DE102015203971A1 - Lighting device for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for a vehicle comprising at least one light emitter connected to a light transmission means, a partially translucent top layer, the light transmission means being substantially flat and including a region having at least one optical structure which deflects light towards the top layer An opaque mask having at least one patched translucent zone between the transmitting means and the top layer, the lighting fixture comprising a reflective bottom layer adjacent the light transmitting means on the opposite side of the opaque mask with at least one translucent zone. Thus, a lighting device for a vehicle in its off state proves to be invisible and, by virtue of its arrangement, has the ability to emit complex shapes through a surface that does not appear to be a component of a lighting element.

Description

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The present patent application relates to a lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, which comprises significant innovations and advantages.

STATE OF THE ART

Inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle, lighting devices are used as indicia or indicia of a particular element or function. The lighting devices are usually visible even in their off state and emit a brightness in a simple geometric shape such as point, circle or line. It is therefore desirable to have lighting devices that are invisible in their off state and that allow simultaneous display of complex geometric shapes and even words or symbols as messages. All this without significant energy consumption, especially as the growing number of electrical devices inside the vehicle leads to an increase in consumption.

At present, various solutions for a lighting device for a vehicle are known which use a transmitter and a light guide. The lighting is used either directly, wherein the light guide itself is the illuminated and observed by the user element, or used indirectly, the light transmitted through the light guide is to be observed only when lighting an additional element as a decorative screen. In this second case, the light is transmitted through the medium of air and impinges on the surface of the decorative element.

It is also known in the art, as in the document US8449161 in which a luminous decorative trim insert for vehicles is described which has an opaque support structure. A reflective layer is disposed on the opaque support structure. A light pipe is adjacent to the reflective layer and operatively connected to a light source. An optical layer is arranged in the light pipe. A total internal reflection (TIR) of the protective layer is arranged on the light pipe. A diffusion layer is disposed on the protective layer TIR. A decorative transfer layer is disposed on the diffusion layer. An optical layer creates a luminous effect in the decorative insert that is visible only when the light source is activated. A layer of the surrounding medium is disposed on the transfer layer.

There is therefore still a need for the availability of a lighting device for a vehicle that turns invisible in its off state and which, by virtue of its arrangement, has the ability to emit complex shapes through a surface that does not appear to be a component of a lighting element is.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a lighting device for a vehicle according to independent claim 1. Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in the dependent claims of the description which are to follow.

The present invention encompasses the field of room lighting systems inside a motor vehicle, in particular illuminated trim panels on interior parts of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It consists in particular of a trim strip, for example, for a door trim that can be illuminated. This is achieved by the following construction: support structure, reflective plate, laser engraved light guide, opaque mask with translucent embellishments, darkened cover. The user perceives an illuminated figure thanks to the transmission of light through the translucent zones of the opaque mask.

The light illuminates a customizable bezel, providing illuminated screen prints on the various interior surfaces of the vehicle. This concept falls within the range of trim strips found on door panels, dashboards or instrument panels, center consoles, trim panels, etc., and allows to obtain illuminated screen prints on various types of surfaces that are particularly visible on dark surfaces prove.

The object of the present invention is to illuminate decorative elements such that, when the light transmitter unit is turned off, the presence of a lighting system is not recognized, and the user will have a passenger compartment trim or trim of the same quality and appearance as that currently installed in a motor vehicle Perceives decorative elements. On the other hand, when the light transmitter unit is turned on, the user perceives a trim panel or trim with an illuminated screen print or a lit figure.

Accordingly, the lighting device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises at least one light emitter connected to a Light transmitting means is connected, a partially translucent upper layer, wherein the light transmission means is substantially flat and comprises an area with at least one optical structure which deflects light towards the partially translucent upper layer, a substantially opaque mask having at least one substantially transparent zone overlying the region having at least one optical structure of the light transmitting means, between the transmitting means and the partially translucent upper layer, the illuminating device having a reflective lower layer adjacent to the light transmitting means on the opposite side of the substantially opaque mask having at least one substantially translucent zone arranged comprises.

• • Entwicklung eines neuartigen Konzepts von Innenraumbeleuchtung, das die Qualität der Beleuchtung von Zierblenden auf Innenteilen des Fahrgastraums des Fahrzeugs verbessert.
• • Möglichkeit zur Personalisierung auf mehreren Oberflächen je nach Farbe des Lichts und der beleuchteten Figur.
• • Möglichkeit zur Durchführung aller möglichen Arten von beleuchteten Gravuren/Siebdrucken auf verschiedenen Zierblenden und Innenrahmen des Fahrzeugs, einerlei ob es sich um neue Konzepte oder Elemente oder bereits bestehende handelt.
• • Kompaktere Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, folglich besseres Verpacken für ihren Transport gegenüber anderen Raumbeleuchtungssystemen.
• • Geringere Streuung des Lichts und höhere Auflösung der beleuchteten Figur dank der Nähe zwischen dem Lichtübertragungsmittel, der Maske und der oberen Schicht.

This provides the following benefits:

• • Development of a novel concept of interior lighting that improves the quality of the trim panel lighting on interior parts of the vehicle's passenger compartment.
• • Possibility of personalization on multiple surfaces depending on the color of the light and the illuminated figure.
• • Ability to perform all sorts of illuminated engraving / screen printing on various trim panels and vehicle interior frames, whether new concepts or elements or existing ones.
• • A more compact lighting device for a vehicle, hence better packaging for its transport over other room lighting systems.
• • Less scattering of light and higher resolution of the illuminated figure thanks to the proximity between the light transmitting means, the mask and the upper layer.

Advantageously, the reflective bottom layer is substantially white and has a substantially frosted surface. In this way, a stronger illumination is achieved, and at the same time the unwanted leakage of light is reduced. The optical structure in the light transmitting means breaks the light mostly toward the upper layer and to a lesser extent towards the lower layer. The fact of using the reflective bottom layer of white paint enables recovery of the light refracted toward the bottom layer. In this way, a stronger and brighter lighting is achieved. With this configuration it is achieved that a diffusion layer over the light guide or the mask is unnecessary.

According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one light emitter is mounted on the lower reflective layer. Thus, the reflective plate is the baseplate for the electronic circuitry of the lighting system itself. In this way, by combining different functions in a same element, components are saved.

More specifically, the region having at least one optical structure is engraved in a surface of the light transmitting means adjacent to the substantially opaque mask having at least one substantially transparent region. As already mentioned, the substantially translucent zone allows the light to pass through the drawing with a uniform distribution of light. Thus, the substantially opaque mask blocks the leakage of light in the remainder of the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the substantially opaque mask is a translucent plastic film or translucent plastic film to which a black paint or black print process is applied over its entire surface, the figure perceived by the user through the top layer without Painting is left, so that the transmission of light is thereby made possible. Alternatively, the substantially opaque mask is a dark colored material to which laser attenuation is applied, thereby causing the drawing to remain substantially translucent. Alternatively, the substantially opaque mask is a dark colored material in which zones of the figure are recessed.

In a preferred embodiment, the transmission means is of highly translucent PMMA. This material has good luminous flux transfer properties.

According to another aspect of the invention, the transmission means is a substantially flat light guide and has a plurality of notches in at least one of its side walls. The notches of the light guide are optical elements which break the light into the interior of the transmission means. Thus, the light guide comprises at least one set of optics in the upper and / or lower part, which are a series of small notches or grooves which break the light and deflect it into the interior of the transmission means.

It should be noted that the larger the distance from the transmitter, the larger the dimensions of the notches are, in order to compensate for the losses in the transmission of the light and the refractions into the interior of the transmission medium or optical fiber.

This transfer means or optical fiber in the form of a plate has a shaded area located behind the zone in which are the graphics of the mask through which the light is transmitted. The shaded area is preferably a laser engraved rectangular region, or the transfer means may come out of the mold with the engraved rectangular region. In particular, the engraved zone has dimensions which essentially correspond to the essentially translucent zone of the essentially opaque mask.

Advantageously, the optical fiber of the transmission means comprises an extension to better capture the light emitted by the transmitter, for example a diode LED. More specifically, the at least one light emitter at one end of the extension is connected to the light pipe of the light transmitting means.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the top layer comprises a substantially opaque portion and a translucent window having a tinted surface overlying the substantially translucent zone of the mask. Thus, the top layer is a darkened cover that gives the trim its final surface. In particular, it is preferably tinted and / or darkened with the same color as the opaque portion of the underlying mask. The top layer is preferably of high durometer PMMA to avoid possible scratches, and has a translucent tinted finish such that the external appearance is dark and preferably glossy. In this way, the top layer or bezel behaves like an opaque element (which does not allow for a see through) when the LED is off, and allows the passage of light and leaves the ornament or drawing of the mask visible when the LED is on. It is also the element that covers and protects the internal components of the unit.

Advantageously, the tinted surface translucent window of the top layer is substantially the same color as the substantially opaque portion of the underlying mask. Specifically, the translucent window with tinted top layer (or trim or trim) is made of a smoke black translucent material that looks all black gloss when the LEDs are off, but allows the figure to be seen when they are on.

On the other hand, the substantially opaque portion of the top layer is substantially the same color as the top layer tinted surface translucent window. In this way, the visual appearance of the translucent zone of the top layer is substantially the same as the non-translucent contour of the top layer when the light emitter is off. The visual appearance of the translucent zone of the top layer is obtained as the sum of colors of the smoke-colored translucent surface of the partially translucent zone and the black of the mask. The darkened cover has a protective function and at the same time gives the decorative strip its final surface. Their color, preferably tinted / darkened, is the same as that of the opaque portion of the underlying mask.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises a capacitive sensor which is responsible for switching the light emitter on and off. The capacitive sensor is preferably housed in the support structure and integrated into the electronic panel of the LEDs. The sensor works on touch so that the lighting is activated and the switch-on process is enabled when the user moves his hand over the top layer.

In the accompanying drawings, by way of non-limiting example, there is shown a lighting device for a vehicle constructed in accordance with the invention. Other features and advantages of the lighting device for a vehicle that is the subject of the present invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment, which is not the only, illustrated by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device for a vehicle according to the present invention; FIG.

2 is a top and side view of various of the components of the lighting device for a vehicle according to the present invention in the unassembled state;

3A is a view of the interior of a door of a vehicle when the lighting device is mounted for a vehicle according to the present invention;

3B a perspective view of the interior of a door of a vehicle with the lighting device for a vehicle according to the Present invention is in Einzelteilildarstellung prominent.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In view of the mentioned figures and according to the numbering applied, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention is to be seen in them, which comprises the parts and elements which are given and described below.

As in 1 and 3B it can be seen, the lighting device for a vehicle of the present invention thus comprises at least one light emitter 1 that with a light transmitting agent 2 is connected, a partially translucent upper layer 4 , wherein the light transmission means 2 is essentially flat and an area 22 with at least one optical structure 22a includes which light towards the partially translucent upper layer 4 deflects, a substantially opaque mask 3 with at least one substantially translucent zone 31 that over the area 22 with at least one optical structure 22a the light transmission means 2 lies between the transmission means 2 and the partially translucent upper layer 4 wherein the illumination device is a reflective lower layer 5 adjacent to the light transmitting means 2 on the opposite side of the substantially opaque mask 3 with at least one substantially translucent zone 31 arranged comprises. The mask 3 is preferably a translucent part on which the entire background of the ornament is painted with opaque ink (for example with ink) and only the lines and shapes of the decorations are left translucent where the light exits. It may also be a directly impermeable part with recesses forming the shapes and lines of the ornament.

More specifically, the reflective bottom layer 5 , as in 1 and 2 is seen to be substantially white and having a substantially frosted surface to recover the light passing through the lower surface of the light transmitting means 2 can escape. In this way, this light becomes on the surface of the reflective lower layer 5 reflects and re-enters the light transmission means 2 which improves the performance of this optical device.

In particular, as in 2 you can see at least one light transmitter 1 on the reflective lower layer 5 mounted, as well as the electronics required for the light sensor. The reflective lower layer 5 is a base plate of dull white color. The reflective plate makes a diffusion layer over the light transmitting means 2 or the mask 3 superfluous. In a specific embodiment, the at least one light transmitter 1 an LED.

It should be mentioned that, as in 1 and 2 It can be seen, some electronic elements of the lighting device, in particular those corresponding to the power supply and the terminals, on the lower layer 5 are mounted.

As in 1 and 3B it can be seen, according to another aspect of the invention, the range 22 with at least one optical structure 22a an engraving in a surface of the light transmitting means 2 adjacent to the substantially opaque mask 3 with at least one substantially translucent zone 31 , The at least one light transmission means 2 is at least one light guide. The finely ground or laser-made engraving for refraction of light in the light guide is preferably a rectangle and is located under the translucent zones of the mask 3 , It should be mentioned that, as in 2 It can be seen, the majority of the light rays total reflection between the upper and lower surface of the light guide 2 but in the engraved zone there is an effect of scattering the light.

How else in 1 . 2 and 3B can be seen, is the means of transmission 2 of highly translucent PMMA with a light transmission value of 95% to 100%, where 100% is the ideal theoretical light transmittance, and 0% opaque. In particular, it is translucent PMMA, commonly referred to as methacrylate.

As in 2 can be seen, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission means 2 a substantially flat light guide and has in at least one of its side walls 21 a plurality of notches 23 on. Accordingly, the upper and lower walls of the light guide 2 not perfectly straight, but have small prisms or notches 23 on which the light passes over the entire surface of the light guide 2 to distribute.

As in 1 and 2 can be seen, comprises the light guide of the transmission means 2 also an extension 24 , In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light guide is formed with a flat portion of translucent material having four light inputs disposed at the four corners. The light source is side LEDs, that is, LEDs that Do not emit light through the upper part, but through the lateral part (see 2 ).

In particular, the at least one light transmitter 1 , as in 2 it can be seen at one end of the extension 24 with the light guide of the light transmission means 2 connected. The extension 24 has the shape of a square projection with a flat surface for receiving the light passing through the at least one light emitter 1 is broadcast.

According to another aspect of the invention, the upper layer comprises 4 , as in 1 and 2 it can be seen, a substantially opaque section 42 and a translucent window 41 with a tinted surface over the substantially translucent zone 31 the mask 3 lying. The window 41 the partially translucent upper layer 4 is made of PMMA high hardness. The translucent, smoke black material looks glossy black when the LEDs are off, and makes it possible to see the figure the user perceives through the top layer when the LEDs are on.

In particular, as in 1 . 3A and 3B you can see the translucent window 41 with tinted surface of the upper layer 4 essentially the same color as the substantially opaque part of the mask 3 , Accordingly, there is the upper layer 4 from an opaque cladding 42 with a smoke-black translucent window 41 , The upper layer 4 is also the element that covers and protects the internal components of the unit, and at the same time acts as a trim element of the interior of the motor vehicle.

How else in 1 . 3A and 3B can be seen, is the substantially opaque portion 42 the upper layer 4 essentially the same color as the translucent window 41 with tinted surface of the upper layer 4 ,

As in 1 and 3B As can be seen, the lighting device for a vehicle according to another aspect of the invention comprises a capacitive sensor 6 , which is for turning on and off the light transmitter 1 responsible for. The special feature of using a capacitive sensor 6 is that neither direct contact nor mechanical actuation is required to activate the system. By approaching the finger of the surface of the upper layer 4 the capacitance of the underlying capacitor is modified, and in this way the system is switched on or off.

It should be mentioned that, as in 1 and 3B it can be seen, the lighting device for a vehicle, a supporting structure 7 includes, which secures the unit by means of clips to the environment and allows the placement of the remaining components. The environment is in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting of the unit on the door panel (and generally on the part of the vehicle interior on which the trim strip is).

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessories, as well as the components used in the implementation of the lighting device for a vehicle can be conveniently replaced by other, which are technically equivalent and deviate from the essentiality of the invention nor the scope of protection, by the the subsequent list is defined following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

light source

2

Light transmission means (light guide)

21

side walls

22

Area

22a

Optical structure (engraving)

23

score

24

renewal

3

mask

31

Zone

4

Upper layer

41

window

42

Essentially opaque section

5

Reflective lower layer (printed circuit board)

6

Capacitive sensor

7

supporting structure

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8449161 [0004]

Claims (13)

Lighting device for a vehicle, comprising at least one light transmitter ( 1 ), which is equipped with a light transmission means ( 2 ), a partially translucent upper layer ( 4 ), wherein the light transmission means ( 2 ) is essentially flat and has an area ( 22 ) with at least one optical structure ( 22a ) which directs light towards the partially translucent upper layer ( 4 ), a substantially opaque mask ( 3 ) having at least one substantially translucent zone ( 31 ), which are above the range ( 22 ) with at least one optical structure ( 22a ) of the light transmission means ( 2 ), between the transmission means ( 2 ) and the partially translucent upper layer ( 4 ), characterized in that the lighting device comprises a reflective lower layer ( 5 ) adjacent to the light transmission means ( 2 ) on the opposite side of the substantially opaque mask ( 3 ) having at least one substantially translucent zone ( 31 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflective lower layer ( 5 ) is substantially white and has a substantially frosted surface. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one light emitter ( 1 ) on the reflective lower layer ( 5 ) is mounted. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that electronic elements of the lighting device on the lower layer ( 5 ) are mounted. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the area ( 22 ) with at least one optical structure ( 22a ) an engraving in a surface of the light transmitting means ( 2 ) adjacent to the substantially opaque mask ( 3 ) having at least one substantially translucent zone ( 31 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means ( 2 ) is made of highly translucent PMMA. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means ( 2 ) is a substantially flat light guide and in at least one of its side walls ( 21 ) a plurality of notches ( 23 ) having. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the light guide of the transmission means ( 2 ) an extension ( 24 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one light emitter ( 1 ) at one end of the extension ( 24 ) with the light guide of the light transmission means ( 2 ) connected is. Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper layer ( 4 ) a substantially opaque portion ( 42 ) and a translucent window ( 41 ) with a tinted surface over the substantially translucent zone ( 31 ) of the mask ( 3 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the translucent window ( 41 ) with a tinted surface of the upper layer ( 4 ) substantially of the same color as the substantially opaque portion of the mask ( 3 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the substantially opaque portion ( 42 ) of the upper layer ( 4 ) of substantially the same color as the translucent window ( 41 ) with a tinted surface of the upper layer ( 4 ). Lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a capacitive sensor ( 6 ), which is used for switching the light transmitter on and off ( 1 ) responsible for.

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