Lighting device on the vehicle door of an automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (7) on a vehicle door (2) of an automobile (1), comprising an illumination means (17), a light guide (20) connectable to the illumination means (17), and an imaging means (18), wherein the lighting device (7) is capable of generating a variable display (8,9), and the lighting device (7) is located within an operating element (5) that is at least partially movable outward from the automobile (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device (7) on a vehicle door (2) of an automobile (1), and has a lighting means (17), a light guide (20) connectable to the lighting means (17), and an imaging means, and a variable display (8, 9) can be generated by the lighting device (7).

[0002]

[0002] When an automobile is used on a road, it is subject to a number of safety regulations. In particular, in recent years, the importance of automobile lighting has been increasing more and more. Therefore, today's vehicles are already equipped with running lights that light up the vehicle even during the day to enhance the visibility from other road users, independently of the low beam used when driving in the dark. Therefore, automobile lighting constitutes an important safety function.

[0003]

[0003] In order to further enhance the safety and comfort of drivers and / or other road users, it is also known to design the open door or flap of an automobile with a lighting means, a reflector or a light emitting member, and display the movement on the automobile to other road users by means of a light effect.

[0004]

[0004] In order to enhance the comfort inside the automobile, it is known from DE 103 03 514 A1 to arrange a lighting device having a light guide connected to a light source and a support element fastened to the vehicle door on the vehicle door. The light source is fastened to the support element, the guide has an electrical wiring leading to the support element, and its free end is introduced from a through opening of the vehicle door into the inner area of the vehicle door and can be connected to a power line. By incorporating the lighting device into the vehicle handle in this way, it becomes possible to generate foot illumination of the vehicle.

[0005]

[0005] As further prior art to enhance the comfort of automobiles, DE 10 2016 105 997 A1 can be cited. This publication relates to an automobile, and more particularly to an automobile lock, and comprises a housing, an illumination means, and at least one optical guide element, wherein the illumination means introduces light into the optical guide element, and the at least one optical guide element guides the light and radiates it into the area surrounding the lock device. In addition, an imaging means can be placed on the optical guide element, thereby displaying status information of the automobile to the driver. When projecting the display, for example, the information is projected onto the side wall and / or B-pillar of the automobile.

[0006]

[0006] Generally, prior art display and lighting means used on vehicle doors of automobiles are useful, but they have limitations, for example, when it is necessary to provide information that the vehicle is in an unopened state, or when it is necessary to convey additional information to the operator in addition to simple illumination. In particular, they cannot convey safety-related features or information that facilitates the operation of the automobile to the operator. The present invention is proposed in this regard. [Overview of the project]

[0007]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting device on an automobile door that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that provides the operator with clear instructions regarding the operation of the automobile, and at the same time provides means for operating it. Another object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost and structurally simple system for providing vehicle information.

[0008]

[0008] According to the present invention, the above objective is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting, but rather any modification of the features described in the specification and dependent claims is possible.

[0009]

[0009] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a lighting device having an illumination means, a light guide connectable to the illumination means, and an imaging means on the vehicle door of an automobile, enabling the lighting device to generate a variable display, and arranging the lighting device within an operating element that is at least a part of which can move out of the vehicle. The structure of the lighting device of the present invention makes it possible to transmit information to the operator or user of the automobile while simultaneously providing the operating element, even when the vehicle is locked. At least a part of the lighting device is integrated with the operating element, and after the operating element is moved outward, the operating element itself can provide information regarding the operation and / or status of the automobile. For this purpose, the lighting device can transmit information to the user of the automobile from the operating element itself. This is particularly because the lighting device is assigned an imaging means, and changeable information can also be transmitted to the user. In particular, the imaging means can display information regarding the status of the automobile to the user. For example, when an authorized operator approaches the automobile, the operating element is moved out of the vehicle, and the lighting and display device can project information onto the automobile. For example, when an operator approaches the vehicle, the exterior door handle may be moved to the outside of the vehicle, and a status indicator may be communicated to the user via an illuminated display device. The status indicator may, for example, show the user that the vehicle is ready to open, or provide safety instructions such as that the rear door is unlocked. The illuminated display device is not limited to fixed values ​​or displays, but rather can be freely programmed using imaging means, so for example, it can display videos, sentences, symbols and / or characters on the vehicle door or the side wall of the vehicle.

[0010]

[0010] At least one optical guide or optical guide element is connected to an illumination means, and light emitted from the illumination means can be introduced into the optical guide element. The optical guide element may be a guide body made of solid resin or glass, or it may be made of a flexible light-guiding material such as light-guiding flexible silicone. Other materials that can be used for the optical guide element include polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These are resins with excellent light-guiding properties.

[0011]

[0011] By using an optical guide or optical guide element (hereinafter used synonymously), it is possible to position a part of the lighting device inside the automobile, particularly outside the operating element inside the automobile door. Light emitted from the light source or illumination means is introduced into the optical guide and guided to the imaging means. Of course, the reverse configuration is also possible, namely, placing the imaging means immediately after the illumination means and connecting the optical guide to the imaging means. In either case, the combination of the light source, optical guide and imaging means makes it possible to display information that can be projected onto the exterior surface of the automobile via the operating element. A major advantage here is that the operating element is movably attached to the automobile and can exit the vehicle and project onto an exterior surface such as the exterior body of the automobile.

[0012]

[0012] In particular, by using the imaging means as a change display, it is possible to dynamically respond to various conditions inside the automobile, and in addition to the variability of the display, it is possible to indicate different states of the automobile using different colors, for example.

[0013]

[0013] The imaging means can display characters and / or symbols and / or patterns. The display state can be directly reproduced by displaying characters, symbols, and patterns. This allows for clear notification to the vehicle user, for example, if the vehicle is not in a properly closed state. This type of notification can be made without prior knowledge by expressing a sentence using characters and symbols and reinforcing its meaning with symbols. For example, if a directional arrow is used as a symbol, visual aids can also be displayed to the user. For example, if the rear door is not properly closed, a directional arrow can be made to point towards the rear of the vehicle. For example, if the sliding roof is not fully closed, a symbol can be displayed, and a text message can be added to indicate that the conditions for a complete lock have not been met, and a pattern can be used for visual aids, providing the user with an intuitive and highly convenient safety and warning system. It is also conceivable to provide a video-like visual representation using symbols that alternate or repeat. For example, for the closing of side windows, a changing symbol (i.e., a variable symbol) can be used to visually show the closing process of the side windows.

[0014]

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one means (light changing means) for changing the light incident on the light guide is placed between the illuminating means and the light guide. The illuminating means or light source sends light to the light guide, thereby enabling projection. By using the light changing means, the light can be configured as desired. For example, an LCD or DLP panel and / or a polarizing filter can be used. An advantage of using a display is that the area for displaying symbols and / or patterns and / or characters is larger. Characters, patterns and symbols are mentioned here, but this is not intended to be limiting; it merely illustrates that the display is freely variable and can reproduce any motif or message format, not limited to characters, symbols, or patterns. The display allows for the simultaneous presentation of multiple instructions or the presentation of individual instructions in a manner that is extremely easy for the operator to understand.

[0015]

[0015] The freely programmable display described above not only allows for the generation of fixed text displays, but also enables the display to be instantly changed in response to individual changes in the vehicle's state. This free programmability allows, for example, the immediate display of changes in the vehicle's state. LCD or DLP panels can be advantageously used because they offer free programmability and are readily available in large quantities at low cost.

[0016]

[0016] Polarizing filters can also be used as a means of changing or influencing the image. It is also conceivable to use a combination of a panel and a polarizing filter behind the light source. This makes it possible to generate different forms of symbols or representations by switching them over time.

[0017]

[0017] It is also advantageous to be able to place means for deflecting light, particularly mirrors or prisms, within the operating element, representing one embodiment of the present invention. Because the deflection of light can be adjusted by mirrors, areas far from the operating element can be illuminated, or projections can be generated at a distance from the operating element. The deflection means can also be made to interact with polarizing filters, and can deflect and separate displays generated by the light source and, if necessary, the light modification means. By using different means for deflecting or modifying light, a wide range of displays are possible, and multiple displays with different content can be presented or projected using the operating element. Depending on the application, for example, different displays can be produced by combining an LCD panel and a mirror, and color displays can also be produced by using light sources of different colors.

[0018]

[0018] In order to achieve imaging that corresponds to the distance between the operating element and the outer surface of the automobile, it is advantageous to use at least one tactile element, in particular an optical element and / or lens. When the operating element is extended, the distance between the operating element and the surface increases, so the size, light intensity and clarity of the display can be changed by the optical element, and the application area, i.e., the position of the lighting device inside the automobile, can be adapted according to the type of vehicle and lighting device.

[0019]

[0019] Advantageously, a deflection means can also be used as a controllable mirror, and it is preferable to use a laser as the light source. By using a controllable mirror and a laser, it is possible to project different motifs, letters and / or displays onto, for example, the B-pillar or the outer skin of a door.

[0020]

[0020] By modifying the advantageous embodiments described above, multiple projections and / or images can be generated on an automobile by a lighting device. For example, by using two optical elements and a polarizing filter along a mirror, different images can be generated at different locations on the automobile. The optical guide used can be configured as a rigid injection molded product or, for example, as a flexible optical fiber, thereby allowing the light source to be positioned away from the optical exit point of the operating element.

[0021]

[0021] As one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a polarizing filter can be used behind the light source and LCD panel and in front of the polarizing mirror. The polarizing filter can be switched in sync with the panel, so to speak, two different projections can be sent to the mirror in a time-division manner. For example, by using another polarizing filter synchronized with the first polarizing filter on the mirror side, images generated independently of each other can be separated, and the first image can be guided by the first optical element and the other image by the other optical element.

[0022]

[0022] In yet another modification, the image may be logically divided behind the LCD or DLP panel, for example, assigning the right half of the image to a first optical element and directing the left half of the image to another optical element. A mirror may also be shaped so that only the right portion reflects the right half of the image, while the other portion transmits and projects the left half of the image. These are merely modifications of embodiments that can be realized by the technical features relating to the subject matter of the present invention. However, the disclosure of the present invention focuses primarily on integrating the imaging means into a lighting device and positioning the lighting device within an operating element that is movably mounted on the automobile. In particular, the movability of the operating element allows the lighting device to secure a projection surface at a position spaced apart from the outer surface of the automobile and project information onto the vehicle surface.

[0023]

[0023] In addition, the mirror is not limited to conventional mirrors; for example, a prism can also be used as a mirror. Furthermore, a resin member with a special mirror coating can be used instead of a conventional mirror.

[0024]

[0024] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, but merely to illustrate advantageous embodiments. Each illustrated feature can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a side view of an automobile of an outer door handle area, showing a side door combined with a B pillar and a side wall. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an operating element of the configuration according to the present invention, showing a basic configuration of a lighting device integrated into the operating element.

[0026] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of an automobile 1, showing an automobile door 2 and a side wall 3 of the automobile 1. In this embodiment, the side wall 3 also includes a B pillar 4 of the automobile 1. The side door 1 of the automobile is shown in a closed position. From the closed position, for example, the outer door handle 5 can be moved outward of the automobile by approaching the automobile 1 and / or a command from a vehicle operator. For this purpose, the outer door handle 5 is, for example, pivotable outward about a pivot axis ⑥, and the pivoting movement is indicated by an arrow P. The pivoting movement is preferably performed in the horizontal direction, but as shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to perform the pivoting movement of the outer door handle in the vertical direction up and down. A lighting device 7 is assigned to the outer door handle 5, and the lighting device 7 can generate displays 8 and 9. The displays 8 and 9 can be displayed as symbols or texts 10 and 11 on the surface 12 or the outer panel 13 of the side door 2. In any case, the lighting device 7 can project the displays 8 and 9 in different directions with respect to the vehicle surface 12 and / or the outer panel 13 of the side door. It is advantageous that the operating element 5 is moved out of the automobile 1 and the outer end portion 14 of the operating element 5 is disposed at a distance from the surfaces 12 and 13 of the automobile 1. Even when the side door 2 is not opened, information is available to the operator in the form of a projection onto the vehicle surfaces 12 and 13.

[0028]

[0027] FIG. 2 shows, by way of an example, the structure of the lighting device 7 within the operating element 5. By a dashed-dotted line, the displays 8 and 9 projected by the lighting device 7 onto the vehicle surface 12 and the outer panel? of the side door 2 are shown. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the operating element 5 is extended and at least moved to a position away from the vehicle surface 12 and the outer panel 13, thereby enabling the projection of the displays 8 and 9.

[0029]

[0028] The power or control line 15 can supply a voltage or a control signal to the circuit board or the control unit 16, thereby driving or energizing the light source or the lighting means 17. Behind the light source 17, an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel is arranged as an example, thereby generating a variable display, symbols or characters. Behind the LCD display 18, a polarizing filter 19 is arranged, thereby adjusting the imaging or variable imaging by clock drive. A light guide 20 is connected to the downstream side of the polarizing filter 19, and the light 21 generated by the lighting means 17 can be further guided. The light is shown only as an example by a dashed-dotted line in the lighting device 7. A first optical element 22 is assigned to the light guide 20, and the light guide 20 and the first optical element 22 can also be integrally formed as a rigid resin injection molded part. As an example, a further polarizing filter 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the light guide 20. Behind the polarizing filter 23, a mirror 24 is arranged in the operating element 5. The mirror 24 combined with the polarizing filter 23 can reflect light to generate the display 9. Depending on the interaction between the polarizing filter 23 and the mirror 24, the light 21 is further guided to the second optical element 25, and another display 8 can be generated on the vehicle 1.

[0030]

[0029] Due to the clock-synchronized interaction of the light source, the LCD display, the polarizing filters 19 and 23, and the mirror 24, the images of the displays 8 and 9 can be separated, and different displays 8 and 9 can be presented in different areas of the vehicle 1. However, it should be emphasized again here that this exemplary embodiment is not limiting, and various displays can be generated from the technical features of the present invention. For example, a laser is used as the lighting means 17, and in combination with the corresponding operation of the movable mirror, it is also exemplified that the displays 8 and 9 can be generated on the vehicle surface 12 and / or the outer panel 13.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0031] 1…Automobile, 2…Side door of the automobile, 3…Side wall, 4…B pillar, 5…Outer door handle, operating element, 6…Swivel axis, 7... Lighting device, 8,9...display, 10, 11... symbols, sentences, 12…Vehicle surface, 13…Outer panel, 14...outer end, 15…Power control line, 16…Circuit board, control unit, 17...Illumination means, 18…LCD panel, 19, 23… Deflection filters, 20…Light guide, 21...light, 22, 25… Optical elements, 24...mirror, P...Arrow.

Claims

1. A lighting device (7) on the vehicle door (2) of an automobile (1), A lighting device (7) comprising an illumination means (17), a light guide (20) connectable to the illumination means (17), and an imaging means, wherein a variable display (8, 9) can be generated by the lighting device (7), and the lighting device (7) is characterized in that at least a portion of it is located within an operating element (5) that is movable outward from the automobile (1).

2. The lighting device (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (17) is arranged within the vehicle door (2) at a distance from the operating element (5).

3. The lighting device (7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one means for changing the light (21) incident on the light guide (20) is arranged between the lighting means (17) and the light guide (20).

4. The lighting device (7) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light changing means is an LCD or DLP panel (18) and / or a polarizing filter (19).

5. The lighting device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a means for deflecting light (21), in particular a mirror (24) or a prism, can be arranged within the operating element (5).

6. The lighting device (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that the deflection means can be configured as a movable and controllable mirror.

7. The lighting device (7) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the deflection means interacts with a polarizing filter (19), thereby separating the light source (17) and the display (8, 9) generated by the light changing means.

8. The lighting device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has at least one optical element (22, 25), in particular the optical element (22, 25) and a lens.

9. The lighting device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lighting means (17) is an LED, in particular a color-variable LED, or a laser.

10. The lighting device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the optical guide (20) can be configured as a rigid or flexible optical guide.

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