RU2717871C2 - Car lighting system and rear spoiler - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting; automotive industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to automotive lighting systems. Rear spoiler for car comprises lighting system. Lighting system includes a casing for arrangement of a lighting fixture, at least one locking tab connected to the casing, a receptacle connected to the car body for accommodation of the casing, and at least one locking member connected to the receptacle. Locking member is fixed by the locking tab when the casing is in the fixed position inserted into the receptacle. Casing and receptacle are made of plastic material. At least one locking tab is formed integrally on the casing of the same plastic material as the casing. At least one locking member is integrally formed on a receptacle of the same plastic material as the receptacle.

EFFECT: providing reliable and tight installation with compensation of tolerances.

9 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting system for an automobile according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a rear spoiler for an automobile.

Such a lighting system is used to place a light device on a car. In order to mount a light device on a car, for example, a third additional brake light (CHMSL), it is known that the light device is screwed, fixed or connected by spring clips to the car body.

From DE 10 2007 035 496 A1, for example, a lighting system of this kind is known.

In addition, EP 1 645 467 B1 discloses a lighting unit for a car, which can be inserted into the body opening of a body part by means of an additional spring-holding element.

Similarly, EP 1 871 644 B1 describes a vehicle lighting fixture that is secured to an opening in a vehicle body by means of an additional housing locking device including an elastic spring portion as well as a locking edge of the body.

Other locking devices for attaching a third brake light device are disclosed in DE 10 2004 031 429 A1, as well as EP 1 518 754 B1.

In this regard, the present invention is based on the task of providing a lighting system improved by simple means, as well as a rear spoiler for a car, in which the manufacturing and installation costs are low due to a reduction in the number of structural elements. In addition, the lighting system must provide a reliable and tight installation with compensation for tolerances.

This problem is solved by using a lighting system with the characteristics of paragraph 1 of the claims, as well as with the help of a rear spoiler with the characteristics of paragraph 7 of the claims. Other preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims.

It should be pointed out that in the claims, the characteristics shown separately can be combined with each other in any technically feasible manner and disclose other embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and details the invention, in particular with reference to the figures.

In accordance with the invention, the lighting system for a car includes a housing for housing lighting means, for example, one or more incandescent lamps or LEDs (light emitting diodes), in addition, at least one locking protrusion connected to the housing for the lighting means, further connected with a car body, a receiving device for housing the housing for the lighting means and at least one locking element connected to the receiving device, which is fixed by the locking lug mentioned when the housing for the lighting means is inserted in a fixed position inserted into the receiving device, in which the housing for the lighting means is fixed by the receiving device. Moreover, both the housing for the lighting means and the receiving device are made of plastic material, wherein said at least one locking protrusion is integrally molded on the housing for the lighting means from the same plastic material as the housing for the lighting means, and at least one locking element is integrally molded on the receiving device from the same plastic material as the receiving device. With this embodiment, the number of structural elements necessary to fix the housing for the lighting means in the receiving device can be reduced to a minimum. Additional holders for fixing the housing for the lighting means in the receiving device are not required. In addition, the locking protrusion or, accordingly, the locking element can be performed simultaneously with the manufacture of the plastic housing for the lighting means or, accordingly, the plastic receiving device, which can greatly simplify the corresponding manufacturing process.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking protrusion of an elongated, flexible elasticity, the jumper is connected to the housing for the lighting means, and the jumper spring connects the locking protrusion with the housing for the lighting means. Accordingly, the locking protrusion during the insertion process of the housing for the lighting means in the receiving device can move without destruction, for example, when inserting to deviate from the locking element, and then at the end of the insertion process to abut against the locking element. Also, due to the elastic mobility of the locking protrusion, the locking between the housing for the lighting means and the receiving device can be removed without breaking, while the locking protrusion, for example, is repelled by the tool from the locking element.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the locking protrusion in a fixed position under the action of elastic force is adjacent to the locking element. Thus, the locking protrusion in the fixed state of the housing for the lighting means with the receiving device can act with some force on the locking element, so that a reliable and tight fastening is achieved. This prevents knocking of the housing for the lighting means in the receiving device.

In yet another embodiment, the locking protrusion at its free end has a tapered end surface that, in a fixed position, is pointwise or linearly attached to the locking element, while the locking protrusion in a fixed position presses the end surface against the locking element. In other words, the end surface of the retaining protrusion is beveled relative to the abutment side or, respectively, the abutment surface of the abutment element so that the end surface in a fixed position abuts the retainer element or, respectively, to its abutment surface only pointwise or linearly and not superficially. Thus, a secure fit of the locking protrusion to the locking element is ensured even when the relative position between the locking protrusion and the locking element has inaccuracies or changes during the service life, for example, due to deviations from the tolerances of the housing for the lighting means and / or receiving device or due to thermally caused extensions of structural elements and / or changes in stiffness to which plastic material can usually be exposed.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the locking protrusion has an upward slope extending upward from its fixed end to its free end. The upward slope when inserting the housing for the lighting means into the receiving device serves to ensure that the locking protrusion moves in the desired direction, for example, to deviate from the locking element until a fixed position is reached.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving device is made in a plastic rear spoiler which is connected to the car body, that is, preferably integrally with it. Thus, the lighting unit formed by the housing for the lighting means and the lighting means placed therein can, for example, serve as the third additional stop signal of the vehicle centrally located relative to the width of the vehicle. For this, the receiving device is located essentially in the center on the wide side of the spoiler.

The invention also relates to a rear spoiler for a car, which includes a receiving device for housing a lighting means for receiving lighting means, for example, one or more incandescent lamps or LEDs, and at least one locking element connected to the receiving device, which is fixed by at least one locking projection connected to the housing for the lighting means when the housing for the lighting means is in a fixed position th e position. According to the invention, the housing for the lighting means as well as the receiving device are made of plastic material, wherein said at least one locking protrusion is integrally molded on the housing for the lighting means from the same plastic material as the housing for the lighting means, and at least at least one locking element is integrally molded on the receiving device from the same plastic material as the receiving device. Regarding the advantages and results of such an embodiment, we refer to the explanations already set forth in connection with the lighting system of the invention, which equally apply to the rear spoiler of the invention.

Preferably, the rear spoiler with which the entire receiving device is made is made of plastic material.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the receiving device is located centrally on the wide side of the rear spoiler in order to perform the function of the third additional brake light (CHMSL) when mounted on a car body.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the rear spoiler has a lighting system that can be implemented and improved as described above.

Other features and advantages of the invention are contained in the following description of embodiments of the invention, explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, which should not be construed as limiting. This drawing schematically shows:

FIG. 1: in the upper half of the image, an upper rear view in perspective of one embodiment of a housing for lighting means in accordance with the invention, and in the lower half of the image, a lower rear view in perspective of a housing for lighting means shown in the upper half of the image;

FIG. 2: upper front perspective view of the housing for the lighting means of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: in the upper half of the image, the first side view in cross section of one embodiment of the invention of the lighting system, and in the lower half of the image, a perspective view of the first side view in cross section depicted in the upper half of the image;

FIG. 4: in the upper half of the image, a second cross-sectional side view of the lighting system of FIG. 3, and in the lower half of the image, a perspective view of a second side view in section, depicted in the upper half of the image, and

FIG. 5: in the upper half of the image, a third cross-sectional side view of the lighting system of FIG. 3a, and in the lower half of the image, a perspective view of a third side view in cross section is shown in the upper half of the image.

In various figures, parts of equal function are always provided with the same reference designations, so that, as a rule, they are described once.

In FIG. 1, in the upper half of the image there is shown an upper rear view in perspective of one embodiment of the housing 1 for lighting means in accordance with the invention, and in the lower half of the image is a lower rear view in perspective of the housing 1 for lighting means shown in the upper half of the image. The housing 1 for the lighting means serves to accommodate the lighting means (not shown), for example, one or more incandescent lamps or LEDs, and is preferably made completely closed. As can be seen in FIG. 1, with the housing 1 for the lighting means, only four locking lugs 2 are integrally connected, namely, two locking lugs 2 made in the upper region of the housing 1 for the lighting means (hereinafter also referred to as upper locking lugs 2), as well as two locking lugs 2 made in the lower region of the housing 1 for the lighting means (hereinafter also referred to as lower locking tabs 2). Like the locking tabs 2, the housing 1 for the lighting means is made of a plastic material, in particular the same plastic material.

Further, on the front side of the housing for the lighting means, a translucent light diffuser 3 is arranged. Consisting of the housing 1 for the lighting means and the lighting means, the lighting unit is preferably used as the third additional brake light of the vehicle at the rear of the vehicle (not shown).

In addition, in FIG. 1 also contains two guide elements 4, which are sideways connected to the housing 1 for the lighting means and are also made of the same plastic material as the housing 1 for the lighting means. The guiding elements 4 serve to laterally guide the housing 1 for the lighting means when inserted into a housing not shown in FIG. 1 receiving device, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is an upper front perspective view of a housing 1 for the lighting means of FIG. 1. Although in the form of FIG. 2 two of the four locking tabs 2, namely, the two lower locking tabs 2, are hidden, it can be understood that the description of one of the four locking tabs 2 applies equally to all four locking tabs 2, because all four locking tabs 2 of the housing 1 for lighting means are made essentially the same. Possible differences between the locking protrusions 2 in the description is an immediate indication.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, each of the four locking protrusions 2 is connected to the housing 1 for the lighting means by its own elongated, flexible flexible jumper 5. The jumper 5 serves to spring-connect the locking protrusions 2 with the housing 1 for the lighting means. In addition, each locking protrusion 2 at its free end has a beveled end surface 6. In addition, each locking protrusion 2 of the embodiment of the housing 1 for the lighting means shown in FIG. 2 has an upward slope 7 extending from its fixed end, that is, its end connected to the housing 1 for the lighting means, to its movable end.

2, you can also see how the elongated jumper 5 of the upper two locking protrusions 2 is connected with its own connecting jumper 8 to the lighting means 1 for the lighting means. From this connecting jumper 8, one rounded pressing surface 9 extends in the direction opposite to the jumper 5 from the upper two locking tabs 2. With this pressing surface 9, the two upper locking tabs 2 can swing around the connecting jumper 8 by means of the pressure applied to each surface 9 Achieved thus the mobility of the two upper locking tabs 2 can, for example, be used so as to without breaking again to disengage the locking of the housing 1 for lighting means ceiling elements with a receiver (not shown).

In FIG. 3: in the upper half of the image, a first cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the lighting system 10 according to the invention is shown, and in the lower half of the image is a perspective view of the first cross-sectional view shown in the upper half of the image. The plane of the cross section of the depicted side view in cross section intersects one of the upper two locking tabs 2.

The lighting system 10, along with the housing 1 for lighting means already described above, includes a receiving device 11 connected to the car body (not shown) for housing the housing 1 for the lighting means. The receiving device 11 is preferably made of plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment of the lighting system 10 of the invention, the receiving device 11 is also made integrally with a plastic rear spoiler of a car (not shown). In this case, the receiving device 11 is preferably located centrally on the wide side of the rear spoiler, so that the lighting system 10 can act as an additional brake light in the rear of the car.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that a locking element 12 is integrally connected to the receiving device 11, which, like the receiving device 11, is made of plastic material, in particular the same plastic material as the receiving device 11.

FIG. 3 shows the locked state of the housing 1 for the lighting means with the receiving device 11, which is also called a fixed position here. In this state, the housing 1 for the lighting means is completely inserted into the receiving device 11, so that the locking protrusion 2 with its beveled end surface 6 is pointwise or linearly adjacent to the locking element 12. In particular, the locking protrusion 2 with its oblique end surface presses on the locking element 12. In addition, the locking protrusion 2 in FIG. 3, the fixed position of the lighting system 10 under the action of elastic force is adjacent to the locking element 12. This ensures a reliable and tight installation of the housing 1 for the lighting means in the receiving device 11 with tolerance compensation. Accordingly, the knock of the housing 1 for the lighting means in the receiving device 11 is eliminated. The tolerance is compensated by the beveled end surface 6 of the locking protrusion 2 and being under the action of elastic force relative to the locking element 12 of the locking protrusion 2, while the beveled end surface 6 even when deviating from tolerances housing 1 for lighting means and / or receiving device 11 or due to thermally caused extensions of structural elements and / or changes in stiffness, however, it can always be brought into a state of fit to the locking element 12.

In FIG. 4, in the upper half of the image, a second cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the lighting system 10 according to the invention is shown, and in the lower half of the image is a perspective view of a second cross-sectional side view depicted in the upper half of the image. The plane of the cross section of the depicted side view in cross section intersects one of the lower two locking tabs 2.

As already mentioned above, the structure of the lower locking tabs 2 is essentially identical to the structure of the upper locking tabs 2, with the exception of the pressure surface 9.

In FIG. 4, as in FIG. 3, the locked state of the housing 1 for the lighting means with the receiving device 11 (fixed position) is shown. In FIG. 4 it can be seen how the lower locking protrusion 2, similarly to that shown in FIG. 3 to the upper locking protrusion 2, under the action of an elastic force, is adjacent to the locking element 12.

Thus, only four locking tabs 2 of the housing 1 for the lighting means provide a reliable and tight fastening of the housing 1 for the lighting means in the receiving device 11. With the lighting system 10 according to the invention, additional holding elements or, respectively, holding brackets can be dispensed with.

In FIG. 5 in the upper half of the image shows a third side view in cross section of the lighting system 10 of FIG. 3a, and in the lower half of the image, a perspective view of a third side view in cross section is shown in the upper half of the image. The plane of the cross section of the depicted side view in cross section intersects the lighting system 10 in the region of the side guide element 4 of the housing 1 for the lighting means.

In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 3 and 4, the locked state of the housing 1 for the lighting means with the receiving device 11 (fixed position) is shown. You can see that the guide element 4 is inserted into the guide socket 13, which is seamlessly connected with the receiving device 11. The guide element 4 and the guide socket 13 serve to guide the side of the housing 1 for lighting means when inserted into the receiving device 11 and contribute to an even more stable position of the housing 1 for lighting means in the receiving device 11, in particular in a fixed position.

The lighting system according to the invention has been described in more detail in one embodiment shown in the figures. However, the lighting system is not limited to the embodiment described herein, but also includes other equivalent embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system of the invention is used in combination with a plastic rear spoiler mounted on a car, the lighting system being centrally located relative to the wide side of the spoiler, so that it forms an additional third brake light at the rear of the car.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Housing for lighting

2 locking tab

3 Diffuser

4 Guide element

5 Jumper

6 End surface

7 Ascending bevel

8 jumper

9 Pressure surface

10 Lighting system

11 Receiver

12 Locking element

13 Guide socket

Claims (9)

1. A lighting system for a car, including a housing (1) for accommodating lighting means, at least one locking protrusion (2) connected to the housing (1) for the lighting means, a receiving device (11) connected to the vehicle body for housing (1) for the lighting means and at least one locking element (12) connected to the receiving device (11), which is fixed by the locking protrusion (2) when the housing (1) for the lighting means is in the fixings inserted into the receiving device (11) at a different position, characterized in that the housing (1) for the lighting means, as well as the receiving device (11) are made of plastic material, wherein said at least one locking protrusion (2) is molded integrally on the housing (1) for the lighting means from the same plastic material as the housing (1) for the lighting means, and the at least one locking element (12) is integrally molded on the receiving device (11) from the same plastic material as the receiving device (11). 2. A lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking protrusion (2) is oblong, having elastic flexibility, the jumper (5) is connected to the housing (1) for lighting means, and the jumper (5) in a spring-wise manner connects the locking protrusion (2) with housing (1) for lighting. 3. The lighting system according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking protrusion (2) in a fixed position under the action of elastic force is adjacent to the locking element (12). 4. Lighting system according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking protrusion (2) at its free end has a beveled end surface (6), which in a fixed position is pointwise or linearly adjacent to the locking element (12), while the locking protrusion (2) in a fixed position presses the end surface (6) on the locking element (12). 5. The lighting system according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking protrusion (2) has an upward slope (7), passing with the rise from its fixed end to its free end. 6. Lighting system according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving device (11) is made in a plastic rear spoiler connected to the car body. 7. A rear spoiler for a car, comprising a lighting system including a housing (1) for housing lighting means, the rear spoiler including a receiving device (11) for housing the housing (1) for lighting means and at least one connected to with a receiving device (11) a locking element (12) that is fixed by at least one locking protrusion (2) connected to the housing for the lighting means when the housing (1) for the lighting means is in in the x-position, while the housing (1) for the lighting means, as well as the receiving device (11) are made of plastic material, wherein said at least one locking protrusion (2) is molded integrally on the housing (1) for the lighting means from the same plastic the material as the housing (1) for the lighting means, and the at least one locking element (12) is integrally molded on the receiving device (11) from the same plastic material as the receiving device (11). 8. The rear spoiler according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving device (11) is located centrally on the wide side. 9. The rear spoiler according to one of paragraphs. 7 or 8, characterized in that it contains a lighting system (10) according to one of paragraphs. 1-6.

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