WO2015039959A1

WO2015039959A1 - Two-part lighting arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2015039959A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/069447
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benno Spinger; Andreas Lorenz TIMINGER; Nils Benter; Manuel GRAVE; Udo Michael KARBOWSKI
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date: 2013-09-20
Filing date: 2014-09-11
Publication date: 2015-03-26

Abstract

The invention describes a two-part lighting arrangement (1) comprising a first lighting element (11) with a first outcoupling portion (10A) of a common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B); and a second lighting element (12) with a second outcoupling portion (10B) of the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B), wherein the second lighting element (12) is spatially separate from the first lighting element (11) such that the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B) comprises an intermediate gap (G) between the first outcoupling portion (10A) and the second outcoupling portion (10B); characterized in that the two-part lighting arrangement (1) comprises a filler lighting element (13a, 13b) with a filler outcoupling surface (10G) arranged between the first lighting element (11) and the second lighting element (12), which filler lighting element (13a, 13b) is realized to emit light (LGAP) into the intermediate gap (G) between the first lighting element (11) and the second lighting element (12) to give an essentially uninterrupted common outcoupling surface (10A, 10G, 10B). The invention also describes a rear light assembly (2) of an automotive vehicle (3), comprising such a two-part lighting arrangement (1). The invention also describes an automotive vehicle (3) comprising at least one such rear light assembly (2).

Description

Two-part lighting arrangement

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention describes a two-part lighting arrangement, a rear light assembly, and an automotive vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Particularly in the field of automotive lighting, lighting assemblies are known that have the appearance of a single lighting assembly but which are in fact realized in two parts. A first part is incorporated in one distinct region of the vehicle, and a second part is incorporated in another distinct region of the vehicle. For example, a rear light can be realized in two "halves", with one half incorporated in a body part of an automobile and the other half incorporated in a trunk part. There are various advantages of this type of "split light" realization; for example it is possible to achieve a lighting assembly with a relatively large light output area without having to design other relevant parts of the automobile to suit the proportions of the lighting assembly. However, a disadvantage of such a "split light" design is the visible and obvious separation between the two parts. Particularly when the light is on, a noticeable dark gap is perceived between the two outcoupling surfaces of the rear light. This "dividing line" effectively splits a rear light that should be perceived as a single entity. Furthermore, if the lighting assembly is realized with one portion in the body of the vehicle and another portion in a displaceable element of the vehicle, for example as part of a trunk lid, the physical clearance necessary to ensure smooth motion of the trunk relative to the body without any risk of collision results in a significant and perceptible dividing line or "dark gap" when the light is on. An observer may even be given the impression that the lighting assembly parts are not related. This may be a problem particularly in the case of lighting assemblies that serve several specific and important functions, for example combined rear and brake lights; or combined rear, brake, indicator and reverse lights.

DE3828522 Al discloses a lighting arrangement for a vehicle with a fixed and a pivotable part. Between the fixed and the pivotable part there is a gap. The fixed part is provided with a recessed protrusion that extends into the gap. In the room behind the fixed part a lamp is provided that also illuminates the protrusion. Light is out coupled by the protrusion into the gap. This prior art lighting arrangement requires considerable mounting depth and is restricted with respect the freedom of design, where the design of lighting arrangements becomes increasingly important for cars, not only in view of regulations, but also with respect to the distinctive appearance of a car.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved lighting assembly that avoids the problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is achieved by the two-part lighting arrangement of claim 1; by the rear light assembly of claim 9; and by the automotive vehicle of claim 15.

According to the invention, the two-part lighting arrangement comprises a first lighting element with a first outcoupling portion of a common outcoupling surface; a second lighting element with a second outcoupling portion of the common outcoupling surface wherein the second lighting element is spatially separate from the first lighting element such that the common outcoupling surface comprises an intermediate gap between the first outcoupling portion and the second outcoupling portion.The two-part lighting arrangement comprises a filler lighting element with a filler outcoupling surface arranged between the first lighting element and the second lighting element, which filler lighting element is realized to emit light into the intermediate gap between the first lighting element and the second lighting element to give an essentially uninterrupted common outcoupling surface. A lighting element comprises a light guide realized to guide the light from a light source into the outcoupling portion.

Here, the expression "common outcoupling surface" is to be understood to mean that the outcoupling surface of the two-part lighting arrangement is given by the first outcoupling portion of the first lighting element and the second outcoupling portion of the second lighting element. The first and second outcoupling portions act as two parts of one overall shape and preferably have shared contours. For example, the boundary or bounding line of one outcoupling portion can be continued as the bounding line of the other

outcoupling portion so that the resulting bounding line of the outcoupling surface of the two- part lighting arrangement is perceived as a smooth and continuous line.

An advantage of the two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention is that light directed "outward" (i.e. into the gap) by the filler outcoupling surface during operation of the two-part lighting arrangement essentially "fills the gap" between the first outcoupling portion and the second outcoupling portion. Therefore, during operation of the lighting arrangement, the light emitted through the outcoupling surface appears to originate from a single or "one-part" lighting assembly. In other words, the lighting arrangement does not have the appearance of a "split" lighting assembly, and there is essentially no "dark gap" separating its two main parts. An observer will therefore be in no doubt as to how to interpret the light being emitted through the common outcoupling surface.

Furthermore, the filler lighting element makes a significant contribution to the overall light outcoupling surface by essentially filling the intermediate gap with light.

Particularly when the intermediate gap must be relatively wide for various reasons, the filler lighting element can contribute to a significant fraction of the overall light outcoupling surface. This feature can be used to effectively increase the light outcoupling surface of an existing lighting assembly design; or it can be used to decrease the overall size of the lighting assembly while maintaining a total desired light outcoupling area.

According to the invention, the rear light assembly of an automotive vehicle comprises such a two-part lighting arrangement.

An advantage of the rear light assembly according to the invention is that, particularly in the case of a rear light with combined signaling functionality, such as combined rear and brake lights; or combined rear, brake, indicator and reverse lights, an observer behind a vehicle with such a two-part rear light or signaling arrangement will not be in any doubt as to how to interpret the light being emitted through the common outcoupling surface of the rear light, and will not be irritated or misled by any "dark gap" or "split" between the outcoupling surfaces of the rear light. Furthermore, the overall light outcoupling surface of such a rear light assembly can effectively be increased by the filler lighting element.

According to the invention, an automotive vehicle comprises at least one such rear light assembly.

An advantage of the automotive vehicle according to the invention is that its rear light assemblies can make a contribution to road safety, since light being emitted through the common outcoupling surface of a rear light assembly is unambiguous and can easily be correctly understood or interpreted.

The dependent claims and the following description disclose particularly advantageous embodiments and features of the invention. Features of the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Features described in the context of one claim category can apply equally to another claim category. The lighting arrangement according to the invention comprises two parts, as described above, so that a common outcoupling surface can be achieved by first and second outcoupling portions of first and second lighting elements. However, it should be clear that the lighting arrangement according to the invention can comprise more than two "parts", for example a lighting arrangement can comprise three or even more lighting elements, separated by intermediate gaps, wherein lighting element pairs with adjacent outcoupling portions can be regarded as "first" and "second" lighting elements, and a lighting element of one pair can also be a lighting element of another pair. In such a realization, one or more filler lighting elements can be used to "fill" the intermediate gaps between the lighting elements of each pair. However, for the purposes of discussion, it may be assumed in the following that the lighting arrangement comprises just two parts, so that it is made of first and second lighting elements separated by an intermediate gap.

The first and second lighting elements of the lighting arrangement according to the invention can be realized in separate structural elements of an object such as a vehicle. In the following, but without restricting the invention in any way, if the separate structural elements are not stationary relative to each other, it may be assumed that the first lighting element is incorporated in a stationary structural element and the second lighting element is incorporated in a movable structural element, i.e. a structural element that is displaceable relative to the stationary structural element. For example, in one preferred embodiment of the lighting arrangement according to the invention, the first lighting element is arranged in a body portion of a vehicle and the second lighting element is arranged in a trunk portion of the vehicle.

To be able to move the movable structural element relative to the stationary structural element, for example to be able to open and close the trunk or boot of an automobile, a certain clearance is necessary to avoid a situation in which an edge of the trunk might "scrape" a surface of the body portion. A filler lighting element realized as an extension of the first or second lighting element might be at risk of being damaged in such a situation. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the filler outcoupling surface is recessed relative to the common outcoupling surface. Here, the term "recessed" is to be understood to mean that, from the point of view of an observer, the filler outcoupling surface appears to be "behind" the outcoupling surface of the lighting arrangement or "further inside" the lighting arrangement. For example, the filler lighting element can be arranged or realized in a region corresponding to the base or bottom of the gap between body and trunk of a vehicle, whereby the "base" in this case can be an essentially vertical or upright surface. Preferable, the filler lighting element is realized such that the filler outcoupling surface is recessed relative to the outcoupling surfaces of the first and second lighting elements, to a depth of about 50 mm.

Preferably, in the lighting arrangement according to the invention, a lighting element comprises a number of light sources arranged to emit light into its outcoupling portion. For example, several light sources with dedicated "functions" can be arranged to emit light into the outcoupling portion of a lighting element. Since the lighting elements of the lighting arrangement are separated by the intermediate gap, and since the lighting elements themselves may be physically displaceable relative to each other, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each lighting element comprises one or more "own" light sources arranged to emit light into its outcoupling portion. The light sources can be any suitable light sources, for example any light source that can deliver the desired light output, or any light source that satisfies any applicable regulation. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a light source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED). Some advantages of using LEDs are that these are long-lived and very compact light sources.

The light that is output from a light outcoupling surface is preferably uniform in appearance, i.e. it is preferable that light emitted by a point-like light source is spread into an essentially uniform area. Various known elements such as collimators, lenses, prisms etc. can be used to spread and shape the light. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lighting element comprises a light guide realized to guide the light from a light source into the outcoupling portion. Such a light guide can have an incoupling surface into which the light source emits its light, and an outcoupling surface from which the light is emitted. A light guide can "transfer" the light from the light source to an outcoupling surface with relatively low loss, even if the light guide is shaped to "bend" or redirect the light. The incoupling surface can be at any angle to the outcoupling surface, so that the light sources need not be arranged to emit light in the same direction as it leaves from the outcoupling surface. This has the advantage of allowing a quite flat and compact lighting assembly design.

As indicated above, the two parts of a two-part lighting assembly are separated by an intermediate gap, and this gap may be quite wide, since it usually serves to prevent a collision between a stationary structural element and a movable structural element. A "dark gap" between two lighting elements would therefore be as wide as the intermediate gap. Therefore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler outcoupling surface of the filler lighting element comprises an area at least as large as the width of the intermediate gap. For example, the filler outcoupling surface can be at least as wide and/or at least as long as the intermediate gap.

The filler lighting element can be realized as an independent lighting element, i.e. a distinct third lighting element of the lighting assembly. In such a realization, the light sources of the filler lighting element are preferably similar or identical to the light sources of the first and/or second lighting elements, and the light sources are preferably controlled together or in such a way as to ensure that the light output through the common outcoupling surface presents a uniform appearance. In other words, the lighting assembly is preferably realized such that the light emitted through the filler outcoupling surface is essentially indistinguishable from light emitted through the first and/or second outcoupling surfaces.

Preferably, the first lighting element is realized to accommodate the filler lighting element in some appropriate way. In such a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler lighting element comprises a portion of the first lighting element, so that the filler lighting element and the first lighting element share a common light source. For example, in a preferred realization, the first lighting element comprises a light guide that is shaped primarily to redirect light from its light sources to the first outcoupling surface, but also to redirect a portion of the light into the filler outcoupling surface. In this preferred

embodiment, the light generated by one light source or one set of light sources is emitted from both the first outcoupling surface and the filler outcoupling surface. This realization allows a particularly simple way of ensuring that the light emitted through the "filler" portion of the overall outcoupling surface is essentially indistinguishable from light emitted from the first outcoupling surface.

Alternatively or in addition, the filler lighting element can be realized as one or more light sources mounted on an outer face of the first lighting element, which outer face comprises a bounding surface of the intermediate gap. For example, a strip of LEDs can be arranged along the outer face so that they emit light directly into the intermediate gap and outward between the first and second lighting elements. To ensure a homogenous light quality, any suitable diffusion or collimating elements can be arranged above the light sources of the filler lighting element. In this embodiment also, the light sources of the filler lighting element are preferably controlled such that the light emitted through the "filler" portion of the overall outcoupling surface is essentially indistinguishable from light emitted from the first and/or second outcoupling surfaces.

Alternatively or in addition, the filler lighting element can be realized as a reflective surface on one lighting element or light guide, arranged to redirect light into the gap, whereby the light impinging on the reflective surface originates from the other lighting element. For example, the light guides of the lighting arrangement might have parallel opposing faces that are sloped. The sloped face that is directed outward - i.e. the face that can be seen by an observer - is preferably coated with a suitable reflective coating. The other light guide is realized so that a portion of its light passes through its sloped face and impinges on the reflective sloped face to be redirected into the gap and outward between the lighting elements of the lighting arrangement.

Regardless of the way in which the filler lighting element is realized, the filler lighting element preferably ensures that the intermediate gap is not perceptible when the light sources are "on", and the filler lighting element is preferably realized to "fill" an intermediate gap with a separation width up to 30 mm or more. For example, the split or two-part rear lights of various automobile designs can have intermediate gaps of 10 mm or more.

Preferably, the intermediate gap of a two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention is dimensioned to allow free motion of the stationary and moveable structural parts, for example to allow motion of the trunk portion relative to the body portion. Of course, since the filler lighting element ensures that there is no "dark gap" visible during operation of the lighting assembly, it is possible for a vehicle to have a larger "clearance" between body and trunk, and the designers of the structural elements are no longer constrained by the desire to keep this clearance to a minimum out of consideration for the appearance of the rear lighting assemblies, i.e. to minimize the width of the "dark gap".

As indicated above, a two-part lighting assembly can fulfill several functions such as rear light and brake light, etc. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the common outcoupling surface comprises a primary zone and a secondary zone. For example, the primary zone can serve as a rear light, and a secondary zone can serve as a brake light. Of course, additional functions and/or zones are also possible, and the zones may also overlap. For example, the total outcoupling surface of a two-part light can be used as a rear light (primary zone), and a central portion of the outcoupling surface can be used as a brake light (secondary zone is a subset of the primary zone). The light emitted from the different zones can be controlled or determined by using dedicated light sources for the different zones and/or by controlling the light sources of the different zones according to their function. For example, an LED driver can be realized to drive all LEDs of a rear light at a first lower power level during normal "rear light" operation, and to drive the LEDs emitting into a brake-light zone at full power during "brake light" operation when a brake pedal of the vehicle is pressed. The two-part lighting assembly can be realized in any number of ways, depending for example on the types of light sources used. For example, the two-part lighting assembly can be realized to comprise a single first lighting element and a single second lighting element, with a filler lighting element realized in any of the embodiments described above. Equally, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two-part lighting

arrangement comprises a plurality of first lighting elements and/or a plurality of second lighting elements. For example, the two-part lighting arrangement can comprise three or more first lighting elements arranged in a "stack", and the same number of second lighting elements arranged in a corresponding "stack", and any intermediate gap between the lighting elements of each light guide stack is filled by a filler lighting element in any of the ways described above. In such an embodiment, each lighting element can comprise a light guide that is "fed" by a dedicated light source such as an LED. Of course, in such an embodiment of the invention, a common LED driver or lighting controller is preferably used to control the plurality of LEDs in a synchronous manner.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a rear lighting assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the rear lighting assembly of Fig. 3 during operation;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a prior art rear lighting assembly during operation;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a prior art rear lighting assembly. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like objects throughout. Objects in the diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement 1 according to the invention, and shows a first lighting element 11 with a first outcoupling portion 1 OA of a common outcoupling surface 10A, 10B and a second lighting element 12 with a second outcoupling portion 10B of the common outcoupling surface 10A, 10B. The diagram shows that the second lighting element 12 is spatially separate from the first lighting element 11 and that the common outcoupling surface 10A, 10B comprises an intermediate gap G between the first outcoupling portion 10A and the second outcoupling portion 10B. The diagram also shows that the two-part lighting arrangement 1 comprises a filler lighting element 13b with a filler outcoupling surface 10G arranged between the first lighting element 11 and the second lighting element 12. The filler lighting element 13 is realized to emit light L_GAP into the intermediate gap G between the first outcoupling portion 10A and the second outcoupling portion 10B so that an essentially uninterrupted common outcoupling surface 10A, 10G, 10B is achieved. In this exemplary embodiment, light L_A emitted through the first outcoupling surface 10A originates from light sources 110 arranged in some way relative to the first lighting element 11; light L_B emitted through the second outcoupling surface 10B originates from light sources 112 arranged in some way relative to the second lighting element 12, and light L_GAP emitted through the filler outcoupling surface 10G originates from light sources 130 arranged on a surface 111 of the first lighting element 11. For example, the surface 111 might comprise a ridge 111 or a "step" 111 of a transition between a body portion of a vehicle and a trunk portion of the vehicle. A strip of LEDs 130 or other suitable light sources 130 can be mounted onto such a step 111 such that they emit light L_GAP into the intermediate gap G between the first and second lighting elements 11, 12. The filler outcoupling surface 10G is recessed "inward" or "behind" the outcoupling surface 10A, 10B by a depth do, which can be in the region of 50 mm.

Opposing faces 112, 212 of the lighting elements 11, 12 - i.e. the surfaces 112, 212 that face each other across the gap G - can be mirrored or coated with a suitable reflective coating to enhance the effect of the filler lighting element 13 a.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement 1 according to the invention. Here, the lighting elements 11, 12 comprise light guides 1 1, 12 shaped to re-direct the light originating from LEDs 110, 120 into the outcou ling surfaces 10A, 10B, 10G, as indicated by the exemplary arrows representing light rays contributing to the light L_A, L_B, L_GAP at the outcoupling surfaces 10A, 10B. A controller 4 can be realized to drive the light sources 110, 120 in an appropriate manner. The first lighting element 11 is shaped to primarily redirect the light from its LEDs 110 into the first outcoupling surface 10A, but also to redirect some of the light into a filler outcoupling surface 10G. In this way, the gap G can be "filled" without having to use any additional light sources.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a two-part lighting arrangement 1 according to the invention. Again, the lighting elements 11, 12 comprise light guides 11, 12 shaped to re-direct the light originating from LEDs 110, 120 into the outcoupling surfaces 10A, 10B as described above. In the preceding drawings, the opposing faces of the lighting elements 11, 12 across the gap G were essentially perpendicular to the outcoupling surface 10A, 10B. However, in this embodiment, the opposing faces 112, 212 of the light guides 11, 12 are sloped and separated by a gap G. The second light guide 12 is realized so that a portion of the light from its light sources 120 exits at its sloped opposing face 212. The corresponding opposing face 112 of the first light guide 11 is coated with a reflective material so that the light exiting the sloped face 212 of the second light guide 12 is redirected into the gap G and outward between the outcoupling surfaces 10A, 10B. In this embodiment also, a uniform and uninterrupted outcoupling surface 10A, 10B, 10G can be achieved without having to use any additional light sources.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a rear lighting assembly 2 according to the invention. The diagram shows the rear lighting assembly 2 as a two-part lighting arrangement with a number of first lighting elements 11, each separated by a gap G from a corresponding number of second lighting elements 12. The first lighting elements 11 are arranged in the body part of a vehicle 3, and the second lighting elements 12 are incorporated in the trunk part 32 of the vehicle 3. The outcoupling surfaces 10A of the first lighting elements 11 appear to continue into the outcoupling surfaces 10B of the second lighting elements 12, and this illusion is reinforced during operation of the rear lighting assembly 2 when light L_GAP is emitted into the intermediate gap G by filler lighting elements 13a, 13b, realized for example as one of the embodiments described above.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the rear lighting assembly 2 of Fig. 3 during operation. A gap G separates the trunk 32 and body 31 of a vehicle 3. Between the two parts 11, 12 of the rear light assembly 2, the gap G is "filled" by light L_GAP originating from the filler lighting element 13a, 13b described above, even if the gap is quite wide. The light outcou ling surfaces 10A, 10B, 10G appear to give an uninterrupted outcoupling surface. In this way, distinct functional zones Z_rear, b_rake of the rear light assembly 2 are not interrupted or "split", and their meaning or function is immediately apparent to an observer behind this vehicle 3.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a prior art rear lighting assembly 50 during operation. Here, the gap G between trunk 32 and body 31 of a vehicle 3 appears as a noticeable "dark gap" 57 or dark strip 57 between the structurally separate parts 51, 52 of the lighting assembly 50. Any functional zones of such a prior art rear light assembly 50 are interrupted or "broken" and may be perceived as discontinuous or separate functional zones. The reason for this is shown in Fig. 7, which shows a schematic representation of the prior art rear lighting assembly 50. Here, the prior art rear lighting assembly 50 comprises a first lighting element 51 with a first outcoupling portion 50A and a second lighting element 52 with a second outcoupling portion 50B. Light sources 510, 520 of the lighting elements 51, 52 can only emit light L_A, L_B through the outcoupling surfaces 50A, 50B. The outcoupling surface 50B of the second lighting element 52 is spatially separate from the outcoupling surface 50A of the first lighting element 51 because of the structurally necessary intermediate gap G between the vehicle parts 31, 32 containing the first and second lighting elements 51, 52. During operation, as described with the aid of Fig. 6, this gap G remains dark and in shadow. For this reason, prior art two-part rear-lights must be designed to keep the width WG of the gap as small as possible, whereas, in the two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention, the gap width WG between first and second lighting elements 11, 12 can be quite generous.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the two-part lighting arrangement with filler lighting element can be used in any suitable design that includes two-part realizations of lighting assemblies, and is not limited to exterior lighting or to automotive rear lighting. For example, some interior lighting solutions might call for a two-part realization with a uniform and uninterrupted light outcoupling surface, and a suitable realization of the two-part lighting arrangement according to the invention may be used in such a case.

For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an" throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS :

1 two-part lighting arrangement

11, 12 lighting element

110, 120, 130 light sources

1 1 1 step

112, 212 opposing surface

113 reflective coating

13a, 13b filler lighting element

2 rear light assembly

3 vehicle

31 body part

32 trunk part

4 controller

50 prior art lighting assembly 51, 52 lighting element

5 OA, 50B outcoupling portion

57 dark gap

510, 520 light sources

10A, 10B, 10G outcoupling portion

G gap

W_G gap width

do gap depth

L_A, L_B, L_GAP light

Zrear , Zbrake functional ZOneS

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A two-part lighting arrangement (1) comprising:

a first lighting element (11) with a first outcoupling portion (10A) of a common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B);

a second lighting element (12) with a second outcoupling portion (10B) of the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B), wherein the second lighting element (12) is spatially separate from the first lighting element (11) such that the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B) comprises an intermediate gap (G) between the first outcoupling portion (10A) and the second outcoupling portion (10B); and

a filler lighting element (13a, 13b) with a filler outcoupling surface (10G) arranged between the first lighting element (11) and the second lighting element (12), which filler lighting element (13) is realized to emit light (L_GAP) into the intermediate gap (G) between the first lighting element (11) and the second lighting element (12) to give an essentially uninterrupted common outcoupling surface (10A, 10G, 10B),

wherein a lighting element (11, 12, 13a) comprises a light guide (11, 12, 13a) realized to guide the light from a light source (110, 120) into the outcoupling portion (10A, 10B, 10G).

2. A two-part lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the filler outcoupling surface (10G) is recessed relative to the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B).

3. A two-part lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a lighting element (11, 12, 13a, 13b) comprises a number of light sources (110, 120, 130) arranged to emit light (L_A, L_B, L_GAP) into its outcoupling portion (10A, 10B, 10G).

4. A two-part lighting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filler outcoupling surface (10G) comprises an area at least as large as the width (WG_AP) of the intermediate gap (G).

5. A two-part lighting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the filler lighting element (13a) comprises a portion of the first lighting element (11), and wherein the filler lighting element (13a) and the first lighting element (11) share a common light source (110).

6. A two-part lighting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a light source (130) of the filler lighting element (13b) is mounted on an outer face (111) of the first lighting element (11), which outer face (111) comprises a bounding surface (111) of the intermediate gap (G).

7. A two-part lighting arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate gap (G) comprises a separation width (WGAP) in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

8. Rear light assembly (2) of an automotive vehicle (3), comprising a two-part lighting arrangement (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. Rear light assembly according to claim 8, wherein first lighting element (11) is arranged in a body portion (31) of the vehicle (3) and the second lighting element (12) is arranged in a trunk portion (32) of the vehicle (3).

10. Rear light assembly according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate gap (G) of the two-part lighting arrangement (1) is dimensioned to allow free motion of the trunk portion (32) relative to the body portion (31).

11. Rear light assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the two-part lighting arrangement (1) comprises a plurality of first lighting elements (11) and/or a plurality of second lighting elements (12).

12. Rear light assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the common outcoupling surface (10A, 10B, 10G) comprises a rear light zone (Z_rear) and a brake light

ZOne (Zbrake).

13. Rear light assembly according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising a lighting controller (4) for controlling light sources (110, 120, 130) of the lighting elements (11, 12, 13a, 13b) of the two-part lighting arrangement (1).

14. An automotive vehicle (3) comprising at least one rear light assembly (2) according to any of claims 9 to 13.