Flexible light strip and motor vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a flexible light strip (100), which comprises: a circuit board (10), comprising a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) that are arranged opposite each other, the circuit board (10) extending in a length direction (L); a light source (20), which is configured to emit light, the light source (20) being arranged on the first surface (11) of the circuit board (10) and spaced apart in the length direction (L); a flexible encapsulation layer (30), comprising a wall part (31) and an light emitting layer (32), the wall part (31) and the light emitting layer (32) defining an accommodating cavity (35), the circuit board (10) and the light source (20) being arranged in the accommodating cavity (35), and the light emitting layer (32) being configured to transmit the light; and a protective layer (40), which is arranged on an outer part of the light emitting layer (32), the protective layer (40) being configured to transmit the light and protect the light emitting layer (32).

Description

Flexible light strip and motor vehicle

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of lighting, in particular to a flexible light strip and a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the field of lighting, various lighting or signalling devices are known for providing light for lighting or signalling. For example, vehicle lamps are used in motor vehicles to provide lighting or signalling functions, in order to ensure safe travel or provide an ornamental function.

[0003] A flexible light strip acts as a lighting device and may be formed in various styles, to adapt to mounting in motor vehicles of various styles and form lamplight styles of various forms. However, the material of a flexible light strip is generally softer or less dense, with the result that the flexible light strip is more sensitive to an external environment and susceptible to damage or interference from the external environment, affecting a normal use function of the flexible light strip.

[0004] Therefore, there is indeed an urgent need at present to propose a new flexible light strip that has a certain interference-resistance capability with flexibility still ensured.Summary of the Invention

[0005] An objective of the present application is to overcome at least one of the problems and shortcomings in the prior art.

[0006] A first aspect of the present application provides a flexible light strip, which comprises:

[0007] a circuit board, comprising a first surface and a second surface that are arranged opposite each other, the circuit board extending in a length direction;

[0008] a light source, which is configured to emit light, the light source being arranged on the first surface of the circuit board and spaced apart in the length direction;

[0009] a flexible encapsulation layer, comprising a wall part and a light emitting layer, the wall part and the light emitting layer defining an accommodating cavity, the circuit board and the light source being arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the light emitting layer being configured to transmit the light; and

[0010] a protective layer, which is arranged on an outer part of the light emitting layer, the protective layer being configured to transmit the light and protect the light emitting layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, a hardness of the protective layer is greater than a hardness of the light emitting layer;

[0012] a compactness of the protective layer is greater than a compactness of the light emitting layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the protective layer comprises polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate;

[0014] the light emitting layer comprises silicone rubber and an additive.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protective layer is tightly connected to an light emitting surface of the light emitting layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flexible encapsulation layer is an integrally extruded structure;

[0017] the flexible encapsulation layer further comprises at least one light-transmitting layer, the light-transmitting layer being arranged between the light source and the light emitting layer, and the light-transmitting layer being configured to transmit the light and support the wall part.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wall part comprises a bottom wall and two sidewalls that are arranged opposite each other, the two sidewalls being connected to two ends of the bottom wall.

[0019] In some embodiments, the wall part is an opaque reflective layer;

[0020] the second surface of the circuit board is arranged on the bottom wall.

[0021] In some embodiments, free ends of the two sidewalls are provided with an indentation, and an end of the protective layer is provided with a protrusion, the protrusion and the indentation being fitted and connected to each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, free ends of the two sidewalls are provided with a first boss that extends outward, and an end of the protective layer is provided with a second boss that extends outward, the second boss and the first boss being fitted and connected to each other.

[0023] In some embodiments, free ends of the second boss and the first boss are flush with each other; or

[0024] the free end of the second boss protrudes outward beyond the first boss, and a portion of the second boss that protrudes beyond the first boss is configured to be fitted and connected to a support.

[0025] In some embodiments, an light emitting surface of the light emitting layer is a flat surface; or

[0026] the light emitting surface of the light emitting layer is a concave surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flexible light strip further comprises a mounting part, the bottom wall being connected to the mounting part, and the mounting part being configured to mount the flexible light strip to a support;

[0028] the mounting part has an elastic hook, the elastic hook being fitted and connected to a hole of the support.

[0029] In some embodiments, an outer perimeter of the sidewall is provided with multiple positioning protrusions.

[0030] A second aspect of the present application provides a motor vehicle, which comprises the flexible light strip provided in the first aspect and the abovementioned embodiments.

[0031] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle further comprises a support, the flexible light strip being mounted on the support.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip provided in a first embodiment of the present application;

[0033] is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0034] is a structural schematic drawing of a front view of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0035] is a structural schematic drawing of a top view of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0036] is a structural schematic drawing of a section A1-A1 of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0037] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip provided in a second embodiment of the present application;

[0038] is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0039] is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of a flexible light strip provided in a third embodiment of the present application;

[0040] shows a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip assembled to a support provided in a fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0041] shows a side view of the flexible light strip assembled to the support provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0042] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip provided in a fifth embodiment of the present application;

[0043] is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip shown in;

[0044] shows a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of the flexible light strip shown inassembled to a support;

[0045] shows a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip shown inassembled to a support.Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0046] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are mainly for illustrating possible implementations of the technical solution of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the technical solution of the present application. In the present description, identical or similar components are indicated by identical or similar reference numerals.

[0047] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip 100 provided in a first embodiment of the present application;is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip 100 shown in;is a structural schematic drawing of a front view of the flexible light strip 100 shown in;is a structural schematic drawing of a top view of the flexible light strip 100 shown in;is a structural schematic drawing of a section A1-A1 of the flexible light strip 100 shown in.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 1a - 1e, a first embodiment of the present application provides a flexible light strip 100; this flexible light strip 100 may act as a lighting device of a motor vehicle, to provide a lighting function, a signalling function and / or an ornamental function. This flexible light strip 100 is flexible; in an extended state, the whole body is in the shape of a strip and can be bent or deformed in 3D to form different lamplight styles. The flexible light strip 100 mainly comprises a circuit board 10, a light source 20, a flexible encapsulation layer 30 and a protective layer 40.

[0049] The circuit board 10 is a flexible circuit board and can be bent in 3D, and the circuit board 10 comprises a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 that are arranged opposite each other; in an extended state, the circuit board 10 extends in a length direction L from a first end to a second end. The light source 20 is configured to emit light; a common light source 20 comprises an LED, such as a white LED, a yellow LED, a red LED, a dual-colour LED or an RGB LED, and light sources 20 of different colours can be used for different light functions, such as a white LED being used for a daytime running lamp or a position lamp, a yellow LED being used for a turn signal lamp, a red LED being used for a taillamp, and a multicoloured LED being used for an interior trim ambient lamp. Multiple light sources 20 are arranged on the first surface of the circuit board 10 and spaced apart from each other in the length direction L. The circuit board 10 may support the light source 20, and provides a control signal and / or a power signal to the light source 20, and the light source 20 is electrically connected to an external electronic component.

[0050] The flexible encapsulation layer 30 is flexible, and comprises a wall part 31 and a light emitting layer 32, the wall part 31 and the light emitting layer 32 defining an accommodating cavity 35, and the circuit board 10 and the light source 20 being arranged in the accommodating cavity 35; that is, the wall part 31 and the light emitting layer 32 surround the circuit board 10 and the multiple light sources 20, to encapsulate the circuit board 10 and the light sources 20 inside the flexible encapsulation layer 30. The light emitting layer 32 is configured to transmit light that is emitted by the light source 20, and specifically, the light emitting layer 32 has an light emitting surface 321, and light emitted by the light source 20 is transmitted from the light emitting surface 321 to an outer part of the flexible encapsulation layer 30.

[0051] A protective layer 40 is arranged on an outer part of the light emitting layer 32, the protective layer 40 being configured to transmit light and protect the light emitting layer 32. In this embodiment, the flexible light strip 100 has a certain flexibility, to adapt to various light output patterns; moreover, since the flexible light strip 100 additionally includes the protective layer 40, this protective layer 40 can protect the light emitting layer 32, to prevent the light emitting layer 32 from experiencing interference from an external environment. For example, the protective layer 40 may prevent or attenuate scraping, wear and impacts of external sand and stone or other foreign matter experienced by the flexible light emitting layer 32, and also prevents or attenuates the electrostatic adsorption of dust and water vapour by the light emitting layer 32, which then affects the normal light-emitting function of the flexible light strip 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, a hardness of the protective layer 40 may be greater than a hardness of the light emitting layer 32, so as to ensure that the protective layer 40 has stronger scraping resistance, wear resistance and impact resistance capabilities than the light emitting layer 32. A compactness of the protective layer 40 may be greater than a compactness of the light emitting layer 32, so as to ensure that the protective layer 40 is less susceptible to electrostatically adsorbing dust and water vapour. It is worth explaining that normally the greater the compactness of a material, the harder, stronger and more rigid the material. In addition, in order to not affect the flexibility of the flexible light strip 100, the protective layer 40 may be configured to have a thinner thickness; for example, the thickness of the protective layer 40 may be less than 2 mm, and even less than 1 mm.

[0053] Specifically, the material of the protective layer 40 may comprise polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The material of the light emitting layer 32 may comprise silicone rubber and an additive; the additive may be diffusing agents added into the silicone rubber, to improve the uniformity of the emergent light.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the protective layer 40 is tightly connected to the light emitting surface 321 of the light emitting layer 32; that is, an air layer is not provided between the light emitting layer 32 and the protective layer 40. This not only can improve overall light output efficiency of the flexible light strip 100, but also facilitates mounting and fixing of the flexible light strip 100. In an embodiment of the present application, the protective layer 40 may be integrally extruded and formed with the light emitting layer 32; or the protective layer 40 can first be injection moulded and then bonded to the light emitting layer 32; or the protective layer 40 is arranged on the light emitting layer 32 by means of a 3D forming process. The present application does not specifically restrict the way in which the protective layer 40 is connected to the light emitting layer 32.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the flexible encapsulation layer 30 is an integrally extruded structure. The wall part 31 comprises a bottom wall 311 and two sidewalls 312 that are arranged opposite each other, the two sidewalls 312 being connected to two ends of the bottom wall 311. As viewed in, each sidewall 312 is in the shape of a step, and the step of the sidewall 312 may facilitate subsequent mounting and positioning of the flexible light strip 100; the sidewall 312 extends overall in a height direction H. The bottom wall 311 extends in a width direction W; the length direction L, the height direction H and the width direction W are orthogonal to each other.

[0056] When the height of the flexible encapsulation layer 30 in the height direction H is greater, in order to improve the structural stability and reliability of the flexible light strip 100, the flexible encapsulation layer 30 may further comprise at least one light-transmitting layer 33, the light-transmitting layer 33 being connected between the two sidewalls 312, and arranged between the light source 20 and the light emitting layer 32, and the light-transmitting layer 33 being configured to transmit light that is emitted by the light source 20 and support the two sidewalls 312 in the wall part 30.

[0057] The wall part 30 may overall be configured as a opaque reflective layer, the second surface 12 of the circuit board 10 being arranged on the bottom wall 311, and the bottom wall 311 realizing a supporting function for the circuit board 10. The light source 20 emits light toward the light emitting layer 32; a portion of the light emitted by the light source 20 may be directly transmitted through the light emitting layer 32, and another portion may be transmitted through the light emitting layer 32 after reflection from the wall part 30.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the light emitting surface 321 of the light emitting layer 32 is a flat surface, and the light emitting surface is flush with upper end surfaces of the two sidewalls 312. Free ends of the two sidewalls 312, which are also upper ends as viewed in, are provided with indentations 311a, and ends of the protective layer 40 are provided with protrusions 40a, the protrusions 40a being fitted and connected to the indentations 311a; once connected, the protective layer 40 is connected tightly to the light emitting layer 32.

[0059] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip 100 provided in a second embodiment of the present application;is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip 100 shown in.

[0060] As shown in Figs. 2a - 2b, the second embodiment of the present application provides a flexible light strip 100, this flexible light strip 100 being similar to the flexible light strip of the first embodiment. Identical or similar technical features are not described again below; only technical features distinguished from the first embodiment are explained in detail.

[0061] In the second embodiment, an light emitting surface 321 of an light emitting layer 32 is a concave surface, and the light emitting surface 321 of the light emitting layer 32 protrudes beyond upper end surfaces of the two sidewalls 312. Moreover, free ends of the two sidewalls 312, which are also upper ends as viewed in, are provided with first bosses 311b that extend outward, and correspondingly, two ends of the protective layer 40 are provided with second bosses 40b that extend outward, and free ends of the second boss 40b and the first boss 311b are flush with each other in a width direction W, the second boss 40b being fitted and connected to the first boss 311b; once connected, the protective layer 40 is tightly connected to the light emitting layer 32.

[0062] is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of a flexible light strip 100 provided in a third embodiment of the present application. As shown in, the third embodiment of the present application provides a flexible light strip 100; in the third embodiment, an light emitting surface 321 of the light emitting layer 32 is a flat surface, rather than resembling the concave surface of the second embodiment. Other features of the flexible light strip 100 of the third embodiment that are identical or similar to the flexible light strip of the second embodiment are not described again here.

[0063] shows a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip 100 assembled to a support 200 provided in a fourth embodiment of the present application;shows a side view of the flexible light strip 100 assembled to the support 200 provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0064] As shown in Figs. 4a - 4b, the fourth embodiment of the present application provides a flexible light strip 100, this flexible light strip 100 resembling the flexible light strip of the second embodiment, mainly distinguished in that, in the fourth embodiment, a free end of a second boss 40b protrudes outward beyond a first boss 311b, and a portion of the second boss 40b that protrudes beyond the first boss 311b is configured to be fitted and connected to a support 200 of an outer part. Specifically, an upper end of the support 200 has a first support part 201 and a second support part 202, the first support part 201 and the second support part 202 being connected to form a step shape, an end of the first boss 311b being arranged on the first support part 201 and abutting the second support part 202, a portion of the second boss 40b being supported on the first boss 311b, and a portion that protrudes beyond the first boss 311b being supported on the second support part 202. A bottom wall 311 of the flexible light strip 100 is supported on the third support part 203 of the support 200. This can improve the stability and reliability of mounting between the flexible light strip 100 and the support 200.

[0065] is a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of a flexible light strip 100 provided in a fifth embodiment of the present application;is a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip 100 shown in;shows a three-dimensional structural schematic drawing of the flexible light strip 100 shown inassembled to a support 200;shows a structural schematic drawing of a side view of the flexible light strip 100 shown inassembled to a support 200.

[0066] As shown in Figs. 5a - 5d, the fifth embodiment of the present application provides a flexible light strip 100, this flexible light strip 100 resembling the flexible light strip of the third embodiment, mainly distinguished in that, in the fifth embodiment, an inner side surface of a second boss 40b is flush with an inner side surface of a sidewall 312, the inner side surface of the second boss 40b being closer to an outer part, an outer end of the second boss 40b having an extension part that is bent downward, and this extension part covering an outer end surface of the first boss 311b.

[0067] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the flexible light strip 100 further comprises a mounting part 50, a bottom wall 312 being connected to the mounting part 50, the mounting part 50 being configured to mount the flexible light strip 100 to the support 200 of the outer part. In a length direction L of the flexible light strip 100, multiple mounting parts 50 can be spaced apart from each other, so that all of the flexible light strip 100 can be mounted well along the whole length. The mounting part 50 overall has a U shape, the bottom wall 311 being arranged in a space defined by the mounting part 50; the bottom wall 311 may be bonded in the mounting part 50 by means of glue, or may be fixed in the mounted part 50 by a threaded connection, or is connected in the mounting part 50 by means of a snap-fit connection.

[0068] The mounting part 50 has two elastic hooks 51; correspondingly, a hole 205 may be arranged on the support 200, the elastic hook 51 being clamped in the hole 205 of the support 200, so that the mounting part 50 is fitted and connected to the support 200, thereby stably mounting the flexible light strip 100 to the support 200.

[0069] Further, multiple positioning protrusions 311p may be arranged on an outer periphery of the sidewall 312, and the positioning protrusions 311p may be fitted and connected to an inner wall of the support 200, to improve the reliability of fixing.

[0070] Embodiments of the present application further provide a motor vehicle 1000, this motor vehicle 1000 comprising the flexible light strip 100 according to any one of the embodiments described above. The flexible light strip 100 may act as a signal lamp or an ambient lamp of the motor vehicle 1000. The signal lamp, for example, is a daytime running lamp, a position lamp, a turn signal lamp and / or a taillamp, and the ambient lamp, for example, is a vehicle interior door panel lamp, a dashboard lamp, etc. The present application does not specifically restrict the specific application of the flexible light strip 100.

[0071] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle 1000 further comprises a support 200, and the flexible light strip 100 may be mounted on the support 200. For the specific mounting relationship, see Figs. 4a - 4b, Figs. 5c - 5d and the text explaining these embodiments; this is not described again here.

[0072] Although the present application has been described in view of the drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate preferred embodiments of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the present application. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are merely schematic, and must not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0073] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the present application have been shown and explained, those skilled in the art will understand that the present application may comprise other further equivalent embodiments without departing from the general inventive concept of the present application, and the scope of protection of the present application is defined by the claims.

Claims

Flexible light strip (100), characterized by comprising:a circuit board (10), comprising a first surface (11) and a second surface (12) that are arranged opposite each other, the circuit board extending in a length direction (L);a light source (20), which is configured to emit light, the light source being arranged on the first surface of the circuit board and spaced apart in the length direction;a flexible encapsulation layer (30), comprising a wall part (31) and a light emitting layer (32), the wall part and the light emitting layer defining an accommodating cavity, the circuit board and the light source being arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the light emitting layer being configured to transmit the light; anda protective layer (40), which is arranged on an outer part of the light emitting layer, the protective layer being configured to transmit the light and protect the light emitting layer.Flexible light strip according to Claim 1, wherein a hardness of the protective layer is greater than a hardness of the light emitting layer;a compactness of the protective layer is greater than a compactness of the light emitting layer.Flexible light strip according to Claim 1, wherein the protective layer comprises polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate;the light emitting layer comprises silicone rubber and an additive.Flexible light strip according to Claim 1, wherein the protective layer is tightly connected to a light emitting surface (321) of the light emitting layer.Flexible light strip according to Claim 1, wherein the flexible encapsulation layer (30) is an integrally extruded structure;the flexible encapsulation layer further comprises at least one light-transmitting layer (33), the light-transmitting layer being arranged between the light source and the light emitting layer, and the light-transmitting layer being configured to transmit the light and support the wall part.Flexible light strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the wall part comprises a bottom wall (311) and two sidewalls (312) that are arranged opposite each other, the two sidewalls being connected to two ends of the bottom wall.Flexible light strip according to Claim 6, wherein the wall part is an opaque reflective layer;the second surface of the circuit board is arranged on the bottom wall.Flexible light strip according to Claim 6, wherein free ends of the two sidewalls are provided with an indentation (311a), and an end of the protective layer is provided with a protrusion (40a), the protrusion and the indentation being fitted and connected to each other.Flexible light strip according to Claim 6, wherein free ends of the two sidewalls are provided with a first boss (311b) that extends outward, and an end of the protective layer is provided with a second boss (40b) that extends outward, the second boss and the first boss being fitted and connected to each other.Flexible light strip according to Claim 9, wherein free ends of the second boss (40b) and the first boss (311b) are flush with each other; orthe free end of the second boss (40b) protrudes outward beyond the first boss (311b), and a portion of the second boss (40b) that protrudes beyond the first boss (311b) is configured to be fitted and connected to a support (200).Flexible light strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein an light emitting surface of the light emitting layer is a flat surface; orthe light emitting surface of the light emitting layer is a concave surface.Flexible light strip according to Claim 6, wherein the flexible light strip further comprises a mounting part (50), the bottom wall (312) being connected to the mounting part, and the mounting part being configured to mount the flexible light strip to a support (200);the mounting part has an elastic hook (51), the elastic hook being fitted and connected to a hole of the support.Flexible light strip according to Claim 6, wherein an outer perimeter of the sidewall is provided with multiple positioning protrusions (311p).Motor vehicle (1000), characterized by comprising the flexible light strip (100) according to any one of Claims 1 - 13.Motor vehicle according to Claim 14, wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a support (200), and the flexible light strip is mounted on the support.

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