Vehicle component with a lighting device

Abstract

Vehicle component (1) with a lighting device (2) for a curved rear area (101) of a motor vehicle (100) and in particular a sports car, comprising a light strip (3) extending over at least a substantial part of the width (102) of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the light strip (3) comprises at least three areas (4-6), namely a central area (5) and, on each side of it, at least one lateral area (4, 6), characterized by that the lighting device (2) is curved and is designed and configured to transition at least the central area (5) of the light strip (2) into a brighter luminous state (9), a less bright luminous state (8) and into a switched-off state (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle component with a lighting device for a rear area of ​​a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle with such a vehicle component. The vehicle component comprises a light strip extending across at least a substantial portion of the width of the motor vehicle. The light strip serves to increase visibility and also to enhance the visual appearance.

[0002] In the prior art, DE 10 2015 108 804 A1 discloses a motor vehicle in which a light strip is formed on the rear side between the two rear lights, which also serves as a rear light.

[0003] DE 10 2014 110 348 A1 discloses a rear light assembly for a motor vehicle, wherein a first light unit with a number of light sources is housed in a first light housing on the left side, and a second light unit with a number of light sources is housed in a second light housing mounted on the right side. A light strip extends between the two light housings, comprising two light strip sections separated from each other in the middle by a gap to compensate for thermal expansion. Different functions can be realized with the light units and the light strip sections.

[0004] Compared to the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved vehicle component and an improved motor vehicle.

[0005] This object is achieved by a vehicle component having the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 11. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0006] A vehicle component according to the invention comprises a lighting device for a particularly curved rear region of a motor vehicle, and in particular a sports car, and comprises a lighting strip extending across at least a substantial portion of the width of the motor vehicle. The lighting strip comprises at least three regions, namely a central region and, to the sides thereof, at least one lateral region on each side. The lighting device is, in particular, curved and is designed and configured to convert at least the central region of the lighting strip into a brighter, brighter, and off state.

[0007] The vehicle component according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that a curved design of the lighting device allows for high functionality on curved rear areas of motor vehicles, especially sports cars. Because the central area of ​​the light strip can also be converted to a brighter state, it is possible to dispense with a separate third brake light if necessary. The central area of ​​the light strip can assume the function of a third brake light. This eliminates the need for a separate component, namely a separate additional brake light, which is usually mounted at a higher level.

[0008] The term "switched state" refers, in particular, to a non-luminous state of the central region of the light strip. However, it is possible that in the "switched-off state," small amounts of light are still emitted at least temporarily, for example, by a glow or the like. Particularly preferably, no light is emitted at all in the switched-off state.

[0009] In an alternative formulation, the lateral regions of the light strip can also be referred to as the left region and the right region, enclosing the central region between them. In this case, the light strip has at least one central region, with the left region on the left side and the right region on the right side. The left and right regions are opposite each other.

[0010] The lighting device or the lighting strip of the lighting device preferably follows the curvature of the rear area of ​​the vehicle. The lighting strip can be fully integrated into the rear surface of the vehicle.

[0011] In a preferred development, the lighting device is designed and configured to convert at least one lateral region of the light strip into a more intensely luminous state, a less intensely luminous state, and a switched-off state. Particularly preferably, both lateral regions are converted jointly or separately into the more intensely luminous state, a less intensely luminous state, or a switched-off state. In particularly preferred embodiments, the left and right regions, together with the central region, can be converted into the more intensely luminous state, the less intensely luminous state, or the switched-off state. This enables a function in which the entire light strip is converted into the switched-off state, or into a less intensely luminous state.

[0012] Preferably, at least a portion of the light strip forms at least a portion of the rear light (tail light). The rear light (tail light) is part of the vehicle lighting and, as such, is arranged at the rear boundary contour of a vehicle.

[0013] In particularly preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the light strip forms at least part of the brake light. It is preferred that the central region of the light strip serves as an additional third brake light in the brightest state. However, it is also possible and preferred that the left and / or right regions of the lighting device each form part of the brake light. Thus, the entire light strip can serve as a brake light during braking.

[0014] In a side section of the motor vehicle on the left and / or right side of the motor vehicle or the vehicle component, at least one lighting component is preferably provided as a rear light component (tail light). Such a lighting component is understood to mean an additional lighting component in addition to the light strip. The rear lights can then be formed by the lighting components and the light strip.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the lateral regions and the central region between them form optically and / or mechanically separated left, right, and central lighting sections or separate lighting units. It is possible and particularly preferred to use a continuous lighting strip that is divided into the three regions by cover elements. It is also possible for the three regions to be separate sections or components that are, in particular, electrically connected to one another.

[0016] Particularly preferred are designs in which the light strip is continuous throughout. The three areas then merge seamlessly into one another.

[0017] In all embodiments, it is preferred that, at least in one area, the luminous intensity in the brighter state can be continuously or gradually varied depending on an external parameter, such as braking force. However, the luminous intensity within the brighter state remains above the luminous intensity in the dimmer state. This allows for easy visual differentiation between the different states, even with variable intensity.

[0018] In all embodiments, at least one control device is provided. Preferably, the light strip can be controlled in a region-by-region or section-by-section, or as a whole. The light strip can provide part or all of the rear light (tail light) and part or all of the brake light.

[0019] The light strip can be covered entirely by a diffuser or the like to enable homogeneous light emission.

[0020] The motor vehicle according to the invention is designed in particular as a sports car and comprises in particular a curved rear region and a vehicle component arranged thereon with a lighting device. The lighting device comprises a lighting strip extending over at least a substantial part of the width of the motor vehicle. The lighting strip comprises at least three regions, namely a central region and, to the sides thereof, at least one lateral region on each side. The lighting device is designed in particular to be curved to match the rear region and is designed and configured to convert at least the central region of the lighting strip into a more intensely illuminated state, a less intensely illuminated state, and into an off state.

[0021] The motor vehicle according to the invention also has many advantages. By preferably including a curved light strip or lighting device that matches the rear area, advantageous functionality can be provided. With a curved rear area and a light strip provided thereon, the emitted light is projected not only to the rear but also to the sides of the vehicle, making it visible to the side and rear. This increases safety.

[0022] In simple designs, a continuous light strip is provided, which extends from the right side of the vehicle to the left side and enables a functional and visually appealing design.

[0023] In particular, if the light strip, e.g. in a convertible, is arranged less than 150 mm below a rear window and / or at least 850 mm above ground, an additional third brake light in the upper rear area can be dispensed with. In this case, it is possible for the light strip as a whole to also take on an additional brake light function or the brake light function altogether. If necessary, the light strip as a whole can be divided into three visually distinguishable parts, so that a left brake light, a right brake light and, in the middle, the middle section of the light strip is available as a third brake light. If necessary, it is also possible to provide a visually continuously illuminated light strip as a brake light on the left and right sides of the vehicle and for the middle section.

[0024] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] The figures show: Fig. 1 a highly schematic view of a sports car from the rear; Fig. 2 a highly schematic detailed view of the lighting system of the sports car from Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a light strip of a lighting device for a sports car according to Fig. 1.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic rear view of a sports car 100 or a motor vehicle. Visible from the rear is the rear area 101, which is curved and arched overall. The sports car 100 stands on a base 107 and has a rear window 103.

[0027] Below the rear window 103, a vehicle component 1 is provided, which comprises a lighting device 2. The lighting device 2 extends here over a width 32 that exceeds a substantial portion of the width 102 of the motor vehicle 100. It is possible and preferred for the width 32 to reach and exceed more than half, and preferably more than three-quarters, of the width 102 of the motor vehicle. The width 32 can also substantially correspond to the width of the motor vehicle, with only small gaps of a few centimeters remaining at the lateral edges of the lighting device 2 up to the outermost edge of the motor vehicle.

[0028] The lighting device 2 with the light strip 3 is shown here at a slight angle to indicate the curved orientation of the lighting device in the rear area of ​​the sports car. Due to the rear view, a curved structure of a horizontally oriented lighting device cannot be shown. It is possible that the lighting device 2 or its light strip 3 does not run strictly horizontally, but rather extends slightly upwards or downwards, for example, in the side areas. However, it is also possible that the light strip 3 is entirely horizontal. In any case, the curved structure of the lighting device 2 follows the curved structure of the rear area of ​​the sports car 100.

[0029] The light strip 3 is preferably located at least 850 mm above the floor 107 and not more than 150 mm below the rear window 103.

[0030] The lighting device 2 or its light strip 3 can be divided into the two lateral regions 4 and 6 on the left and right sides, respectively, and into the central region 5. It is possible for the individual regions to be understood as surface sections of the light strip 3. It is also possible for separate light sections 24-26 or light units 24-26 to be formed. The central region preferably extends over more than half or three-quarters of the width 32 of the light strip 3.

[0031] Below the light strip 3, a rear light 20 (tail light) is shown in solid lines on the left side section of the motor vehicle. On the right side section 106, a rear light 20 (tail light) is shown in dashed lines to indicate that the separate rear lights 20 (tail light) may not be present at all. However, it is possible and preferred for the sports car 103 to have separate rear lights 20 (tail light) in addition to the lighting device 3. On the left side, a left brake light 14 can be integrated into the rear light (tail light), and on the right side, a right brake light 16 can be integrated into the rear light (tail light). However, it is also possible for only the continuous light strip 3 to be present, which completely assumes both the tail light / rear light function and the brake light function.In this case, the sports car may only have the lighting device 2 with the light strip 3 in the rear area, which may be continuous or, if necessary, provide optically or mechanically separated areas 4, 5, and 6. Additionally, indicators, reversing lights, side marker lights, reflectors, side reflectors, and a rear fog light may be present.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a vehicle component 1 with a lighting device 2 in a highly schematic form. The vehicle component 1 is for a sports car 100 made of Fig. 1 is provided. The vehicle component 1 comprises a lighting device 2, which is designed to correspond to the curved rear area of ​​a motor vehicle or sports car and which has a lighting strip 3 that extends over a substantial part of the width of the rear area of ​​a motor vehicle. The lighting strip 3 is divided into three areas 4, 5 and 6, wherein a cover 11 can (but does not have to) be provided between areas 4 and 5 and between areas 5 and 6 in order to visually distinguish the different areas 4 - 6 from one another. However, it is possible and preferred for areas 4, 5 and 6 to merge seamlessly into one another and to be formed on a one-piece, continuous lighting strip 3. The areas 4, 5 and 6 accordingly form lighting sections 24 to 26. If necessary, these can be designed as individual lighting units 24 - 26.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a light strip 3 of a lighting device 2 in a highly schematic form, wherein the individual areas 4, 5 and 6 are formed on the continuous light strip 3. The individual areas 4, 5 and 6 are provided here on the control side. It is possible for the individual areas 4, 5 and 6 to be designed with different widths, if required. Here, a large number of light elements 12 are distributed along the light strip 3. Light elements 12 are shown here in two rows one above the other, although more rows can also be provided. The light elements in the lower and upper rows 17, 18 can be designed the same. It is also possible to select light elements 12 of different intensities in the lower and upper rows.A dashed center line is shown here to distinguish the left side from the right side, in which different states 8 and 9 are shown.

[0034] In the right side of the display of Fig. 3 shows the weaker state 8, in which only the light elements 12 of the lower row 18 emit light. Since the upper row 17 remains switched off, a total of Fig. 3 the weaker glowing state 8 is reached.

[0035] On the left side, however, the luminous elements 12 of the lower row 18 and the upper row 17 are shown hatched, which is intended to represent the luminous function, so that overall a higher luminous intensity is achieved, which characterizes the more luminous state 9.

[0036] It is possible that the light elements 12 of the upper row 17 are more powerful overall, so that when the light elements 12 of the lower row 18 and the upper row 17 illuminate simultaneously, a significantly greater luminosity is achieved. It is also possible that the luminous intensity of the light elements 12 in the upper row 17 is adjustable or controllable, and their luminous intensity depends, for example, on a parameter such as the braking force. If the driver brakes harder, the light elements 12 of the upper row 17 will illuminate more brightly than if the driver only brakes slightly.

[0037] In Fig.3 shows a continuous light strip 3, in which the left-hand area 4 contains both a rear light (tail light) and a brake light function. Likewise, the right-hand area 6 contains a rear light (tail light) and a brake light function. The same applies to the central area 5, which provides a rear light function and also an additional brake light function. Here, all areas preferably always illuminate the same. It is also possible to integrate a turn signal function, periodically switching the light elements 12 on and off when the turn signal is activated.

[0038] The curved and / or bent design of the lighting device allows for simple and versatile lighting on the vehicle component and the motor vehicle or sports car. Additional lighting functions can also be integrated into the light strip. If necessary, it is also possible to provide individual additional lighting elements, for example, in a different color, which provide a turn signal function.

[0039] A convenient lighting system is provided that enables different lighting functions through the different control of lighting elements. A high-mounted brake light is integrated into the lighting strip of the lighting system and is not required separately. The lighting strip is bent and inserted into the rear of a vehicle. A separate third brake light above the light strip is eliminated. A corresponding separate control system is also eliminated, thus reducing costs, weight, and assembly and storage requirements.

Claims

[1] Vehicle component (1) with a lighting device (2) for a curved rear area (101) of a motor vehicle (100) and in particular a sports car, comprising a lighting strip (3) extending over at least a substantial part of the width (102) of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the luminous strip (3) comprises at least three regions (4-6), namely a central region (5) and at least one lateral region (4, 6) on each side thereof, characterized by , that the lighting device (2) is curved and is designed and configured to transfer at least the central region (5) of the light strip (2) into a more intensely luminous state (9), a less intensely luminous state (8) and into a switched-off state (7). [2] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lighting device (2) is designed and configured to convert at least one lateral region (4, 6) of the light strip (3) into a brighter luminous state (9), a weaker luminous state (8) and into a switched-off state (7). [3] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the light strip (4, 6) forms at least a part of the rear light (20). [4] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the light strip (4, 5, 6) forms at least a part of the brake light (10). [5] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central region (5) of the light strip (3) serves as an additional third brake light (15) in the brighter state (9). [6] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one side section (104, 106) on the left and / or right side at least one lighting component (22, 23) is provided as a rear light component (21). [7] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral regions (4, 6) and the central region (5) therebetween each form optically and / or mechanically separated left (24), right (26) and central (25) lighting sections or separate lighting units. [8] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central region (5) and the lateral regions (4, 6) are part of a continuous luminous band. [9] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a luminous intensity in the more brightly luminous state (9) is variable depending on an external parameter such as a braking force. [10] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one control device (30), wherein the light strip (3) can be controlled in regions or sections. [11] Motor vehicle (100) and in particular sports car with a curved rear area (101) and a vehicle component (1) arranged thereon with a lighting device (2), wherein the lighting device (2) comprises a lighting strip (3) extending over at least a substantial part of the width (102) of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the luminous strip (3) comprises at least three regions (4-6), namely a central region (5) and at least one lateral region (4, 6) on each side thereof, characterized by , that the lighting device (2) is curved to match the rear area and is designed and configured to transfer at least the central area (5) of the light strip (3) into a brighter luminous state (9), a weaker luminous state (8) and into a switched-off state (7). [12] Motor vehicle (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the light strip (3) is arranged less than 150 mm below a rear window (103) and at least 850 mm above a ground (104).

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