DE202020101201U1 - Connection arrangement for connecting an LED module to a light guide which is arranged in an illuminated vehicle part of a vehicle, as well as an illuminated vehicle part and vehicle with such a connection arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting arrangement (10) for connecting an LED module (12) to a light guide (14) which is arranged in an illuminated vehicle part (56) of a vehicle (62), comprising
- An LED module (12) for providing light, the LED module (12) having a first coupling section (22) with a first coupling cross section (24),
- A light guide (14) which has a second coupling section (28) with a second coupling cross section (30), and
- An adapter element (36), which
o has a first mating coupling section (44) with a first mating coupling cross section (46), and
o a second mating coupling section (48) which has a second mating coupling cross section (50), wherein
o the first counter-coupling cross-section (46) are adapted to the first coupling cross-section (24) and the second counter-coupling cross-section (50) to the second coupling cross-section (30) in such a way that the LED module (12) can be or is connected to the light guide (14) is that the light provided by the LED module (12) can be coupled into the light guide (14).

Description

The present disclosure relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an LED module to a light guide which is arranged in an illuminated vehicle part of a vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to an illuminated vehicle part with such a connection arrangement. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle with such an illuminated vehicle part.

Since reliable and powerful LEDs have become available, they are increasingly used in a variety of applications. Due to the small installation space and the low energy consumption, objects can be illuminated that could not be illuminated with conventional lightbulbs, or only with a great deal of effort. In particular, due to the fact that illuminated objects can create a certain atmosphere and certain information can be transmitted with the lighting, the illuminated objects are increasingly being used in a targeted manner as design and functional elements in the design of interiors. Such interiors can in particular also be the passenger compartments of vehicles.

But LEDs can also be used in headlights, daytime running lights or turn signals, which significantly increases the design options compared to the use of light bulbs.

In order to illuminate objects evenly, the light, which is provided by an LED (light-emitting diode, Light Emitting Diode), is coupled into so-called light guides. The light guides emit the coupled light largely evenly over their length into the interior or to the environment. The light guides typically have an essentially circular cross section, so that they are cylindrical or rod-shaped. So-called LED modules are used to couple the light into the light guide with as little loss as possible. The LED modules have a receptacle for the circuit board of the LED, corresponding guides for the electrical lines and a first coupling section which interacts with a second coupling section of the light guide when the LED module is connected to the light guide.

Due to the interaction of the first coupling section with the first mating coupling section, the coupling surface of the light guide via which the light is coupled into the light guide is arranged as close as possible to the LED. The interaction of the first coupling section with the first mating coupling section is not limited to the positioning of the coupling surface in relation to the LED. Rather, the position of the coupling surface is also fixed in relation to the LED, for example by a form fit or a frictional fit.

Due to the cylindrical or rod-shaped structure, the second coupling sections of the light guides also have an essentially circular second coupling cross-section. The first coupling sections of the LED modules known from the prior art are correspondingly adapted to this shape and are often constructed in a tubular shape.

The rod-shaped light guides used in vehicles have a diameter which usually does not exceed 10 mm. Light guides with a diameter of approx. 6 mm are very common. The light guides therefore emit the light to the environment via a linear surface.

In an effort to emit the light not only linearly but over a large area to the environment, light guides are developed which have a flat structure. A two-dimensional structure is to be understood as a light guide which is flat, that is to say extends significantly less far in one dimension than in the other two dimensions. With light guides of this type, the light is emitted to the environment via an essentially rectangular or square area. Due to the flat structure, however, the second coupling section is also comparatively flat, so that the LED modules usually used for rod-shaped light guides cannot easily be used for flat light guides. In many cases, special LED modules have to be produced, but these are significantly more expensive than the widespread LED modules used for rod-shaped light guides.

The US 9 709 253 B2 shows an LED module that is used to illuminate ceiling lights in buildings. Also the US 9557 022 A1 and the CN 202 791 814 A1 show LED modules.

The object of an embodiment of the present invention is to create a possibility of being able to use the LED modules used for rod-shaped light guides also for non-rod-shaped light guides. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is based on the object of creating a vehicle part which can be illuminated with a non-rod-shaped light guide. In addition, an embodiment of the invention is based on the object of providing a vehicle with such a vehicle part.

This object is achieved with the features specified in claims 1, 12 and 13. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

• - ein LED-Modul zum Bereitstellen von Licht, wobei das LED-Modul einen ersten Kupplungsabschnitt mit einem ersten Kupplungsquerschnitt aufweist,
• - einen Lichtleiter, welcher einen zweiten Kupplungsabschnitt mit einem zweiten Kupplungsquerschnitt aufweist, und
• - ein Adapterelement, welches einen ersten Gegenkupplungsabschnitt mit einem ersten Gegenkupplungsquerschnitt aufweist, und einem zweiten Gegenkupplungsabschnitt mit einem einen zweiten Gegenkupplungsquerschnitt aufweist, wobei der erste Gegenkupplungsquerschnitt derart an den ersten Kupplungsquerschnitt und der zweite Gegenkupplungsquerschnitt an den zweiten Kupplungsquerschnitt angepasst sind, dass das LED-Modul so mit dem Lichtleiter verbindbar oder verbunden ist, dass das vom LED-Modul bereitgestellte Licht in den Lichtleiter einkoppelbar ist.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a connection arrangement for connecting an LED module to a light guide which is arranged in an illuminated vehicle part of a vehicle, including

• - An LED module for providing light, the LED module having a first coupling section with a first coupling cross section,
• - A light guide which has a second coupling section with a second coupling cross section, and
• - An adapter element, which has a first counter-coupling section with a first counter-coupling cross-section, and a second counter-coupling section with a second counter-coupling cross-section, the first counter-coupling cross-section being adapted to the first coupling cross-section and the second counter-coupling cross-section being adapted to the second coupling cross-section in such a way that the LED module can be or is connected to the light guide in such a way that the light provided by the LED module can be coupled into the light guide.

As mentioned at the beginning, rod-shaped light guides are used on a large scale in vehicles, so that the LED modules are also available in large numbers and at correspondingly low prices. The proposed adapter element makes it possible to use LED modules that are used for rod-shaped light guides, also for light guides that are not rod-shaped. As a result, it is not necessary to develop a suitable LED module for every non-rod-shaped light guide. Only the adapter element has to be adapted accordingly. The constructive effort to design an adapter element according to the proposal is significantly lower in comparison. This is due in particular to the fact that the adapter element does not have any electronic components and is therefore comparatively simple in structure. According to the proposal, a possibility is therefore created to use non-rod-shaped light guides inexpensively, in particular in vehicle parts.

According to a further embodiment, the first coupling cross section and the first mating coupling cross section are arched at least in sections. Due to the curvature, a large contact area can be made available in a small space.

In a further developed embodiment, the second coupling cross-section and the second mating coupling cross-section can be planar, at least in sections. As a result, it is not necessary, in particular, to provide the second mating coupling cross-section with a curvature, in contrast to the prior art. This increases the freedom of design for the light guides.

It is also conceivable that the first coupling cross-section and the first counter-coupling cross-section are at least partially planar and the second coupling cross-section and the second counter-coupling cross-section are at least partially curved.

In a further developed embodiment, a number of elevations can be arranged in the first mating coupling section and / or in the second mating coupling section which come into contact with the first coupling section or with the second coupling section when the LED module is connected to the light guide. Due to the elevations, the contact area between the adapter element and the light guide is reduced, as a result of which the unintentional decoupling of light which has already been coupled into the light guide is prevented or at least reduced.

In a further embodiment, the light guide can be designed to be flat. Two-dimensional light guides are particularly suitable for illuminating vehicle parts over a large area. In particular, flat light guides can be easily integrated into the surfaces of the vehicle parts, in particular into the surfaces of trim components.

A further developed embodiment is characterized in that the light guide has flat surfaces. The production of flat surfaces is usually easier than the production of curved surfaces. However, most vehicle parts, in particular the trim components, have curved surfaces to which the surface of the flat light guide can be adapted. As a result, the light guide can form part of the surface of the relevant vehicle part without causing an offset.

According to a further embodiment, the light guide has a number of light outcoupling structures. The light outcoupling structures make it possible to specifically couple the light out of the light guide in one direction. It is thus possible to couple the light out of the light guide only via one surface. The light guide is usually only visible from one side, in particular the visible side of the vehicle part in question. The coupling-out structures can prevent the coupled-in light from passing through the other surface that does not point towards the visible side is decoupled and is thus lost.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the adapter element has a through opening which at least partially forms the first counter-coupling section or the second counter-coupling section. The through opening makes it possible to design the adapter element compactly, since the first counter-coupling section and the second counter-coupling section can be arranged radially spaced from one another. An axially spaced arrangement is not necessary, so that the axial extent of the adapter element can be kept small.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the adapter element has at least one projection which at least partially forms the first counter-coupling section or the second counter-coupling section. Depending on the application, it may be necessary to provide the first counter-coupling section or the second counter-coupling section with special surface properties. Due to the fact that the first counter-coupling section or the second counter-coupling section is arranged on the projection of the adapter element, the treatment of the surface can be limited to the projection, whereby the production costs are kept low. In addition, the assembly of the connection arrangement is simplified, since the projection can be introduced into the first coupling section of the LED module more easily than in an embodiment of the adapter element which does not have a projection.

A further developed embodiment specifies that a centering section is arranged in the through opening and / or on the projection. The provision of centering sections helps simplify assembly.

According to a further developed design, the LED module has a module housing, the adapter element being integrated into the module housing. Alternatively, the light guide has a light guide housing, the adapter element being integrated into the light guide housing. Due to the possibility of integrating the adapter element into the module housing or into the light guide housing, production can be simplified because the adapter element can be pre-assembled.

One embodiment of the invention relates to an illuminated vehicle part of a vehicle which has a connection arrangement according to one of the embodiments discussed above.

One implementation of the invention relates to a vehicle which has an illuminated vehicle part according to the embodiment mentioned above.

The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed vehicle part and with the present vehicle correspond to those that have been discussed for the present connection arrangement. In summary, it should be pointed out that, according to the proposal, a possibility is created to use non-rod-shaped light guides inexpensively, especially in vehicle parts, and still be able to use the widespread LED modules that are used for rod-shaped light guides. The proposed vehicle parts and consequently the vehicles equipped with them can therefore be manufactured inexpensively.

• 1A ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer vorschlagsgemäßen Verbindungsanordnung im nicht fertig montierten Zustand,
• 1B das in 1A gezeigte Ausführungsbeispiel im fertig montierten Zustand,
• 2 eine prinzipielle Schnittdarstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer vorschlagsgemäßen Verbindungsanordnung im fertig montierten Zustand,
• 3 eine separate Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiel eines vorschlagsgemäßen Adapterelements,
• 4 das in 3 gezeigte Adapterelement, welches mit einem Lichtleiter verbunden ist,
• 5 das in 3 gezeigte Adapterelement, welches mit einem Lichtleiter verbunden ist und in ein Lichtleitergehäuse integriert ist,
• 6A eine prinzipielle Draufsicht auf ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines vorschlagsgemäßen Adapterelements,
• 6B das in 6A dargestellte Adapterelement entlang der in 6A definierten Schnittebene A-A,
• 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Fahrzeugteils, welches eine vorschlagsgemäße Verbindungsanordnung aufweist, und
• 8 eine prinzipielle Draufsicht auf ein Fahrzeug, welches zumindest ein Fahrzeugteil mit einer Verbindungsanordnung nach einer der zuvor dargestellten Ausführungsformen aufweist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it

• 1A a first embodiment of a proposed connection arrangement in the not fully assembled state,
• 1B this in 1A Shown embodiment in the fully assembled state,
• 2 a basic sectional view of a second embodiment of a proposed connection arrangement in the fully assembled state,
• 3 a separate illustration of a first embodiment of a proposed adapter element,
• 4th this in 3 adapter element shown, which is connected to a light guide,
• 5 this in 3 adapter element shown, which is connected to a light guide and is integrated into a light guide housing,
• 6A a basic plan view of a second embodiment of an adapter element according to the proposal,
• 6B this in 6A adapter element shown along the in 6A defined cutting plane AA,
• 7th a perspective view of a vehicle part which has a proposed connection arrangement, and
• 8th a basic plan view of a vehicle which has at least one vehicle part with a connection arrangement according to one of the previously illustrated embodiments.

In 1A is a first embodiment of a proposed connection arrangement 10 ₁ for connecting an LED module 12th with a flat light guide 14th shown not fully assembled. The LED module 12th has a module housing 16 on, in which a circuit board 18th is arranged on which an LED 20th is attached (see 2 ). The electrical lines with which the board are not shown 18th and the LED 20th can be supplied with electrical energy and controlled.

The LED module 12th has a first coupling section 22nd on, which as a tubular elevation 23 formed and in the module housing 16 is integrated. The first coupling section 22nd has a first coupling cross-section 24 on, which is arched at least in sections. Where the first coupling cross-section 24 is curved, the first coupling portion 22nd be brought to bear on a rod-shaped light guide, not shown here. From this it is clear that the LED module 12th is designed for use with rod-shaped light guides.

The flat light guide 14th comprises a second coupling section 28 , which has a second coupling cross-section 30th and that of the rest of the light guide 14th sticks out. Under a flat light guide 14th a light guide is to be understood which is comparatively thin and consequently has a low height, which is evident from the 1A is easy to see. The second coupling section is correspondingly thin 28 and in the illustrated case has a substantially rectangular second coupling cross section 30th on.

The light guide 14th who is in 1A is shown has at least one flat surface 32 on which a number of light outcoupling structures 34 is arranged. The light decoupling structures 34 can be approximately pyramidal or conical and from the flat surface 32 go out. The light decoupling structures 34 cause that to go into the light guide 14th coupled light back from the light guide in a targeted manner 14th is decoupled.

In addition, there is an adapter element 36 with the light guide 14th connected. On the exact design of the adapter element 36 is discussed in more detail below. The adapter element 36 serves to make the light guide 14th such with the LED module 12th to be able to connect that the light provided by the LED module into the light guide 14th can be coupled.

In 1B is the connection arrangement 10 ₁ shown in the fully assembled state. The LED module is in the fully assembled state 12th and the light guide 14th using the adapter element 36 connected with each other. The adapter element 36 compensates for the different coupling cross-sections, which means that the light guide 14th with the LED module 12th can be connected in such a way that the LED 20th provided light in the light guide 14th can be coupled.

In 2 is a second embodiment of the proposed connection arrangement 10 ₂ shown in a basic sectional view in the fully assembled state. Both the structure of the LED module 12th as well as the adapter element 36 and the light guide 14th largely correspond to the structure that is used for the 1A and 1B has been described. In addition, from the 2 recognize that the adapter element 36 a number of bumps 38 has, over which the adapter element 36 with the second coupling section 28 of the light guide 14th comes into contact. The increases 38 reduce the size of the contact area over which the light guide 14th with the adapter element 36 comes into contact. The unintentional extraction of light from the light guide 14th is prevented or at least reduced.

It can also be seen that the light guide 14th in the second coupling section 28 a coupling surface 40 has over which the LED 20th provided light in the light guide 14th is coupled. Out 2 it can be seen that in the fully assembled state the coupling surface 40 adjacent to the LED 20th is arranged so that that of the LED 20th provided light as completely as possible over the coupling surface 40 into the light guide 14th can be coupled.

In 3 is a first embodiment of a proposed adapter element 36 ₁ shown on the basis of a perspective illustration. The adapter element 36 ₁ has a through opening 42 with a substantially rectangular cross-section, each of which has two projections 43 are arranged in alignment.

The adapter element 36 ₁ has two first mating coupling sections 44 with a first mating coupling cross-section 46 and two second counter-coupling sections 48 with a second mating coupling cross-section 50 on. Both the first two mating coupling sections 44 as well as the two second mating coupling sections 48 are on the two protrusions 43 arranged, wherein the two second mating coupling sections 48 due to the aligned arrangement opposite the through opening 42 also extend to the latter.

The first mating coupling cross-section 46 is arched, while the second coupling cross-section 30th is plan. The second coupling section 28 shows the increases already mentioned 38 which are rib-shaped and extend axially along the second coupling portion 28 extend.

In 4th is that in 3 adapter element shown 36 ₁ shown again, but the adapter element is 36 ₁ with the light guide 14th connected, which has essentially the same structure as that in 1A and 1B shown light guide 14th having. It can be seen that the second coupling section 28 of the light guide 14th through the through opening 42 is carried out and as a result with the second mating coupling section 44 interacts. As mentioned, are on the second coupling section 28 in the 3 clearly visible elevations 38 arranged over which the adapter element 36 ₁ with the second coupling section 28 of the light guide 14th comes into contact.

Also in 5 is that in 3 adapter element shown 36 ₁ with the light guide 14th connected, but the light guide points 14th in this case a fiber optic housing 52 in which the adapter element 36 ₁ is integrated. The adapter element 36 ₁ offset-free in the light guide housing 52 be integrated.

In 6A is a second embodiment of the adapter element 36 ₂ based on a front view and in 6B based on a sectional view along the in 6A defined section plane AA shown. In the second exemplary embodiment, the first counter-coupling section 44 a polygonal first mating coupling cross-section 46 , in this case a square mating coupling cross-section 46 on. The passage opening 42 and consequently the second mating coupling cross-section 50 are circular. The way the light guide 14th with the LED module 12th is connected, corresponds essentially to that for the first embodiment of the adapter element 36 ₂ has been described. As in particular from the 6B showing are both in the through hole 42 as well as on the ledge 43 one centering section each 54 arranged. This enables the adapter element to be introduced 36 in the first coupling section 22nd and introducing the second coupling section 28 in the adapter element 36 ₁ simplified.

In 7th is an illuminated vehicle part 56 of a vehicle 62 (please refer 8th ) shown on the basis of a perspective illustration. In the vehicle part shown 56 it is a cladding component 58 namely, an instrument panel 60 . In the instrument panel 60 is a light guide 14th , for example as in 1A and 1B shown integrated and using a proposed adapter element 36 with an LED module 12th connected, the adapter element 36 and the LED module 12th in 7th are not visible. The instrument panel 60 can be illuminated over a large area.

In 8th is a principle plan view of a vehicle 62 illustrated which a number of vehicle parts 56 having a connection arrangement 10 according to one of the embodiments described above (in 8th not shown). For reasons of illustration, there is a passenger compartment 64 and an engine compartment 66 of the vehicle 62 shown.

Out 8th it can be seen that the vehicle parts are both interior trim components 67 as well as exterior cladding components 68 acts. With the exterior cladding components 68 For example, it can be turn signals, daytime running lights or headlights 70 act, although the list is not exhaustive. With the interior trim components 67 it can be next to the already mentioned instrument panel 60 around a center console 72 or a door side panel 74 act, although the list is not exhaustive.

List of reference symbols

10

Connection arrangement

101-102

Connection arrangement

12th

LED module

14th

Light guide

16

Module housing

18th

circuit board

20th

LED

22nd

first coupling section

23

Elevation

24

first coupling cross-section

28

second coupling section

30th

second coupling cross-section

32

flat surface

34

Light decoupling structures

36

Adapter element

361,

36 ₂ Adapter element

38

increase

40

Coupling surface

42

Through opening

43

head Start

44

first mating coupling section

46

first mating coupling cross-section

48

second mating coupling section

50

second mating coupling cross-section

52

Fiber optic housing

54

Centering section

56

Vehicle part

58

Cladding component

60

dashboard

62

vehicle

64

Passenger compartment

66

Engine compartment

67

Interior trim component

68

Exterior cladding component

70

Headlights

72

Center console

74

Side panel

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 9709253 B2 [0009]
• US 9557022 A1 [0009]
• CN 202791814 A1 [0009]

Claims (11)

Connecting arrangement (10) for connecting an LED module (12) to a light guide (14) which is arranged in an illuminated vehicle part (56) of a vehicle (62), comprising - An LED module (12) for providing light, the LED module (12) having a first coupling section (22) with a first coupling cross section (24), - A light guide (14) which has a second coupling section (28) with a second coupling cross section (30), and - An adapter element (36), which o has a first mating coupling section (44) with a first mating coupling cross section (46), and o a second mating coupling section (48) which has a second mating coupling cross section (50), wherein o the first counter-coupling cross-section (46) are adapted to the first coupling cross-section (24) and the second counter-coupling cross-section (50) to the second coupling cross-section (30) in such a way that the LED module (12) can be or is connected to the light guide (14) is that the light provided by the LED module (12) can be coupled into the light guide (14). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first coupling cross-section (24) and the first mating coupling cross-section (44) are arched at least in sections. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the second coupling cross-section (30) and the second counter-coupling cross-section (48) are at least partially planar. Connecting arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first mating coupling section (44) and / or in the second mating coupling section (48) a number of elevations (38) are arranged, which with the first coupling section (22) or with the second coupling section (28) comes into contact when the LED module (12) is connected to the light guide (14). Connecting arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (14) is flat. Connecting arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter element (36) has a through opening (42) which at least partially forms the first counter-coupling section (44) or the second counter-coupling section (48). Connecting arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter element (36) has at least one projection (43) which at least partially forms the first counter-coupling section (44) or the second counter-coupling section (48). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 6 or 7th , characterized in that a centering section (54) is arranged in the through opening (42) and / or on the projection (43). Connecting arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the LED module (12) has a module housing (16) and the adapter element (36) is integrated into the module housing (16), or - the light guide (14) has a light guide housing (52) and the adapter element (36) is integrated into the light guide housing (52). Illuminated vehicle part (56) of a vehicle (62), comprising a connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims. A vehicle (62) comprising an illuminated vehicle part (56) according to Claim 10 .

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