Ground lighting module for motor vehicles for generating a ground light distribution

Abstract

Ground lighting module (1) for a motor vehicle for generating a ground light distribution (2a), comprising a lighting device (2) for generating a ground light distribution (2a), a lighting device carrier (3), a fixing device (4) for fixing the ground lighting module (1) at the motor vehicle, an adapter element (5) which is designed to enable an adjustment of the ground light distribution (2a) about a first axis (z) and a second axis (x), wherein the adapter element (5) has a receiving opening (6), wherein the fixing device (4) has a receiving section (7) which is configured complementarily to the receiving opening, wherein the receiving opening (6) has a tooth (10) extending radially to the first axis (z) along its circumference, wherein the tooth (10) is designed and designed to interact with a counter element (11), wherein the counter element (11) can be brought into engagement with the tooth (10) in such a way that a rotational movement about the first axis (z) which can be carried out by the counter element (11) can cause a rotational movement of the adapter element (5) relative to the fixing element (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a ground illumination module for a motor vehicle for generating a ground light distribution with which an Untergrund laterally and / or underneath the motor vehicle at which the ground illumination module is fixed is illuminable, wherein the ground illumination module is set up to adjust the ground light distribution about a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis, wherein the ground illumination module is fixable at the motor vehicle, wherein the ground illumination module comprises:

[0002] - a lighting device for generating the ground light distribution,

[0003] - a lighting device carrier at which the lighting device is fixed,

[0004] - a fixing device for fixing the ground illumination module at the motor vehicle,

[0005] - an adapter element set up to enable an adjustment of the ground light distribution about the first axis and the second axis, wherein the adapter element is rotatably supported about the first axis at the fixing device, wherein the lighting device carrier is fixed at the adapter element in such a way that a rotational movement of the adapter element about the first axis prompts a rotation of the lighting device carrier about the first axis, and wherein the lighting device carrier is rotatably supported about the second axis at the adapter element.

[0006] The invention furthermore relates to a system comprising at least two ground illumination modules.

[0007] The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one ground illumination module or a system comprising at least two ground illumination modules. BACKGROUND

[0008] Adjustable ground illumination modules are known in the prior art. The ground illumination modules usually generate a ground light distribution or a light image which illuminates an Untergrund laterally of the motor vehicle at which the ground illumination module is fixed. The adjustment or adjustment of the ground light distribution relative to the motor vehicle is in the prior art in most cases achieved via an electric motor which swings a light source of the ground illumination module generating the ground light distribution within a housing of the ground illumination module. The adjustment structures known in the prior art are however often error-prone or expensive to manufacture. SUMMARY

[0009] It is the task of the invention to alleviate or overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, the invention therefore especially aims to create a ground illumination module with an improved adjustment mechanism.

[0010] This task is solved by the ground illumination module with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the application, the adapter element has a circular receiving opening, wherein the securing device has a receiving section which is configured complementarily to the receiving opening, wherein the securing device is received in the receiving opening via the receiving section,

[0012] wherein the receiving opening has a retaining section and the securing device has a counter section which corresponds to the retaining section, wherein the retaining section and the counter section are configured so mutually that in a receiving state in which the receiving section of the securing device is received in the receiving opening of the adapter element, the retaining section engages with the counter section so that the adapter element is blocked against movement along the first axis of rotation,

[0013] wherein the circular receiving opening has at least sectionally along its circumference a tooth which extends radially to the first axis, wherein the tooth is designed and arranged so as to interact with the counter element, wherein the counter element can be brought into engagement with the tooth so that a rotational movement which can be effected by the counter element about the first axis can cause a rotational movement of the adapter element relative to the securing element.

[0014] It is thereby achieved that the adjustment of the ground light distribution about the first and second axis can be carried out particularly simply. By the adjustment or swivelling of the lighting means carrier about the first and second axis, the ground light distribution can be adjusted or swivelled relative to the position at which the motor vehicle at which the ground lighting module can be secured. The receiving opening of the adapter element and the receiving section of the securing device are connected to one another in particular via a Drahkranz-Verbindung, or the transmission of the rotational movement of the counter element onto the adapter element can be carried out via a Drahkranz-Verbindung. It is thereby achieved that the rotation of the adapter element relative to the securing device can be carried out particularly simply and well controllable. The ground lighting module can in particular be secured at the underside of the motor vehicle.

[0015] It can be provided that the rotational movement which can be effected by the counter element can cause a balanced rotational movement of the adapter element relative to the securing element.

[0016] It can be provided that the adapter element has at least one lighting means carrier holding region, wherein the lighting means carrier holding region has a first holding leg and a second holding leg, wherein the lighting means carrier is held in a holding state between the first holding leg and the second holding leg so that the lighting means carrier is blocked against movement along the second axis, wherein in the holding state the lighting means carrier engages with the first holding leg and the second holding leg so that the lighting means carrier is rotatable about the second axis. The first holding leg and the second holding leg are preferably arranged at a peripheral region about the receiving opening. Preferably, the two holding legs are arranged opposite one another at the receiving opening. The adapter element can have a base plate which has the receiving opening, wherein the two holding legs extend away from the base plate essentially parallel to the first axis.

[0017] It can be provided that the first holding leg and the second holding leg extend essentially along the first axis away from the holding section of the adapter element.

[0018] It can be provided that the first holding leg has a first holding opening and the second holding leg has a second holding opening, wherein the lighting device carrier has a first holding protrusion and a second holding protrusion, wherein in the holding state the first holding protrusion is accommodated form-fittingly in the first holding opening and the second holding protrusion is accommodated form-fittingly in the second holding opening in such a way that the lighting device carrier is rotatable about the second axis between the two holding legs. A change in the position of the holding protrusions within the holding openings can cause a rotation of the lighting device carrier about the second axis. Preferably, the first holding opening and the second holding opening are designed as circular segment-shaped long holes. The first holding opening and the second holding opening are preferably designed in the same type. The first holding protrusion and the second holding protrusion are preferably designed in the same type. The first holding protrusion and the second holding protrusion correspond in particular to the design of the first and second holding opening.

[0019] It can be provided that the fixing element has an adjustment opening via which a counterpart element can produce an engagement with a tooth radially extending from the peripheral side of the accommodation opening for indicating a rotational movement towards the adapter element. The counterpart element can be, for example, a screwdriver.

[0020] It can be provided that the first axis and the second axis are essentially oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0021] It can be provided that in a state in which the ground lighting module is mounted at a motor vehicle the first axis is essentially oriented vertically and the second axis is essentially oriented horizontally.

[0022] It can be provided that the adapter element has a first fixing means which is set up to fix a first angle of rotation about which the adapter element can be rotated relative to the fixing device.

[0023] It can be provided that the adapter element has a second fixing means which is set up to fix a second angle of rotation about which the lighting device carrier can be rotated relative to the adapter element.

[0024] It can be provided that the rotational movement about the first axis which can be carried out by the counterpart element for indicating a balanced rotational movement towards the adapter element can be carried out manually. The rotational movement of the counterpart element can be carried out manually, in particular without mechanical or electrical drive means.

[0025] It can be provided that the fixing device has a latching element which is set up to fix the ground lighting module at the motor vehicle via a latching connection.

[0026] It can be provided that the latching element has at least one latching nose, preferably a plurality of latching noses, which extends away from the receiving section of the fixing device substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0027] It can be provided that a system is provided which comprises at least two ground lighting modules, wherein a first ground lighting module is designed for generating a first ground light distribution and a second ground lighting module is designed for generating a second ground light distribution, wherein preferably the first ground light distribution and the second ground light distribution are designed differently.

[0028] It can be provided that a motor vehicle is provided which comprises at least one ground lighting module or system. The ground lighting module is in particular fixed at the underside of the motor vehicle.

[0029] In the context of the present description, the concepts "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical" are to be understood as a description of the orientation when the ground lighting module is arranged in the normal position of use, after it has been fixed at the motor vehicle, in particular at the underside of the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The application is further explained below on the basis of preferred embodiments, however the application is not to be limited to this preferred embodiment. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A ground lighting module according to the application is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An exploded view of a ground lighting module according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A detail view of a ground lighting module according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A detail view of a lighting means carrier is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A view of the adjustment process of a ground lighting module according to Figure 1 is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 A motor vehicle with three ground lighting modules is shown; and

[0037] Figure 7 A motor vehicle with a ground light distribution sideways is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 A ground lighting module 1 for a motor vehicle 17 for generating a ground light distribution 2a is shown with which the ground underneath the motor vehicle 17 sideways and / or below is illuminable. Figure 2An exploded view of a ground illumination module 1 is shown. The ground illumination module 1 is set up to adjust a ground light distribution 2a about a first axis z and a second axis x different from the first axis z. The ground illumination module 1 is fixable at a motor vehicle 17. The ground illumination module 1 comprises illumination means 2 for generating the ground light distribution 2a. In the shown embodiment, the ground illumination module 1 has four illumination means 2 which are arranged side by side. The illumination means 2 can comprise a light source and a projection device associated with the light source, wherein the projection device can project light generatable by the light source as the ground light distribution 2a, for example, onto a Fahrbahnuntergrund. The ground illumination module 1 additionally comprises an illumination means carrier 3 at which the illumination means 2 and a fixing device 4 for fixing the ground illumination module 1 at the motor vehicle 17 are fixed. The ground illumination module 1 furthermore has an adapter element 5 which is set up to enable an adjustment of the ground light distribution 2a about the first axis z and the second axis x. The adapter element 5 is rotatably supported at the fixing device 4 about the first axis z. The illumination means carrier 3 is fixed at the adapter element 5 in such a way that a rotational movement of the adapter element 5 about the first axis z causes a rotation of the illumination means carrier 3 about the first axis z. The illumination means carrier 3 is in turn rotatably supported at the adapter element 5 about the second axis x. The first axis z and the second axis x are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. In a state in which the ground illumination module 1 is mounted at the motor vehicle 17, the first axis z can be, for example, a vertical axis and the second axis x can be a horizontal axis. The first axis z can be a vertically extending z-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. The second axis x can be a horizontally extending x-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system which is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 17 in a state in which the ground illumination module 1 is mounted at the motor vehicle 17.

[0039] The adapter element 5 has a circular receiving opening 6, wherein the fixing device 4 has a receiving section 7 which is complementarily configured to the receiving opening 6. The fixing device 4 is received in the receiving opening 6 via the receiving section 7.

[0040] The fixing device 4 has a latching element 15 which is set up to fix the ground illumination module 1 at the motor vehicle 17 via a latching connection. In the shown embodiment, the latching element has a plurality of circular, arranged next to each other, latching noses 15a which extend away from the receiving section 7 of the fixing device 4 substantially parallel to the first axis z.

[0041] The receiving opening 6 has a retaining section 8 and the fixing device 4 has a counter section 9 which corresponds to the retaining section 8. The retaining section 8 and the counter section 9 are configured to each other in such a way that in a receiving state in which the receiving section 7 of the fixing device 4 is received in the receiving opening 6 of the adapter element 5 the retaining section 8 engages with the counter section 9 in such a way that the adapter element 5 is blocked with respect to a movement along the first rotational axis z.

[0042] The adapter element 5 has at least one lighting device carrier holding region, wherein the lighting device carrier holding region comprises a first holding leg 12 and a second holding leg 13. The lighting device carrier 3 is held in the holding state between the first holding leg 12 and the second holding leg 13 in such a way that the lighting device carrier 3 is blocked against movement along the second axis x. In the holding state, the lighting device carrier 3 engages with the first holding leg 12 and the second holding leg 13 in such a way that the lighting device carrier 3 is rotatable about the second axis x. The first holding leg 12 and the second holding leg 13 extend away from the holding section 8 of the adapter element 5 essentially along the first axis z.

[0043] The first holding leg 12 has a first holding opening 12a and the second holding leg 13 has a second holding opening 13a, wherein the lighting device carrier 3 has a first holding protrusion 3a and a second holding protrusion 3b. In the holding state, the first holding protrusion 3a is accommodated in the first holding opening 12a and the second holding protrusion 3b is accommodated in the second holding opening 13a in such a way that the lighting device carrier 3 is rotatable about the second axis x between the two holding legs 12, 13. The first holding opening 12a and the second holding opening 13a are configured as long holes which extend in a curved or circular section-like manner.

[0044] As can be seen in Figure 3 the circular accommodating opening 6 has at least sectionally along its circumference radially to the first axis z extending teeth 10. The teeth 10 are designed and arranged to interact with the counter element 11. The counter element 11 can engage with the teeth 10 in such a way that a rotational movement which can be carried out by the counter element 11 about the first axis z can cause a rotational movement of the adapter element 5 relative to the fixing device 4. The rotational movement which can be carried out by the counter element 11 can for example cause a balanced rotational movement of the adapter element 5 relative to the fixing device 4. The fixing device 4 has an adjustment opening 14 via which the counter element can engage with the radially extending teeth 10 of the circumference side of the accommodating opening 6 for indicating a rotational movement towards the adapter element 5. The rotational movement which can be carried out by the counter element 11 about the first axis z for indicating a balanced rotational movement towards the adapter element 5 can in particular be carried out manually.

[0045] The adapter element 5 preferably has first fixing means (not shown) which are arranged to fix a first rotational angle at which the adapter element 5 can be rotated relative to the fixing device 4. The adapter element 5 preferably has second fixing means (not shown) which are arranged to fix a second rotational angle at which the lighting device carrier 3 can be rotated relative to the adapter element 5.

[0046] Figure 4A detail view of the lighting device carrier 3 is shown. In the shown embodiment, the lighting device carrier 3 is configured as a housing, in which the lighting device 2 is accommodated. The lighting device carrier 3 has one holding projection 3a, 3b each at two oppositely arranged sides. Each holding projection 3a, 3b is designed in a circular segment-like manner. At the inner side of the circular segment-like holding projection 3a, 3b, a groove structure 16 is configured, which can engage with a corresponding engagement element at the holding opening 12a, 12b of the holding leg 12, 13 in order to fix the rotational angle of the lighting device carrier 3 relative to the holding leg 12, 13.

[0047] Figure 5 A paired element 11 is shown in a state in which it is accommodated in the adjustment opening 14 of the fixing device 4. A rotational movement that can be carried out by the paired element 11 causes a balanced rotational movement of the adapter element 5 relative to the fixing device 4. The paired element 11 engages with the radially extending teeth 10 of the peripheral side of the accommodation opening 6 in order to transmit the rotational movement to the adapter element 5. The rotational movement that can be carried out by the paired element 11 around the first axis z can be carried out in particular manually. The paired element 11 is a screwdriver in the shown embodiment.

[0048] Figure 6 A motor vehicle 17 is shown, at the lower bottom of which three ground lighting modules 1 are fixed. Also more or less ground lighting modules 1 can be installed at the motor vehicle 17. Each ground lighting module 1 can generate one or more ground light distributions 2a, which can be adjusted or swung relative to the motor vehicle 17 via the above-described mechanism.

[0049] Figure 7 A motor vehicle 17 is shown with three ground lighting modules 1, each of which radiates a different ground light distribution 2a laterally to the ground next to the vehicle 17. Via the adapter elements 5 of the ground lighting modules 1, the three ground light distributions 2a can be adjusted relative to one another.

Claims

1. A ground lighting module (1) for a motor vehicle for generating a ground light distribution (2a), wherein its foundation on the side and / or below the motor vehicle is illuminateable, wherein the ground lighting module (1) is configured to adjust the ground light distribution (2a) about a first axis (z) and a second axis (x) different from the first axis, wherein the ground lighting module (1) can be fixed at the motor vehicle, wherein the ground lighting module (1) comprises the following: - Illumination device (2), used to generate the ground light distribution (2a), - A lighting device carrier (3) on which the lighting device is fixed. - Fixing device (4) for fixing the ground lighting module (1) to the vehicle. - An adapter element (5) configured to enable adjustment of the ground light distribution (2a) around the first axis (z) and the second axis (x), wherein the adapter element (5) is rotatably supported around the first axis (z) at the fixing device (4), wherein the lighting device carrier (3) is fixed at the adapter element (5) such that rotational movement of the adapter element (5) around the first axis (z) causes rotation of the lighting device carrier (3) around the first axis (z), and wherein the lighting device carrier (3) is rotatably supported around the second axis (x) at the adapter element (5). Its features are, The adapter element (5) has a circular receiving opening (6), wherein the fixing device (4) has a receiving section (7) constructed complementary to the receiving opening, wherein the fixing device (4) is received in the receiving opening (6) via the receiving section (7). The receiving opening (6) has a retaining section (8) and the fixing device (4) has a mating section (9) corresponding to the retaining section (8), wherein the retaining section (8) and the mating section (9) are configured to engage with each other in such a receiving state in which the receiving section (7) of the fixing device (4) is received in the receiving opening (6) of the adapter element (5) that the retaining section (8) and the mating section (9) are engaged such that the adapter element (5) is stopped relative to movement along the first axis (z). The circular receiving opening (6) has at least partially sections along its periphery teeth (10) extending radially to the first axis (z), wherein the teeth (10) are designed and configured to work in conjunction with a mating element (11), wherein the mating element (11) can engage with the teeth (10) such that rotational movement about the first axis (z) performed by the mating element (11) can cause rotational movement of the adapter element (5) relative to the fixing device (4).

2. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The rotational movement that can be performed by the mating element (11) can cause a balanced rotational movement of the adapter element (5) relative to the fixing device (4).

3. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter element (5) has at least one lighting device carrier holding area, wherein the lighting device carrier holding area has a first holding leg (12) and a second holding leg (13), wherein the lighting device carrier (3) is held between the first holding leg (12) and the second holding leg (13) in a holding state such that the lighting device carrier (3) is stopped relative to movement along the second axis (x), wherein in the holding state the lighting device carrier (3) engages with the first holding leg (12) and the second holding leg (13) such that the lighting device carrier (3) can rotate about the second axis (x).

4. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first retaining leg (12) and the second retaining leg (13) are extended substantially away from the first axis (z) by the retaining section (8) of the adapter element (5).

5. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first retaining leg (12) has a first retaining opening (12a) and the second retaining leg (13) has a second retaining opening (13a), wherein the lighting device carrier (3) has a first retaining protrusion (3a) and a second retaining protrusion (3b), wherein in the retaining state, the first retaining protrusion (3a) is received in the first retaining opening (12a) and the second retaining protrusion (3b) is received in the second retaining opening (13a) in such a form fit that the lighting device carrier (3) is rotatable about the second axis (x) between the two retaining legs (12, 13).

6. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fixing device (4) has an adjustment opening (14) which, via its mating element (11), can engage with the radially extending teeth (10) of the receiving opening (6) on the periphery side in order to indicate rotational movement toward the adapter element (5).

7. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first axis (z) and the second axis (x) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

8. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the state where the ground lighting module (1) is installed at the vehicle, the first axis (z) is substantially vertical and the second axis (x) is substantially horizontal.

9. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter element (5) has a first fixing device configured to fix a first rotation angle, the adapter element (5) rotating relative to the fixing device (4) at the first rotation angle.

10. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adapter element (5) has a second fixing device configured to fix a second rotation angle, at which the lighting device carrier (3) rotates relative to the adapter element (5).

11. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Rotational movements about the first axis (z) that can be performed by the mating element (11) to indicate a balanced rotational movement toward the adapter element (5) can be performed manually.

12. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fixing device (4) has a locking element (15) configured to fix the ground lighting module (1) to the vehicle via a locking connection.

13. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The locking element (15) has at least one locking nose (15a) which extends substantially parallel to the first axis (z) away from the receiving section (7) of the fixing device (4).

14. The ground lighting module (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The locking element (15) has multiple locking noses.

15. A ground lighting system comprising at least two ground lighting modules (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first ground lighting module (1) is configured to generate a first ground light distribution (2a), and the second ground lighting module (1) is configured to generate a second ground light distribution (2a).

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The first ground light distribution (2a) and the second ground light distribution (2a) are designed differently.

17. A motor vehicle comprising at least one ground lighting module (1) according to any one of claims 1-14 or a ground lighting system according to claim 15.

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