Illuminating device

A lighting device for use in an automotive vehicle comprising:

• a generally planar support plate;
• a generally planar transparent cover layer;
• an electroluminescent layer assembly secured and sandwiched between said support plate and said cover layer, said electroluminescent layer assembly having a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer, an electroluminescent luminous layer and a transparent second electrode layer;
• a printed circuit board fixedly secured to said support plate opposite said electroluminescent layer assembly and including electronic components to define an electronic control unit thereby forming a compact layered structural lighting unit;
• a frame element for receiving and supporting each of said cover layer, electroluminescent layer assembly, support plate and printed circuit board, said frame element including opposing side walls and a rear wall for covering and protecting said printed circuit board and electronic control unit;
• and
• at least one spring element compressed between said frame element and said printed circuit board for damping said printed circuit board and said electroluminescent layer assembly.