Automobiles equipped with assemblies for illuminating decorative elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly (1) for illuminating a decorative element (2), the decorative element (2) and a light guide (3). According to the present invention, the decorative element (2) has a recess (6) that extends toward the front (4) and is open at the rear (5), the recess (6) tapering toward the front (4) and opening at the front (4) at at least one associated light exit opening (7), and a light-diffusing body (8) is housed within the recess (6). Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an automobile (100) comprising such an assembly (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for illuminating a decorative element, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a decorative element and an optical guide. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle provided with such an assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Illuminating decorative elements in motor vehicles is known. For example, from Patent Document 1, it is known to arrange a light source at the rear of a decorative element. On the side surface of the decorative element facing the light source side, a three-dimensional appearance illuminated by the light source during operation is created by a laser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] ID=24]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an improved embodiment or at least an alternative embodiment for an assembly for illuminating a decorative element of the type mentioned at the beginning, as well as for a motor vehicle provided with such an assembly, which in particular eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular, the problem addressed by the present invention is to provide an improved embodiment or at least an alternative embodiment for the assembly and the motor vehicle, which is characterized by a space-saving design and an improved appearance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is based on the general idea that the illuminated decorative element has a recess on the side opposite the light exit side that tapers toward the light exit side, into which a light-diffusing material fits, and the light emitted from the light exit side reaches the material via a light guide. The light-diffusing material and the taper toward the light exit side achieve uniform illumination and proper light guidance, while the recess and light guide simultaneously result in a compact structure. Thus, the structure becomes compact and the appearance visible from the light exit side is improved.

[0007] In accordance with the concept of the present invention, an assembly including a decorative element further has an optical guide. The decorative element has a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. The optical guide is located on the rear surface of the decorative element and extends along the rear surface. The decorative element has at least one recess extending toward the front surface, which opens toward the rear surface, and this recess tapers toward the front surface and opens toward at least one associated optical exit opening on the front surface. A light-diffusing body is housed within the recess, so that light introduced into the optical guide is radiated through this body from at least one associated optical exit opening. At this time, at least one optical exit opening forms a pattern on the front surface.

[0008] Therefore, when it is in operation, that is, when light is introduced into the light guide, the pattern is illuminated.

[0009] The light guide is preferably light-diffusing. Therefore, the light is uniform within the light guide, resulting in an improved appearance of the illuminated pattern.

[0010] The light guide is preferably provided with a light extraction structure having structural elements on the opposite side of the front, so that the light passing through the light guide is radiated from the structure toward at least one body. Thus, the light guide is improved within the assembly, and the appearance of the illuminated pattern is improved.

[0011] The structure may be of any such type.

[0012] The structure may have, for example, a microstructure that is introduced into the optical guide at least partially. The microstructure can be introduced into the optical guide by a corresponding tool and / or by a laser.

[0013] The structure may have, for example, a color element, preferably a white color element, attached, at least partially, to the back of the light guide on the opposite side of at least one body. The color element may be attached to the back, in particular by color printing.

[0014] The decorative element is, in particular, the chrome frame. The chrome frame is, advantageously, a plastic part that is chrome-plated, at least on the front.

[0015] The front of the decorative element forms the light exit side of the decorative element.

[0016] The front of the decorative element is appropriately visible in its relevant application, and is particularly a visible surface, so the illuminated pattern can be seen from the outside. Similarly, this pattern can be seen from the outside even when it is not in operation, i.e., when no light is introduced into the light guide.

[0017] The assembly can be used for any purpose.

[0018] In particular, this assembly is used in automobiles. Therefore, the decorative element is an automotive decorative element. The decorative element may be, for example, a component of an automobile's radiator grille or dashboard, or can form such a component.

[0019] If a decorative element has two or more such recesses, those recesses are advantageously spaced apart from one another.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one of the at least one body tapers towards the associated light outlet opening. Preferably, the body at least substantially fills the associated recess.

[0021] At least one of the at least one body may be a component of the light guide. That is, the light guide has a body as a protrusion, and the body extends into the associated recess. In this way, the light guide up to at least one associated light outlet opening is improved. Furthermore, in this way, the assembly of the assembly is also simplified.

[0022] In particular, it is conceivable that each of the at least one body is a component of the light guide. That is, when two or more such bodies are provided, the light guide has two or more such protrusions, and the protrusions are preferably arranged at intervals from each other.

[0023] At least one of the at least one light outlet opening may be covered with a foil, particularly a hot stamping foil, so that the associated body is not visible except during operation. Thereby, the appearance is improved.

[0024] The foil, particularly the hot stamping foil, may be known, for example, from German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2014 112 073.

[0025] The foil, particularly the hot stamping foil, may be attached to the front surface of the decorative element. Similarly, it is conceivable to attach the foil, particularly the hot stamping foil, to the side surface of the body facing the at least one light outlet opening.

[0026] At least one of the at least one body may be a component of the decorative element, which is a multi-component part, especially a two-component part. At this time, the body is formed by the light-diffusing component of the decorative element, and hereinafter, these are also referred to as diffusing components. In contrast, the associated recess is defined by the other components of the decorative element, and the other components are preferably not light-diffusing and preferably light-impermeable, and hereinafter, these are also referred to as main components. This leads to a simplification of the assembly attachment. Furthermore, as a result, the pattern appears opaque from the outside except during operation, so the appearance is improved.

[0027] The diffusing component is preferably a thermoplastic resin, preferably polycarbonate or abbreviated as "PC".

[0028] Advantageously, at least one of the at least one diffusing component has an inner side of the component facing the light guide side, and the light guide has an outer side of the guide facing the diffusing component side corresponding to the diffusing component, and these sides extend parallel to each other and especially in a planar manner. In this way, the light transmission from the light guide to the diffusing component and thereby to the body is improved. In this way, the appearance is consequently improved.

[0029] At least one of the at least one recess may open at a single such light exit opening. That is, the light guided by the associated body is radiated to a single light exit opening.

[0030] Similarly, at least one of the at least one recess may also be considered to open at at least two, preferably a plurality of such light exit openings recessed in the front surface of the decorative element. This produces an additional optical effect on the appearance, especially the appearance of the illuminated pattern.

[0031] The light exit opening may open at the front surface in any way.

[0032] In a simple and precise manner, a laser, or laser processing, can be used to attach light outlet openings to decorative elements.

[0033] In principle, it is conceivable that at least one of the at least one main body will enter at least one of the at least one associated optical exit apertures.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least one body, preferably each body, is positioned at a distance from the front, particularly from at least one associated light exit opening. This makes the body invisible from the outside, or at least difficult to perceive, improving the appearance. Furthermore, the durability of the assembly is also improved, as environmental influences on the body are avoided or at least mitigated in this manner.

[0035] The pattern formed by at least one light exit aperture may be any such pattern.

[0036] In particular, the pattern may be lettering. Similarly, the pattern may be a logo.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the surface density of structural elements of the structure increases toward the center of the pattern. That is, the proportion of structural elements per unit area increases toward the center of the pattern. Thus, the illuminated pattern is homogenized, resulting in an improved appearance. Alternatively or additionally, structural elements can be made more prominent toward the center of the pattern for this purpose.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, light for illuminating the pattern is introduced into light guides along the front and / or rear. This results in a more compact assembly structure and improved appearance.

[0039] The introduction of light is performed by at least one light source that generates and outputs light during operation.

[0040] At least one of the light sources, preferably each light source, is advantageously an LED. Thus, the structure becomes compact and the operation becomes economical.

[0041] Here, at least one of the light sources may be a component of the assembly, which can introduce light into a light guide along the rear or front during operation.

[0042] At least one body and / or light guide is properly fixed to the decorative element. For this purpose, at least one body and / or light guide may be glued to the decorative element. This can be done, for example, using at least one adhesive tape.

[0043] Advantageously, the optical guide is housed in a housing component, preferably together with at least one light source and further with corresponding electronic equipment.

[0044] The housing component is preferably positioned on the rear side of the decorative element and is connected to the rear side in a liquid-tight manner. This protects the components housed in the housing component, namely the optical guide, preferably further at least one light source, and preferably further electronic equipment, from external influences, particularly the ingress of liquids. The liquid-tight connection can be achieved, for example, by casting compound.

[0045] Naturally, in addition to the assembly, an automobile equipped with this assembly is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Further important features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, drawings, and corresponding descriptions based on the drawings.

[0047] The features described above, and the features further described below, should be understood to be usable not only in the combinations shown, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below, where the same reference numerals represent the same, similar, or functionally identical components.

[0049] Here, the following is a general description of each drawing: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of an assembly containing decorative elements for an automobile. [Figure 2] This is an isometric view of an illuminated automobile assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the state when the lights are not on. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of an assembly in another embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in a further embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the inside of the assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] For example, an assembly 1 for illuminating a decorative element 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, can be used in the automobile 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. In addition to the decorative element 2, assembly 1 includes a light guide 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 3 is also preferably light-diffusing. The decorative element 2 has a front surface 4 and a rear surface 5 opposite the front surface 4. The light guide 3 is positioned on the rear surface 5 of the decorative element 2 and extends along the rear surface 5. The decorative element 2 has at least one recess 6 that opens at the rear surface 5 and extends toward the front surface 4, the recess 6 tapering toward the front surface 4. Furthermore, the recess 6 opens at at least one associated light exit opening 7 at the front surface 4. A light-diffusing body 8 is housed within at least one recess 6, so that light introduced into the light guide 3 (see Figure 6) is radiated through this body 8 from at least one associated light exit opening 7. At this time, at least one light outlet opening 7 forms a pattern 9 on the front surface 4, as can be seen particularly from Figures 2 and 3. As a result, when in operation, that is, when light is introduced into the light guide 3, the pattern 9 is illuminated. In this case, Figure 2 shows the illuminated state, while Figure 3 shows the unilluminated state, and therefore the non-operational state.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative element 2 is a chrome frame 26, which is a chrome-plated plastic part 27. In this case, the decorative element 2 may be a component of the radiator grille 101 of the automobile 100.

[0053] As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, pattern 9 forms lettering characters 10 in the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, decorative element 2 has two or more such recesses 6, and assembly 1 has such bodies 8 associated for each recess 6. Furthermore, from Figures 1 to 3 as a whole, it can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, purely as an example, each character of the lettering characters 10 is assigned a recess 6. In particular, each character is formed by at least one associated light exit opening 7.

[0054] As can be seen from Figures 1, 4, and 5, in the illustrated embodiments, each body 8 tapers toward the front surface 4, as well as the associated recess 6. Furthermore, as can be seen from these figures, in the illustrated embodiments, each body 8 substantially fills the associated recess 6.

[0055] As can be seen from Figures 1, 4, and 5, the optical guide 3 is provided with an optical extraction structure 12 having structural elements 11 on the opposite side of the front surface 4, and the light that passes through the optical guide is radiated from the structure 12 toward at least one main body 8.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each body 8 forms a component of the optical guide 3 and is formed as a protruding portion 17 of the optical guide 3. Consequently, the optical guide 3 has a corresponding protruding portion 17 as the body 8 for each recess 6, and the optical guide 3 fits into the corresponding recess 6 using this.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, each body 8 is a component of the decorative element 2. For this purpose, the decorative element 2 is formed as a multi-component part 18, and in the illustrated embodiments, it is formed as a two-component part 19. In this case, each body 8 is formed by a light-diffusing component 20 of the decorative element 2, also hereafter referred to as a diffusion component 20. The diffusion component 20 is, for example, polycarbonate. In contrast, each associated recess is defined by other components 21 of the decorative element 2, also hereafter referred to as a main component 21. This main component 21 is opaque in the illustrated embodiments. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, each diffusion component 20 has an inner component 22 facing the light guide 3, and the light guide 3 has an outer guide 23 facing the diffusion component 20, corresponding to the diffusion component 20, and these sides extend parallel and planar.

[0058] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, each recess 6 can open into a single such light exit opening 7. As can be seen from Figure 5, each recess 6 can open into at least two, preferably more, light exit openings 7, which are cut out of the front surface 4 of the decorative element 2 by a laser, for example, using laser processing.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, each body 8 is positioned at a distance from at least one associated light outlet opening 7 and, consequently, from the front surface 4.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure 1, the light exit opening 7 may be covered with foil 24, particularly hot stamping foil 25, so that the associated body 8 is not visible when no light is emitted from the light exit opening 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the foil 24 is attached to the sides of each body 8 facing at least one associated light exit opening 7.

[0061] As can be seen from Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the light source 28 for introducing light into the light guide 3 is a component of assembly 1. That is, assembly 1 has at least one such light source 28 that introduces light into the light guide 3 along the rear surface 5 and / or along the front surface 4. The at least one light source 28 is an LED 29 in the illustrated embodiment. Assembly 1 has at least two such light sources 28 that introduce light into the light guide 3 from the side during operation. As can be seen from Figure 6, the light sources 28 are positioned laterally to the pattern 9 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 6, assembly 1 has, purely as an example, six such LEDs 29, in which case three LEDs 29 are arranged opposite each other. Thus, during operation, light is introduced into the light guide 3 from the side by the LEDs 29, as indicated by dashed arrows only for three of the LEDs 29. The LEDs 29 arranged opposite each other, i.e., three LEDs 29 in the illustrated embodiment, are preferably mounted on a printed circuit board 30 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. As can be seen from Figure 6, supply lines 31 for supplying electricity to the light source 28 lead to each printed circuit board 30.

[0063] As can be seen from the figure, assembly 1 has a housing component 14 formed as a shell 13 in the illustrated embodiment, in which the optical guide 3 is housed. The housing component 14 is positioned on the rear surface 5 of the decorative element 2 and is fixed to the decorative element 2, so that the decorative element 2 closes the housing component 14 formed as the shell 13. Furthermore, the shell 13 is also sealed to the outside. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the housing component 14 and the decorative element 2 is liquid-tight. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, a casting compound 15 is placed between the decorative element 2 and the housing component 14. This protects the components housed in the housing component, namely the optical guide 3, preferably further at least one light source 28, and preferably further electronic equipment, from external influences, especially the ingress of liquids. The liquid-tight connection can be achieved, for example, by the casting compound 15. As can be seen from Figure 2, alternatively or additionally, the optical guide 2 can also be bonded to the rear surface 5 by at least one adhesive tape 16.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, according to Figure 6, the supply line 31 has an interface 32, such as a plug 33, on the outside of the housing component 14, thereby allowing the supply line 31 to be connected to an on-board power system of the vehicle 100 (not shown).

[0065] The light source 28, including the printed circuit board 30, is also housed within the housing component 14 in the illustrated embodiment. In this case, Figure 6 shows the internal view as seen from the rear 5, and in this figure, only the ends of the housing component 14 are shown for clarity.

[0066] As can be seen from Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the number of structural elements 11 becomes denser toward the center of pattern 9. In other words, the surface density of structural elements 11 increases toward the center of pattern 9. As shown by the structural elements 11 of different sizes in Figure 6, the structural elements 11 become more prominent toward the center of pattern 9.

Claims

1. An assembly (1) for illuminating a decorative element (2), particularly for an automobile (100), - A decorative element (2) having a front surface (4) and a rear surface (5) on the opposite side of the front surface (4), - An optical guide (3) is positioned on the rear surface (5) of the decorative element (2) and extends along the rear surface (5), In the assembly (1) comprising, - The decorative element (2) has at least one recess (6) that is open on the rear surface (5) and extends in the direction of the front surface (4), the recess (6) tapers in the direction of the front surface (4) and opens at at least one associated light exit opening (7) on the front surface (4), - A light-diffusing body (8) is housed within the recess (6), so that the light introduced into the light guide (3) is radiated through the body (8) from at least one associated light outlet opening (7). - At least one of the light exit openings (7) forms a pattern (9) on the front surface (4), The assembly (1) is characterized by the following:

2. At least one of the main body (8) is a component of the optical guide (3), and the optical guide (3) is fitted into the associated recess (6), The assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The decorative element (2) is a multi-component part (18), and at least one of the main body (8) is formed by a light-diffusing diffuse component (20) of the decorative element (2), and the associated recess (6) is defined by the main component (21) of the decorative element (2). The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. At least one of the diffusion components (20) has an inner component (22) facing the optical guide (3), and the optical guide (3) has an outer guide (23) corresponding to the diffusion component (20) and facing the diffusion component (20), and these sides extend parallel and in particular planar. The assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. At least one of the light exit openings (7) is covered with foil (24), particularly hot stamping foil (25), so that when no light is emitted from the light exit opening (7), the associated body (8) is not visible. The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. At least one of the recesses (6) is open in a single such light exit opening (7), The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. At least one of the recesses (6) is open in at least two, preferably a plurality of, such light exit openings (7) recessed in the front surface (4) of the decorative element (2). The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. At least one of the main body (8) is positioned at a distance from the front surface (4), The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

9. - The optical guide (3) is provided with an optical extraction structure (12) having a structural element (11) on the side opposite to the front surface (4), and the light introduced into the optical guide (2) is radiated from the structure (12) in the direction of at least one of the main body (8). - The surface density of the structural element (11) increases toward the center of the pattern (9). The assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the following:

10. An automobile (100) comprising the assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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