DE102018221145A1 - Lighting device for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device 10 for a vehicle 18. It is provided that a limp element 32 with light-scattering properties is spanned in the beam path 26 of a light source 20 of the lighting device 10.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a method for producing a lighting device according to the preamble of patent claim 7 and a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

In the field of vehicles, for example motor vehicles, there is a trend towards providing light functions, such as a tail light, daytime running light, flashing light or even interior light, as homogeneously illuminating surfaces.

Conventionally, scatter filters are used, which are matt or milky and are manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

However, it has been found to be disadvantageous here that such scatter filters have a high mass and specific scatter filters have to be produced for different variants of lighting devices. All this has a negative impact on flexibility, costs and also the handling and storage options.

The DE 10 2005 040 100 A1 describes a vehicle lamp which has a luminous element arrangement which comprises a plurality of radiolucent and light-scattering means as luminous elements.

Furthermore shows the DE 10 2007 017 756 A1 a lighting device, which can comprise a cast luminous part, which can be equipped with a scattering film.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved lighting device for a vehicle with which homogeneous light functions can be generated and which can be implemented with particularly little effort and at the same time is very flexible.

The object is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1, 7 and 10. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

• - ein Gehäuse,
• - eine Außenlichtscheibe,
• - eine Lichtquelle, deren Strahlengang durch einen Innenraum des Gehäuses und die Außenlichtscheibe verläuft; sowie
• - ein Streuelement, das in dem Strahlengang angeordnet ist.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising:

• - a housing,
• - an outside light pane,
• - A light source, the beam path of which runs through an interior of the housing and the outer light pane; such as
• - A scattering element which is arranged in the beam path.

According to the invention it is provided that the diffusing element comprises a limp diffusing element which is spanned in the beam path.

By using the limp scattering element, the lighting device of the invention is particularly low-mass and at the same time flexibly adaptable to different lighting functions or construction variants of the lighting device. In particular, it is advantageous that the limp scattering element does not have to be manufactured precisely as a rigid body with regard to its geometry and connection points, as is the case, for example, with a conventional injection molded part, but rather can be flexibly shaped and fastened in the lighting device. Due to the slackness of the bending, no great forces are required, so that manual assembly is also particularly easy to implement. Such limp scattering elements are often flat and thin and can be easily and flexibly produced in a two-dimensional cut. Such limp scattering elements can also be handled and stored particularly well in the production. Since, as stated, such pliable scattering elements can be shaped very easily, completely new possibilities also arise with regard to the design of the lighting device and the light function generated with it. For example, individually illuminated patterns or logos can be realized. Furthermore, the limp scattering element can also cover the entire beam path of the light source, so that the homogeneity of the generated light function is particularly high. The lighting device according to the invention is therefore particularly well suited for realizing light functions of the type mentioned at the outset.

The limp scattering element can be matted or opalescent, for example. In principle, an at least partially translucent, flexible, flaky scattering element is preferred, which has light-scattering properties and can be transparent or can also be provided with colored properties.

The light source preferably comprises one or more illuminants, which can also be combined with one or more light guides. This means that the light source can be flexibly arranged outside the housing or in whole or in part inside the case. The light functions can include main light functions for a vehicle, such as a low beam or high beam. The light functions can also include other light functions, such as a daytime running light or ambient light. The light source can also include, for example, a projection function with which projections onto the flexible scattering element can be generated as a projection screen. Components required for the projection can be installed in the lighting device.

In a preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the limp scattering element comprises a skin, film or fabric with light-scattering properties.

For example, a latex film, a silicone skin, a woven fabric or a fabric-like material can be used.

Such limp scattering elements can be produced particularly easily and flexibly, even in large quantities and by the meter.

The manufacturing effort is significantly reduced and the flexibility significantly increased.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the limp scattering element comprises a section which is arranged in the region of a main light function that can be generated with the light source.

Thus, in addition to its function according to the invention, the pliable scattering element can also take on the function of a conventional diaphragm. If, for example, a swiveling light function, for example a swiveling dipped beam, is provided, conventionally required movement joints, such as those required for rigid diaphragms, can be omitted due to the flexibility of the flexible diffusion element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the limp scattering element is printed or comprises structural patterns.

The limp scattering element can, for example, be equipped with a replica of a radiator grill pattern and can thus be integrated particularly homogeneously into the vehicle design. Structural patterns can be woven in, for example, or can also be produced in the material of the skin or film. The limp scattering element can also be individualized, for example by applying or integrating a name or logo, for example from a manufacturer. Incidentally, COP components (takeover parts) of the lighting device can be taken over from conventional lighting devices.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the lighting device comprises a connecting section in which the outer light pane and the housing are connected and the flexible diffusion element is fastened in the connecting section between the outer light pane and the housing.

The limp diffusion element is preferably attached non-positively or cohesively between the housing and the outside light pane. For example, it can be clamped in or glued in.

In this way, there is a particularly simple assembly without additional assembly structures, which is only possible at all on the basis of the limp scattering element used according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the pliable diffusing element is also glued into an adhesive channel of the housing, via which the housing is connected to the external light pane.

The above-mentioned advantage is particularly effective in this embodiment, since the assembly of the flexible diffusion element can be integrated into the assembly of the housing with the external light pane without additional effort. At the same time there is a particularly secure assembly of the limp scattering element.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the slack scatter element is stretched over a frame and that the frame is arranged in the housing, so that the slack scatter element is clamped in the beam path.

This results in a modular design that is particularly easy to install and replace.

In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device of the invention, it is provided that the limp scattering element is stretched by being attached to at least one front fixed point in the area of the outside light pane and to at least one rear fixed point in the area of a wall of the housing.

The front fixed point and the rear fixed point or also a plurality of fixed points are preferably coordinated with one another in such a way that the limp scattering element extends at least in sections along the beam path of the light source through an interior of the housing and at the same time completely or partially covers the beam path of the light source. In other words, the limp scattering element is spread out like a tent or sculpturally in the housing. In other words, the pliable scattering element in the housing preferably forms a three-dimensional free-form surface.

In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that not only does a very homogeneous light function result, but also a light function with a three-dimensional optical effect.

• - Verbindung eines Gehäuses mit einer Außenlichtscheibe;
• - Anordnung einer Lichtquelle, sodass deren Strahlengang durch einen Innenraum des Gehäuses und die Außenlichtscheibe verläuft; sowie
• - Anordnung eines Streuelements in dem Strahlengang.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising the steps:

• - Connection of a housing with an external light pane;
• - Arrangement of a light source so that its beam path runs through an interior of the housing and the outside light pane; such as
• - Arrangement of a scattering element in the beam path.

According to the invention, it is provided that the scattering element used comprises a limp scattering element that is spanned in the beam path.

In particular, a lighting device according to the invention can be produced in accordance with the preceding description in the method according to the invention. The technical teaching disclosed in relation to the lighting device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can thus be mutually transmitted.

The scattering element is preferably arranged in the beam path before or simultaneously with an assembly step in which the outside light disk is connected to the housing.

Installation is thus possible with particularly little effort and the housing of the lighting device can also be designed to be closed towards the outside.

In principle, the method steps of the method according to the invention can vary in their sequence. The person skilled in the art determines this sequence independently on the basis of the concrete lighting device in question, taking into account in particular the accessibility of the required assembly spaces on the lighting device in different stages of assembly.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, provision is made for an endless material to be provided from which the limp scattering element is cut out before it is arranged in the beam path.

In this way, the limp scattering element can be manufactured particularly easily, flexibly and, for example, just in time. For example, production can also take place directly on an assembly line. At the same time, storage of the continuous material and also cut-out flexible sleeping scattering elements is possible with particularly little effort.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that different variants of the lighting device are produced and different flexible limp scatter elements are cut out of the endless material for the different variants.

In this embodiment of the method of the invention, which is only possible with the use of the limp scattering element, it is possible to produce different variants of the lighting device with particularly little effort. The limp scattering element can, for example, simply be adapted to different variants simply by adapting the two-dimensional cut of the limp scattering element in the continuous material. In the sense of a just-in-time provision of the limp scattering element, different variants of the lighting device can even be produced alternately in a production line without having to store different variants of the limp scattering element in an intermediate store.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a lighting device according to the invention according to the preceding description or a lighting device produced in a method according to the invention according to the preceding description.

The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle. With the lighting device according to the invention, light functions, such as a tail light, daytime running light, flashing light or even interior lights, such as, for example, ambient lighting, light lighting or the like, are preferably implemented in the vehicle according to the invention.

Unless otherwise stated in the individual case, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can advantageously be combined with one another.

• 1 eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung in isometrischer Ansicht und Schnittansicht;
• 2 eine weitere Beleuchtungsvorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht;
• 3 einen schematischen Ablauf eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Beleuchtungsvorrichtung; und
• 4 ein Fahrzeug mit einer Beleuchtungsvorrichtung.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a lighting device in isometric view and sectional view;
• 2nd another lighting device in a sectional view;
• 3rd a schematic flow of a method for producing a lighting device; and
• 4th a vehicle with a lighting device.

1 shows a lighting device according to the invention 10th , in the right part of the 1 in an isometric partial view and in the left part of the 1 in an isometric partial view in cross section.

In the right part of the 1 is the lighting device 10th shown which is a housing 12 and an outside lens 14 includes. With the lighting device 10th it is an example of a daytime running light 16 for a vehicle 18th which in 4th is described in more detail.

The section line A corresponds to that in the left part of the 1 shown sectional view AA .

In the left part of the 1 is shown that the lighting device 10th a light source 20th having. The light source 20th in the present example comprises a circuit board 22 and a number of LEDs 24th . A ray path 26 of light emitted by the LEDs 24th is emitted is indicated as an example. The ray path 26 runs through an interior 28 of the housing 12 as well as through the outside light pane 14 .

In the sectional view AA is recognizable that a scatter element 30th in the beam path 26 is arranged. The scatter element 30th is only shown schematically and has light-scattering properties. LED light 24th , which is caused by the scattering element 30th through and through the outside light disk 14 entering the outside world creates a homogeneous light function, here exemplarily as a light function of daytime running lights 16 .

The scatter element 30th is in the present embodiment as a slack scatter element 32 executed. This is purely an example of a light-scattering material.

In the present example it is shown purely by way of example that the limp scattering element 32 a structural pattern 34 includes, which is woven into the fabric in the present case. With reference to 4th it can be seen that the structural pattern 34 particularly advantageous in the design of a grille 36 of the vehicle 18th inserts.

The following is again reference to 1 taken. In the sectional view AA it can be seen that the lighting device 10th a connecting section 38 having. In the connection section 38 is the outside light disk 14 with the housing 12 connected. At the connecting section 38 this is an adhesive channel 40 . Via the adhesive channel 40 are the outside light disk 14 and the housing 12 glued together. The flexible limber scattering element 32 in the connection section 38 or adhesive channel 40 between the outside lens 14 and the housing 12 arranged and thus attached. In the present example, the limp scattering element is 32 in the adhesive channel 40 with glued in, in other embodiments, only a pinch is also conceivable.

In this way the limp scattering element 32 simple and safe in the beam path 26 spanned.

2nd shows a further lighting device according to the invention 10th in a sectional view.

Also in 2nd shown lighting device 10th includes a housing 12 , an outside light lens 14 and a light source 20th .

In the 2nd shown lighting device 10th differs from that of 1 in the way the limp diffuser 32 in the beam path 26 is spanned. Therefore, this aspect is referred to in particular below.

So is in 2nd recognizable that the limp scattering element 32 at two front fixed points 42 in the area of the outer light pane 14 is attached. The front fixed points are expedient 42 not directly on the outside lens 14 provided, but lie within the connecting section 38 .

Furthermore, the limp scattering element is at two rear fixed points 44 attached to the area of a wall 46 of the housing 12 lie. The rear fixed points 44 do not necessarily have to be directly on the wall 46 be provided, but can also, as shown here, for example on the light source 20th be provided.

It is particularly important with this type of fastening that the limp scattering element 32 like a tent over the light source 20th spanned, thus in sections through the interior 28 of the housing 12 runs. In this way, there is a light function with a three-dimensional effect towards the outside.

The lighting device 10th is in 2nd cut off laterally by break lines in the display. However, it can be seen that the limp scattering element 32 extends further in the direction of the demolition lines, from which it follows that in the area of the lighting device no longer shown 10th also other fixed points 42 , 44 can lie.

The following will refer to 3rd a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention for producing a lighting device preferably according to the invention 10th described. Accordingly, it can preferably be lighting devices 10th act as for example in the 1 and 2nd are shown.

In a first process step, an endless material is made available.

In a second process step, this results in different variants of a limp scattering element 32 be cut out.

In a third process step, the different variants of the limp scattering element 32 each via an associated variant of an external light lens 14 placed and in a fourth process step together with the outside light disk 14 with an associated variant of a housing 12 connected.

In the procedural steps 3rd or 4th , preferably in any case before connecting the housing 12 with the outside lens 14 , there is also an arrangement of a light source 20th in the respective housing 12 .

After connecting the case 12 with the outside lens 14 is the limp scattering element 32 thus in the beam path 26 the light source 20th arranged.

Because the limp scattering element 32 over the outside light lens 14 is placed before the outside light disk 14 with the housing 12 is connected, the limp scattering element 32 simple and safe in the beam path 26 spanned.

The different variants of the lighting device 10th can be produced simultaneously or sequentially in the method according to the invention. The number of variants is basically flexibly scalable.

In 4th is finally a vehicle according to the invention 18th with a lighting device according to the invention 10th shown.

As already mentioned, the lighting device 10th exemplary as daytime running lights 16 intended.

However, as in 4th shown, also a wide variety of other ways to use the lighting device 10th in the vehicle 18th , which in the present case is a motor vehicle 48 acts.

A use as tail light is shown here as an example 50 , Brake light 52 , Flashing light 54 or also interior lighting 56 .

Reference symbol list

10th

Lighting device

12

casing

14

Outside light pane

16

Daytime running lights

18th

vehicle

20th

Light source

22

circuit board

24th

LED

26

Beam path

28

inner space

30th

Scattering element

32

limp scattering element

34

Textured pattern

36

Grille

38

Connecting section

40

Adhesive channel

42

front fixed point

44

rear fixed point

46

Wall

48

Motor vehicle

50

Taillight

52

Brake light

54

Flashing light

56

Interior lighting

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102005040100 A1 [0005]
• DE 102007017756 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

A lighting device (10) for a vehicle (18), comprising: - a housing (12); - an external light lens (14); - A light source (20), the beam path (26) of which runs through an interior (28) of the housing (12) and the external light pane (14); and - a scattering element (30) which is arranged in the beam path (26), characterized in that the scattering element (30) comprises a limp scattering element (32) which is spanned in the beam path (26). Lighting device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the limp scattering element (32) comprises a skin, film or fabric with light-scattering properties. Lighting device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pliable diffusing element (32) comprises a section which is arranged in the region of a main light function which can be generated with the light source (20). Lighting device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (10) comprises a connecting portion (38) in which the outer light pane (14) and the housing (12) are connected and the flexible diffusing element (32) in the Connecting section (38) between the outer lens (14) and the housing (12) is attached. Lighting device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that the slack scatter element (32) is stretched over a frame and that the frame is arranged in the housing (12) so that the slack scatter element (32) is stretched in the beam path (26). Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slack diffusing element (32) is stretched by being at least one front fixed point (42) in the area of the outer light pane (14) and at least one rear fixed point (44) in Area of a wall (46) of the housing (12) is attached. A method for producing a lighting device (10) for a vehicle (18), comprising the steps: - connecting a housing (12) to an external light pane (14); - Arrangement of a light source (20) so that its beam path (26) runs through an interior (28) of the housing (12) and the outside light pane (14); and - arranging a scattering element (30) in the beam path (26), characterized in that the scattering element (30) used comprises a limp scattering element (32) which is spanned in the beam path (26). Procedure according to Claim 7 , characterized in that an endless material is provided from which the limp scattering element (32) is cut out before it is arranged in the beam path (26). Procedure according to the Claims 7 and 8th , characterized in that different variants of the lighting device (10) are produced and different flexible limp scattering elements (32) are cut out of the endless material for the different variants. Vehicle (18), comprising a lighting device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 or a lighting device (10) manufactured in a method according to one of the Claims 7 to 9 .

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