DE102004009208A1 - Lighting system for lighting display on gearshift lever of motor vehicle, has transparent cover provided with symbols to be subjected to punctiform illumination from behind by LEDs for functional and search lighting mounted on support - Google Patents

Abstract

A transparent cover (18) arranged at a distance from a support (12) mounted with a LED (14) for functional lighting and a LED (16) for search lighting, has symbols (20) to be subjected to punctiform illumination from behind by the LEDs.

Description

Territory of invention

The The invention relates to a lighting system for displays, in particular used in motor vehicles but also other vehicles of all kinds can come. Such lighting systems serve to symbols to backlight in different colors and brightnesses, on the one hand to make the symbol visible in the dark and on the other hand If this function is activated, transmit this to the vehicle driver. Examples of the use of such illuminated symbols are z. B. switch for the rear window heating a Cars, gearshift indicators, ventilation settings and the like.

The Illumination of these displays serves to allow the driver to recognize the display in the dark, to activate it as needed to be able to. On the other hand, the lighting should ensure that the driver can detect in daylight as well as in the dark whether the function shown on the display as an icon is activated or disabled.

In order to ensure such functions, on the one hand a search illumination (with a brightness of typically a few cd / m ² ) and on the other hand a functional illumination (with a brightness typically in the range of 100 to 3000 cd / m ² ), it is known to have a uniform illumination Provide background or search lighting of the symbolism by light emitting diodes. There is a small window next to the symbol. This window is backed by a light guide, which connects to a bright, differently colored light emitting diode (LED) and the window area, which is usually rectangular or round and has dimensions of about 2 mm in diameter or side length, bright lit up. Both the search lighting and the functional lighting, ie the lighting when the function is activated, are thus realized by light-emitting diodes, that is to say point-shaped lighting means. Such a system is for example from the DE 197 38 666 C1 known.

An arrangement for illuminating the shift position indicator on the selector lever of a gear change transmission, for example, from DE 195 29 207 C2 known. The circuit diagram, ie the symbolism to be illuminated is arranged on a translucent plaque. Underneath the badge, a light-emitting diode is soldered under each of the switching position symbols on a printed circuit board. These light-emitting diodes are used to make the switching position symbols slightly brightened when the vehicle lighting is switched on. If a corresponding switch position is engaged, the same light emitting diodes are activated by electrical signals for an additional brightening of the switch position symbol of the respectively engaged gear ratio.

From the DE 296 06 501 U1 is also an illuminated switch position display for the manual transmission of a motor vehicle change gear known. The display area of the manual circuit is permanently illuminated diffusely, serve as light sources incandescent or glow lamps, light-emitting diodes or the light exit ends of one or more optical fiber cables, ie punctiform illumination media. Finally, the transmission gear selected by the motor vehicle driver is additionally identified by the fact that in the permanently homogeneously diffusely illuminated display region the corresponding symbol on the cover is highlighted by increased brightening. This is in the solution according to the DE 296 06 501 U1 a mirror or a prism used, which is carried parallel to the movement of the shift lever. It reflects a part of the light rays emitted by the light source at such an angle that the corresponding symbol is intensifiedly illuminated from below. Thus, this solution uses only a lighting device, a point-like lighting device whose luminosity is increased as needed to brighten a certain symbol area by the light is directed accordingly.

presentation the invention

It is an object of the invention, a simple and inexpensive construction Lighting system for Display, especially in motor vehicles to provide, with the one Search and a functional lighting can be ensured.

These Task is using a lighting system with the characteristics of Claim 1 solved.

The invention is based on the idea to provide both the search illumination by a punctiform illumination medium and the functional illumination by a punctiform illumination medium. The lighting devices emit the light in a substantially point-like manner, ie starting from a point. The combination of the two lighting media on the one hand uniform illumination of the full symbolism can be achieved so that the driver or vehicle occupant can recognize the symbol well even in the dark. Due to the punctiform illumination medium of the function lighting, which can specifically backlight only, for example, only areas of the entire symbolism, if it is about a switch position display, so that only the currently engaged gear or just turned On the other hand, a targeted brightening is achieved if the function on which the display is based is activated. This illumination device for the functional illumination is brighter than the illumination device for the search illumination, so that even in sunlight the activated functional illumination, which indicates the activated function, can be recognized.

Next the wearer, mounted on the first and second illumination device are, as well as the translucent Cover, on the one hand, completely transparent or opaque, d. H. milky, may be needed Lighting system according to the invention no other components, so a simple structure that is inexpensive, can be achieved without a lighting function is impaired.

advantageous embodiments are through the rest claims characterized.

To a preferred embodiment the first and the second illumination means, d. H. the lighting equipment to punctiform Lighting for the functional and search lighting, designed as light-emitting diodes (LED). there For example, it is preferable to use so-called SmartLEDs have a very small design.

LEDs are known in different colors and brightnesses, so the Selection of the light-emitting diode according to design considerations or dependent from the displayed symbolism in terms of color or after the brightness to be achieved, to the light of the LED as well can be made recognizable in daylight, can be made.

Preferably is the carrier, on which the lighting devices are arranged, as a board or flexible printed circuit board designed in which the connections for the light-emitting diodes are provided. It can several connections as required for light-emitting diodes or first and second lighting devices are provided, if, for example, as a special application on the shift lever, the gear indicator symbolism to be backlit and in gear engaged only one Backlit gear that is currently activated. This means that a light-emitting diode is provided for each switching position, which lights up with appropriate activation of the gait. The number as well as the location of the first lighting devices can therefore after Need to be adjusted.

Favorable Way is the carrier facing side of the cover provided with a lens or The cover itself is milky. This makes it possible that of the light emitting diodes or the first and second illumination device radiated light is scattered evenly, what for ensures that a uniform illumination the symbolism through the LEDs or the first and second illumination device guaranteed is. In particular, towards the visible side of the cover, ie. H. the driver facing side, the light of the LEDs or the first and second illumination device not as a light cone but as scattered light in appearance, which shines evenly.

To a particularly preferred embodiment is also between the wearer, mounted on the first and second illumination device and the cover is a lighting limiting device provided that emitted from the first illumination device Light is limited to a backlit area of the cover. This is particularly advantageous if a plurality of first lighting devices are provided to, as in the switch position indicator on Gearshift lever, in which several different functions (eg courses) be shown only to backlight a certain part of the display, namely just the one whose function is currently activated. By providing Such a lighting limiting device can be avoided be neighboring areas by stray light from the currently active first illumination device discolored or brightened. In other words, the illumination limiting device can also abstractly called Lichtschott.

According to one embodiment, the illumination limiting device is designed as a translucent spacer plate. This spacer plate has openings which correspond to the region of the cover to be backlit by the first and second illumination means. The scattered light of the first and second illumination device, that is to say, for example, the light-emitting diode, strikes the aperture inner surfaces of the spacer plate, at which it is reflected by suitable design of these inner surfaces, so that it does not penetrate into neighboring regions. The breakthroughs of the spacer plate, which are designed like a window, can have any shapes as needed, for example, be square or round or be adapted in shape and size of the backlit symbolism. For example, if the spacer plate is about 3 to 5 mm, preferably 3 to 4 mm thick, and the apertures receive two LEDs at a window size of about 4 mm × 4.5 mm, for example, about 1.3 mm × 0, 8 mm, the symbolism is evenly illuminated, with at the same time an excessive widening of the light of the LEDs and thus an undesirable brightening of neighboring areas, in particular by light emitted by the light emitting diode for the functional lighting, is prevented by the reflective inner surfaces of the openings of the spacer plate. If a diffuser is used to make the light appear more uniform, so this can instead of, as already mentioned, be attached to the cover on the spacer plate when a spacer plate is provided.

Favorable Way are the opening inner surfaces of the spacer plate, so those surfaces, which run substantially perpendicular to the cover surface or support surface, painted or polished. As a result, the light of the LEDs or the first and second illumination device well reflected, so that, in particular with activated functional lighting no light in the neighboring areas invades and there unwanted Brings brightness.

Instead of a polishing or painting the window inner walls of the spacer plate it is also possible possibly additional Window in the spacer plate to cause a refraction of the light, so that no light to the surface of the spacer (i.e., the side facing the cover) is reflected an undesirable Whitening or an unwanted discoloration in unlighted areas.

alternative to the illumination limiting device through the translucent spacer plate it prefers as a light-limiting device a light guide provided. Through this between the carrier and the cover in the through the first illumination device to be backlit area of Cover mounted light guide will also provide the desired shielding reached.

Finally is it prefers as an illumination limiting device an injection molded part (a so-called light barrier) provided between the carrier and the cover is attached and is opaque. This one to backlit Area limiting injection molded part, for example, tubular the light emitting diodes are mounted so that leakage of stray light from the tubular area, in which the light-emitting diodes are prevented.

Finally is as a lighting limiting device, a combination of a light bulkhead and a spacer plate conceivable, wherein the light bulkhead into the breakthroughs is used in the spacer plate or directly in a 2K injection molding process is molded. This is especially advantageous if it is z. B. is difficult due to geometric problems, the Fensterinnenwandungen about to process by painting.

A particularly preferred embodiment it is, the first and the second illumination device approximately in Distance between 2 and 5 mm, preferably 3 to 4 mm from the Cover to install. This will provide sufficient expansion of the by the first and second illumination device, in particular the light emitting diodes, emitted light allows, allowing a uniform backlighting the symbolism on the cover is possible.

Short description the drawings

following the invention will be purely by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures described in which

1 shows a section through a lighting device according to the invention;

2 shows a plan view of a spacer plate, as it can be used for example for the illumination of a shift lever; and

3 shows a section through a cover that can be used for the lighting system of a shift lever.

Ways to execute the invention

1 shows a section through an inventive lighting system that can be used, for example, the shift lever lighting in motor vehicles. The lighting system 10 includes a carrier 12 , which is designed as a board, and on the connectors for LEDs 14 as the first lighting equipment and for LEDs 16 are provided as the second illumination device. The LEDs of the first illumination device or of the functional illumination (in the following F-LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the LEDs of the second illumination device or search illumination (in the following S-LEDs).

The cover 18 in turn, represents that limitation of the lighting system, which is recognizable from the vehicle occupants, ie the visible side of the lighting system. The cover 18 is, for example, clear-sighted, ie completely transparent, with a symbolism 20 at the bottom of the cover 18 as it is for example in 3 is shown by back, applied by engraving, screen printing or hot stamping foil. The Abde ckung 18 For example, it is made of transparent PMMA material.

Alternatively, the cover 18 also be made of milky screen material.

At the bottom of the cover 18 is (not shown in the figures) mounted a lens, which is the light-emitting diodes 14 and 16 emitted light scatters such that the entire by a respective light emitting diode 14 and or 16 To backlit area of the cover 18 is evenly lit.

Between the cover 18 and the carrier 12 with the lighting devices mounted thereon 14 and 16 is in the in 1 illustrated embodiment, a spacer plate 22 intended. This in 2 in the plan view shown spacer plates 22 has recesses 24 on, which correspond to the areas at which on the cover 18 the symbols 20 are provided by the light emitting diodes 14 as functional lighting and the light-emitting diodes 16 to backlight as search lights. The side surfaces 26 the recesses 24 of the spacer 22 are polished, painted or with opaque inserts, so-called Lichtschotts, provided so that light on these side surfaces 26 and from the light-emitting diodes 14 and 16 comes, is reflected there and thus does not penetrate into the areas that should not be lit and there to the surface of the cover plate 18 arrives. Rather, the light remains that of the light emitting diodes 14 and 16 is emitted in the areas that are in the shim 22 are recessed, whereby stray light is prevented in addition to the symbolism to be illuminated. Alternatively, the side surfaces themselves are made of opaque material, e.g. B. plastic.

Ideally, the spacer is 22 on the cover 18 molded so that between cover and spacer plates 22 or Lichtschott no gap occurs, could penetrate through the stray light and so that the recesses 24 of the spacer 22 or Lichtschotts relative to the symbolism 20 are exactly fixed.

Of the Material for the light barrier should be chosen be that even with wall thicknesses Below 1 mm between two recesses no significant light transmission in neighboring areas is possible.

In the 2 displayed window 24 correspond to the places of symbols 20 on the cover 18 , In the illustrated embodiment, all windows are 24 rectangular shaped. However, you can according to the need of the size or shape of the function lighting and search lighting by light emitting diodes 14 respectively. 16 to backlit symbols 20 be adjusted. A typical window size for the windows is in the range of about 4.5mm x 4mm with the light emitting diodes mounted therein 14 and 16 have a size of about 1.3 mm × 0.8 mm (height 0.65 mm).

The light-emitting diodes 14 and 16 are also preferably at a distance H of between about 2 to 5 mm, preferably 3 to 4 mm, under the cover 18 arranged. This ensures that this is from the light emitting diodes 14 and 16 emitted light can spread evenly and thus by the light emitting diode 14 as part of the functional lighting and through the light-emitting diode 16 in the context of the search lighting to backlit area of the symbol 20 evenly illuminates.

By the in 1 to 3 illustrated lighting device for ads, it is thus possible to ensure a uniform so-called. Search lighting the display. This is done by the S-LED 16 reached outgoing lighting. This means that regardless of the function activation, the display is evenly backlit in the dark, so that the driver or vehicle occupant recognizes the position of the display and at the same time recognizes which function is triggered by actuation of the corresponding switch.

At the same time, it is ensured that the driver or vehicle occupant always immediately recognizes when the function of the display or a function represented by the display, for example in the area of the switching of vehicles, is activated. Will the symbolism attached to the gearshift lever with an appropriate lighting system 10 backlit, and is z. B. activated a certain gear, one of the lights in 1 illustrated light emitting diodes 14 and thus informs the driver about which gear is currently activated. Because there is no light from the LED 14 into the adjacent areas of the display, the driver can always see exactly which function is activated. The brightness or color of the LED 14 is chosen so that the function lighting is visible even in daylight, so that a driver knows even in daylight, which gear is engaged or which function is activated. Furthermore, it differs advantageously not only in your luminosity of the S-LEDs, but also in your color.

Of the The essential aspect of the present invention is therefore a combined search and function lighting for displays to provide in motor vehicles, which is easy to implement and as part of the functional lighting an accurate backlighting of corresponding areas of the cover allows.

Claims (11)

Lighting system ( 10 ) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprising: - a support ( 12 ); At least one first illumination device ( 14 ) for point illumination on the support ( 12 ) is arranged; At least one second illumination device ( 16 ) for point illumination on the support ( 12 ) is arranged; and - a translucent cover ( 18 ) spaced from the carrier ( 12 ) on the side of the carrier ( 12 ) with the first and second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) and at least one by the first and the second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) to backlit symbol ( 20 ) having. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second illumination means ( 14 . 16 ) is a light emitting diode. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 12 ) is a board or a flexible printed circuit board. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the said carrier ( 12 ) facing side of the cover ( 18 ) a lens is attached or that the cover ( 18 ) is milky. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising between the carrier ( 12 ) with the first and second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) and the cover ( 18 ) a lighting limiting device ( 22 ), that of the first and the second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) emitted light on a back-illuminated area of the cover ( 18 ) limited. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the illumination limiting device a translucent spacer plate ( 22 ), with breakthroughs ( 24 ) according to the first lighting device ( 14 ) to be backlit area of the cover ( 18 ) is provided. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the penetration inner surfaces ( 26 ) of the spacer plate ( 22 ) are painted or polished. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the illumination limiting device is a light guide which is arranged between the carrier ( 12 ) and the cover ( 18 ) in which by the first and second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) is mounted to backlit area of the cover. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the illumination-limiting device comprises at least one injection-molded part, which between the carrier ( 12 ) and the cover ( 18 ) and by the first and second illumination device ( 14 . 16 ) is limited to backlit area. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the illumination limiting device a translucent spacer plate ( 22 ) and an injection molded part which is inserted into openings in the spacer plate. Lighting system ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first illumination device ( 14 ) at a distance of between 2 to 5 mm, preferably 3 to 4 mm, from the cover ( 18 ) is attached.