Vehicle lighting device and vehicle component equipped with the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2) comprising a support structure (3) on which a decorative element (4a) having a decorative surface (4b) is disposed, the support structure (3) and the decorative element (4a) defining an installation space (5) therebetween. Importantly, the lighting device (1) comprises an opaque spacer element (7) having an opening (8), a light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding element (12), and light sources (13) for providing light, each of the light sources (13) being disposed within an opening (8) of the spacer element (7), such that light provided by the light sources (13) passes through the respective openings (8) and the respective light-guiding elements (12) and shines from each light source (13) along a straight optical path (14) toward the decorative surface (4b) in a circumferential direction (15). The present invention also relates to a vehicle component (23) for a vehicle (2) comprising at least one such lighting device (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention particularly relates to a vehicle component comprising at least one such lighting device according to claim 11. [Background technology]

[0002] A lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US Pat. No. 5,623,499. Further lighting devices are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,623,499, US Pat. No. 5,623,499, US Pat. No. 5,623,499 or US Pat. No. 5,623,499. A drawback of these lighting devices is that the light of adjacent light sources overlaps, which leads to a certain blurring of the generated light image or light effect and, if colored light is used, additionally to re-color mixing, which has a significant negative impact on the visual comfort experience of the vehicle user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] DE102021120868A1 [Patent Document 2] DE202017103775A1 [Patent Document 3] CN114023866A [Patent Document 4] EP3575153A1 [Patent Document 5] EP3150442A1 [Patent Document 6] EP3891020B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved embodiment or at least one alternative embodiment of a lighting device, in particular a vehicle component equipped with such a lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present invention, this problem is solved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description. The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the light provided by adjacent light sources of the lighting device is absorbed by opaque spacer elements, so that the individual light sources are, as it were, enclosed.

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a lighting device for a vehicle, which device has a support structure configured for placement on the vehicle, on which a decorative element of the lighting device is arranged, the decorative element having a decorative surface that is at least partially discernible from the surroundings of the lighting device, the support structure and the decorative element defining or forming an installation space between them.

[0007] What is important is that the lighting device has opaque spacer elements that are arranged in the installation space and are supported in contact with the upper surface of the support structure facing the decorative element and are pierced by openings that, on the one hand, lead to the upper surface of the spacer element facing the decorative element and, on the other hand, lead to the lower surface of the spacer element facing the support structure, and that the openings are in contact with the support structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the lighting device also has light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding elements, which are in particular arranged at least partially in the installation space and are supported in contact with the upper surfaces of the decorative element and the spacer element, respectively, and which close each of the aforementioned openings, penetrate completely through the decorative element and open in the circumferential direction so as to be visible on the decorative surface.

[0009] The lighting elements further comprise light sources for providing light, which are arranged in the installation space and respectively inside openings of the spacer elements, for example on the upper surface of the support structure, and the light provided by these light sources passes through the respective openings and the respective light-guiding elements and shines in the circumferential direction from the respective light sources towards the decorative surface along a straight optical path, whereby the provided light is advantageously completely or almost completely absorbed by the spacer elements, so that adjacent light sources or adjacent light-guiding elements of the lighting device are shielded from each other in terms of lighting technology.

[0010] In this way, undesirable overlapping of light, i.e., mixing of light from adjacent light sources, can be prevented. This has the advantage that the weakening of the lighting effect or light image of the lighting device, which previously occurred during operation of the lighting device, particularly when the light sources were controlled sequentially, can be prevented, and instead, lighting effects or light images with clear and sharp contours can be generated. In addition, the provision of a straight light path ensures that the provided light travels from the light source to the surroundings along this light path, preventing light losses that previously occurred in existing boundary and intermediate layers, for example due to scattering. Therefore, the lighting device according to the present invention can operate more efficiently.

[0011] Additionally, the light-guide element may have a design area or design area surface in the area of ​​the decorative surface that is distinguishable from the surroundings of the lighting device. This design area may be realized by any pattern or any geometric shape that may, for example, be raised above the decorative surface. This allows the light-guide element to be recognized as a design element by a vehicle user, for example, even from a distance. The design area surface may be configured to illuminate one or more geometric shapes or patterns arranged on the decorative surface from behind. Furthermore, it is possible to create a daytime design when the light-guide element is not illuminated, i.e., when the light source is turned off. Furthermore, it is possible to create a nighttime design when, for example, the light-guide element is illuminated, i.e., when the light source is turned on.

[0012] The support structure is advantageously configured for connection to a vehicle body of a vehicle, in particular a body shell of the vehicle. Furthermore, the support structure may have accommodations and / or interfaces for adjacent vehicle components. Furthermore, the support structure may also be configured to accommodate lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light source.

[0013] As mentioned, the light-guiding element is formed to be light-transmitting and / or translucent. In the present invention, light-transmitting means that the light-guiding element is almost completely transmissive (light-transmitting) to the provided light. In the present invention, translucent means that the light-guiding element is partially transmissive to the provided light (so-called partial light-transmitting).

[0014] The decorative element can be made of a metal 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. These measures make it possible to make the lighting device, or at least the decorative element, weather-resistant and resistant to scratches and other damage.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the light-guiding element is made weatherproof, which can be achieved, for example, by using a plastic material.

[0016] It is conceivable that the spacer elements have light guide zones, for example, for light separation. Furthermore, the spacer elements can realize or generate a light cone in the case of direct illumination. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the spacer elements have a diffusing layer.

[0017] To make the lighting device resistant to environmental influences, it is advantageous to provide the light-guiding element as injection-molded onto the decorative element. Alternatively, the light-guiding element can be joined to the decorative element by back-insert molding. This ensures that any gaps that may occur between the decorative element and the light-guiding element during the manufacturing process are sealed. This sealing can be particularly fluid-tight, so that the lighting device is resistant to water and dirt. This allows the lighting device to be mounted, for example, directly on or form the outer shell of a vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, to simplify the manufacture of the lighting device, the decorative element can be realized as a cover and provided to be securely clipped or clamped to the support structure to form a latching connection together with the light-guiding element. The latching connection can be permanent or detachable. Advantageously, the support structure is pre-mounted with the lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light source.

[0019] In this connection, it is advantageous if the support structure has an integral latch hook that projects from its upper surface in the direction of the decorative element to form the latch connection, and this latch hook has an opposite projection for interacting with the decorative element. In this case, the decorative element can have a surrounding peripheral projection or counter projection that projects inwardly towards the installation space to support the latch connection, which interacts with the mentioned projection of the latch hook of the support structure to effect the latch connection.

[0020] Furthermore, a sealing means can be provided between the aforementioned latch hook and the decorative element, which is supported in contact with the upper surface of the support structure and is arranged to seal the installation space from the surroundings. The sealing means can be realized, for example, by sealing tape, sealing cord, etc. This ensures that any gaps that may occur between the decorative element and the support structure during the manufacturing process are sealed. This sealing can be particularly fluid-tight, so that the lighting device is resistant to water and dirt.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, the support structure comprises a circuit board having a mounting surface configured for mounting a light source, the mounting surface at least partially forming the top surface of the support structure, and a latch hook of the support structure surrounding the mounting surface, the latch hook having opposing protrusions by means of which the circuit board is clipped or clamped to the support structure to form a latching connection.

[0022] Furthermore, the decorative elements can be injection-molded onto the support structure and the light-guiding and / or spacer elements, thus overcoating the entire substructure of the lighting device. Advantageously, the support structure is pre-mounted with the lighting technology and / or electronics for controlling the light source. This has the advantage that the lighting device is resistant to water and dirt. Furthermore, the decorative elements can be easily attached to the support structure.

[0023] Advantageously, alternatively, the decorative element is realized as a cover, the support structure has an integrated latch hook protruding from an upper surface of the support structure towards the decorative element to form the latching connection, and the support structure further has a circuit board with a mounting surface configured for mounting the light source, the mounting surface being arranged to at least partially form the upper surface of the support structure, in which case the latch hook of the support structure surrounds the mounting surface all around and has opposing protrusions by means of which the circuit board is clipped or clamped to the support structure to form the latching connection.

[0024] The term "clipped or clamped" can be understood to mean "fixed."

[0025] More advantageously, the mentioned light sources comprise or are formed by LED lights (LEDs) or LED light clusters (LED arrays) or light guides, respectively. The corresponding light sources can be provided at low cost while at the same time having a relatively long lifespan and a relatively high achievable illumination intensity. The mentioned light sources can be controlled, for example sequentially and / or simultaneously, by suitable adjustment and / or control of the lighting device. This allows the lighting device to be used to provide any lighting effect, light image, or lighting event.

[0026] The LED lights (LEDs) or LED light clusters (LED arrays) or light guides can be mounted on the mentioned circuit boards.

[0027] The light provided by the light source is preferably light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0028] Furthermore, the light sources may be arranged to provide colored light to the human eye, so that colored lighting effects or light images or lighting events can also be generated using the lighting device. The spacer elements may be arranged to absorb the provided colored light, so that unwanted overlapping of colored light from neighboring light sources, i.e., in particular additive mixing of light, can be prevented.

[0029] Another basic idea of ​​the invention is to propose a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular a body component or a B-pillar cover, characterized in that the vehicle component comprises at least one lighting device designed according to the above description and configured to generate light effects and / or light images, thereby enabling the use of the lighting device as a vehicle component for a vehicle, in particular as a body component or a B-pillar cover.

[0030] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the corresponding description based on the drawings.

[0031] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above, and those further described below, may not only be used in the combinations shown, but may also be used in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below, where like reference numbers indicate identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0033] Here, the following is generally described in each of the drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle component according to the invention embodied as a B-pillar cover, which vehicle component has a lighting device according to the invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 according to the present invention, as viewed in the direction of arrow II marked in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA marked in FIG. 2 through the lighting device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of a lighting device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle 2 equipped with a vehicle component 23 according to the invention, embodied as a B-pillar cover, as described above, which vehicle component 23 is equipped with 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 by means of light-guiding elements 12 and / or light sources 13.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lighting device 1 of FIG. 1 according to the present invention, as viewed in the direction of arrow II indicated in FIG. 1 . It can be seen that the lighting device 1 comprises a number of light-guiding elements 12 arranged on the decorative element 4a of the lighting device 1, which may each be realized by any geometric shape or any pattern, e.g., raised above the decorative element 4a, in the area visible to the user of the vehicle 2. This visible shape of the light-guiding elements 12 can be used to provide a so-called daytime design, when the light sources 13 are switched off and the light-guiding elements 12 are not illuminated. Furthermore, illuminated light-guiding elements 12, i.e., when the light sources 13 are switched on, can be used to generate lighting effects or light images visible to the user of the vehicle 2, thereby realizing a nighttime design. However, the use of the lighting device 1 with illuminated light-guiding elements 12 is not limited to nighttime use.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device 1 of FIG. 1 along the section line AA indicated in FIG. 2, showing the specific structure of the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 of this embodiment has a flat support structure 3 configured for placement on a vehicle 2. A decorative element 4a of the lighting device 1 is arranged on the support structure 3 with a decorative surface 4b that is at least partially visible from the surroundings 15 of the lighting device 1. The decorative element 4a is illustratively formed as an integrally molded cover 4c or an integrally molded cover shell. The support structure 3 and the decorative element 4a are arranged relative to each other such that an installation space 5 is defined or formed therebetween, and the components of the lighting device 1 are accommodated in the installation space 5. The lighting device 1 further includes an integrally molded opaque spacer element 7. The spacer element 7 is arranged within the installation space 5 and is supported in contact with an upper surface 11 of the support structure 3 facing the decorative element 4a. The spacer elements 7 are further pierced by openings 8, which on the one hand open to an upper surface 9 of the spacer elements 7 facing the decorative elements 4a, and on the other hand open to a lower surface 10 of the spacer elements 7 facing the support structure 3, by means of which the spacer elements 7 are supported on the support structure 3 with the openings 8 in contact with the support structure 3. The lighting device 1 also comprises a plurality of light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding elements 12, which are at least partially arranged in the installation space 5. The light-guiding elements 12 are further supported in contact with the decorative elements 4a and the upper surfaces 9 of the spacer elements 7, respectively. The light-guiding elements 12 each close one opening 8 and completely penetrate the decorative element 4a, and if necessary protrude at least partially beyond the decorative element 4a towards the periphery 15; on the one hand, they seal the openings 8, and on the other hand, at least on the decorative surface 4b, they open towards the periphery 15 or protrude above the decorative element 4a. The lighting device 1 further comprises a number of light sources 13 for providing light, which are indicated by simple arrows in Figure 3, e.g. LED lights (LEDs) or LED light clusters (LED arrays) or light guides, respectively.The light sources 13 are arranged in the installation space 5, respectively inside openings 8 of the spacer elements 7, for example on the upper surface 11 of the support structure 3. That is to say, each opening 8 is assigned to one of the aforementioned types of light source 13. Light provided by the light sources 13, for example light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, passes through the respective opening 8 and the respective light-guiding element 12 and travels along a straight light path 14, shown by a dashed line in Figure 3, from the respective light source 13 towards the decorative surface 4b and from there towards the surroundings 15.

[0038] The opaque properties of the spacer elements 7 completely or almost completely absorb the provided light, thereby efficiently preventing undesirable overlap of light, i.e., mixing of light in particular from adjacent light sources 13. This has the advantage that the weakening of the lighting effect or light image of the lighting device 1, which previously occurred during operation of the lighting device 1, can be prevented, and instead a lighting effect or light image with clear and sharp contours can be produced. Furthermore, the provision of a straight light path 14 prevents light loss, allowing the lighting device 1 to operate more efficiently.

[0039] According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 , the light-guiding element 12 is furthermore provided to be injection-molded onto the decorative element 4a. This ensures that the gap 24 formed between the decorative element 4a and the light-guiding element 12 during the manufacturing process is sealed. This sealing can be particularly fluid-tight, so that the lighting device 1 is resistant to water and dirt. This allows the lighting device 1 to be mounted, for example, directly onto or to form the outer shell of a vehicle 2. Furthermore, the decorative element 4a, together with the injection-molded light-guiding element 12, is permanently or detachably clipped or clamped to the support structure 3 to form a latching connection, whereby the decorative element 4a and the support structure 3 are permanently or reversibly fixed to one another. To form the mentioned latching connection, the support structure 3 is provided with an integrated latch hook 17 that protrudes from the top surface 11 of the support structure 3 in the direction of the decorative element 4a. These are fitted with opposite protrusions 21 which interact with peripheral protrusions 25 of the surrounding decorative element 4a which protrude inwards towards the installation space 5 or with counter protrusions 25 of the decorative element 4a, respectively, which protrude inwards towards the installation space 5, to form a latching connection. Between the latch hooks 17 and the decorative element 4a there are provided sealing means 20 which are supported in a contacting manner on the upper surface 11 of the support structure 3 and which serve to seal the installation space 5 against the surroundings 15, thereby ensuring the sealing of gaps 24 which may occur between the decorative element 4a and the support structure 3 during the manufacturing process. This sealing can also be performed in a particularly fluid-tight manner, so that the lighting device 1 is resistant to water and dirt.

[0040] 3, the support structure 3 includes or forms a circuit board 6 having a mounting surface 16 configured for mounting a light source 13, the mounting surface 16 at least partially forming the top surface 11 of the support structure 3. The mentioned latch hooks 17 of the support structure 3 surround the circuit board 6 all around and have opposing protrusions 18 by means of which the circuit board 6 is clipped or clamped to form a further latching connection. The latch hooks 17 of the support structure 3 are thereby generally T-shaped. The circuit board 6 can form a light guide.

[0041] The embodiment of the lighting device 1 depicted in Figure 4 substantially corresponds to the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, and what has been described above also applies to the embodiment depicted in Figure 4. The embodiment depicted in Figure 4 differs from the embodiment depicted in Figure 3 in that the decorative element 4a is injection-molded onto the entire substructure of the lighting device 1. That is to say, the decorative element 4a is advantageously injection-molded onto the support structure 3, the light-guiding element 12 and the spacer element 7, which is illustrated in Figure 4 by the injection-molded body 26. This encapsulates all components of the lighting device 1 that are sensitive to water and dirt.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: - a support structure (3) configured for placement on the vehicle (2), on which a decorative element (4a) is arranged with a decorative surface (4b) that is at least partially discernible from the surroundings (15) of the lighting device (1), the support structure (3) and the decorative element (4a) defining or forming an installation space (5) between them, - an opaque spacer element (7) arranged in the installation space (5) and supported in contact with an upper surface (11) of the support structure (3) facing the decorative element (4a) and pierced by an opening (8) which leads, on the one hand, to an upper surface (9) of the spacer element (7) facing the decorative element (4a) and, on the other hand, to a lower surface (10) of the spacer element (7) facing the support structure (3), and which opens into contact with the support structure (3), - light-transmitting and / or translucent light-guiding elements (12) arranged in the installation space (5) and supported in contact with the top surfaces (9) of the decorative element (4a) and the spacer element (7), respectively, the light-guiding elements (12) closing one opening (8) and penetrating the decorative element (4a) and thereby opening towards the surroundings (15) at the decorative surface (4b), - light sources (13) for providing light, said light sources (13) being arranged in said installation space (5) and respectively arranged inside openings (8) of said spacer elements (7), said light provided by said light sources (13) passing through respective openings (8) and respective light-guiding elements (12) and shining along a straight light path (14) from said respective light sources (13) towards said decorative surface (4b) in the direction of said periphery (15); In the lighting device (1), - the support structure (3) comprises a circuit board (6) having a mounting surface (16) configured for mounting the light source (13), the mounting surface (16) at least partially forming the top surface (11) of the support structure (3); - the latch hooks (17) of the support structure (3) are provided, the latch hooks (17) surrounding the mounting surface (16) all around, - the latch hooks (17) have opposing protrusions (18) by means of which the circuit board (6) is clipped or clamped to the support structure (3) to form a latching connection; The lighting device (1) is characterized in that

2. - the spacer elements (7) completely or almost completely absorb the provided light, so that adjacent light sources (13) and / or adjacent light-guiding elements (12) are shielded from each other in terms of lighting.

2. A lighting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

3. - the light-guiding element (12) is injection-molded onto the decorative element (4a) or the light-guiding element (12) is joined to the decorative element (4a) by back-insert molding; 3. A lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises:

4. - the decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c) and is clipped or clamped to the support structure (3) to form a latching connection with the light-guiding element (12); 4. A lighting device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it

5. - the support structure (3) has an integral latch hook (17) protruding from the upper surface (11) of the support structure (3) in the direction of the decorative element (4a) to form a latching connection, the latch hook (17) having an opposite projection (21) to interact with the decorative element (4); 5. A lighting device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it

6. - Between said latch hook (17) and said decorative element (4a) optionally a sealing means (20) supported in contact with said top surface (11) of said support structure (3) is arranged to seal said installation space (5) against said surroundings (15).

6. A lighting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that it

7. - the decorative elements (4a) are injection moulded onto the support structure (3) and onto the light-guiding elements (12) and / or the spacer elements (7); A lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises:

8. - said decorative element (4a) is realized as a cover (4c), - said support structure (3) has an integrated latch hook (17) protruding from the upper surface (11) of said support structure (3) in the direction of said decorative element (4a) to form a latching connection; - the support structure (3) comprises a circuit board (6) having a mounting surface (16) configured for mounting the light source (13), the mounting surface (16) at least partially forming the top surface (11) of the support structure (3), the latch hooks (17) of the support structure (3) surrounding the mounting surface (16) all around, the latch hooks (17) having opposing protrusions (18) by means of which the circuit board (6) is clipped or clamped to the support structure (3) to form a latching connection; 8. A lighting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it

9. - said light source (13) comprises or is formed by an LED light (LED) or a group of LED lights (LED array) or a light guide respectively; A lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises:

10. A vehicle component (23), in particular a body component or a B-pillar cover, for a vehicle (2), comprising: - at least one lighting device (1), said lighting device (1) being designed according to one or more of claims 1 to 9 and configured to generate lighting effects and / or light images; The vehicle component (23).

Images