Backlighting Device

Abstract

The invention refers to a backlighting device for a (1) lighting assembly of a vehicle. The backlighting device comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one light guide body. The light guide body receives the light, emitted by a light source. The printed circuit board blocks and deflects the light emitted by the light source to the light guide body. The printed circuit board has at least one opening to receive the light guide body.

Claims

1. A backlighting device for a lighting assembly of a vehicle, comprising: at least one printed circuit board; and at least one light guide body adapted and configured for receiving light emitted by a light source; wherein the printed circuit board is arranged to block and deflect the light emitted by the light source and guide the light emitted by the light source to the light guide body; and wherein the printed circuit board has at least one opening to receive the light guide body.

2. A backlighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is a LED.

3. A backlighting device according to claim 1 further comprising a comprises a diffusor foil arranged on the surface of the backlighting device.

4. A backlighting device according to claim 1 further comprising a casing in which the backlighting device is positioned.

5. A backlighting device according to claim 1 wherein the light guide body includes a light emitting surface.

6. A backlighting device according to claim 1 wherein the printed circuit board comprises a frame of the backlighting device.

7. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one light source is arranged underneath the printed ciruit board.

8. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one light source is a side light source.

9. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one light source is a top light source.

10. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the light guide body has a polygonal shape.

11. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the light guide body has a substantially circular or elliptical shape.

12. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the light guide body provides at least one overlapping area for illuminating unlit areas.

13. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the light guide body provides at least one geometric structure redirecting the emitted light.

14. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one printed circuit board has a polygonal shape.

15. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one printed circuit board has a substantially circular or elliptical shape.

16. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the printed circuit board has the shape of a honeycomb.

17. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least two printed circuit boards are linked together.

18. A backlighting device according to claim 17 characterized in that at least two printed circuit boards having the shape of a honeycomb are linked together.

19. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one frame is arranged in a manner to separate at least two light guide bodies.

20. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the opening of the at least one printed circuit board has a shape which corresponds to a shape of at least one light guide body.

21. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the at least one printed circuit board and the at least one light guide body have different shapes.

22. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that at least two light guide bodies may be connected with each other.

23. A backlighting device according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least two light guide bodies connected with each other are connected by at least one of a web and a thin skin.

24. A backlighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the light guide body precludes an overlapping area.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0198] Further advantages and preferable embodiments are shown in the drawings.

[0199] FIG. 1 shows the backlighting device of a functional lighting assembly according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0200] FIG. 2 shows individual components of a backlighting device according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0201] FIG. 3 shows the individual components of the backlighting device according to FIG. 2 in an assembled state,

[0202] FIG. 4 shows a backlighting device according to one embodiment of the invention cut from the side,

[0203] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a light guide body according to the invention having an elongated hexagonal shape and

[0204] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment according to the invention with a light guide body having an hexagonal shape with equal edge lengths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0205] FIG. 1 shows a functional lighting assembly 1 as well as an exploded view of components of the lighting assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. On the right, from top to bottom, FIG. 1 shows a diffuser foil 3, below which a backlighting device 6 is arranged. Below the backlighting device 6 a casing 2 is shown.

[0206] The components of the functional lighting assembly 1 comprising the casing 2, the backlighting device 6 and the diffuser foil 3 are shown on the left in FIG. 1 in an assembled state.

[0207] FIG. 2 shows a lighting assembly 1, comprising light guide bodies 9. Below the light guide bodies 9 there is a frame 5. Underneath the frame 5 one can see the outer boundary of printed circuit boards 7. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 the outer boundary of the printed circuit boards corresponds to that of the light guide bodies. However, the geometry of the light guide body and the printed ciruit board may be different from each other.

[0208] One above the other, from top to bottom, FIG. 2 shows a light emitting surfaces 10 of the light guide bodies 9, below which the frame 5 is shown. The printed circuit boards 7 are arranged underneath the frame 5.

[0209] The light guide bodies 9 and the printed circuit boards 7 each show corresponding hexagonal shapes. The light guide bodies 9 are inserted into openings 17 of the individual printed circuit boards 7.

[0210] In FIG. 2 each light guide body 9 carries one light emitting surface 10, respectively. Each light guide body 9 has a hexagonal shape.

[0211] FIG. 2 shows a set of four printed circuit boards 7 and four light guide bodies 9. Each individual printed circuit board 7 has a hexagonal shape.

[0212] Between the light guide bodies 9 and the printed circuit boards 7 shown in FIG. 2, a frame 5 is arranged.

[0213] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the frame 5 is arranged to generate e.g. dark fields or shadows in the light scenario of the lighting assembly 1.

[0214] Additionally, in FIG. 2 the frame 5 can be used to separate the light 19 emitted by the light source 8; 12, with the frame 5 being arranged at positions in relation to the light sources 8; 12 (not shown). Also, the frame 5 may limit the leading of the emitted light 19.

[0215] To interact with the light guide body 9 and/or the printed circuit board 7, the frame 5 also has a hexagonal shape.

[0216] FIG. 2 shows four individual printed circuit boards 7 that are adjacent and connected to each other.

[0217] In the center of each individual printed circuit board 7 there is an opening 17, respectively.

[0218] The opening 17 of each individual printed circuit board 7 is designed to receive at least one light guide body 9.

[0219] The light guide body 9 and the individual printed circuit board 7 each have corresponding hexagonal shapes, for receiving the light guide body 9 in the opening 17 of the individual printed circuit board 7.

[0220] In FIG. 2 the printed circuit board 7 is designed to run around the light guide body 9.

[0221] The individual printed circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 2 each shows a light source 8; 12. Each light source 8; 12 is fitted into a corner of the printed circuit board 7, wherein the printed circuit board 7 has a hexagonal shape.

[0222] In FIG. 2 the light emitted by the light source 8; 12 into the light guide body 9 is symbolized by reference 19, extending at an angle relative to the light body 9 and/or the frame 5 and/or the printed circuit board 7.

[0223] FIG. 3 shows a backlighting device 6 comprising the components frame 5, printed circuit boards 7, light sources 8; 12 (not shown) and light guide bodies 9. Each light guide body 9 has a light emitting surface 10.

[0224] In FIG. 3, the backlighting device 6 is shown in an assembled state. On the top of the backlighting device 6 shown in FIG. 3, the light guide bodies 9 can be seen, which have hexagonal shapes.

[0225] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an assembly of a backlighting device 6 of a lighting assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0226] The assembly has a casing 2. The casing 2 may house electrical and/or electronic components necessary within the backlighting device 6.

[0227] The printed circuit board 7 is shown in a center 14 of the casing 2.

[0228] In FIG. 4, the light source 8, preferably the LED 12, is arranged on the bottom of the printed circuit board 7.

[0229] Due the position of the light source 8,12 relative to the printed circuit board 7, the printed circuit board 7 acts like a shielding element 15.

[0230] In FIG. 4 the shielding element 15 in form of the printed circuit board 7 blocks the light 19 emitted by the light source 8,12 from being spreaded upwards towards the light emitting surface 10 of the light guide body 9 and/or towards the diffuser foil 3 and/or towards the front panel 4.

[0231] The light 19 emitted by the light source 8; 12 is directed sideways inside the casing 2 by the printed circuit board 7 acting as the shielding element 15. The light is directed from the light source 8; 12 into the light guide body 9.

[0232] In FIG. 4, in the light guide body 9, the light 19 emitted by the light source 8; 12 is directed upwards towards the diffuser foil 3 and/or towards the front panel 4 and/or towards the light emitting surface 10.

[0233] In other words, the printed circuit board 7 acts like a shielding element. Working as the shielding element the circuit board 7 blocks in a preferably perpendicular emission of the light 19 emitted by the light source 8,12 in the direction from the printed circuit board 7. Instead, the printed circuit board 7 blocks the emitted light, so that the emitted light 19 is laterally defleted into the light guide body 9.

[0234] In the light guide body 9, at least one geometric structure 11 is arranged. The geometric structure 11 is referred to in more detail in the general description of the invention.

[0235] The geometric structure 11 redirects the light 19 emitted by the light source 8,12 from the lateral direction back into a prefereably substantially perpendicular direction relative to the light source 8,12.

[0236] In FIG. 4, inside the light guide body 9, the at least one geometric structure 11 of the light guide body 9 redirects the emitted light 19. The geometric structure 11 redirects the light 19 in a direction extending from the geometric structure 11, preferably substantially perpendicularly, towards the light emitting surface 10 of the light guide body 9.

[0237] The printed circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 4 has one opening 17 to receive the light guide body 9.

[0238] Depending on the form of the light guide body 9, the opening 17 may have a round shape or a polygonal shape. It can also have a hexagonal shape (not shown). In principle, the opening 17 of the printed circuit board 7 can take any geometric shape to receive the corresponding geometric shape of the light guide body 9.

[0239] At the left side of the illustration shown in FIG. 4, the light guide body 9 shows an overlapping area 18, overlapping the printed circuit board 7. At the opposite side another overlapping area 18 of the light guide body 9 is shown in FIG. 4.

[0240] By means of the overlapping areas 18 two adjacent light guide bodies 9 of adjacent printed circuit boards 7 can be combined with each other.

[0241] The overlapping area 18 of the light guide body 9 illuminates a segment 16 of a printed ciruit board 7 extending between two adjacent light guide bodies 9. Generally speaking, overlapping areas 18 of the light guide bodies 9 can bridge and illuminate distances between two or more light guide bodies 9.

[0242] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, unilluminated areas or barely illuminated areas arranged between the light guide bodies 9 are illuminated by overlapping areas 18 of the light guide bodies 9.

[0243] At least two light guide bodies 9 are connected to each other by at least one web (not shown). The web may also be covered by the overlapping area 18 of the light guide body 9. The web is referred to in more detail in the general description of the invention.

[0244] The light 19 emitted by the light source 8 travels from one light guide body 9 to the neighbouring light guide body 9 via a web (not shown).

[0245] The web may be manufactured of a transparent material such as a silicone.

[0246] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 comprises a frame 5, arranged above the printed circuit board 7, wherein the printed circuit board 7 is arranged above the light source 8; 12.

[0247] In FIG. 4 the casing 2 of the lighting assembly 1 houses the light source 8; 12 and the printed circuit board 7. Also, there is the frame 5 and the light guide body 9 arranged in the interior of the casing 2.

[0248] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 the light guide body 9 rests on a bottom 13 of the casing 2. Other embodiments are possible, where the light guide body rests on other components of the backlighting device, for example on the printed circuit board.

[0249] On the side of the casing 2, facing away from the bottom 13 of the casing 2, the casing 2 is covered by a diffuser foil 3 arranged on the front panel 4.

[0250] In the example of FIG. 4 a light source 8,12 rests on the bottom 13 of the casing 2. The light source 8,12 is arranged adjacent to the light guide body 9.

[0251] In FIG. 4 the light source 8,12 is designed as a so-called side LED 12.

[0252] The LED 12 is arranged on the bottom of the casing 2 next to the light guide body 9. Above the light source 8 (in this case the LED 12) the printed circuit board 7 is arranged.

[0253] The emitted light 19 is emitted by the LED 12. In FIG. 4 the printed circuit board 7 is arranged above the LED 12. Thus, the printed circuit board 7 blocks the light 19 emitted by the LED 12, from spreading preferably vertically upwards. The printed circuit board 7 blocks the emttited light 9 so that the emitted light 19 is guided to the side and transfers it to the light guide body 9, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0254] In FIG. 4, inside the light guide body 9, the geometric structure 11 redirects the emitted light 19 in a direction which, starting from the geometric structure 11, extends approximately vertically upwards towards the light emitting surface 10 of the light guide body 9.

[0255] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the light guide body 9 having an elongated hexagonal shape.

[0256] In FIG. 5, the light guide body 9 is arranged between the light source 8; 12 and a front panel 4.

[0257] The light 19, emitted by the light source 8; 12, is coupled into the light guide body 9. Within the light guide body 9 the light 19 is redirected by the geometric structure 11 (not shown) of the light guide body 9.

[0258] After being redirected, the light 19, is emitted out through the front panel 4 of the backlighting device 6 via the light emitting surface 10 of the light guide body 9.

[0259] FIG. 6 is comparable to FIG. 5 with the difference that in FIG. 6 a light guide body 9 is shown, having a hexagonal shape with equal side lengths.

[0260] The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 otherwise corresponds to that of FIG. 5.

LIST OF REFERENCE

[0261] 1 Lighting assembly [0262] 2 Casing [0263] 3 Diffuser foil [0264] 4 Front panel [0265] 5 Frame [0266] 6 Backlighting device [0267] 7 Printed circuit board [0268] 8 Light source [0269] 9 Light guide body [0270] 10 Light emitting surface [0271] 11 Geometric structure [0272] 12 LED [0273] 13 Bottom of casing [0274] 14 Centre of casing [0275] 15 Shielding element [0276] 16 Segment [0277] 17 Opening [0278] 18 Overlapping area [0279] 19 Emitted light