System having light assembly, vehicle design element, rear view device, and door finisher

Abstract

To provide a system that is specifically configured for a vehicle design element and has a light assembly for 360° illumination of the design element.SOLUTION: In a system (10) having a light assembly for 360° illumination of a design element, two or more light pipes (1, 1a, 1b) and / or two end portions of one light pipe provide a partial overlapping region. By radiant light for which one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) partially arranged in an internal device of the system are arranged adjacent to one or more light pipes (1), reflected light propagating within a core and diffused light exiting to the outside from the light pipe (1) are obtained. A lens is equipped with continuous transparent and / or translucent coatings on the outer surface and is reflectively coated to achieve homogeneous illumination of a 360° illumination window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a lighting assembly for a design element, particularly configured for vehicle design elements selected from vehicle emblems, badges, logos, and / or other vehicle lighting components, such as rearview devices, without using a light guide optic feature and without using a light source that is visible, and capable of providing uniform output light. Specifically, the present disclosure refers to a system capable of achieving 360° illumination. Further, the present disclosure refers to vehicle design elements, rearview devices, and door finishers.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles, such as passenger cars, vans, and trucks, have various interior and exterior vehicle lighting components that can emit light for various purposes. In addition, vehicles such as those mentioned above often have various interior and exterior vehicle components that are coated with a metallic reflective coating presenting a surface finish such as chrome or a mirror. In such systems, it is desirable to reduce the total number of visible lighting components. Metallic reflective coatings providing such features are known, for example, from WO2011 / 075796 and WO2013 / 110122.

[0003] For example, an aesthetic structural part that is desirable for automotive applications is for providing exterior and / or interior badges and / or emblems on a vehicle or on a specific part of the vehicle. Such an aesthetic structural part is either backlit for a specific badge or emblem's important structural part or is illuminated for optical or safety aspects. For example, some or all of a door finisher may be illuminated in this way. These elements are desirably backlit using a uniform luminance (even luminance or homogeneous luminance), for example using a light emitting diode (LED) input device. An LED is a directional light source having a relative luminous intensity that decreases as the viewing angle increases. This enables a bright spot or hot spot to appear to a person viewing the badge from the outside.

[0004] Lighting systems that provide a uniform luminous intensity are known, which are systems that use, for example, expensive organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology or a complex lens-reflector configuration. Highly diffusing materials are also used, but these have the drawback of giving a weak or blurred appearance and have a low optical efficiency. Optical structures may be used on clear materials to diffuse light, but these have the drawback that the optical structures are visible in the non-illuminated state, which is not desirable. Another desirable feature is that the LED input device is not directly visible to a person viewing the badge or emblem from the outside.

[0005] In such a system, a light pipe is used to supply light over the distance from the light source to the illumination location. Therefore, the light pipe relies on total internal reflection. Achieving 360° illumination using a light pipe is difficult with multiple light sources because the light sources may be present within the path of the light. Additionally, the light efficiency may decrease. EP1099902 describes a system in which a light pipe utilizes total reflection to achieve light transmission. EP2020610 describes a lighting device having a curved portion that utilizes a fiber set to transmit light.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0108191 (A1) refers to a vehicle light guide member constructed from two light guide members. Each overlapping surface of the two light guide members is inclined with respect to the light guide direction of the two light guide members. The overlapping surface of the upper light guide member covers the overlapping surface of the lower light guide member from the radial side, where the emitted light from the two light guide members is radiated outward.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0314935 (A1) describes a vehicle lighting unit that can have an LED and at least two long light guides arranged adjacent to each other. At least two light-transmitting lenses can be arranged in front of the at least two light guides. The at least two light guides can each have a gap portion inserted therebetween. The first end portion of the light-transmitting lens can be arranged in the gap portion so as to overlap the first end portions of the light-transmitting lens in the front-rear direction. The first end portions of the at least two light-transmitting lenses can have a surface treatment portion on their front surfaces. The surface treatment portion can be configured to guide the light that exits forward through the respective first end portions of the at least two light guides.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 9,562,663 (B2) is directed to an automotive lighting device having a configuration of at least two light conductors. Each conductor has a coupling arm having a first cross-section, a light conductor area having a second cross-section, and a transition area located between the coupling arm and the light conductor area. The coupling arm has an individual first contact surface, and the transition area of the light conductor has an individual second contact surface. The contact surfaces are formed so as to insert the coupling arm of one light conductor into the transition area of each other light conductor. Each of the two coupling arms has a deflector on the rear side of the coupling arm, and the deflector deflects forward within a section of the transition area that fits each individual coupling arm into the other light conductor.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 9,004,731 (B2) refers to an illumination device that can be arranged along the contour of an automotive component so that the contour of the component can be recognized as a bright strip in the dark. The illumination device enables the creation of a light strip along a predetermined distance. For this purpose, the illumination device has a longitudinal shaped light conductor for distributing light along this distance and a coupling element connected to the light conductor for coupling light into the light conductor. The light conductor is supported in such a way that it is positioned with reference to the component within an area by a fixing and supporting device. On the other hand, the coupling element is supported by a floating and supporting device for moving along the component with reference to at least one direction.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0229648 (A1) teaches a multifunctional lamp unit having a direction indicator having a housing for at least one light conductor having at least one luminance and a protection unit.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0205042 (A1) describes a lighting system having an elongated light guide disposed within an elongated optical cavity exhibiting uniform surface emission, a vehicle light assembly using a writing system, and an automotive exterior lamp incorporating the vehicle light assembly. In a particular embodiment, the lighting system has an elongated light guide disposed within an elongated reflective optical cavity. The elongated reflective optical cavity can have a diffusive output surface, and the lighting system can have one or more LEDs disposed to introduce light into the elongated light guide.

[0012] The present disclosure has been developed in view of this background art and the attendant problems and difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to further develop a system for overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0014] This object is solved by a system comprising a lighting assembly for 360° illumination of a design element, which is specifically configured for vehicle design elements, the system comprising: one or more light pipes, each light pipe comprising a core, wherein two or more light pipes, or two end portions of one light pipe, at least partially overlap, providing at least one overlapping region for substantially closing a loop, one or more light pipes; one or more light sources, at least partially arranged within the interior device of the system, each light source being configured to emit light based on receiving power from at least a power source, each light source being arranged adjacent to and directed towards at least one of the one or more light pipes, such that the emitted light results in reflected light propagating within the core and diffused light exiting from the one or more light pipes along the one or more light pipes, one or more light sources; a lens substantially surrounding the interior device, the one or more light pipes, and the one or more light sources, the lens having an inner surface and an outer surface arranged on the opposite side of the inner surface, the lens being equipped with a continuous transparent and / or translucent coating on the outer surface, the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating being at least partially transmissive to at least a part of the diffused light passing through the lens when the one or more light sources receive power from a power source, a lens, and the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating depends on at least one characteristic of the one or more light pipes and / or the one or more light sources, and / or the transparent and / or translucent coating preferably provides a chrome or chrome-based reflective coating to achieve homogeneous illumination of at least one 360° illumination window when the one or more light sources receive power from a power source, and comprises a metal, alloy, or conductive semimetal.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises cladding, optical elements, a plurality of screen-printed dots, paints, and / or another coating on one or more light pipes to provide homogeneous diffused light output from the one or more light pipes, and the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating preferably depends on the cladding, optical elements, screen-printed dots, paints, and / or another coating.

[0016] Each light pipe can comprise a cladding surrounding its core, such that the emitted light is at least partially reflected by the cladding so as to propagate within the core, and the cladding is preferably made of a material selected from the group comprising fluoropolymers, fluorocarbon polymers, and substituted polymers, and / or the cladding has a refractive index different from that of the core of each light pipe.

[0017] Each light pipe can be flexible and / or can be cylindrical. Furthermore, it is proposed that light from one or more light sources is output from the one or more light pipes with substantially uniform luminance, and / or that light from the one or more light pipes is color stable.

[0018] The present disclosure further provides an embodiment comprising at least one mask that provides an illuminated window, the mask being located between the one or more light pipes and a lens, and / or being provided by a continuous transparent and / or translucent coating.

[0019] The at least one mask can provide an illuminated window having various transmission levels, where preferably the window has a lower transmissivity in each overlapping region to achieve homogeneous illumination of the illuminated window.

[0020] The width of the illumination window need not be greater than the width of each light pipe, and / or the illumination window has at least a partially circular shape and / or an elliptical shape. Another embodiment can include at least one gasket located in the inner portion of the system, particularly between one or more light pipes and at least one mask.

[0021] In addition, a plurality of small contact areas can be provided between one or more light pipes and coatings, reflectors, and / or at least one mask to contain light within the core of one or more light pipes, and a continuous transparent and / or translucent coating preferably depends on the plurality of small contact areas.

[0022] It is proposed that a plurality of small contact areas are formed by applying a velvet film, achieving a velvet surface finish, or by grain blast or sand blast of a molded or cast part, which is at least one mask, one or more light pipes, or at least one reflector.

[0023] A plurality of small contact areas can be applied on the mask. Furthermore, it is proposed that one or more light sources comprise at least one of an incandescent light source, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and / or a laser diode, and / or that one or more light sources or each light source is located on a circuit board.

[0024] At least one characteristic of one or more light pipes can be determined by the amount of the light pipes, the amount of the overlapping regions, the location of each overlapping region, the shape and / or dimensions of each overlapping region, and / or the shape and / or dimensions of each light pipe, and / or at least one characteristic of one or more light sources can be determined by the amount of the light sources, the type of each light source, and / or the location and / or orientation of each light source.

[0025] The present disclosure further provides a vehicle design element including the system of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure further provides a rear view device and a door finisher of a vehicle including the system provided therein.

[0026] The system according to the present disclosure is switchable between an on state and an off state. For example, internal devices of the system, such as light sources, light guides, etc., are hidden until the illumination is turned on. As a result, the light created inside the system can be seen from the outside (Hidden Till Lit (HTL)). Thus, for example, any hidden logo or emblem becomes visible only in this case.

[0027] This HTL structure of the system is provided by a transparent and / or translucent coating applied to the lens on the outside or inside. Preferably, the coating is provided on the outside of the lens. Such a transparent and / or translucent coating has a certain reflectivity, for example, to make it impossible to see the light source or light pipe from one side, but has a certain degree of translucency to enable seeing the light from the light source and / or light pipe when illuminated.

[0028] ​In embodiments of the present disclosure, the front surface of the lens is a polished surface, a textured surface, or a machined surface. When a transparent and / or translucent coating is deposited on a polished surface, a textured surface, or a machined surface, a visible surface is provided that appears like a highly polished metal, or a textured metal surface that mimics a metallic finish such as satin stainless steel.

[0029] The lens can be made of a clear and / or translucent polymer material. The polymer material can be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyamide, polycarbonate, epoxy, phenol, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acetal, and blends thereof. For example, the lens can be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, polyethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene, or blends thereof.

[0030] The present disclosure further proposes that it can have an outer component, preferably made of the clear material mentioned above, and an inner component, preferably overmolded on the inner surface of the outer component and / or made of an opaque material. The material optical properties of the inner component of the lens can additionally be selected to increase or decrease the reflected light returning into the light pipe. A highly reflective material will increase the final light output level, and a non-reflective material will reduce the overall final light output level.

[0031] The lens can be formed by any process known in the art, such as, but not limited to, injection molding and / or thermoforming. The lens can have a pre-coated film in the form of any of a hard coat, a silicon hard coat, an inorganic oxide, or a thin metal film, or a combination of such pre-coated films.

[0032] The transparent and / or translucent coating can be any coating that provides the desired HTL functionality. For example, the transparent and / or translucent coating can be a transparent and / or translucent metal layer formed from a metal, alloy, or conductive semimetal selected from the group consisting of chromium, iridium, aluminum, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, zirconium, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, cobalt, manganese, silver, zinc, silicon, or mixtures thereof; oxides, nitrides, borides, and / or carbides of these, and mixtures thereof, and / or any alloy of the metals, steels, or stainless steels mentioned above. In one embodiment, the transparent and / or translucent coating is a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating, and both the polymer substrate and the chromium or chromium-based reflective coating are at least partially transmissive to light emitted from at least one light pipe.

[0033] For example, the transparent and / or translucent coating can be an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material is selected from the hexagonal close-packed transition metals, and the alloy has a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase that coexists with a secondary omega hexagonal close-packed phase. The alloy can be a binary alloy of chromium and the dopant material. imary) body-centered cubic phase. The alloy can be a binary alloy of chromium and the dopant material.

[0034] The atomic concentration of the dopant material in the binary alloy may range from about 1.9 at.% to about 5.8 at.%. The dopant material may be selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals that are zirconium, titanium, cobalt, hafnium, rubidium, yttrium, and osmium. In one embodiment, the dopant material may be selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals that are zirconium, titanium, and cobalt. For example, the alloy is a binary alloy and the dopant material is zirconium, where the atomic concentration of zirconium in the binary alloy ranges from about 4.5 at.% to about 5.8 at.%. In another embodiment, the alloy is a binary alloy and the dopant material in the binary alloy is titanium, where the atomic concentration of titanium ranges from about 1.9 at.% to about 5.8 at.%. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is a binary alloy and the dopant material is cobalt, where the atomic concentration of cobalt in the binary alloy may range from about 1.9 at.% to 5.7 at.%.

[0035] Can the coating have a thickness of 200 nm, 100 nm, or can it range from 40 nm to 80 nm, can it range from 50 nm to 70 nm, or can it be about 60 nm?

[0036] The coating can have a minimum light transmittance of 5% to a maximum light transmittance of 100%. In some embodiments, the light transmittance of the coating is from 5% to 20%. The light transmittance of a transparent and / or translucent coating may be 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20%. In certain embodiments, the light transmittance of a transparent and / or translucent coating is about 8%. The transmittance may be determined by and thus adjusted according to the coating used.

[0037] A transparent and / or translucent coating may be part of a multilayer transparent and / or translucent stack on the front surface of the lens. The multilayer stack can comprise other layers, such as a hard coat layer. For example, the hard coat is applied to the lens at the top of the transparent and / or translucent coating or between the lens and the transparent and / or translucent coating. The hard coat can be formed from one or more abrasion resistant layers. As is known in the art, a primer layer can be used between the hard coat and the lens or the transparent and / or translucent coating to improve the deposition of the hard coat. The hard coat can be formed from one or more of the materials known in the art for this purpose, including organosilicon, acrylic, urethane, melamine, amorphous organosilicon (SiO x C y H z ). Organosilicon hard coats are particularly suitable, and suitable materials include Silicone Hard Coat SHC 5020 from Momentive and GE587B from MomentiveGE Bayer. The hard coating material can be applied in a solvent such as an alcohol solvent. The hard coat can be applied using any of the coating techniques known in the art, including flow coating, dip coating, spray coating, spin coating, etc., and can be cured using techniques known in the art, such as heating to a temperature of about 100°C to about 200°C for an appropriate time. An intermediate layer can be deposited between each layer of the multilayer stack. The intermediate layer can assist in the deposition between each layer and can minimize or prevent delamination. The intermediate layer is generally translucent and can be formed from silica.

[0038] The transparent and / or translucent coating can be deposited using any suitable element deposition technique, including physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). For example, the lens can be placed in one or more sputter deposition chambers having a target of a planar magnetron or a rotating magnetron, and the deposition of a transparent and / or translucent coating is achieved via DC sputtering from an elemental target. Other processes can also be used to apply or deposit the coating layer. The thickness of the layer will determine the transparency and / or translucency of the layer. In one embodiment, a thickness from 2 nm to 50 nm provides a conductive transparent and / or translucent layer that allows sufficient light to pass through. A thickness of about 30 nm is particularly suitable.

[0039] Two or more light sources can be any source that can be used to provide the required amount of light, either monochromatic light or light of various colors. According to the present disclosure, at least two light sources can be used, and three or more light sources can also be included in the present disclosure. For example, when three or more light sources are used, each light source can provide light of various colors and / or various brightness levels. In one embodiment, for uniform illumination, the quality of the light entering the light pipe is more important than the amount of light.

[0040] The light source can be any suitable light source applicable for the intended purpose. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source comprises at least two LED lamps for illuminating two or more light pipes. At least two or more light sources are arranged adjacent to two or more light pipes and are directed towards these two or more light pipes. In this case, light is emitted along the length of the light pipe from the light pipe.

[0041] The light source can include one or more LED light sources, one or more OLED light sources, similar display technologies, surface lit plastic sheets such as Acrylite® (Evonik Industries), laser diodes, or any combination thereof. At least one light source can be attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board can have additional light sources arranged optionally adjacent to the surface that receives light to direct the light into the light pipe. Generally, the light sources are hidden and not visible from the outside. At least one light source can be electrically connected to the vehicle and is configured to emit light based on power received from the vehicle, such as at least from a power source on the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle electrical system, a battery, etc.). As a non-limiting example, at least one light source can be electrically connected to the vehicle by one or more wiring harnesses or other suitable electrical connectors as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] Generally, two or more light sources are arranged adjacent to the light pipe and directed towards the light pipe. Other locations and directions of the light sources are also possible and are within the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art. When two or more light sources are not illuminated and not emitting light, they are preferably shielded behind a transparent and / or translucent coating covering the lens.

[0043] Generally, in automotive applications, two or more light pipes are used. In the present disclosure, it is proposed that the light guide is substantially transparent and there is no separate optical structure that is visible in the non-illuminated state, while on the other hand, the light guide has diffusivity in the illuminated state. The light guiding annular body can also be substantially transparent and non-diffusive in both the illuminated and non-illuminated states, whereas the circumferential flange or cylinder is substantially transparent in the non-illuminated state and has diffusivity in the illuminated state.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light pipe includes a clear polymer material. The clear polymer material may be selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly esters, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyamide, polycarbonate, epoxy, phenol, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acetal, and blends thereof. Suitable substrate materials include polycarbonate, poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, polydiethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene, or blends thereof. In one embodiment, the light pipe is made of PMMA. Here, the term "light pipe" can be used to refer to a tubular structure adapted to transmit light. Light can be coupled into the light pipe at one or both ends of the light pipe. In this case, light is emitted from the light pipe along the length of the light pipe or along at least a portion of the length of the light pipe.

[0045] According to the present disclosure, one or more light pipes can be used within a system. For example, two, three, four, five, or more light pipes can be used, although in other embodiments only one light pipe may be used.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, two or more light pipes can be adapted to continuously emit light from at least two LED lamps. The term "continuous" in this description can be used to refer to a light sweep effect. For example, light can sweep outward from the center of a vehicle to facilitate an indication of movement, where the light has the appearance of continuous uniform illumination. Thus, the light pipe can include reflective elements and / or diffusive elements to create the light sweep effect.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing behind the light guide is shaped to facilitate the return of light reflections into the adjacent environment. In one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more light pipes include a cladding layer on the outside of the core or more precisely the core tube. The cladding may be the same for one particular light pipe. In one embodiment, different cladding layers are used in different parts of the light pipe. Also, the cladding may be different for each light pipe. It is also included in the present disclosure that only a portion of one or more of the light pipes is covered by the cladding layer. The assembly structure of the cladding layer may be an assembly structure having an expansion / specular reflection element for creating gloss.

[0048] The cladding layer assists in the reflection of light within the light pipe to increase the overall illumination performance of the light pipe and enable the transmission of light over a longer distance without loss of light intensity, color, and / or lightness.

[0049] The cladding is made from materials commonly used in the automotive field or any other related field. For example, the cladding layer can be made from a material selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon polymers or substituted polymers. In one embodiment, the cladding layer is made from a fluoropolymer. In one example, the light pipe with the cladding layer is 3M Light String Ray Milky Flex 35 or Ray Milky Flex 63. The cladding layer can have a thickness that is sufficient to provide the desired properties but not so thick as to reduce efficiency and reduce the homogeneity of the output light by having excessive light that exits too early. (If it is too thick, the light that is reflected back into the light pipe and delayed from exiting is reduced.) In one embodiment, the layer can have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, such as 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm or 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0050] The cladding layer has a refractive index different from that of the core of each light pipe. For example, the cladding layer has a refractive index lower than that of the core of each light pipe.

[0051] Using the system of the present disclosure, light is output from one or more light pipes with substantially uniform luminance. Additionally or optionally, the output light has hue stability. The present disclosure particularly provides a system that increases the light efficiency over the entire length of a 360° illumination type light pipe and enables increasing the length of the light pipe for this 360° purpose. Using the present disclosure, the possibility of light loss in the light pipe due to refraction is reduced and / or eliminated. This is achieved by using cladding, optical elements, a plurality of screen printed dots, paints, and / or other coatings on the light pipe, as well as by overlapping portions of the light pipe.

[0052] According to the present disclosure, light loss can also be achieved, for example, by utilizing a plurality of small contact areas formed by applying a velvet film between one or more light pipes and a transparent and / or translucent coating. Such a velvet film can include polymers such as polyester, polyurethane, poly(meth)acrylate, etc., metals, metal alloys, metal salts, or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable materials are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC). The velvet film can be provided as a velvet surface finish on the light pipe or mask.

[0053] The light pipe ends can overlap in only the small portions or even in the larger portions. Generally, the light pipe is designed and directed to hide one or more light sources to create 360° illumination. According to the present disclosure, the term "360° illumination" refers to the joining and connection of the two ends of the light pipe. For example, the overlap is between the end portion of one light pipe and the end portion of a second light pipe, which is located near each of their respective light sources, or the overlap is between the two ends of one light pipe. In another example, in the case where two light pipes are used, near the light source of light pipe (2), the end of light pipe (1) overlaps with the starting position of light pipe (2), and here, near the light source of light pipe (1), the end of light pipe (2) overlaps with the starting position of light pipe (1). In this design, complete 360° illumination can be achieved, and as a result, in particular, circular illumination around vehicle parts such as buttons, speakers, and displays can be realized.

[0054] In addition, to increase the amount of reflected light returning to the light pipe, the system can include a focusing optical geometry. This geometry can vary around the circumference of the light pipe to improve the homogeneity of the overall output light of the light assembly. This geometry can reduce the incident angle of the light rays entering the light pipe. In combination with varying the geometry around the circumference of the light pipe, the homogeneity of the overall output light of the light assembly can be improved.

[0055] The system provided herein can further include at least one mask positioned between one or more light pipes and a lens. The mask within the system of the present invention can achieve a desired illumination pattern of the system, i.e., an illumination window. Generally, the mask is a type of stencil having a translucent zone or an opaque zone, thereby enabling the transmission of light therethrough from at least one light source, such that only one specific pattern is illuminated when light from the light source and / or light pipe is applied to the mask. For example, this pattern can be printed on the mask or can be laser machined on the mask, where any printing technique can be used to prepare the desired pattern. An etching process known in the art may be used for this purpose. This pattern or image is a dedicated portion on which the stencil is placed.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one gasket is part of the system. The gasket can be disposed on the inner part of the system, i.e., adjacent to the light pipe within the interior of the system. The gasket can push a part of the system against the lens to maintain the light pipe as close as possible to the external surface. Additionally or alternatively, the gasket can be positioned between the light pipe and the mask, preferably surrounding the edge of the mask.

[0057] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle design element comprising the system provided herein. In one embodiment, the system can be used within other vehicle components, such as a rearview device. For example, the system can be included in a housing for a turn indicator of a vehicle's rearview device, where the turn indicator comprises at least one light element.

[0058] In one embodiment, the system provided herein can be used as a door finisher for an automobile door or for any other part of a vehicle.

[0067] Embodiments of the present disclosure are considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0059]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 1, a simplified schematic assembly of a system 10 of the present disclosure including a light pipe 1 and a light source 2 is shown. Specifically, the system 10 has two overlapping light pipes 1a and 1b, and three light sources 2a, 2b, 2c. The light pipe 1 is covered by a cladding layer (not shown) to improve reflectivity and thus ensure a constant and uniform output light. A lens with a coating is also not shown. The lens includes a transparent and / or translucent metal layer that becomes translucent during use. Each of the light sources 2 is switchable between an on state in which light is made visible in front of the lens and an off state in which light is not made visible in front of the lens.

[0061] As can be seen from FIG. 1, there is a first overlap between the light pipes 1a and 1b near the light source 2a, and a second overlap between the light pipes 1a and 1b near the light source 2b. In fact, light is input to two ends of the light pipe 1a via the light sources 2a and 2c, while only one end of the light guide 1b receives light from the light source 2b. All three light sources 2a, 2b, 2c are connected to a printed circuit board 3.

[0062] This configuration of two overlapping light pipes 1a, 1b that provide a loop and three light sources 2a, 2b, 2c that emit light into the overlapping light pipes 1a, 1b achieves a homogeneous and constant 360° illumination, together with cladding, lenses, and coatings.

[0063] Figures 2a through 2c depict another system 10' according to the present disclosure, which utilizes a single flexible and cylindrical light pipe 1. The single light pipe 1' includes a core 11' surrounded by a cladding 12', as best seen in Figure 2a. A light source 2' emits light 20' into the light pipe 1, where the emitted light 20' is split into light 21' reflected by the cladding 12' and diffused light 22' that exits the light pipe 1'.

[0064] The two ends of the light pipe 1' overlap to form a closed loop, which may be in the form of, for example, a circle or an ellipse, and here one light source 2' is sufficient to provide the necessary diffused light 22'. As best seen in Figure 2b, the light source 2' is connected to a printed circuit board 3'.

[0065] The assembly described in connection with Figures 2a and 2b is completed by placing a mask 4' around the light pipe 1' and placing a lens 5' along the circumference of the configuration (see Figure 2). The mask 4' provides an illumination window 41'. The lens 5' is equipped with a chrome-based reflective coating (not shown).

[0066] The width of the illumination window 41' of the mask 4' is not greater than the width of the light pipe 1'. The mask 4' is applied over the light pipe, such that light is visible through the mask illumination window 41'. The mask window 41' has varying transmission levels, such that transmission at the overlap of the light pipes is reduced, resulting in more absorption of the brighter emitted light at the overlap of the light pipes compared to other areas of the 360° illumination window 41'. Thus, a viewer seeing the 360° illumination will see light at a homogeneous luminance level.

[0067] The geometry of the light pipe 1’, the overlap of the two ends of the light pipe 1’, the cladding 12’ of the light pipe 1’, the arrangement of the light source 2’ in front of one of the ends of the light pipe 1’, the mask 4’, the lens 5’, and the coating on the lens 5’ cooperate to cause light to emerge uniformly from the illumination window 41’ and achieve 360° illumination in a circular or elliptical shape.

[0068] The illumination window 41’ can be used to provide a frame around a display (not shown) inside the vehicle. Throughout this specification and the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” are to be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers and not to imply the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0069] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not an admission that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any way, nor should it be so construed.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited in its use to the particular applications described. Also, the present disclosure is not limited to its preferred embodiments with respect to the particular elements and / or features described herein. It will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1, 1a, 1b, 1’ Light pipe 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2’ Light source 3, 3’ Printed circuit board 4’ Mask 5’ Lens System with 10, 10’ Light Assemblies 11’ Core 12’ Cladding 20’ Radiated Light 21’ Reflected Light 22’ Diffused Light 41’ Illumination Window

Claims

1. A system (10, 10') comprising a lighting assembly for 360° illumination of a design element, specifically configured for a vehicle design element, comprising: One or more light pipes (1, 1'), each light pipe (1, 1') comprising a core (11'); One or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2'), at least partially disposed inside the system, Each light source (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') being configured to emit light (20') based at least on receiving power from a power source, Each light source (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') being disposed adjacent to at least one of the one or more light pipes (1, 1') and directed towards the at least one light pipe, such that reflected light (21') propagating within the core (11') and diffused light (22') exiting from the one or more light pipes (1, 1') along the one or more light pipes (1, 1') are obtained by the emitted light (20'); One or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2'); A lens (5') substantially surrounding the internal device, the one or more light pipes (1, 1'), and the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2'), The lens (5') having an inner surface and an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface, with a continuous transparent and / or translucent coating provided on the outer surface, When the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') receive power from the power source, the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating is at least partially transmissive to at least a portion of the diffused light (22') passing through the lens (5'), A lens (5') Comprising, The continuous transparent and / or translucent coating depends on at least one characteristic of the one or more light pipes (1, 1') and / or the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2'), and / or the transparent and / or translucent coating comprises a metal, alloy, or conductive semimetal that preferably provides a chromium or chromium-based reflective coating. Two or more light pipes (1), or two end portions of one light pipe (1'), at least partially overlap to provide at least one overlapping region for substantially closing the loop, and when receiving power from the power source by the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2'), homogeneous illumination of at least one 360° illumination window (41') is realized. System (10, 10'). **Claim 2** In order to provide homogeneous diffused light output from the one or more light pipes (1, 1'), on the one or more light pipes (1, 1'), there are cladding (12'), optical elements, a plurality of screen-printed dots, paints, and / or another coating further provided, The continuous transparent and / or translucent coating preferably depends on the cladding (12'), the optical element, the screen-printed dots, the paint, and / or the another coating. The system according to claim 1. **Claim 3** Each light pipe (1, 1') is provided with a cladding (12') surrounding its core (11'), and at least partially reflected by the cladding (12') so that the emitted light (20') propagates in the core (11'), The cladding (12') is preferably made of a material selected from the group including fluoropolymers, fluorocarbon polymers, and substituted polymers, and / or The cladding (12') has a refractive index different from that of the core (11') of each light pipe (1'). The system according to claim 2. **Claim 4** Each light pipe (1, 1') is flexible and / or cylindrical. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** The light (20') from the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') is output from the one or more light pipes (1, 1') with substantially uniform luminance, and / or the light from the one or more light pipes (1, 1') has hue stability. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. **Claim 6** At least one mask (4') for providing the illumination window (41') further provided, the mask (4') is located between the one or more light pipes (1, 1') and the lens (5'), and / or is provided by the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the at least one mask (4') provides the illumination window (41') having various transmission levels, preferably the window (41') having lower permeability in each overlapping region to achieve homogeneous illumination of the illumination window (41'), The system according to claim 6.

8. the width of the illumination window (41') and / or the mask (4') is not greater than the width of each light pipe (1, 1'), and / or the illumination window (41') has at least a partially circular shape and / or an elliptical shape, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. at least one gasket located in the inner part of the system, particularly between the one or more light pipes (1, 1') and the at least one mask (4'), The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising

10. a plurality of small contact areas provided between the one or more light pipes and the coating, reflector, and / or the at least one mask to accommodate light within the core of the one or more light pipes, further comprising the continuous transparent and / or translucent coating preferably depends on the plurality of small contact areas, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. applying a velvet film, achieving a velvet surface finish, or grit blasting or sand blasting of the molded or cast part, which is the at least one mask, the one or more light pipes, or the at least one reflector, whereby the plurality of small contact areas are formed, The system according to claim 10.

12. the plurality of small contact areas are applied on the mask (4'), The system according to claim 10 or 11, dependent on claim 6.

13. The one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') comprise at least one of an incandescent light source, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and / or a laser diode, and / or the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') or each light source is located on a circuit board, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The at least one characteristic of the one or more light pipes (1, 1') is the amount of light pipes (1, 1'), the amount of overlapping regions, the location of each overlapping region, the shape and / or dimensions of each overlapping region, and / or the shape and / or dimensions of each light pipe determined by, and / or the at least one characteristic of the one or more light sources (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2') is the amount of light sources, the type of each light source, and / or the location and / or orientation of each light source determined by, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle design element comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A rear view device of a vehicle comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A door finisher for a door of a motor vehicle comprising the system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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