Motor vehicle having body part and light source

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having a body part (3), the outer side (7) of which partially forms the outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1). The light appearance is improved while simplifying the production by forming an outer side (7) from an outer layer (6) of the body part (3), the body part (3) also has an inner layer (9) which runs along the outer layer (6) and guides the light conducted via the light source (10) to the outer layer (6), and the outer layer (6) has an outlet portion (12) for emitting the light guided via the inner layer (9) via the outer side (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a body part and a light source, wherein the body part has a light-conducting region. Background Art

[0002] The use of body parts in motor vehicles is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 107 062 A1, which have a light-conducting region for conducting light from a light source.

[0003] In DE 10 2019 107 062 A1, a body component has a first subregion that forms part of an outer surface of a motor vehicle and is opaque to light. Along the outer surface, the first subregion is followed by a second subregion of the body component. This second subregion is designed as a light guide, so that light coupled into the light guide via a light source is coupled out and output at a coupling-out location spaced apart from the coupling-in location.

[0004] DE 20 2015 001 340 U1 describes a body component for a motor vehicle, which is formed from a plurality of layers placed one above the other in order to allow the body component to be formed in a lightweight and innovative manner.

[0005] DE 10 2021 003 615 A1 shows a body component 1 having an outer layer and a metal-containing inner layer. The body component has light-emitting diodes on the side of the inner layer facing away from the outer layer.

[0006] US 2014 / 0 119 038 A1 discloses a lighting assembly having a component with an opening. The light source of the lighting assembly is arranged directly behind the outer side of the lighting assembly.

[0007] DE 10 2012 003 200 A1 discloses a light-transmitting vehicle body component. The light source is arranged behind the outer coating of the vehicle body component. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a motor vehicle having a body part.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The general concept of the present invention is to form a motor vehicle body component from at least two layers stacked on top of each other, wherein an outer layer of the layers has a light-transmitting portion through which, during operation, light is emitted and reaches the light-transmitting portion in an adjacent inner layer by means of a light source. The outer layer partially forms the outer surface of the motor vehicle, and the outer and inner layers are connected by a surface. The stacked design of the body component not only allows for compact construction, but also reduces tolerances and a seamless design of the motor vehicle's outer surface. Furthermore, the stacked layers are not visible or at least appear less noticeable from the outside, thereby improving the visual appearance of the motor vehicle. In this way, the body component can also be provided as a module or kit and can be installed in a motor vehicle in a simplified manner, thereby simplifying the vehicle's manufacture. Furthermore, the flat, continuous layer path achieves a flat and uniform light appearance / effect during operation, while the light-transmitting portion simultaneously allows for a defined light appearance, particularly a pattern.

[0011] According to the concept of the present invention, a motor vehicle has a body having body parts. Furthermore, the motor vehicle has a light source, such as an LED, laser, or the like. The body part has an outer layer having an outer side, wherein the outer side partially forms the outer surface of the motor vehicle, also referred to as the "skin." The body part also has an inner layer, which is arranged on the side of the outer layer facing away from the outer side. The inner layer has a flat portion that follows the direction of the outer layer and couples out light via this flat portion during operation. This portion is also referred to below as the coupling-out portion. The outer and inner layers are stacked one on top of the other. Here, at least the coupling-out portion of the inner layer is designed as a light guide for light from the light source, so that the inner layer, using the coupling-out portion, guides light coupled into the inner layer from the light source along the direction of the outer layer. The outer layer has at least two light-transmissive portions spaced apart from each other in the region of the coupling-out portion, so that during operation, light guided by the coupling-out portion is emitted from the outer side via the corresponding portions. These portions are also referred to below as exit portions / light-emitting portions.

[0012] As described above, the inner layer and the outer layer are stacked on each other. That is, the vehicle body component is a component composed of at least two layers stacked on each other, that is, a multi-layer component.

[0013] Advantageously, the inner layer and the outer layer are joined to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the outcoupling portion of the inner layer is in contact with the outer layer, which on the one hand allows light to be coupled out of the outcoupling portion in an improved manner and on the other hand makes the design more compact.

[0015] Advantageously, the outer layer is light-impermeable outside the outlet portion, or at least more light-impermeable than in the outlet portion.

[0016] The arrangement of the outlet portions spaced apart from each other allows the light to be emitted from the outside and thus from the outer surface of the vehicle body at corresponding distances from each other. In particular, this allows a spatial impression of the light appearance to be generated.

[0017] As explained above, the inner layer is a light guide at least in the outcoupling section. In particular, it is conceivable to design the inner layer entirely as a light guide.

[0018] Advantageously, the light of the light source is coupled into the inner layer via a portion of the inner layer, which is also referred to below as the coupling-in portion. The coupling-in portion is advantageously different from the coupling-out portion, in particular adjacent to the coupling-out portion.

[0019] In principle, the corresponding outlet section can have any desired shape.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer has at least two such outlet portions spaced apart from one another, each of which forms a graphic pattern. This means that during operation, light is emitted from the corresponding outlet portion in the form of a graphic pattern. This further improves the light appearance. In particular, it allows for a personalized light appearance for the motor vehicle.

[0021] In particular, it is conceivable here that the outlet sections each form the same graphic pattern, for example a factory logo.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the outer layer has the color of the outer surface of the motor vehicle. This means that the outer side of the outer layer has the same color as the rest of the outer surface, or at least as adjacent areas of the outer surface. Thus, in the unilluminated state, i.e., when the light source is not operating, the body component is essentially indistinguishable from the rest of the vehicle body from the outside. A possible exception is the exit section.

[0023] Preferably, the outlet section does not have this color, that is, the recess having this color is advantageously designed as such a recess. In other words, the corresponding outlet section has such an associated recess, and preferably, the outlet section is such an associated recess. In addition to a defined light appearance during operation, this also ensures that the outlet section, and thus any pattern formed by the outlet section, remains recognizable even in the unlit state. In short, in addition to the improved light appearance described above, this also improves the light appearance in the unlit state.

[0024] Improved light coupling out of the coupling-out portion can be achieved by the inner layer having, in the coupling-out portion, an associated thickening for at least one outlet portion, preferably for the respective outlet portion, facing the outlet portion, so that the coupled-in light is coupled out via the thickening.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one thickened portion and the associated outlet portion preferably have identical shapes and overlap with each other. The mutual adaptation of the shapes of the respective outlet portion and thickened portion enables correspondingly adapted light outcoupling that is limited locally to the outcoupling portion. As a result, light is emitted from the outcoupling portion in a locally restricted manner. This achieves a defined light output with high contrast.

[0026] In particular, at least one of the thickened portions, advantageously the respective thickened portion, forms the same pattern as the associated outlet portion.

[0027] Advantageously, the body component has a further layer, also referred to below as a backing layer, on the side of the inner layer facing away from the outer layer. The backing layer at least follows the path of the outcoupling portion and reflects the light from the light source, and thus the light conducted by the outcoupling portion, at least on the side facing the outcoupling portion. This achieves an improved light appearance with increased intensity during operation.

[0028] The inner layer and the backing layer are preferably superposed on each other, preferably joined to each other.

[0029] Advantageously, the backing layer is attached to the inner layer on its side (in particular the outcoupling portion) facing away from the outer layer, thereby further defining the light guidance and thus the light appearance during operation.

[0030] In addition to the inner layer, the body part can have at least one further component for guiding light so as to exit via the outer layer.

[0031] According to the present invention, such a component is designed as a strip, which is arranged adjacent to the outcoupling portion and extends elongated along the outer layer. The strip is designed as a light guide for the light from the light source, so that the strip conducts light coupled into the strip, in particular, light from the light source coupled into the strip, along the outer layer in an elongated manner. The outer layer has a portion extending along the strip that is light-transmissive and, to distinguish it from the outlet portion, will be referred to as the transparent portion below. That is, the transparent portion also extends elongated like the strip. Therefore, during operation, the light guided by the strip is emitted elongatedly from the outside via the transparent portion.

[0032] For example, the strip or the transparent portion can be used to implement a brake light function for a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the color of the light coupled into the strip is red and / or the transparent portion is red and / or the strip is red.

[0033] In principle, separate light sources can be provided for the inner layer and the strips.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, light from the light source is coupled both into the inner layer and into the strip.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling portion of the inner layer is adjacent to the coupling portion and extends along the strip. Here, the light source is arranged between the strip and the coupling portion, so that when in operation, the light source couples light into the strip and into the inner layer via the coupling portion.

[0036] In operation, the light source can generate and output light of any type and / or any color, ie in particular couple light into the inner layer and, where appropriate, also into the strips.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the light source generates white light during operation. This results in an increased luminous intensity and thus a correspondingly sharper light appearance.

[0038] In principle, the outer layer and the inner layer, in particular the outcoupling part, can have a flat and planar course.

[0039] The coupling portion and the outer layer can have a curvature and / or a bending direction in the region of the coupling portion equally. This means that the body component can also be used in a corresponding region with a curvature or a bending direction of a motor vehicle.

[0040] In particular, it is conceivable that the body part is arranged in the region of the vehicle tail of the motor vehicle. Here, the body part can for example at least partially form the trunk lid of the motor vehicle.

[0041] The strip can be made of plastic or glass and can in particular be designed as a plastic profile or a glass profile.

[0042] The inner layer can be made of plastic or glass, and can particularly be designed as a plate. That is to say, the inner layer can be a plastic plate or a glass plate.

[0043] The outer layer can be made of plastic or glass. In particular, the outer layer can be designed as a film. That is, the outer layer can be a plastic film or a glass film.

[0044] It is understood that a motor vehicle can also have two or more such body parts, which can be identical or different, ie in particular can have the same shape or different shapes.

[0045] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the description of the associated figures based on the drawings.

[0046] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0048] Here,

[0049] Figure 1 schematically shows a cutaway isometric view of a motor vehicle in the region of a body part,

[0050] Figure 2 Schematically showing an exploded isometric view of the vehicle body components,

[0051] Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of a motor vehicle in the region of a body part in the unilluminated state,

[0052] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the lighting state Figure 3 view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a motor vehicle 1 has a body 2 . The body 2 has a body part 3 which, in the embodiment shown, is arranged purely by way of example in the region of a vehicle rear end 4 and which, purely by way of example, may partially form a trunk lid 5 .

[0054] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the body part 3 has an outer layer 6 with an outer side 7. Here, the outer side 7 partially forms the outer surface 8 or skin 8 of the motor vehicle 1. In addition, the body part 2 has an inner layer 9, which is arranged on the side of the outer layer 6 facing away from the outer side 7. The inner layer 9 serves in particular to guide light, which is emitted during operation by a light source 10 (see FIG. Figure 2) is generated and coupled into the inner layer 9. The inner layer 9 has a portion 11 for coupling out the coupled-in light 9. This portion 11 is also referred to as the coupling-out portion 11 hereinafter. Here, the coupled-out light is emitted from the body part 2 via the outer layer 6. The coupling-out portion 11 is designed to be flat and extends along the outer layer 6. In the embodiment shown, the outer layer 6 and the coupling-out portion 11 have a curved and angled course to form the course of the body 2 (in this case, the rear end 4 of the vehicle, in particular the trunk lid 5). The outer layer 6 and the inner layer 9 are superimposed on each other. In the embodiment shown, the coupling-out portion 11 and the outer layer 6 are superimposed on each other. Here, the coupling-out portion 11 is in contact with the outer layer 6. At least the coupling-out portion 11, preferably the entire inner layer 9, is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source 10, so that the inner layer 9 uses the coupling-out portion 11 to guide the light of the light source 10 coupled into the inner layer 9 along the course of the outer layer 6. For the output / emission of light, the outer layer 6 has at least two spaced-apart portions 12 which are respectively light-transmissive and are also referred to below as exit portions 12. In operation, i.e. when the light source 10 couples light into the inner layer 9, the light guided from the inner layer 9 via the outcoupling portions 11 is emitted from the outer side 7 and thus from the outer surface 8 via the respective exit portions 12 and is therefore visible from the outside. Figure 3 The vehicle body part 3 is shown in its unilluminated state, Figure 4 Shows the lighting status.

[0055] from Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment, the outcoupling section 11 has an associated thickened portion 13 for the corresponding outlet section 12 and directed toward the outlet section 12, so that light is coupled out via the thickened portion 13 toward the corresponding outlet section 12. The respective thickened portion 13 and the corresponding outlet section 12 have the same shape and overlap with each other. This results in outcoupling only to the outlet section 12, resulting in a defined light pattern or light appearance with higher contrast.

[0056] Especially from Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, in the embodiment shown, the corresponding outlet portions 12 form a graphic pattern. The outlet portions 12, and therefore the pattern, are regularly arranged on the outer side 7. In the embodiment shown, the corresponding thickenings 13 are also formed in such a pattern. In the embodiment shown, the corresponding pattern corresponds purely by way of example to the factory logo.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the outer side 7 of the outer layer 6 is the same color as the adjacent area of ​​the outer surface 8 of the motor vehicle 1, in particular also the same color as the rest of the outer surface 8. The corresponding outlet portion 12 does not have this color, that is, it is designed as a recess 14 of this color. The overall result of this is that Figure 3In the illustrated unilluminated state, the body part 3 cannot be distinguished from the adjacent area of ​​the outer surface 8, or at least cannot be clearly distinguished, wherein only the outlet portion 12 is visible as a recess 14 of this color. This means that even in the unilluminated state, the pattern formed by the outlet portion 12 or in the recess 14 is visible. In order to distinguish between the unilluminated state and the illuminated state, Figure 3 In FIG, the outlet section 12 and thus the recess 14 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0058] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the body component 3 has a backing layer 15 on the side of the inner layer 9 facing away from the outer layer 6. The backing layer 15 follows the path of the outcoupling portion 11. The backing layer 15, the inner layer 9, and the outer layer 6 are stacked one on top of the other and, in the illustrated embodiment, are also joined to one another. Therefore, the backing layer 15 is light-reflective, i.e., it reflects light, at least on the side facing the outcoupling portion 11.

[0059] Especially from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can also be seen in FIG, the body part 3 can have a strip 16, which is arranged adjacent to the outcoupling portion 11 and extends elongated along the outer layer 6. The strip 16 is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source 10, so that the strip 16 guides the light of the light source 10 coupled into the strip elongated along the outer layer 6. The outer layer 6 has a portion 17 transparent to light for the strip 16, which is also referred to as the transparent portion 17 below. The transparent portion 17 extends along the strip 16, so that Figure 4 As shown, in operation, the light conducted by the strip 16 is emitted outwardly from the outer side 6 via the transparent portion 17. Figure 2 As shown, in the embodiment shown, the transparent part 17 is designed as a recess 14 of this color. The light emitted by the transparent part 17 can be used as a brake light. The corresponding content also applies to the light emitted via the outlet part 12.

[0060] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner layer 9 has a coupling-in portion 18 adjacent to the coupling-out portion 11. The coupling-in portion 18 extends along the strip 16 and is spaced apart from it. The light source 10 is arranged between the strip 16 and the coupling-in portion 18, so that, during operation, the light source 10 couples light into the strip 16 and, via the coupling-in portion 18, into the inner layer 9. The strip 16 and the coupling-in portion 18 can overlap one another.

[0061] from Figure 1As can be seen in the figure, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the body part 3 has a housing 19, for example made of plastic or metal, in which the strip 16, the light source 10 and the coupling-in part 18 are arranged. The housing 19 is open to the outer layer 6 and is closed by the outer layer 6. The housing 19 and the outer layer 6 thus form a housing 20.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the embodiment shown, the strip 16 and the coupling-in portion 18 are in contact with each other and also with the cover plate 21. The cover plate 21 is outwardly opaque to light and inwardly reflective.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (1), comprising a vehicle body (2) and a light source (10), wherein the vehicle body (2) comprises a vehicle body part (3), the vehicle body part comprising an outer layer (6), the outer side (7) of the outer layer partially forming an outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1), -in, The body part (3) comprises an inner layer (9) which is arranged on the side of the outer layer (6) facing away from the outer side (7), and a flat coupling-out portion (11) of the inner layer follows the course of the outer layer (6). - wherein the outer layer (6) and the inner layer (9) are stacked on top of each other, wherein at least the coupling-out portion (11) of the inner layer (9) is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source (10), so that the inner layer (9) guides the light of the light source (10) coupled into the inner layer (9) along the path of the outer layer (6) by means of the coupling-out portion (11), wherein the outer layer (6) has at least two outlet portions (12) spaced apart from one another in the region of the outcoupling portion (11), the at least two outlet portions being light-transmissive so that during operation the light guided by the outcoupling portion (11) is emitted from the outer side (7) via the respective outlet portion (12), It is characterized by: the body part (3) has a strip (16) which is arranged adjacent to the outcoupling part (11) and extends elongated along the outer layer (6), the strip (16) is designed as a light guide, in particular for the light of the light source (10), so that the strip (16) guides the light coupled into the strip (16) in an elongated manner along the outer layer (6), The outer layer (6) has a transparent portion (17) extending along the strip (16), which is light-transmissive so that, during operation, light conducted by the strip (16) is emitted from the outer side (7) via the transparent portion (17).

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The outer layer (6) has at least two such outlet portions (12) spaced apart from each other, each of the outlet portions forming a graphic pattern.

3. A motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The coupling-out portion (11) of the inner layer (9) is in contact with the outer layer (6).

4. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized by: The inner layer (9) has a corresponding thickening (13) in the outcoupling portion (11) for at least one outlet portion (12) and facing the outlet portion (12), so that the coupled-in light is coupled out via the thickening (13).

5. A motor vehicle according to claims 3 and 4, It is characterized by: At least one of the at least one thickened portion (13) and the associated outlet portion (12) have the same shape and overlap with each other.

6. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized by: The body part (3) has a backing layer (15) on the side of the inner layer (9) facing away from the outer layer (6), which backing layer follows the course of the outcoupling part (11) and reflects the light of the light source (10), - The backing layer (15), the inner layer (9) and the outer layer (6) are stacked on top of each other.

7. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized by: the inner layer (9) has a coupling-in portion (18) adjacent to the coupling-out portion (11), the coupling-in portion extending along the strip (16) and spaced apart from the strip, The light source (10) is arranged between the strip (16) and the coupling-in portion (18), such that, in operation, the light source (10) couples light into the strip (16) and, via the coupling-in portion (18), into the inner layer (9).

8. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized by: The outer side (7) of the outer layer (6) has the color of the outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1), and the corresponding outlet section (12) has a cutout (14) of said color, in particular being designed as such a cutout (14).

9. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized by: The body part (3) is arranged at the rear vehicle part (4) of the motor vehicle (1).

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