DE102018002721A1 - Lighting device for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle with at least one light source (5) and an optically designed cover layer (3). The invention is characterized in that the cover layer (3) is opaque and has openings (4) for the light, the light of the at least one light source (5) being directed to each of the openings via at least one focusing optic (6, 7, 8) (4) arrives.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, in particular a tail lamp, according to the closer defined in the preamble of claim 1.

In principle, lighting devices with at least one light source and a colored cover layer are known from the prior art. For example, describes the DE 198 18 009 C2 a rear-injected with a scattered light film, which is suitable for the colored design of a tail light for a vehicle.

In particular, dark, preferably black, taillights are also known from the field of vehicle tuning. This is typically achieved by a colored cover layer, in particular a black cover layer which, when backlighted, permits a certain transparency and thus allows the at least one luminous means to shine through. There are so many possibilities and advantages in terms of design. However, in many cases, the light output through the only partially transparent pane is extremely bad, so that such components often do not meet the legal requirements and bring serious security disadvantages.

In practice, however, it is increasingly the case that the integration of lighting devices in the design of the vehicles is desired, for example by means of a design of the lighting devices in black color without visible bulbs in non-illuminated operation, or the design in body color. This is currently only possible with the mentioned accessories from the tuning range within limits, but always with the risk that legal requirements are disregarded and safety is impaired.

For further prior art may also be made to a signal lamp for motor vehicles, which in the EP 2 565 527 A1 is described. The light source is behind a component, as it is designed to be reflective in the direction of the light source, arranged concealed for the viewer of the lamp. Within the luminaire, which can be made visible through a transparent cover layer to the outside, a relatively homogenous visual impression of the signal light described there goes out.

From the DE 10 2015 108 804 A1 In addition, a translucent cover for covering a light source is known, which is provided in the edge region with a diaphragm, and only in the region in which the light is intended to penetrate specifically to the outside, having a corresponding opening in this aperture.

The object of the present invention is now to provide a lighting device for a vehicle with at least one light source and such a colored cover layer, which on the one hand high freedom in the design of the vehicle and a very homogeneous optics in the off state allows and which on the other hand, a high light output when switched on, resulting in a safe and compliant design.

This object is achieved by a lighting device with the features in claim 1 and in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims dependent thereon.

The core of the illumination device according to the invention forms an opaque cover layer, which has openings for the light. The light from the at least one light source is directed to each of the openings via at least one focusing optic. The combination of an opaque cover layer, for example a back-sprayed film and apertures arranged therein whose geometrical contour can in principle be arbitrary, but which are ideally correspondingly small and have a characteristic length or width of only 1 to 2 mm, arises at a distance From about 1 to 2 m to the vehicle a very homogeneous visual impression of the lighting device, which can be integrated with their top layer in the design of the vehicle and designed in body color or black. When switched off, the lighting device is then not visible or only in the frame desired by the designer at a certain distance from the vehicle. The designer can thus actively use the openings as design elements, for example on foils in body color, on chrome foils, aluminum foils or the like.

Under an opening in the sense of the present invention is not to be understood as an actual opening in the material of the cover layer, but an area of the cover layer, which is completely or partially permeable to the light. An opening can arise, for example, by a variation of the number of color particles or pigments in a lacquer layer, so that there are no or very few particles or pigments in the area of the opening and a correspondingly high number in the area in order to generate an opaque layer. The term "opening" therefore refers to the fact that within the otherwise opaque layer there is an at least partial transparency in the region of the opening.

In order to obtain a sufficient luminous efficiency in the environment of the lighting device through the typically present plurality of small openings so that it can function as a safe and reliable lighting device, for example tail lamp, a vehicle, turn signal, brake light or the like, at least one focusing Optics provided, which directs the light of the at least one light source targeted to the opening. As a result, a high light output is achieved.

According to a very advantageous development of the idea, it may be provided that the optics focus the light onto the area of the respective opening, so that the focus or focal point lies in the same plane as the opening, so that the light beam emitted through the respective opening is in the area the opening itself has a very narrow cross-section, which then widens again after the opening so as to achieve the maximum light output in the vicinity of the lighting device according to the invention in this embodiment.

It may be provided according to an advantageous embodiment, that the optics distributes the light of one or less light sources to a larger number of openings, so that with one or a few light sources, a relatively large number of openings can be supplied with light, ideally each of the openings at least one focusing optics, for example in the form of a lens is associated.

In contrast, a further advantageous embodiment can provide that each of the openings is assigned at least one light source. This arrangement of one light source per opening, wherein also a plurality of light sources would be conceivable in principle, for example, to increase the light intensity when switching from a tail light to a brake light, can be ideally realized with the use of LED as a light source. Each LED can then be assigned to one of the openings, wherein a very large amount of light can also be emitted through small openings in the surroundings of the illumination device by the focusing optics, which may be integrated, for example, in the housing of the LED.

The optics can be any type of optics which breaks the light or reflected accordingly and, according to an advantageous development of the idea lenses and / or Fresnel lenses and / or reflective and / or curved reflective surfaces include, so as to the available light To direct the openings and the openings in the environment.

A very favorable development of the lighting device according to the invention provides that the opaque cover layer is mounted on or under a transparent or partially transparent carrier layer. This support layer, which can represent the actual completion of the illumination device, can be produced in particular as a transparent layer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and / or polycarbonate (PC). Ideally, this layer is completely transparent to allow as much light as possible to pass, which is then released into the environment corresponding to the area of the openings. In order to support the effect of a homogeneous surface of the lighting device in the off state, for example, larger desired openings, it may also be provided that the support layer is formed only partially transparent, for example, with a transparency of 50 or more percent, so as for example in the optical Type of "smoky glass" to make it difficult to see through the openings on the functional elements of the lighting device in the off state and thus to support the homogeneous visual impression. In contrast to such partially transparent cover layers, as occur, for example, in the field of tuning attachments, the transparency can be correspondingly higher, so that the luminous efficacy of the illumination device radiated into the environment is sufficient to comply with the regulations and to ensure safe illumination of the vehicle.

According to a very advantageous development of the idea, the opaque cover layer may be formed as a film or lacquer film, which according to the advantageous embodiment just described is applied in particular to the transparent or partially transparent carrier layer or which is back-injected by it.

The openings themselves can be distributed as a uniform matrix over the opaque cover layer according to an advantageous development of the idea. Such a uniform matrix allows a very simple and inexpensive construction, in which the individual openings with a corresponding field or a matrix of optical elements, such as lenses and light sources, such as an LED matrix, can be tuned to a high luminous efficiency in to achieve the environment.

As an alternative or in addition to such an arrangement of the openings in the form of a uniform matrix, it is also possible to arrange the openings distributed in particular in the form of graphic patterns over the opaque cover layer. About the lighting device can then be followed in the manner of a graphic pattern, a special design or optical effects that support the design of the vehicle can be realized in the switched-on state of the lighting device. Here, points can be arranged accordingly, so use the openings in the manner of a dot matrix, so as to achieve different graphic effects by the size and density of the grid points. As a result, for example, photographic effects can be achieved, as is customary when printing monochrome images in newspapers. Other graphic patterns such as lines, circles, rings or the like are also fundamentally conceivable. In addition, it is also possible to transport corresponding messages via the illumination device, for example by using letters, symbols or the like composed as graphic patterns from one or more openings.

Further advantages of the lighting device according to the invention will become apparent from the remaining dependent claims and will be apparent from the embodiment, which will be described below with reference to the figures.

• 1 bis 5 verschiedene mögliche Ausgestaltungen der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung, welche jeweils anhand eines schematischen Ausschnitts aus der jeweiligen Beleuchtungsvorrichtung erläutert werden;
• 6 bis 8 verschiedene mögliche Ausgestaltungen der Deckschicht und einer transparenten Trägerschicht;
• 9 ein Ausschnitt einer möglichen Ausführungsform der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung im ausgeschalteten Zustand;
• 10 der Ausschnitt aus der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung analog zur 9 im eingeschalteten Zustand;
• 11 verschiedene mögliche grafische Muster für die Anordnung von Öffnungen auf der opaken Deckschicht der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung;
• 12 ein Beispiel für die Gestaltung eines Türgriffs.

Showing:

• 1 to 5 various possible embodiments of the lighting device, which are each explained with reference to a schematic section of the respective lighting device;
• 6 to 8th various possible embodiments of the cover layer and a transparent support layer;
• 9 a section of a possible embodiment of the lighting device in the off state;
• 10 the detail of the lighting device analogous to 9 in the switched-on state;
• 11 various possible graphic patterns for the arrangement of openings on the opaque cover layer of the lighting device;
• 12 an example of the design of a door handle.

In the presentation of the 1 is a section of a possible first embodiment of the lighting device 1 to recognize. This is compared to an environment U via a transparent or partially transparent carrier layer 2 and an opaque cover layer disposed thereon 3 completed. In the opaque cover layer 3 are openings 4 arranged, which are not opaque and thus the light of light sources 5 the lighting device 1 let shine through. In order to achieve the highest possible light output, it is such that in the embodiment of 1 each of the light sources 5 one of the openings 4 assigned. Each of the light sources 5 has an optic in the form of a lens 6 , which are on the way of light between the light source 5 and the opening 4 is arranged. The Lens 6 is designed so that a focus or focal point in the plane of the opaque cover layer 3 that is in the area of the opening 4 arises. This allows a lot of light through the opening 4 "Threading through", so that the maximum light output and a good light emission into the environment U through the lighting device 1 can be achieved.

The opaque top layer 3 can be designed arbitrarily, for example, can be a black cover layer 3 with the appropriate openings 4 use or the topcoat 3 For example, as a paint film or paint layer on the carrier layer 2 be realized in body color, so as to match, for example, the tail lights of a vehicle visually to the paint of the vehicle.

An alternative embodiment is in 2 shown. The same components are provided with the same reference numerals, so that it need not be discussed further in detail. The difference is essentially that, each of the openings 4 her own lens 6 as optics, but with only a single light source 5 is present, which scatters the light so far that it through the appropriately adapted lenses 6 as optics again in the manner described above with the focal point in the region of the openings 4 is bundled to allow as much light in the environment U radiate.

Another embodiment of the lighting device 1 is in 3 to recognize. In contrast to the variant of the 2 The construction here is so realized that in addition to the lenses 6 as part of the optics a Fresnel lens 7 between the lenses 6 and the one light source 5 is provided. This ensures an even better distribution of the light on the individual lenses 6 and thus increases the light output in the region of each of the openings 4 , in the area of which the focal point of the radiated light remains, in addition.

In the presentation of the 4 This structure is again varied by the Fresnel lens in the direction of the light source 5 is formed accordingly and in one piece with her on the other surface of the respective opening 4 associated lenses 6 are realized. This structure, in particular, the use of a Fresnel lens 7 in this case allows a compact as possible in the emission of the light, as a Fresnel lens As is known, the optical properties of a much thicker lens can be realized with a very small thickness.

In the presentation of the 5 is based on a single opening 4 , and here only on the basis of the upper half of the radiated light explains a further embodiment variant. The optics used here is an elliptical reflector 8th , In the real embodiment, this only comprises a part of the elliptical surface. If one were to supplement these accordingly, which is shown here with a dotted line, then it can be seen that in one focal point of the ellipsoid the light source 5 is arranged and in the other focal point the opening 4 so that also on this structure a very good light output in the environment U can be achieved. Because here is the light of the light source 5 Not only in one, but in several radiation directions is exploited, this structure allows an even higher light output.

Of course, the described embodiments of the lighting device can be 1 in the 1 to 5 also combine with each other, so that different possibilities arise, for example, the use of Fresnel lenses even with more than one light source, the use of one light source 5 for lighting several of the openings 4 but not one light source per aperture and the combination of an elliptical reflector 8th with a lens 6 and / or a Fresnel lens. Furthermore, it is of course possible, via further curved or straight reflectors light from different directions to the optics, such as the lens 6 to guide, so even with few sources of light 5 to achieve a high light output.

In the presentation of the 6 is shown a common construction in practice, wherein the transparent support layer 2 the system closes in the direction of the external environment. This is with a film as a cover layer 3 provided, which the openings 4 having. The foil can with the transparent carrier layer 2 For example, be back-injected from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC) or the film is on the transparent support layer 2 laminated. Instead of a foil can be used as a topcoat 3 also on the transparent carrier layer 2 serve sprayed lacquer layer. Thus, various designs are possible, for example black, a design in body color, but also the use of chrome foils, aluminum foils or films with, for example, printed surface designs such as optically imitated surface structures. These can act like brushed metal, carbon or similar.

In the representations of the 7 and 8th is again the hatched opaque topcoat 3 with the opening 4 to recognize. This can be injection-molded, for example, with PMMA or PC by two-component syringes, wherein, as shown in the illustration of 7 can be seen, a structure with continuous transparent carrier layer 2 and an open mouth 4 is possible, or even a structure in which the opening 4 through the material of the transparent carrier layer 2 filled so that no mechanical gap but only one opening 4 in the optical sense. In this way, not only headlights but also backlit controls and decorative elements in the vehicle, such as elements of a radiator grille or other components in the off state of lighting opaque appearance, realize.

In the representations of the 9 and 10 are the same parts of the surface of a prototype of the lighting device 1 visualized. The photographs show in the 9 the off state of the lighting device, in 10 the switched-on state. It can be clearly seen that when switched off, the opaque cover layer 3 , which has been realized here in black color, dominates the visual impression, and that the openings 4 are hardly recognizable within this cover layer. This impression can be additionally supported by, for example, a merely partially transparent carrier layer 2 is used. In the presentation of the 10 the same structure can then be recognized in the switched-on state. It can be clearly seen that by the construction with the focusing optics 6 . 7 . 8th in this case with appropriate lenses 6 behind the openings 4 a very good light output despite relatively small openings 4 can be achieved with a measured in reality on the prototype characteristic diameter of only 1 to 2 mm.

Instead of this uniform matrix of circular openings 4 With a characteristic diameter of 1 to 2 mm, other graphic patterns can be realized through the openings, which correspond to the impression of 9 and 10 then only in the on state of the lighting device 1 become recognizable. In the presentation of the 11 various such possibilities for graphic design are shown. Thus, in the upper row three point-shaped openings 4 or opaque-area-based images, which allow uniform appearance, a gradient, and an appearance appearing with a graphic in the manner of a photograph. The lower row shows graphics in the form of line patterns, which are also in the form of linear openings 4 in the opaque cover layer 3 can be realized accordingly. In the lower row on the far right, another graphic is shown, which, for example, a curved surface effect graphically simulated to emphasize a curvature or in the event that no curvature is present, such a visually suggest. Other graphical elements, such as symbols, numbers, letters or the like are also possible here, so that a large number of graphic patterns is conceivable, for example the use of brand logos or the like, which with the lighting device switched on 1 become visible.

In the presentation of the 12 an example of the graphic design of an attachment of the vehicle is shown. It should be a door handle 9 act for a vehicle. This door handle 9 For example, a chrome or aluminum foil as not explicitly recognizable top layer 3 so as to achieve the primary optics of the element. The openings 4 are arranged here in the manner of a hole pattern and are consciously visible to the contour of the door handle 9 to reinforce. They are thus visible even when the lighting is switched off and influence the design. When the lighting is switched on, they then enable illumination of the door handle 9 itself, so that from this one hand, a strong design effect and on the other hand this door handle 9 can be found very easily even in the dark.

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

• DE 19818009 C2 [0002]
• EP 2565527 A1 [0005]
• DE 102015108804 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

A lighting device (1) for a vehicle having at least one light source (5) and an optically designed cover layer (3), characterized in that the cover layer (3) is opaque and has openings (4) for the light, the light being the at least one light source Light source (5) via at least one focusing optics (6, 7, 8) to each of the openings (4) passes. Lighting device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the optics (6, 7, 8) focuses the light on the region of the respective opening (4). Lighting device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the optics (6, 7, 8) distributes the light of one or less light sources (5) to a larger number of openings (4). Lighting device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that each of the openings (4) is associated with at least one light source (5). Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the optics lenses (6) and / or Fresnel lenses (7) and / or reflective surfaces and / or curved reflecting surfaces (8). Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the opaque cover layer (3) is mounted on or under a transparent or partially transparent carrier layer (2). Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the opaque cover layer (3) is formed by a film or paint film. Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the openings (4) have a characteristic length and / or width of 1 to 2 mm. Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the openings (4) are distributed as a uniform matrix over the surface of the optical cover layer (3). Lighting device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the openings (4) in the form of at least one graphic pattern are distributed over the surface of the opaque cover layer (3).

Images