predefined aperture / emission angle, symmetrical with respect to the axis 8a, and with a predefined inclination angle between axis 8a and the surface 9a. In this specific case, the semi-aperture / emission angle (a) with respect to the axis 8a is 10°, and axis 8a is orthogonal to the outer surface 9a.

[0019] With reference to figure 2, the vehicle 1 comprises a passenger compartment 25 delimited above by a roof 26, which has, towards the passenger compartment 25, a covering defined by a roof 28 and supports a ceiling light 29 comprising the LED lighting device 6b. The latter has an external surface 9b, from which a beam of light 7b is emitted downwards along an axis 8b, in order to illuminate a corresponding area of ​​the passenger compartment 25.

[0020] The light beam 7b exits from the external surface 9b with a predefined aperture / emission angle, symmetrical with respect to the axis 8b, and with a predefined inclination angle between axis 8b and the external surface 9b.

[0021] If the aperture / emission angles of the light beams 7a and 7b are different from each other and / or if the inclination angles of the axes 8a and 8b are different from each other, the LED lighting device 6b differs from the LED lighting device 6a in that the outer surface 9b is defined by an external lens different from the external lens 10a, as will be described in more detail below. However, if there is equality between the aperture / emission angles and also between the inclination angles, the external lens of the LED lighting device 6b is identical to the external lens 10a.

[0022] These same considerations on the aperture / emission angle and on the inclination angle of the light beams can also be applied to the other examples illustrated in figures 3 to 5.

[0023] In particular, considering figure 3, the vehicle 1 comprises a luggage compartment 31 delimited by a wall 32, defined for example by a side wall along one of the sides of the vehicle 1, which supports the LED lighting device 6c. The latter has an external surface 9c, at which a light beam 7c is emitted along an axis 8c, in order to illuminate a corresponding area of ​​the luggage compartment 31. For example, the LED lighting device 6c is recessed into the wall 32, and the external surface 9c is flush with a surface of the luggage compartment 31. The light beam 7c has a predefined opening / emission angle, and axis 8c has a predefined tilt angle, defined by an external lens 10c, shown in [Fig. 13] and 14, different from the external lens 9a. In this specific case, the semi-aperture / emission angle (a) with respect to the axis 8b is 10° (i.e. like that of the light beam 7a), but the tilt angle with respect to the external surface 9c is different, for example 65°.

[0024] In the example of figure 4, the LED lighting device 6d is arranged in such a position as to illuminate an area of ​​the floor 35 which delimits the lower part of the passenger compartment 25, in correspondence with the position for a driver (or for a passenger), for example in order to correctly identify a pedal board (not illustrated) and / or to generate a reflected light diffused in the passenger compartment 25. Similarly to what has already been described above, the LED lighting device 6d has an external surface 9d, in correspondence with which a beam of light 7d is emitted along an axis 8d, with a predefined opening / emission angle, and with a predefined inclination angle.

[0025] The aperture / emission angle and the tilt angle are defined by an external lens 10d, shown in [Fig. 11] and 12, different from the external lenses 10a and 10c. In particular, the tilt angle of the axis 8d is the same as that of the axis 8a (i.e. 90°), but the semi-aperture / emission angle (a) of the light beam 7d is different, for example by 30°.

[0026] In the example of figure 5, the LED lighting device 6e is arranged in a position such that it illuminates a storage compartment 37, closed by a door 38. For example, the LED lighting device 6d is installed in a dashboard 39 which supports the door 38; however, this illumination also applies to different storage compartments, for example defined by tunnel consoles, by the finishes of the side doors, etc. Similarly to what is described above, the LED lighting device 6e has an external surface 9e, at which a light beam 7e is emitted along an axis 8e, with a predefined opening / emission angle, and with a predefined inclination angle. In this specific case, for example, the opening / emission angle of the light beam 7e and the inclination angle of the axis 8e are equal to those of the external lens 10a ([Fig.9] and 10).In particular, the 6e LED light fixture is perfectly identical to the 6a LED light fixture. .

[0027] With reference to [Fig.6] and 7, each of the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e comprises a common module 40, the same for all the devices and comprising, in turn, a support body 41 and a lens 42 coupled directly to each other, in a fixed position, via a coupling system 43, for example of the snap-on type. The term “directly”, here and hereafter, means that, in the mutual coupling or positioning, no other components are interposed. bodies. The coupling system 43 is identical for the various LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, but the type of fastening is irrelevant for the purposes of this innovation.

[0028] The support body 41 supports an electronic board 44, also called PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which in turn supports an LED 45. In particular, the support body 41 is defined by a semi-shell which houses the electronic board 44. The LED 45 is configured to project a beam of light 46 along an axis of symmetry 47, transversal to the electronic board 44, with a light intensity which is maximum precisely along axis 47.

[0029] Preferably, the electronic board 44 with the LED 45 also form part of the common module 40, i.e. they are the same for all the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e. If, however, it were necessary to change the colour and / or light intensity, the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e could comprise electronic boards 44 and / or LEDs 45 that are different from each other.

[0030] The lens 42 is defined by a body made of light-permeable material, distinct from the external lenses (10a, 10d, 10c) and having two surfaces 48 and 49, opposite each other. The surface 48 faces the LED and is coaxial with the latter. Preferably, it faces directly onto the LED 45 (only an air gap is possibly provided between the LED 45 and the surface 48).

[0031] The lens 42 has a suitable shape, for example with axial symmetry, shown by way of non-limiting example in figure 8. This shape is configured to concentrate the light with respect to the light beam 46 received from the LED 45.

[0032] Surface 49 is preferably flat (it is therefore surface 48 that is shaped to deflect and concentrate the light from LED 45). In particular, surface 49 is orthogonal to axis 47.

[0033] Preferably, the shape of the lens 42 is such as to collimate the light, that is, it is such as to make the light rays emerging from the surface 49 parallel. These rays are orthogonal to the surface 49.

[0034] The light coming out of the surface 49 is directed towards the external lens 10a, 10d, 10c. The external lenses 10a, 10d, 10c have the same external shape, the same external size and characteristics such that they can be mounted alternatively to each other on the lens 42. Each of the external lenses 10a, 10d, 10c is coupled directly to the corresponding lens 42, in a fixed position, via a coupling system 50, for example of the snap-on type (the coupling system 50 is identical for the various LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e, but the type of fixing is irrelevant for the purposes of this innovation).

[0035] With reference to Figures 9 to 14, each of the outer lenses 10a, 10d, 10c has a respective surface 11a, 11d, 11e which is opposite to the outer surface 9a, 9d, 9c to receive the light emitted by the surface 49. In particular, the surface 1 la, 1 Id, 1 le directly faces the surface 49 (only an air gap is possibly foreseen between the surface 49 and the surface lia, 1 Id, 11c).

[0036] Preferably, the surface 11a, 11b, 1 le is shaped so as to define both the aperture / emission angle of the corresponding light beam 7a, 7d and 7c, and the inclination angle of the corresponding axis 8a, 8d, 8c. In particular, each of the surfaces 11a, 11d, 1 le is made up of a plurality of prisms 12a, 12d, 12c, arranged in positions side by side with each other, for example in the form of a two-dimensional matrix, and having a shape and dimensions such as to define the aperture / emission angle of the corresponding light beam 7a, 7b and 7c and the inclination angle of the corresponding axis 8a, 8b, 8c. Prisms 12a, 12d, 12c are not described in detail, since their characteristics are evident to a person skilled in the art based on the cross-sections represented in a simplified way in [Fig.10], 12 and 14.

[0037] From the above it is evident that it is possible to assign to the external lens 10a, 10d, 10c the task of defining the aperture / emission angle of the corresponding light beam 7a, 7d and 7c and the inclination angle of the corresponding axis 8a, 8d, 8c, without altering all the other components of the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e. In particular, as described above, the supporting body 41 and the lens 42 together constitute a common module 40, which remains unchanged for the various lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e.

[0038] In other words, it is envisaged to use a common module 40 which is unique and which can eventually be selected among those available on the market, but still managing to cover all the lighting functions of the light beams of the interior of the vehicle 1 simply by installing the correct external lens, chosen among a series of available external lenses (10a, 10d, 10c, or others which define different opening / emission angles and / or different inclination angles).

[0039] This modularity implies a standardization of the external dimensions of the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, since these dimensions are essentially defined by the support body 41 and the lens 42. Consequently, the installation method of the different LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e in the interiors of the vehicle 1 can also be standardized, thus simplifying the assembly of these interiors.

[0040] Furthermore, the possibility of choosing and installing only the external lens, while keeping unchanged all the rest of the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, etc... leaves a certain freedom to possibly vary the external aesthetics, for example: - introducing a different colour for the external lens 10a, 10d, 10c, and / or introducing a different surface roughness for the outer surface 9a, 9d, 9c, and / or forming a differently shaped and / or differently colored circle along the perimeter of the external lens 10a, 10d, 10c, i.e. around the external surface 9a, 9d, 9c.

[0041] The proposed solution is then relatively simple, since each of the various LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, etc... has a very small number of components, only one of which is changed between the different installation positions foreseen on the vehicle 1.

[0042] Other advantages are then evident to an expert in the sector based on what is described above.

[0043] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the vehicle 1 described with reference to the attached drawings without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

[0044] In particular, the external shape and the proportion between the external dimensions of the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, etc. could be different from what is illustrated by way of example: for example, the LED lighting devices 6a, 6b, 6c, etc. could have a generically cylindrical shape, instead of the parallelepiped shape illustrated.

[0045] Furthermore, the concept of varying the external lens while maintaining the supporting body 41 and the lens 42 unchanged can be applied to LED lighting devices in different numbers and / or with different positions than those indicated above.

Claims

[Revenge 1] Revendications Vehicle (1) comprising interiors provided with a first LED lighting device (6a) and at least one second LED lighting device (6d,6c) having, respectively, a first external surface (9a) and a second external surface (9d,9c) and configured to emit, respectively: - a first light beam (7a) along a first axis (8a), with a first predefined opening angle and with a first predefined inclination angle with respect to said first external surface (9a), and - a second beam of light (7d,7c) along a second axis (8d,8c), with a second predefined opening angle and with a second predefined inclination angle with respect to said second external surface (9d,9c); wherein said first opening angle and said second opening angle are different from each other, and / or said first inclination angle and said second inclination angle are different from each other; wherein said first LED lighting device (6a) and second LED lighting device (6d,6c) comprise: - respective support bodies (41); - respective electronic boards (44) carried by the support bodies (41) and equipped with LEDs (45); - respective lenses (42) configured to concentrate the light and having input surfaces (48) facing the LEDs (45) and output surfaces (49) opposite said input surfaces (48); characterized by the fact that: - the said support bodies (41) are equal to each other; - the said lenses (42) are equal to each other; - the said first LED lighting device (6a) and the second LED lighting device (6d,6c) comprise, respectively, a first external lens (10a) and a second external lens (10d,10c), which are directed towards the exit surfaces (49) of the said lenses (42), and are different from each other so as to define the said first opening angle and the first inclination angle and, respectively, the said second opening angle and the second inclination angle. [Reclaim 2] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said lenses (42) are configured to emit light rays parallel to each other at said exit surfaces (49). [Reclaim 3] The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electronic boards (44), with the respective LEDs (45), are identical to each other. [Reclaim 4] The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first external lens (10a) and second external lens (10d,10c) are coupled in a fixed position and directly to the corresponding lenses (42) by means of coupling systems (50) which are equal to each other. [Reclaim 5] The vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lenses (42) are coupled in fixed positions and directly to the corresponding support bodies (41) via further coupling systems (43) that are equal to each other. [Reclaim 6] The vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input surfaces (48) of said lenses (42) directly face the corresponding LEDs (45). [Reclaim 7] The vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first external lens (10a) and second external lens (10d,10c) have, respectively, a first internal surface (11a) and a second internal surface (11d, 11e), which are opposite to said external surfaces (9a,9d,9c) and directly face the exit surfaces (49) of the corresponding said lenses (42). [Reclaim 8] The vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first external lens (10a) and second external lens (10d,10c) have, respectively, a first internal surface (11a) and a second internal surface (11d,11e), which are opposite to said [Revenge 9] [Revenge 10] external surfaces (9a,9d,9c) and are different from each other in such a way as to define the said first opening angle and the first inclination angle and, respectively, the said second opening angle and the second inclination angle. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein said external surfaces (9a,9d,9c) are flat. The vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each of said first and second internal surfaces (1 la,1 ld,1 le) is defined by a respective set of prisms (12a,12d,12c) placed side by side.

Images