Lighting device for motor vehicles

Abstract

A lighting device, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a lighting unit (100) comprising an assembly of structural and optical components adapted to be mounted on the body (10) of a vehicle and to generate light beams in the direction of the optical axis (x). The lighting unit (100) comprises at least one external part (2) and at least one internal part (1) between which the body (10) of the vehicle is situated. The vehicle body (10) comprises one or more optical openings (101) adapted for the passage of light beams generated by the internal part (1).

Description

[0001] Lighting device for motor vehicles

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting device, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a lighting unit consisting of an assembly of structural and optical components adapted to be mounted on the vehicle body and to generate light beams predominantly in the direction of the optical axis, and falls within the field of optical signalling or lighting arrangements .

[0004] Background Art of Invention

[0005] A lighting device, such as a headlamp or a signal lamp for motor vehicles, comprises an assembly of structural components and elements adapted both to accommodate an internal optical assembly and to attach the lighting device to the vehicle body . The lighting device generally comprises a support housing covered on the front side by a translucent cover to form an inner chamber. The inner chamber houses an optical assembly adapted to emit a light beam in a desired direction, usually through the outer lens in the direction of the optical axis . The body of the vehicle is then adapted for mounting the support housing. A disadvantage of the prior art is that if a part of the lighting device is damaged, for example if the outer lens is damaged, the entire lighting device incorporated in the vehicle body, including relatively expensive and costly to manufacture components, must be replaced . The design of the individual components is known, for example, from files CZ2020123A3 or WO2023104936A1.

[0006] In the development of lighting technology, there is an increasing emphasis on cost and energy efficiency, small package and weight and, last but not least, style, whereby automobile companies want to differentiate themselves from the competition, for example by a stylistic element in the form of an illuminated logo or lettering. Environmental sustainability is also becoming more important . Another disadvantage of the current concept of a complete assembly is the stylistic constraints where the style requires that a part of the bodywork is visible in the middle of the lighting system, for example between components . In order to be able to see the body of the vehicle, while keeping the inner chamber of the light unit closed off from the surrounding area, the support housing would have to be fitted with a rear transparent cover to make the vehicle body visible behind the light unit or a separate styling piece in the colour of the vehicle body would have to be inserted in the inner chamber . The disadvantage of such a stylistic element is that the bodywork painting is generally carried out at the car manufacturer ' s plant, whereas the lighting assembly is manufactured by the supplier, which entails complicated logistical requirements . The individual light fittings would have to be logistically differentiated according to the colour of the bodywork, and this would involve an additional step both in assembly on the production line and in the case of spare parts sales . If there were more such elements in the inner chamber, then assembly would be even more complicated. This problem could be partly solved by file US10000151B2, where the lighting function is realised by reflection from a part of the body in the so-called reflection zone. However, this solution is only functional for certain surfaces and colours , It is necessary to comply with the legal requirements for the colour and intensity of the light function.

[0007] Lighting devices in the form of rear lamps are often located on a separate part of the vehicle body, for example on the liftgate, as well as on the bodyside outer panel . Such an arrangement of two side-by-side lighting devices very often forms a line of light creating a contour and it is therefore desirable that the interruption between the bodyside lamp and the liftgate lamp is minimal . In this case, the conventional rear lamp assembly introduces a gap in the lighting function determined in particular by technological limits such as the minimum wall thickness of the plastic mouldings or the minimum thickness of the welding area where the housing is joined to the outer lens . Furthermore, the minimum gaps between the internal parts (bezel, optical elements, etc. ) . These technological limits increase the minimum optical gap between the light function of the bodyside and liftgate lamp. This problem is partly solved by the file US10036528B2 by the fact that part of the bodyside lamp overlaps with the liftgate lamp. However, even here the limits of the wall thicknesses of the plastic mouldings and thus the inconsistent appearance in the area of the gap between the lamps cannot be avoided. Summary of Invention

[0008] The invention is a lighting device, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a lighting unit consisting of an assembly of structural and optical components adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body and to generate light beams predominantly in the direction of the optical axis . The lighting unit comprises at least one external part and at least one internal part between which the vehicle body is situated. The external part and the internal part are located behind each other in the direction of the intended optical axis .

[0009] The body of the vehicle includes at least one optical opening adapted for the ppaassssaaggee ooff light beams generated by the optical assembly. PPrreeffeerraabbllyy,, the number of such optical openings is higher due to the more complex shapes of the external parts . Preferably, the external part is detachable from the vehicle body in order to facilitate its assembly / disassembly .

[0010] It is also advantageous if at least one external part is detachable from the first body section of the vehicle and at least one external part is detachable from the second body section of the vehicle, the body sections being separated by a technological gap and the external parts being mechanically independent of each other. The internal part is attached to the vehicle body on the inside of the vehicle body by means of internal fixing elements and the external part is attached to the. vehicle body on the outside of the vehicle body by means of external fixing elements, the fixing elements being implemented in the form of a mechanical and / or chemical joints or a combination thereof .

[0011] Preferably, the internal part comprises a translucent or transparent cover comprising optical elements adapted to collimate, scatter, reflect or guide light rays . The optical element of the internal part is embedded in the body of the external part . The internal optical element is in contact with the external part and / or is chemically or mechanically bonded to the external part . The optical element of the internal part is separated from the external part by an optical gap.

[0012] Preferably, the external part is provided with an external coupling element to form a connection with the internal part and / or the internal part is provided with an internal coupling element to form a connection with the external part . The vehicle body comprises structural openings adapted to locate the internal part and the external part relative to each other.

[0013] Preferably, the optical element of the internal part is in contact with the body of the external part and / or is connected to the external part by a chemical or mechanical joint . It is further advantageous if the external part is provided with an external coupling element to form a < connection with the internal part and / or the internal part is provided with an internal coupling element to form a < connection with the external part , For the relative location of the internal part and the external part, it is advantageous if the vehicle body contains structural openings .

[0014] Preferably, the external part comprises a light guide adapted to direct and / or align the light beams towards the diffuser via a reflective element adapted to scatter the light beams and increase the homogeneity of the resulting light beam. For directing and / or collimating the light beams to the light guide in the front part, it is advantageous if the optical component comprises an optical element .

[0015] Description of Drawings

[0016] Fig. 1A shows the light unit adapted to pass light beams through the optical openings assembly in the car body.

[0017] Fig. IB shows a side view of the light uni t and the car body with one optical opening.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows a basic side view of the light unit and an embodiment of the mechanical interconnection of the individual components .

[0019] Fig . 3 shows a side view of the light unit with different optical element designs .

[0020] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the light unit with the connecting elements .

[0021] Fig. 5A shows a side view of the light unit with two separate external parts . Fig. 5B shows a side view of the light unit with two separate internal parts side by side .

[0022] Fig. 50 shows a side view of the light unit with two separate internal parts side by side but with one translucent cover .

[0023] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the light unit with an integral optical part inserted.

[0024] Fig. 7 shows an axonometric view of the light unit mounted on two body sections .

[0025] Fig. 8 shows a top view of the light unit mounted on two body sections .

[0026] Figures 9 to 15 show side views of the different embodiments of the optical elements and the light beam guide of the light unit .

[0027] Fig. 16 shows a preferred detailed embodiment of the optical element and the external part .

[0028] Fig. 17 shows another detailed preferable embodiment of the entire assembly.

[0029] Detailed description of the inventions

[0030] Fig. 1A illustrates a light unit 100 adapted to pass light beams through an assembly 102 of optical openings 101 in a vehicle body 10. In this exemplary embodiment , the light unit 100 includes an external part 2 and an internal part 1 between which the vehicle body 10 is positioned. The external part 2 and the interna .1 part 1 are located behind each other predominantly in the direction of the optical x-axis . The external part 2 is adapted to be mounted by the optical openings assembly 102 on the outside of the vehicle body 10, and the internal part 1 on the inside of the vehicle body 10 .

[0031] Fig. IB shows a light unit 100 comprising an external part 2 and an internal part 1 between which the vehicle body 10 is positioned, the external part 2 and the internal part 1, being positioned behind each other in the optical axis y direction. The external part 2 is adapted to be mounted by means of an optical openings assembly 102 on the outside of the vehicle body 10 and the internal part 1_ on the inside of the vehicle body 10, wherein the vehicle body 10 comprises only one optical opening 101 adapted to pass light beams generated by the optical assembly.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the internal part 1, comprises a support housing 6 covered on its front side by a translucent cover 5 to form an enclosed inner chamber . The inner chamber houses an optical assembly adapted to emit a light beam in the desired direction through the translucent cover 5 into the optical openings 101 in the vehicle body 10 and further through the external part 2 in the direction of the optical x- axis . The optical assembly comprises light sources £ mounted on a support 3, for example on a printed circuit board. The internal part 1 is fixed to the vehicle body 10 from the inner side by means of inner fixing elements 2ar*d ^he external part 2 is fixed to the vehicle body 10 from the outer side by means of outer fixing elements 211. The fixing elements 2ar*d 211 are implemented as mechanical and / or chemical connections . The fixing elements 2 and 211 may be various sprues, clips, various types of welds, screws and bolts, adhesive, adhesive tapes, etc. These fixing elements 2anc* 211 may preferably also provide an overall sealing of the entire assembly. This is because it is undesirable for water and dust to get between the individual components .

[0033] Fig . 3 shows a light unit ICO wherein the translucent cover 5 of the internal part 2 comprises optical elements 51a, 51b, 51c in the form of rods, plates or other shapes, wherein the optical elements 51a, 51b, 51c are adapted to collimate, scatter, reflect or guide the light beams . The optical element 51a is embedded in the body 21 of the external part 2. Thus, it can advantageously also be used for locating or guiding the external part 2 during assembly. The optical element 51b is in contact with the body 21 of the external part 2 or is connected thereto by a chemical or mechanical bond to connect the internal part 1 and the external part 2 and to ffoorrmm a complete light unit 100 at the point of manufacture ooff the final product . This bonding is made over the entire contact area, for example by means of a laser weld or optical adhesive or adhesive film, or only over a portion of the contact area of the individual parts 1 and 2. The optical element 51c is terminated at a defined distance of the internal part 1 from the external part 2 at the level of the vehicle body 10 or in the interior of the vehicle body 10. The optical element 51a is also terminated at a defined distance of the internal part 1 from the external part 2 behind the vehicle body 10, i . e. in the outer space from the vehicle body 10 . In particular, the design of the optical element 51c is adapted for situations where the total required thickness of the external part 2 is very small for embedding the optical element 51a in the body 21 of the external part 2. In order to improve homogeneity, a technological gap 113 is formed between the output surface of the optical elements 51a, 51c of the internal part 1_ and the input surface of the external part 2. The output surface of the optical element 51b, of the internal part 1, on the other hand, is in contact with the input surface of the external part 2, and no technological gap 113 is formed.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a light unit 100, wherein the external part 2 is provided with an outer coupling element 212 for forming a connection 52a with the internal part JI . The internal part 1. is provided with an inner coupling element 52 included in the translucent cover 5 for forming a connection 52b with the internal part 1.. These joints 52a, 52b are implemented, for example, as fusible pins, a welded joint, a bolted joint or a clip, wherein the vehicle body 10 has structural openings 104 adapted to locate the internal part 1. and the external part 2 relative to each other .

[0035] Fig . 5A shows a lighting unit 100 comprising two separate external parts 2, each external part £ being adapted for either the same lighting function or a different lighting function . In the case of the rear lamp, this is most often a combination of a tail, stop and turn indicator light function .

[0036] Fig. 5B shows a lighting unit 100 comprising two internal parts 1 arranged side by side, each internal part 1 being adapted either for the same lighting function or for a different lighting function.

[0037] Fig . 5C shows a lighting unit 100, wherein the optical assembly comprises separate internal parts 1 having a common translucent cover 5.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows the light unit 100, wherein the optical assembly comprises a separate integral optical part 8, situated between the external part and the internal part 1, to which it is connected via fixing elements j_. The translucent cover 5 is realised as a separate part, which is subsequently connected to the external part 2 and / or the internal part 1 in the assembly process, for example by means of an adhesive layer, or clamped therebetween by means of clips, etc . It may also be advantageous, if a larger number of integral optical parts 8_ are required, to combine these into a single integral part which is sandwiched between the active internal part 2 and the passive external part 2. The number of integral optical parts 8 may vary and may be provided with various non-represented optical elements such as recesses, collimating members, optical lenses, alignment and directional optics, etc.

[0039] Figures 7 and 8 show a light unit 100 comprising three separate external parts 2, wherein two external parts 2 are located on the first part 10a of the vehicle body 10 and one external part 2 is located on the second part 10b of the vehicle body 10 . The two vehicle body parts 10a, 10b are separated by a technological gap of the vehicle body 103 and thus the external parts 2 are mechanically independent of each other.

[0040] In Figures 9 to 15, the possible embodiments of the optical elements 51a, 51b, 51c and 51d are schematically illustrated, wherein the flow of light rays om the light source is schematically illustrated.

[0041] In Fig. 9, an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 includes a technology gap 113 between the external part 2 and the optical element 51a, wherein the optical element 51a is nested within the external part ,2.

[0042] In Fig. 10, an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 comprises a contact surface 22 for positioning or connecting the optical element 51b.

[0043] In Fig. 11, an embodiment is shown where a technology gap

[0044] 113 is formed between the external part 2 and the optical element 51c of the translucent cover 5, but tthhee optical element 51c is not nested in the external part 2.

[0045] In Fig. 1122,, an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 comprises an optical, element 51d adapted to guide light beams emanating from the translucent cover 5, wherein a technological gap 113 is formed between the external part 2 and the translucent cover 5.

[0046] In Fig. 1133,, an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 comprises an optical element 51d adapted to guide the light; beams exiting the translucent cover 5, wherein a contact area 22 is formed between the external part 2 and the translucent cover 5.

[0047] In Fig. 14 , an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 comprises an optical element old adapted to guide light rays emerging from the translucent cover 55,, the translucent cover 5 being provided with a recess 53 .

[0048] In Fig. 15, an embodiment is shown wherein the internal part 1 comprises a structural element 9 and does not comprise the translucent cover 5, and the light rays are guided into the optical element 51d of the external part 2 directly from the light source 4_.

[0049] In Fig . 1166,, an embodiment is shown wherein the external part 2 comprises a light guide 21b adapted, via a reflective element 2211cc,, ttoo direct and align the light beams towards a diffuser 21a which is adapted to scatter the light beams and increase the homogeneity of the resulting light beam. The reflective element 21c may be implemented as optical prisms, reflective paint or plating, and may be solid or discontinuous in a particular pattern. The optical element 51a comprises an optical element 511 for directing and / or collimating the light beams in the desired direction, in particular into the light guide 21b, wherein the optical component 511 may be realised as a reflective surface, which may be plated, painted, and may be partially translucent or opaque .

[0050] Figure 16 shows the passage of the beams through the optical system. The optical interfaces of the individual components are advantageously used to shape the light beam so that the light output from the body 21 of the external part 2 is in the desired direction and homogeneity. These requirements depend on the specific lighting function and its legal requirements, as well as the shape and position on the vehicle and the stylistic intent .

[0051] Fig. 17 shows an embodiment wherein the light guide 21b comprises a guide surface 21d and a cover surface 21e, wherein the guide surface (s) and the cover surface (s) 21d and 21e are adapted to guide the light beams . The covering surface 21e is positioned such that, from a frontal view in the x-direction, it covers a portion of the optical component 511 of the optical element 51a to increase the homogeneity of the resulting light beam and eliminate light spots. The reflective element 21c is brought out to the side of the light guide 21b to align the light beams in the y-direction or another desired direction .

[0052] Legend

[0053] 1 internal part

[0054] 2 external part

[0055] 3 carrier

[0056] 4 light source

[0057] 5 translucent cover

[0058] € housing

[0059] 7 internal fixing element

[0060] 8 integral optical component

[0061] 9 construction element

[0062] 10 vehicle body

[0063] 10a first body section 10

[0064] 10b second body section 10

[0065] 21 body

[0066] 21a diffuser

[0067] 21b light guide

[0068] 21c reflector

[0069] 21d attachment surface

[0070] 21 e covering surface

[0071] 22 recess

[0072] 51, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d - optical element

[0073] 52 inner connecting element

[0074] 52a, 52b joint

[0075] 53 recess

[0076] 211 outer fixing element

[0077] 212 outer fixing element

[0078] 101 optical opening

[0079] 102 optical openings assembly 101

[0080] 103 body technological gap 104 structural opening

[0081] 113 technological gap

[0082] 211 external fixing element

[0083] 212 external connecting element

[0084] 511 optical component x optical axis y optical axis

Claims

Claims1. A lighting device, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a lighting unit (100) consisting of an assembly of structural and optical components adapted to be mounted on the vehicle body ( 10) and to generate light beams predominantly in the direction of the optical axis, characterised in that the light unit (100) comprises at least one external part (2 ) and at least one .internal part (1) between which the vehicle body (10) is positioned, wherein the vehicle body (10) comprises one or more optical openings ( 101 ) adapted for the passage of the light beams generated by the internal part (1) .

2. A lighting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the external part (2 ) and the internal part (1) are located behind each other in the direction of the optical axis and are separated by a technological gap (.113) .

3. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal part ( 1 ) comprises at least one light source (4) .

4. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one external part (2) is detachable from the first part ( 10a) of the vehicle body (10) and at least one external part (2) is detachable from the second part (10b) of the vehicle body (10) , wherein the different parts of the vehicle body (10a, 10b) are separated by a technological gap of the vehicle body (103) and the external parts (2) are mechanically independent of each other .

5. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal part (1) is fixed to the vehicle body (.10) from the inner side by means of internal fixing elements ( 7 ) and the external part (2 ) is fixed to the vehicle body (10) from the outer side by means of external fixing elements (211 ) , wherein the fixing elements(7 , 211 ) are implemented as a mechanical and / or chemical joint .

6. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal part (1) comprises a translucent cover (5) comprising optical elements (51a, 51b, 51c) adapted to collimate, scatter, reflect or guide the light beams .7 lighting device according to claim 6, characterised in that the optical element (51a) of the internal part ( 1 ) is embedded in the body (21) of the external part (2 ) .

8. A lighting device according to claim 6 or 7 , characterised in that the optical element (51b) of the internal part ( 1) is in contact with the body (21) of the external part (2) and / or is connected to tthhee external part (2 ) by a chemical or mechanical bond.

9. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external part (2 ) is provided with an external coupling element (212) for forming a connection ( 52a) with the internal part (1) and / or the internal part ( 1) is provided with an internal coupling element (52) for forming a connection (52b) with the external part (2) .

10. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the vehicle body (10) comprises structural openings (104) adapted for mutual location of the internal part (1 ) and the externa .1 part (2) .

11. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external part (2 ) comprises a light guide (21b) adapted, via a reflecting element (21c) , to direct and / or align the light beams towards a diffuser(21a) adapted to spread the light beams and increase the homogeneity of the resulting light beam.

12. A lighting device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the optical element (51a) comprises an optical element ( 511) for directing and / or collimating the light beams into the light guide (21b) of the external part (2 ) .

13. A lighting device aaccccoorrddiinngg to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the light guide (21b) comprises a guide surface (21d) adapted to guide the light beams .

14. A lighting device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the light guide (21b) comprises a covering surface (21e) which, from a frontal view, covers part of the optical component ( 511) of the optical element (51a) to increase the homogeneity of the resulting light beam and to eliminate optical spots .

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