CN112140989B

CN112140989B - Light guide element for lighting device

Info

Publication number: CN112140989B
Application number: CN202010587730.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G.福利德曼; K.E.霍瓦特; K.瓦尔加-乌伯里奇
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2024-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-24
Also published as: CN112140989A; FR3097818B1; DE102019209504A1; FR3097818A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a light-guiding element (30) for an illumination device (100), in particular for an operating device (22), wherein the light-guiding element (30) is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The light-guiding element (30) has at least one light-coupling-in surface (34, 46, 80, 82) which is designed to couple the light beam (112) into the light-guiding element (30) and at least one light-coupling-out surface (40, 50) which is designed to couple the light beam (112) out of the light-guiding element (30). Furthermore, the light-guiding element (30) has an axis (32) passing through the midpoint of the light-guiding element (30). Furthermore, a first distance (38) between the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) and the axis (32) is larger than a second distance (44) between the at least one light incoupling surface (40, 50) and the axis (32).

Description

Light guide element for lighting device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a light-guiding element for a lighting device of the type according to the independent claim. Furthermore, the use of the illumination device, the operating device and the light-guiding element is also the subject matter of the present invention.

Background

A system for illuminating an adjustment knob of an input device by means of transmitted light is known from document EP 1 162 636 B1.

Disclosure of Invention

A light-guiding element for an illumination device, in particular for an operating device, is proposed, wherein the light-guiding element is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The light-guiding element has at least one light-coupling-in surface configured for coupling the light beam into the light-guiding element and a light-coupling-out surface configured for coupling the light beam out of the light-guiding element. The light-guiding element further has an axis passing through a midpoint of the light-guiding element, wherein a first distance between the at least one light-incoupling surface and the axis is greater than a second distance between the at least one light-incoupling surface and the axis.

The light guiding element may be configured to further guide the light beam. In particular, the light beam is further guided from the light incoupling surface to the light incoupling surface and is guided out of the light-guiding element by means of the light incoupling surface. The lighting device can be configured in particular for a lighting device, for example an operating device. The operating device can be configured, for example, for operation by an operator and thus for receiving an instruction, whereby a corresponding action can be triggered in particular. The operating device may be arranged, for example, in a vehicle, for example in an instrument panel and/or a center console. Thus, the vehicle occupant can operate a specific device in the vehicle and/or trigger a specific action by means of the operating device. For example, a display device, an air conditioning apparatus, a navigation system may be operated. The specific functions in the vehicle can also be controlled by means of the operating device.

The invention has the advantage that a uniform illumination can be ensured or ensured by means of the light-guiding element. In other words, it can be ensured that the light beam can achieve uniform illumination. By means of the light-guiding element, the light beam coupled in, in particular of this type, can be scattered in the light-guiding element and thus, in particular, at least once reflected, so that uniform illumination can be achieved. Furthermore, the installation space can be optimally utilized by means of the light-guiding element. By means of the light-guiding element, a uniform illumination with the element can be ensured, whereby special effort, for example, costs or installation space, for other elements for homogenizing the illumination can be saved.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first distance may be formed along a first line arranged perpendicular to the axis, wherein the second distance is formed along a second line arranged perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the first line and the second line are formed parallel to each other. Preferably, the first line and the second line may point in the same direction. The light-guiding element can thus be designed in particular in such a way that uniform illumination can be ensured and ensured by means of the light-guiding element. By using light-guiding elements for further guiding the light beam, in particular, the installation space and effort, for example the costs, can be saved, since homogenization of the light beam can be achieved by means of the light-guiding elements.

In one refinement, the light-guiding element can have a first surface, wherein at least one light-incoupling surface is arranged on the first surface, wherein the first surface has at least one projection, and wherein the at least one light-incoupling surface is arranged on the at least one projection. By means of a corresponding design of the light-guiding element, in particular, installation space can be saved. Furthermore, in particular, an efficient production of the light-guiding element can be ensured. For example, the light-guiding element may be manufactured by means of injection moulding.

Advantageously, at least one recess can be introduced in the light-guiding element. The loss of the light beam can be reduced or prevented in particular by means of the recess, since the light beam is reflected in particular at the recess. Internal, in particular total reflection of the light beam on the recess prevents losses of the light beam in the light-guiding element. In particular, an optimal and sufficient and reliable illumination can be ensured by means of the light-guiding element. Furthermore, the production of the light-guiding element can be effectively constructed by means of the recess. The recess can, for example, avoid material build-up in the injection molding process, whereby the injection molding process can be optimized.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one recess can be configured to be open to the environment of the light-guiding element. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one recess can be arranged in particular between the at least one light incoupling surface and the axis. The at least one recess may be arranged such that the light beam coupled in via the at least one light coupling-in surface is deflectable on the at least one recess in the direction of the at least one light coupling-out surface. By means of the respective recess, in particular, losses of the light beam in the light-guiding element can be reduced by internal reflection on the recess, whereby in particular a uniform, sufficient illumination by means of the light-guiding element can be ensured. Furthermore, the production of the light-guiding element can be designed effectively by means of the recess, since, for example, material build-up for the injection molding process can be avoided.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one light coupling surface can be configured in a ring shape. In particular, a backlighting (Hinterleuchtung) of the annular element can thereby be ensured, wherein in particular a uniform illumination can be achieved by means of a light-guiding element having an annular light-coupling surface.

Furthermore, the light-guiding element may be composed of transparent plastic. By means of the transparent design of the light-guiding element, in particular the light beam can be guided through the light-guiding element and coupled out at the light-coupling surface. The light-guiding element is composed of transparent plastic, in particular, enabling efficient manufacturing. The light-guiding element can be manufactured, for example, by means of injection molding. Furthermore, the use of plastic makes possible a simple design of the light-guiding element. In other words, the light guiding element may have a small weight. The light-guiding element can in particular be simply machined or further machined.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light-guiding element can have a first light-coupling surface and a second light-coupling surface, which are designed to couple the light beam into the light-guiding element, wherein the first light-coupling surface and the second light-coupling surface are arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of the light-guiding element. Furthermore, the light-guiding element has, in particular, a first light-coupling surface and a second light-coupling surface, which are designed to couple out the light beam from the light-guiding element, wherein the first light-coupling surface and the second light-coupling surface are arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis of the light-guiding element. Furthermore, preferably, the shortest first distance between the first light incoupling surface and the axis is greater than the shortest second distance between the first light incoupling surface and the axis, and the shortest third distance between the second light incoupling surface and the axis is greater than the shortest fourth distance between the second light incoupling surface and the axis. The light-guiding element can thus be designed in particular in such a way that uniform illumination can be ensured and ensured by means of the light-guiding element. By using light-guiding elements for further guiding the light beam, in particular, the installation space and effort, for example the costs, can be saved, since homogenization of the light beam can be achieved by means of the light-guiding elements.

Furthermore, a lighting device is proposed, which is designed for lighting an operating device and has at least one light-emitting element, which is designed to emit a light beam in the direction of at least one light incoupling surface. The lighting device can be designed in particular in such a way that uniform illumination can be ensured and ensured by means of the lighting device having the light-guiding element.

Furthermore, an operating device having a lighting device is proposed. The lighting device has in particular a light-guiding element. The operating device can thereby be illuminated by means of the illumination device and thus by means of the light-guiding element. In particular, a uniform illumination of the operating device can be ensured, so that the operator can use the operating device in a particularly simplified manner. Furthermore, the operator can preferably better perceive the operating device by means of a uniform identification illumination (Ausweisbeleuchtung).

In an advantageous embodiment, the operating device can have a housing with at least two reflective surfaces, wherein the light beam coupled out at the light coupling-out surface can be at least partially reflected at the at least two reflective surfaces of the housing. By means of which the device can be operated. Furthermore, a uniform illumination and/or a sufficiently bright illumination of the operating device can be ensured by means of the reflective surface. This makes it possible in particular to facilitate the use of the operating device.

Furthermore, the use of a light-guiding element in an illumination device, in particular in an operating device, is proposed, wherein the light beam emitted by the at least one light-emitting element is further guided by the light-guiding element such that the operating device is illuminated. In this way, a uniform illumination of the operating device can be ensured by means of the light-guiding element.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and explained in detail in the following description. The same reference numerals are used for elements which are shown in different figures and which function similarly, wherein a repeated description of the elements is dispensed with. Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a top view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an operating device according to one embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8 shows a schematic view of an operating device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a vehicle 20, for example a motor vehicle, with an operating device 22. The operating device 22 can be operated by a vehicle occupant 24. The actuating device 22 can be configured, for example, for actuation by a vehicle occupant and thus for receiving an instruction, whereby a corresponding action or function in the vehicle or of the vehicle can be triggered in particular. The operating device 22 may be arranged, for example, in a vehicle, for example in a dashboard 26 or center console. Alternatively or additionally, one operating device 22 or another operating device 22 may be arranged at other locations in the vehicle 20. Thus, the vehicle occupant 24 is able to operate a particular device in the vehicle 20 and/or trigger a particular function by means of the operating device 22. For example, a display device, an air conditioning device, a navigation system of the vehicle 20 and/or a specific function in the vehicle 20 can be operated by means of the operating device 22. The vehicle occupant 24 may be, for example, a driver and/or a passenger of the vehicle 20.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a light guiding element 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The light-guiding element 30 can be used in particular in lighting devices, in particular in operating devices, wherein the light beam emitted by at least one light-emitting element of the lighting device is further guided by the light-guiding element 30 such that the operating device is illuminated. The operating device can be arranged in particular in the vehicle according to fig. 1.

The light guiding member 30 is at least partly constituted by a light transmissive material. In an advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 may be at least partially composed of transparent plastic. Furthermore, the light guiding element 30 has an axis 32 passing through the midpoint of the light guiding element.

Furthermore, the light-guiding element 30 has at least one light-coupling surface 34, which is designed to couple the light beam into the light-guiding element 30. In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a first light-coupling-in surface 34, which is designed to couple the light beam into the light-guiding element 30. The first light incoupling surface 34 may in particular be arranged on a first straight line 36 perpendicular to the axis 32. The first light incoupling surface 34 has a first distance 38 from the axis 32. For this purpose, a first distance 38 is measured, in particular along a straight line 36, in particular from the axis 32 to the center point of the first light incoupling surface 34. In other words, the midpoint of the first light incoupling surface 34 has a first spacing 38 from the axis 32. The first distance 38 is in particular formed or measured along a first line 36 arranged perpendicular to the axis 32. Thus, the first distance 38 is in particular the shortest first distance 38 between the first light incoupling surface 34, in particular the middle point of the first light incoupling surface 34, and the axis 32. In other words, the first light incoupling surface 34, in particular the middle point of the first light incoupling surface 34, has the shortest first distance 38 from the axis 32.

Furthermore, light-guiding element 30 has at least one light-coupling surface 40, which is designed to couple out the light beam from light-guiding element 30. In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a first light-coupling-out surface 40, which is designed to couple out the light beam from the light-guiding element 30. The first light coupling-out surface 40 has a second distance 44 from the axis 32. For this purpose, in particular, a second distance 44 is measured from the axis 32 to the center point of the first light-coupling-out surface 40. In other words, the midpoint of the first light coupling-out surface 40 has the second spacing 44 from the axis 32. The second distance 44 is in particular formed or measured along a second line 42 arranged perpendicular to the axis 32. Thus, the second distance 44 is in particular the shortest second distance 44 between the first light coupling-out surface 40, in particular the midpoint of the first light coupling-out surface 40, and the axis 32. In other words, the first light coupling-out surface 40, in particular the middle point of the first light coupling-out surface 40, has the shortest second distance 44 from the axis 32.

Advantageously, the first distance 38 between the at least one light incoupling surface 34, in particular the first light incoupling surface 34, and the axis 32 is larger than the second distance 44 between the at least one light incoupling surface 40, in particular the first light incoupling surface 40, and the axis 32.

In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a first light-coupling-in surface 34 and a second light-coupling-in surface 46, which are designed to couple a light beam into the light-guiding element 30, wherein the first light-coupling-in surface 34 and the second light-coupling-in surface 46 are arranged opposite to one another about the axis 32 of the light-guiding element 30. In other words, the first light incoupling surface 34 and the second light incoupling surface 46 are arranged such that the first light incoupling surface 34 and the second light incoupling surface 46 are opposite with respect to the axis 32. The first light incoupling surface 34 and the second light incoupling surface 46 may in particular be arranged on a straight line 36 perpendicular to the axis 32 and have the same distance 38, 48 or the same shortest distance 38, 48 from the axis 32. The second light coupling-in surface 46 has a third distance 48 from the axis 32, wherein the third distance 48 can be measured in a manner corresponding to the first distance 38. The third distance 48 is thus in particular the shortest third distance 48 between the second light incoupling surface 46, in particular the middle point of the second light incoupling surface 46, and the axis 32. In particular, the first spacing 38 and the third spacing 48 are the same length.

In this advantageous embodiment, light-guiding element 30 has a first light-coupling-out surface 40 and a second light-coupling-out surface 50, which are designed to couple out a light beam from light-guiding element 30, first light-coupling-out surface 40 and second light-coupling-out surface 50 being arranged opposite to one another with respect to axis 32 of light-guiding element 30. In other words, the first light-coupling-out surface 40 and the second light-coupling-out surface 50 are arranged such that the first light-coupling-out surface 40 and the second light-coupling-out surface 50 are opposite with respect to the axis 32. In particular, the first light outcoupling surface 40 and the second light outcoupling surface 50 can be arranged on a straight line 42 perpendicular to the axis 32. In particular, first light coupling-out surface 40 and second light coupling-out surface 50 can have the same pitch or the same shortest pitch from axis 32. The second light coupling-out surface 50 has a fourth distance 52 from the axis 32, wherein the fourth distance 52 can be configured to correspond to the second distance 44. Thus, fourth pitch 52 is in particular second light outcoupling surface 50, in particular the shortest fourth pitch 52 between the midpoint of second light outcoupling surface 50 and axis 32. In particular, the third pitch 48 and the fourth pitch 52 are the same length.

Advantageously, the shortest distance 38, 48 between the at least one light incoupling surface 34, 46 and the axis 32 is larger than the shortest distance 44, 52 between the at least one light incoupling surface 40, 50 and the axis 32.

In this advantageous embodiment, the shortest first distance 38 between the first light incoupling surface 34 and the axis 32 is greater than the shortest second distance 44 between the first light incoupling surface 40 and the axis 32. Furthermore, a shortest third distance 48 between the second light incoupling surface 46 and the axis 32 is in particular greater than a shortest fourth distance 52 between the second light incoupling surface 50 and the axis 32. In particular, the first distance 38 may be configured as a straight line and the second distance 44 may be configured as a straight line, wherein the straight line of the first distance 38 and the straight line of the second distance 44 are configured to be parallel to each other and in particular point in the same direction. In particular, the third distance 48 can be configured as a first straight line and the fourth distance 52 can be configured as a second straight line, wherein the straight line of the second distance 44 and the straight line of the fourth distance 52 are configured parallel to one another and point in particular in the same direction.

Further, first spacing 38 and/or third spacing 48 may be configured along a first line 36 disposed perpendicular to axis 32, and second spacing 44 and/or fourth spacing 52 may be configured along a second line 42 disposed perpendicular to axis 32. Preferably, the first line 36 and the second line 42 are configured parallel to each other.

In one development, at least one recess 54, 56 is introduced in particular into the light-guiding element 30. The at least one recess 54, 56 can be configured to be open to an ambient environment 58 of the light guiding element 30. Preferably, at least one recess 54, 56 is arranged between at least one light incoupling surface 34, 46 and axis 32. In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a first recess 54, wherein the first recess 54 is arranged in particular between the first light-incoupling surface 34 and the axis 32. Furthermore, the light-guiding element has a second recess 56, wherein the second recess 56 is arranged in particular between the second light-incoupling surface 46 and the axis 32. In particular, the at least one recess 54, 56 is arranged such that the light beam coupled in by the at least one light incoupling surface 34, 46 can be deflected on the at least one recess 54, 56 in the direction of the at least one light incoupling surface 40, 50. For example, the first recess 54 is arranged such that the light beam coupled in via the first light incoupling surface 34 can be deflected on the first recess 54 in the direction of the first light incoupling surface 40. Furthermore, the second recess 56 is arranged in particular such that the light beam coupled in via the second light incoupling surface 46 can be deflected on the second recess 56 in the direction of the second light incoupling surface 50.

In this advantageous embodiment, at least one recess 54, 56 is configured as a hollow body. The hollow body has in particular an elongate shape, wherein the length of the at least one recess 54, 56 is in particular greater than the width of the at least one recess 54, 56, wherein the width is in particular formed along the line 36. Preferably, at least one recess 54, 56 has an at least approximately elliptical shape.

In one development, the light-guiding element 30 can have further light-coupling surfaces and/or recesses.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a top view of a light guiding element 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 3 can be constructed according to the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 2. Furthermore, the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 3 can be arranged according to fig. 1 in an operating device in a vehicle. The axis 32 is shown in particular as a dot.

The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 3 has in particular at least one projection 60, 62, 64, 66. The at least one light incoupling surface is arranged in particular on at least one projection 60, 62, 64, 66. In this advantageous embodiment, the light guiding element 30 has a first projection 60, a second projection 62, a third projection 64 and a fourth projection 66. The first light incoupling surface is in particular arranged on the first projection 60 and the second light incoupling surface is arranged on the second projection 62. Further, a third light incoupling surface may be arranged on the third protrusion 64 and a fourth light incoupling surface may be arranged on the fourth protrusion 66. The first projection 60 and the second projection 62 are arranged in particular in such a way that the first projection 60 is opposite the second projection 62 with respect to the axis 32. The third projection 64 and the fourth projection 66 are in particular arranged in such a way that the third projection 64 and the fourth projection 66 lie opposite one another about the axis 32.

In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a cylindrical shape, wherein the light-guiding element 30 is formed in particular as a hollow cylinder. The at least one protrusion 60, 62, 64, 66 may in particular be arranged on a jacket 68 of the cylinder of the light guiding element 30. The projections 60, 62, 64, 66 and the light incoupling surface are arranged in particular on a first base surface of the cylindrical light-guiding element 30.

Furthermore, at least one fixing element 70, 72, 74, 76 may be arranged on the jacket 68 of the cylinder of the light-guiding element 30. In this advantageous embodiment, in particular four fastening elements 70, 72, 74, 76 are provided. The first, second, third and fourth fixing elements 70, 72, 74, 76 are arranged alternately on the jacket 68 of the light-guiding element 30, in particular with respect to the projections 60, 62, 64, 66. The fastening elements 70, 72, 74, 76 have, in particular, holes 78 or bores 78, through which at least one screw, pin, nail and/or rivet can be guided, so that the light-guiding element 30 can be arranged on another device.

In this advantageous embodiment, at least one light coupling surface 40, 50 is designed in particular in the form of a ring. In other words, at least one light coupling-out surface 40, 50 has a ring-like shape. The light coupling surfaces 40, 50 are thus formed in particular continuously or in one piece. Preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has in particular a light-outcoupling surface comprising a first light-outcoupling surface 40 and a second light-outcoupling surface 50. The annular light-coupling surfaces 40, 50 are arranged in particular on a second base surface of the cylindrical light-guiding element 30, wherein the second base surface is opposite to the first base surface. The annular light coupling-out surfaces 40, 50 are arranged in particular on a base surface opposite the light coupling-in surface.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element 30 according to an embodiment of the invention from below. The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 4 can be constructed according to the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 2 and/or 3. Furthermore, the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 4 can be arranged in an operating device in a vehicle according to fig. 1.

In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 further has a third light-incoupling surface 80 and a fourth light-incoupling surface 82, which are designed to incouple a light beam into the light-guiding element 30, wherein the third light-incoupling surface 80 and the fourth light-incoupling surface 82 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the axis 32 of the light-guiding element 30. In other words, third light incoupling surface 80 and fourth light incoupling surface 82 are arranged such that third light incoupling surface 80 and fourth light incoupling surface 82 are opposite with respect to axis 32. The third light incoupling surface 80 and the fourth light incoupling surface 82 may in particular be arranged on a third straight line 84 perpendicular to the axis 32. The third light incoupling surface 80 and the fourth light incoupling surface 82 may have, in particular, the same distance 86, 88 or the same shortest distance 86, 88 from the axis 32. The third light incoupling surface 80 is arranged in particular on the third projection 64 and the fourth light incoupling surface 82 is arranged in particular on the fourth projection 66. In this embodiment, the first line 36 is arranged in particular perpendicular to the third line 84.

Third light incoupling surface 80 has a fifth distance 86 from axis 32, fifth distance 86 being able to be measured in a manner corresponding to first distance 38. Thus, fifth distance 86 is in particular the shortest fifth distance 86 between third light incoupling surface 80, in particular the middle of third light incoupling surface 80, and axis 32. Fourth light incoupling surface 82 has a sixth distance 88 from axis 32, wherein sixth distance 88 can be measured in a manner corresponding to first distance 38. Thus, sixth spacing 88 is in particular the shortest sixth spacing 88 between fourth light incoupling surface 82, in particular the midpoint of fourth light incoupling surface 82, and axis 32. In particular, first pitch 38, second pitch 48, fifth pitch 86, and sixth pitch 88 are the same length.

In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 also has a third light-coupling-out surface, which is not visible here, and a fourth light-coupling-out surface, which is not visible here, which are designed to couple out the light beam from the light-guiding element 30, wherein the third light-coupling-out surface and the fourth light-coupling-out surface are arranged opposite to one another with respect to the axis 32 of the light-guiding element 30. In particular, the third light outcoupling surface and the fourth light outcoupling surface can have the same pitch or the same shortest pitch from the axis 32.

Advantageously, the shortest distance 86, 88 between the at least one light incoupling surface 80, 82 and the axis 32 is greater than the shortest distance between the respective at least one light incoupling surface and the axis 32. In this advantageous embodiment, the shortest fifth distance 86 between the third light incoupling surface 80 and the axis 32 is greater than the shortest distance between the respective light incoupling surface and the axis 32. In addition, a shortest sixth distance 88 between fourth light incoupling surface 82 and axis 32 is in particular greater than a shortest distance between the respective light incoupling surface and axis 32.

In this advantageous embodiment, the light-guiding element 30 has a first surface 90, wherein at least one light-coupling surface 34, 46, 80, 82 is arranged on the first surface 90. The first surface 90 may for example be a base surface of a cylindrical light guiding element. Furthermore, the first surface 90 has at least one projection 60, 62, 64, 66, wherein the at least one light incoupling surface 34, 46, 80, 82 is arranged on the at least one projection 60, 62, 64, 66.

Furthermore, light-guiding element 30 has, in particular, a third recess 92 and a fourth recess 94, wherein third recess 92 is arranged, in particular, between third light-incoupling surface 80 and axis 32, and fourth recess 94 is arranged, in particular, between fourth light-incoupling surface 82 and axis 32. The third recess 92 and/or the fourth recess 94 may be configured corresponding to the first recess 54 and/or the second recess 56.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a light guiding element 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 5 can be constructed according to the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 2 and/or according to fig. 3 and/or according to fig. 4. Furthermore, the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 5 can be arranged in an operating device in a vehicle according to fig. 1. In this advantageous embodiment according to fig. 5, the light-guiding element 30 is shown in a perspective view.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a lighting device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lighting device 100 is configured for lighting an operating device, wherein the lighting device 100 according to fig. 6 can be arranged in the operating device according to fig. 1 in a vehicle. The lighting device 100 has a light guiding element 30. The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 6 can be constructed according to the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 2 and/or according to fig. 3 and/or according to fig. 4 and/or according to fig. 5.

Furthermore, the lighting device 100 has at least one light-emitting element 102, 104, 106, 108, which is designed to emit a light beam in the direction of at least one light incoupling surface of the light-guiding element 30 and thus in the direction of the light-guiding element 30. In this advantageous embodiment, the lighting device 100 has a first light-emitting element 102, a second light-emitting element 104, a third light-emitting element 106 and a fourth light-emitting element 108, the first light-emitting element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of the first light-incoupling surface, the second light-emitting element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of the second light-incoupling surface, the third light-emitting element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of the third light-incoupling surface, the fourth light-emitting element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of the fourth light-incoupling surface.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of an operating device 22 according to an embodiment of the invention. The operating device 22 has a lighting device 100 and can be arranged in the vehicle in the advantageous embodiment according to fig. 1. The illumination device 100 is configured for illuminating the operating device 22 and can be configured as the illumination device 100 according to fig. 6. The lighting device 100 has a light guiding element 30. The light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 7 can be constructed according to the light-guiding element 30 according to fig. 2 and/or 3 and/or 4 and/or 5 and is arranged in the lighting device 100, in particular according to fig. 6.

The light-guiding element 30 can be used in particular in such a way that the light beam 112 emitted by the at least one light-emitting element 102, 104 is further guided through the light-guiding element 30 in such a way that the operating device 22 is illuminated. In other words, the light beam 112 is emitted by the first light-emitting element 102 and/or the second light-emitting element 104 and/or the further light-emitting elements, wherein the light beam 112 is coupled into the light-guiding element 30 via the at least one light-coupling-in surface 34, 46. Thus, the light beam 112 emitted by the first light-emitting element 102 is coupled into the light-guiding element via the first light-coupling-in surface 34. The coupled-in light beam 112 is further guided in the light-guiding element 30 such that the light beam 112 is guided to the first light-coupling-out surface 40. To uniformly illuminate operator 22, light beam 112 is sufficiently scattered in light guide element 30. To this end, the light beam 112 may be reflected or deflected on the wall of the light guiding element 30 and/or on the first recess 54. The light beam 112 is then guided out of the light-guiding element via the first light-coupling-out surface 40 and in particular in the direction of a cover 114 of the actuating element 22. Accordingly, the light beam may be deflected via the light guiding element 30 to the cap 114 by the further light emitting element 104 via the further light incoupling surface 46.

The cover 114 has, in particular, at least two reflecting surfaces 116, 118, wherein the light beam 112 coupled out at the light coupling-out surfaces 40, 50, and thus at the first light coupling-out surface 40, can be at least partially reflected at the at least two reflecting surfaces 116, 118 of the cover. Thus, the light beam 112 coupled out of the light coupling-out surface 40, 50 can be reflected at the first reflecting surface 116 and/or the second reflecting surface 118. Thereby, the operating device 22 and thus the cover 114 of the operating device 22 are illuminated as seen from below.

The cover 114 may also have a corrugated or fluted structure 120 that may, for example, enable better grip by an operator.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of an operating device 22 according to an embodiment of the invention. The actuating device 22 can be configured according to the actuating device 22 according to fig. 7 and can be arranged in a vehicle, in particular according to fig. 1. In this advantageous embodiment, the operating device 22 is shown from above, whereby the cover 114 and the light beam 112 illuminating the cover 114 from below are visible in particular.

Claims

1. A light-guiding element (30) for an illumination device (100) or for an operating device (22),

Wherein the light-guiding element (30) is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, characterized in that,

The light-guiding element (30) has at least one light-coupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) which is designed to couple a light beam (112) into the light-guiding element (30), and

The light-guiding element (30) has at least one light-coupling-out surface (40, 50) which is designed to couple out a light beam (112) from the light-guiding element (30),

The light guiding element (30) has an axis (32) passing through the midpoint of the light guiding element (30), and

A first distance (38) between the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) and the axis (32) is greater than a second distance (44) between the at least one light incoupling surface (40, 50) and the axis (32),

Wherein the at least one light coupling-out surface (40, 50) is configured in a ring shape.

2. The light guiding element (30) according to claim 1, wherein the first pitch (38) is configured along a first straight line (36) arranged perpendicular to the axis (32), the second pitch (44) is configured along a second straight line (42) arranged perpendicular to the axis (32), and the first straight line (36) and the second straight line (42) are configured parallel to each other.

3. The light guiding element (30) according to claim 2, wherein the first straight line (36) and the second straight line (42) point in the same direction.

4. A light-guiding element (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the light-guiding element (30) has a first surface, wherein at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) is arranged on the first surface, the first surface has at least one protrusion (60, 62, 64, 66), and the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) is arranged on the at least one protrusion (60, 62, 64, 66).

5. A light-guiding element (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least one recess (54, 56, 92, 94) is introduced in the light-guiding element (30).

6. The light-guiding element (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one recess (54, 56, 92, 94) is configured open with respect to the surroundings of the light-guiding element (30).

7. The light guiding element (30) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one recess (54, 56, 92, 94) is arranged between the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) and the axis (32).

8. The light-guiding element (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one recess (54, 56, 92, 94) is arranged such that a light beam (112) coupled in by the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82) can be deflected at the at least one recess (54, 56, 92, 94) in the direction of the at least one light incoupling surface (40, 50).

9. A light-guiding element (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light-guiding element (30) is composed of transparent plastic.

10. A light-guiding element (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light-guiding element (30) has a first light-incoupling surface (34) and a second light-incoupling surface (46), which are configured for incoupling a light beam into the light-guiding element (30), wherein the first light-incoupling surface (34) and the second light-incoupling surface (46) are arranged opposite with respect to an axis (32) of the light-guiding element (30),

The light-guiding element (30) has a first light-coupling-out surface (40) and a second light-coupling-out surface (50) which are designed to couple out a light beam (112) from the light-guiding element (30), wherein the first light-coupling-out surface (40) and the second light-coupling-out surface (50) are arranged opposite to each other with respect to an axis (32) of the light-guiding element (30),

The shortest first distance (38) between the first light incoupling surface (34) and the axis (32) is greater than the shortest second distance (44) between the first light incoupling surface (40) and the axis (32), and

The shortest third distance (48) between the second light incoupling surface (46) and the axis (32) is larger than the shortest fourth distance (52) between the second light incoupling surface (50) and the axis (32).

11. Lighting device (100) with a light guiding element (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is configured for illuminating an operating device (22) and with at least one light emitting element (102, 104, 106, 108), which is configured for emitting a light beam (112) in the direction of the at least one light incoupling surface (34, 46, 80, 82).

12. Operating device (22) with a lighting device (100) according to claim 11.

13. The operating device (22) according to claim 12, wherein the operating device (22) has a cover (114) with at least two reflecting surfaces (116, 118), wherein the light beam (112) coupled out on the light coupling-out surface (40, 50) can be reflected at least partially on the at least two reflecting surfaces (116, 118) of the cover (114).

14. Use of a light guiding element (30) according to any of claims 1 to 10 in a lighting device (100) according to claim 11 or in an operating device (22) according to claim 12 or 13,

It is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

The light beam (112) emitted by the at least one light-emitting element (102, 104, 106, 108) is further guided by the light-guiding element (30) such that the operating device (22) is illuminated.