EP3839326A1 - Led light strip and vehicle light - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an LED light strip, in particular for a lighting device of a motor vehicle or a mobile transport device, with a substrate which has at least one fork on which the substrate is formed in one piece in two arms extending in different directions, with a regular one Arrangement of LEDs along the substrate, with a consistently homogeneous distribution of the LEDs over the bifurcation. The present invention also relates to a vehicle light, in particular a headlight, daytime running light, tail light or signal light, with at least one such LED light strip.

Description

The present invention relates to an LED light strip, in particular for a lighting device of a motor vehicle or a mobile transportation device, as well as a vehicle light with such an LED light strip.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In modern vehicle lights, especially in the premium segment, there is a requirement to provide an integrated daytime running light, a tail light and / or turn signal light with a distinctive light signature. Sometimes one or more light guides or LED strips are usually used for this purpose.

Previous LED strips for vehicle lighting devices are suitable for representing uninterrupted lines. The EP3193075 A1 describes such an LED strip as well as a seamless juxtaposition of such LED strips. Bumps of such LED strips are sometimes avoided to avoid visible transitions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying an improved LED light strip.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an LED light strip with the features of claim 1 and / or solved by a vehicle lamp with the features of claim 12.

• Ein LED-Leuchtstreifen, insbesondere für eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung eines Kraftfahrzeugs oder einer mobilen Beförderungseinrichtung, mit einem Substrat, welches zumindest eine Gabelung aufweist, an der das Substrat, insbesondere einteilig, in zwei sich in unterschiedliche Richtungen erstreckende Arme fortgesetzt ausgebildet ist, mit einer regelmäßigen Anordnung von LEDs entlang des Substrats, wobei eine über die Gabelung hinweg durchgehend homogene Verteilung der LEDs vorgesehen ist.
• Fahrzeugleuchte, insbesondere Scheinwerfer, Tagfahrleuchte, Rückleuchte oder Signalleuchte, mit zumindest einem erfindungsgemäßen LED-Leuchtstreifen.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• An LED light strip, in particular for a lighting device of a motor vehicle or a mobile transport device, with a substrate which has at least one fork at which the substrate, in particular in one piece, is continuously formed in two arms extending in different directions, with a regular arrangement of LEDs along the substrate, with a consistently homogeneous distribution of the LEDs across the fork.
• Vehicle light, in particular headlight, daytime running light, tail light or signal light, with at least one LED light strip according to the invention.

The knowledge on which the present invention is based consists in the fact that, for the differentiation and / or individualization of light signatures with complex geometries, light strips, for example blunt, pointed or normal, can meet.

The idea on which the present invention is based now consists in forming an LED light strip with a substrate which has a fork and to distribute the LEDs on it homogeneously over the fork. This ensures that no interruption is visible in the area of the fork when the light is on.

The present invention thus allows the formation of complex geometries by light strips with not only two ends but also at least three ends, such as. B. T or Y-pieces, as well as the formation of curved light strips (xy-plane).

By combining such LED light strips in a light, in particular a vehicle light, more complex geometries, such as letters, can also be implemented without a visible (i.e. non-luminous) joint. These joined or joined shapes, such as symbols, letters, characters, patterns or the like, are then also homogeneously luminous, ie. H. uninterrupted or formed luminous without a break line.

Thus, motor vehicles or other mobile transport devices, in particular passenger transport devices, can be provided with individual light signatures with complex geometries without a visible interruption.

Advantageous refinements and developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to one embodiment, the substrate has at least three ends which are occupied by LEDs in the same density. In this way, z. B. form T- or Y-shaped evenly luminous light strips. Of course, more than three ends are also conceivable, so that cross-shaped or star-shaped light strips with four, five, six or more ends are possible and, if necessary, provided.

According to one embodiment, a lateral contact is provided for the LEDs on the substrate. In particular, it is a common contact. In this way, the LEDs can be easily contacted, for example via a common plug.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of pairs of contact strips are provided for contacting the LEDs, which pairs are arranged along the substrate and across the fork. The pairs of contact strips can be arranged in particular along the local longitudinal direction of the substrate, so that the LEDs can be contacted in segments along the longitudinal direction. By arranging the pairs of contact strips across the fork, the LEDs can be illuminated across the fork. This means that uninterrupted lighting is made possible in the area of the fork.

According to one embodiment, the pairs of contact strips are each designed to be individually contactable, so that each pair of contact strips forms a luminous segment with the LEDs that are contacted with them. Such light segments can then advantageously reduce the consequences of a failure of individual LEDs and, in addition, they can advantageously generate moving light choreographies.

According to one embodiment, each light segment is designed to be individually controllable, so that the LEDs arranged in the contact segment can be illuminated independently of other light segments. In this way, different luminous structures can be displayed or alternatively luminous luminous segments can be choreographed.

According to one embodiment, the LEDs are distributed evenly across the luminous segments on the substrate, so that adjacent luminous segments can be jointly illuminated without a transition. This guarantees uninterrupted lighting.

According to one embodiment, the pairs of contact strips can each be laterally contacted via an individual contact. Accordingly, each LED light strip has its own contact on one side of the substrate. The LED light strip can thus advantageously be contacted flexibly.

According to one embodiment, the substrate is Y-shaped. Accordingly, the LEDs are also arranged in a Y-shape. Alternatively, the substrate can also be T-shaped. In this case, the LEDs are also arranged in a T-shape. In this way, diverse complex geometries with a Y or T joint of a light signature can advantageously be formed.

According to one embodiment, the at least one fork has a three-dimensional shape with a stem and two arms extending in different planes. This means that three-dimensional structures with complex geometries can also be represented.

According to a further embodiment, the substrate has at least one curvature. In the simplest case, this can be a single change in direction of the extent of the substrate. In particular, multiple curvatures can also be provided. In the case of multiple curvatures, these can be provided in the same or in different directions. In this way, a wide variety of complex geometries with curved lines can be represented as a luminous signature. For example, it can be one or more curvatures around one or more planes, in particular also and / or additionally in the xz plane. The shape of the LED light strip can thus be adapted to a wide variety of vehicle contours.

According to a further development, the curvature forms a point in the course of the substrate. In particular, this tip includes an acute angle of less than 90 °, preferably less than 50 °. The LEDs are preferably also distributed homogeneously over the tip. This ensures that no interruption is visible in the area of the tip in the illuminated state.

According to one embodiment, electronic components, in particular series resistors and / or overvoltage protection elements and / or control electronics, are also provided on the substrate in addition to the LEDs.

According to one embodiment, a sleeve surrounding the substrate and the LEDs is provided. This can be designed to be protective and / or insulating. The envelope is preferably transparent. Furthermore, the shell can also have a phosphorescent and / or coloring layer, in particular for color matching.

According to one embodiment, the substrate has a form factor which has a ratio between width and length and / or between height and length of less than 1/25. It is therefore an elongated substrate.

According to one embodiment of a vehicle light, a plurality of LED light strips that are at least partially adjoining one another at their ends is provided, which together form a light signature. In this way, complex geometries, for example characters, letters, symbols, patterns or the like, can be represented in a seamless light signature.

According to a further development, a complex geometry formed jointly with the LED light strips forms a point. In particular, this tip includes an acute angle of less than 90 °, preferably less than 50 °. A tip of a transition-free light signature can thus also advantageously be represented, with no interruption being visible in the area of the tip.

According to one embodiment, a sleeve surrounding the plurality of LED light strips that are at least partially adjoining one another at their ends is provided. This can be designed to be protective and / or insulating. The envelope is preferably transparent. Furthermore, the shell can also have a phosphorescent and / or coloring layer, in particular for color matching.

According to one embodiment, the ends of the LED strips are designed such that they can be coupled to one another in such a way that adjacent LED light strips can be illuminated without a transition via the coupling. Complex geometries can thus be represented without visible interruptions.

According to a further embodiment, a control device is provided for the segmented control of the individual light segments of the LED light strips. In this way, an individual yet coordinated control of the individual light strips and, in particular, an individual control of the individual light segments of the light strips is made possible. A common light signature can thus be controlled in the vehicle light and / or a common light choreography of the light segments can be implemented.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided that it makes sense. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines LED Leuchtstreifens;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf einen Y-förmigen LED Leuchtstreifen;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung der Anordnung von LEDs und Paaren von Kontaktstreifen auf einem Y-förmigen LED-Leuchtstreifen;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der Anordnung von LEDs und Paaren von Kontaktstreifen auf einem T-förmigen LED-Leuchtstreifen;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines dreidimensional geformten LED-Leuchtstreifens;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf einen LED-Leuchtstreifen mit mehreren Leuchtsegmenten;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Fahrzeugleuchte mit mehreren LED-Leuchtstreifen;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung der Verschaltung von Leuchtsegmenten mit einer Steuereinrichtung;

Fig. 9

ein beispielhaftes Schaltbild eines LED-Leuchtstreifens; und

Fig. 10

eine beispielhafte Darstellung der Leiterstruktur eines LED-Leuchtstreifens.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an LED light strip;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a Y-shaped LED light strip;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of the arrangement of LEDs and pairs of contact strips on a Y-shaped LED light strip;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the arrangement of LEDs and pairs of contact strips on a T-shaped LED light strip;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a three-dimensionally shaped LED light strip;

Fig. 6

a plan view of an LED light strip with a plurality of light segments;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a vehicle light with several LED light strips;

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of the interconnection of light segments with a control device;

Fig. 9

an exemplary circuit diagram of an LED light strip; and

Fig. 10

an exemplary representation of the conductor structure of an LED light strip.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components - unless stated otherwise - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an LED light strip 1.

The LED light strip 1 has a substrate 2 which has a fork 3. Accordingly, the substrate 2 is formed in one piece at the fork in two arms 4, 5 extending in different directions. In the illustrated embodiment is a common Stalk 14, which forms a base of the fork 3, and also each of the arms 4, 5, viewed individually, is elongated.

The substrate is a single unit that can be designed as a circuit board, for example.

A regular arrangement of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) 6 is provided along the substrate 2, the LEDs 6 being distributed uniformly across the fork 3. In this way, both the stem 14 and the arms 4, 5 are each occupied in the same way or with the same homogeneous distribution of LEDs.

Overall, in this embodiment, the substrate 2 thus has three ends 7, 8, 9 which are occupied by LEDs 6 in the same density. A first end 7 is provided on the stem. A second end 8 is provided on the first arm 4 and a third end 9 is provided on the second arm 5.

In the same way, it would also be conceivable in further embodiments to provide a further fork, for example at the other end 7 of the stem 14. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable in further embodiments to have the fork 3 with more than two, for example with three arms to train. In this way it would also be possible to design an LED light strip with four or more ends.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of a Y-shaped LED light strip.

In this embodiment, the substrate 2 is formed correspondingly with three ends Y-shaped and the arms 4, 5 are curved. The individual LEDs are not shown here for the sake of clarity.

In the area of the stem 14, a lateral contact 10 is provided for the LEDs 6 on the substrate 2. This is designed, for example, to accommodate a female contact plug (not shown). Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, conductors (not shown) are provided on the substrate for contacting the LEDs with the plug. This will be further related to Figures 9 and 10 explained in more detail.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of LEDs 6 and pairs of current-carrying contact strips 11, 12 on a Y-shaped LED light strip 1.

The representation is to be understood purely as an illustration. The individual elements are therefore not shown true to scale with respect to one another.

As with Fig. 1 described, LEDs 6 arranged homogeneously or regularly distributed over the substrate 2 and the fork 3 are provided. Several adjacent LEDs 6, here for example three LEDs each, are contacted in series with one another as a common segment. To make contact with the LEDs 6, a large number of pairs of contact strips 11, 12 with different polarity +/- are provided, which are arranged along the substrate 2 and across the fork 3. The series-connected LEDs of a segment can be supplied with power via these contact strips.

The pairs of contact strips 11, 12 are each designed to be individually contactable, so that each pair of contact strips with the LEDs 6 contacted thereby forms an individually controllable luminous segment 13.

In the embodiment shown here, the pairs of contact strips 11, 12 can each be laterally contacted via an individual contact. Purely by way of illustration, two luminous segments 13 are provided on the stem 14 and one luminous segment 13 is provided on each of the arms 4, 5. Of course, higher numbers of light segments 13 can also be provided on the stem 14 and / or on the arms 4, 5.

In further embodiments, contacts combined into a common plug or a common lateral contact are also possible, the segmentation and individual controllability of the light segments 13, however, preferably being retained.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of LEDs 6 and pairs of contact strips 11, 12 on a T-shaped LED light strip 1.

In distinction to Fig. 3 the arms 4, 5 here run in opposite directions on a common straight line. The stem 14 is oriented perpendicular to the arms. The fork 3 is thus T-shaped here. In other embodiments, however, inclined alignments would also be conceivable.

In addition, in further embodiments it would also be conceivable that the substrate continues in more than two arms at the fork, for example also in three or more arms. In the case of three arms, these can be aligned vertically or, in the case of three or more arms, obliquely to one another. For example, instead of a Y-shape or T-shape, a configuration as a cross or star shape would also be conceivable.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a three-dimensionally shaped light strip 1.

By way of example, the two arms 4 'and 5' here run obliquely to one another in different planes. For this purpose, the fork 3 has a three-dimensional shape with a stem 14 and two arms 4 ′, 5 ′ extending in different planes, which continue the substrate 2 starting from the stem 14.

Furthermore, the first arm 4 'has a curvature 15 designed as a tip 16 which, like the rest of the substrate, is illuminated completely homogeneously.

The substrate 2 and the LEDs are surrounded by an insulating and protective cover 18, for example made of transparent plastic.

In further embodiments, the tip 16 can also be formed by lining up a further substrate 2 'provided with LEDs. In this case, the sheath 18 surrounds both substrates.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a light strip 1 with a plurality of light segments 13.

In the area of its fork 3, the LED strip 1 has a light segment 13 that runs over the fork. This is followed by a further luminous segment 13 on each of the arms 4, 5. In the area of the arms 4, 5, the substrate also has a curvature 15, so that it is curved light segments 13. Overall, the substrate 2 is thus curved several times in this embodiment.

In the area of the stem 14, several, here for example three, luminous segments 13 are arranged in a row directly adjoining one another on a common line. The common Line is provided here as an example. In further embodiments, however, a common curved line with a further curvature 15 would also be equally conceivable.

In the embodiment shown, each luminous segment 13 has its own contact 10. In this way, each light segment 13 can be controlled individually.

The LED light strip is provided for a lighting device of a motor vehicle, it being provided in particular for the formation of a light signature, for example in a daytime running light or in a rear light.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle light 20 with a plurality of LED light strips 1.

The vehicle light 20 can be designed, for example, as a headlight, daytime running light, tail light or signal light.

In the embodiment shown, the vehicle light has, in addition to a housing 23, three adjacent LED light strips 1 Fig. 6 on. A plurality of LED light strips 1 adjoining one another at their ends is thus provided, which together form a light signature. The light signature continues uninterrupted at the border of two LED light strips. The arrangement further comprises further light strips without a fork 3 and can also be expanded with further light strips with and / or without a fork.

The ends 8, 9 on the arms 4, 5 of the LED strips 1 are here, for example, designed to be directly coupled to one another and can be illuminated seamlessly via the coupling. This creates an uninterrupted light signature, im In the present case, for example, with a pattern formed by the complementary arms 4, 5 of the LED light strips 1 arranged offset to one another.

Of course, in further embodiments, the most varied of shapes and / or characters, letters, patterns, complex geometries and the like can be represented in the same way.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the interconnection of luminous segments 13 with a control device 21.

The light segments 13 are shown here separately from one another for the sake of clarity. However, it is a cohesive substrate, as in Fig. 6 shown, which is only functionally divided into light segments.

In further embodiments it would also be conceivable that the LED light strip is a unit containing at least two substrates 2, which unit forms a light strip. A common substrate is therefore also to be understood as meaning two or more substrates firmly connected to one another if they form a unit. Correspondingly, the fork can also be a branching of at least two attached substrates on the stem or as a common layout on a common substrate.

The stem 14 is to be understood in this case as a section with most and / or in total the longest substrates, and has a start of the LED light strip at an end opposite the arms 4, 5.

The LED light strip is preferably formed integrally with corresponding contacts and a control device for controlling the contacts.

In the case of still further embodiments, it would also be conceivable to interconnect several light strips together in the same way.

Through the in relation to Fig. 6 The individual contact 10 described, each light segment 13 is individually coupled to the control device 21 and is thus designed to be individually controllable. In this way, LEDs 6 arranged in a light segment 13 can be illuminated independently of other light segments. A segmented control of the luminous segments 13 is thus made possible by means of the control device 21. The individual light segments can thus be controlled independently of one another. For example, different light choreographies, such as running or flashing sequences, different light segments are possible

Of course, in the case of several assembled light strips, such as in a vehicle light 20, for example Fig. 7 A control device 21 can also be provided for controlling light segments 13 of a plurality of light strips 1 and can be correspondingly contacted with the individual light segments 13 of a plurality of LED light strips 1.

Fig. 9 shows an exemplary circuit diagram of an LED light strip 1.

In this embodiment, four light segments 13 are provided purely by way of example on the LED light strip. Each luminous segment 13 of a luminous strip can be contacted individually via a common contact 10 at which the individual conductor strands converge isolated from one another. For example, it can be a multiple plug.

For example, six LEDs are provided on each of the individual light segments 13, which are interconnected in a matrix circuit. In this way, a failure of a diode can always be compensated for by the switching of the light segment 13, so that all the other diodes of the light segment still light up.

Of course, more or fewer LEDs in a light segment 13 are also conceivable in further embodiments. In addition, other interconnected LEDs, for example pure series connections or pure parallel connections, are also conceivable.

Furthermore, an overvoltage protection element 17 in the form of a suppressor diode is provided as a further electronic component for each luminous segment 13 in order to protect the circuit from overvoltage. However, such a suppressor diode is not unavoidable and, in particular in the case of a different overvoltage protection, can therefore also be omitted if necessary.

Fig. 10 shows an exemplary representation of the conductor structure of an LED light strip.

This is, for example, a printed circuit that is applied to the substrate. The shape of the substrate is shown here in a simplified manner without the fork 3 for better clarity

It can be seen that the LEDs 6 are distributed evenly across the luminous segments 13 on the substrate 2, so that adjacent luminous segments 13 have no transition can be illuminated together. A series resistor 19 is additionally connected upstream of each light segment 13 as a further electronic component.

Here, too, 13 pairs of contact strips 11, 12 are assigned to each of the luminous segments. The pairs of contact strips 11, 12 can be laterally contacted via individual contacts combined in a common contact 10. In this way, all of the luminous segments of the luminous strip can be contacted with a common plug for simple assembly and yet can be controlled individually.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in a wide variety of ways.

For example, an LED light strip 1 according to the invention can be combined in the same way with otherwise similar light strips without bifurcation, in particular can be arranged without transition, for example in a vehicle light 20.

List of reference symbols

1

LED light strips

2

Substrate

3

crotch

4, 4 '

poor

5, 5 '

poor

6th

LEDs

7th

end

8th

end

9

end

10

Contact

11

Contact strips

12th

Contact strips

13th

Light segment

14th

stalk

15th

curvature

16

top

17th

electronic component or overvoltage protection element

18th

Shell

19th

electronic component or series resistor

20th

Vehicle light

21

Control device

Claims (15)

LED light strips (1), in particular for a lighting device of a motor vehicle or a mobile transport device,
with a substrate (2) which has at least one fork (3) on which the substrate (2) is continuously formed in two arms (4, 5; 4 ', 5') extending in different directions,
with a regular arrangement of LEDs (6) along the substrate (2), with a continuously homogeneous distribution of the LEDs (6) over the fork (3) being provided. LED light strip according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the substrate (2) has at least three ends (7, 8, 9) which are occupied by LEDs (6) in an equal density. LED light strip according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that
that a lateral contact (10) is provided for the LEDs (6) on the substrate (2). LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that for contacting the LEDs (6) a plurality of pairs of contact strips (11, 12) are provided, which are arranged along the substrate (2) and across the fork (3). LED light strip according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the pairs of contact strips (11, 12) are each designed to be individually contactable, in particular can each be laterally contacted via an individual contact, so that each pair of contact strips with the LEDs (6) contacted by them forms a light segment (13), with each light segment (13) is designed in particular to be individually controllable, so that the LEDs (6) arranged in the contact segment can be illuminated independently of other light segments. LED light strip according to claim 5,
characterized,
that over the luminous segments (13) an equidistant distribution of the LEDs (6) is provided on the substrate (2) so that adjacent luminous segments (13) can be jointly illuminated without transition. LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the substrate (2) is Y-shaped or T-shaped and / or the at least one fork (3) has a three-dimensional shape with a stem (14) and two arms (4 ', 5') extending in different planes . LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the substrate (2) has at least one curvature (15), in particular multiple curvatures. LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the curvature (15) forms a point (16) in the course of the substrate (2), in particular encloses an acute angle of less than 90 °, preferably less than 50 °. LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that in addition to the LEDs, electronic components (17; 19), in particular series resistors (19) and / or overvoltage protection elements (17) and / or control electronics, are also provided on the substrate (2). LED light strip according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a sleeve (18) is provided which surrounds the substrate and the LEDs and is designed in particular to be protective and / or insulating. Vehicle light (20), in particular headlights, daytime running lights, tail lights or signal lights,
with at least one LED light strip (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle light according to claim 12,
characterized,
that a plurality of LED light strips (1) which are at least partially connected to one another at their ends are provided, which together form a light signature, the ends of the LED light strips (1) being designed to be coupled to one another in particular in such a way that adjacent LED light strips (1 ) can be illuminated seamlessly across the coupling. Vehicle light according to one of Claims 12 or 13, characterized in that
that a control device (21) is provided for the segmented control of the individual light segments (13) of the LED light strips (1). Vehicle light according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that
that a complex geometry formed jointly with the LED light strips (1) forms a tip (16) which, in particular, encloses an acute angle of less than 90 °, preferably less than 50 °, and / or that one of the majority of its Sheath (18) surrounding the ends at least partially adjoining each other is provided, which is designed in particular to be protective and / or insulating.

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