Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle comprising an outer housing (12) which externally surrounds the remaining components and has at least one transparent partial region (14), at least one first light source element (18), at least one second light source element (20) or at least one background object, at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or at least one semi-transparent mirror element, each with a reflective side (24), which is arranged between the at least one second light source element (20) or the at least one background object and an outer region of the at least one transparent partial region (14) of the housing (12),wherein light rays from the at least one second light source element (20) or the at least one background object are / are visible through the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element and the at least one transparent partial region (14) of the housing (12) outside the lighting device (10), characterized in that the lighting device (10) further comprises a lens object element (30), wherein light rays from the at least one first light source element (18) are also visible outside the at least one transparent partial region (14) of the housing (12) due to a position of the lens object element (30) relative to the at least one first light source element (18) and the reflective side (24) of the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element,wherein at least a partial superposition of image planes of light rays from the at least one first light source element (18) and light rays from the at least one second light source element (20) or an image plane of the at least one background object can be realized, and at least one first intermediate light disc is arranged between the lens object element (30) and the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element, and the first intermediate light disc is designed to be dark in such a way that undesirable reflections can be avoided.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle.In a motor vehicle, respective lighting devices are provided for the most varied functions. Present day lighting devices often already have approaches to supplement or extend a basic function, which is present, for example, in the form of a pure illumination of regions in the interior or outside the motor vehicle. However, known devices from the prior art often have only limited degrees of freedom in the light design of luminaires or have only a limited information content of light functions. In order to meet the increasing requirements, it is also the case that it is frequently necessary to consider an interconnection of different light sources to form, for example, a coherent graphic as known. This can be variable over time or the light sources are positioned one above the other. In the interior region, first approaches are known which comprise a semi-transparent mirror in the case of different light sources.Thus, DE 10 2017 202 490 A1 discloses a vehicle display device as known. This vehicle display device is intended to improve a three-dimensional feel. For this purpose, a projection is displayed with the aid of a semi-transmissive mirror, as is an object lying behind the mirror, which object is illuminated by a separate light source. Here, the projection area is a liquid crystal display device, and an image display surface of the projection area is directed downward and reflected by the half mirror. It is provided that the projected image intersects orthogonally to an axial direction of a cylindrical member in which the object behind the mirror is disposed. The aforementioned technique is limited to the use of display devices in the interior of a vehicle. An image that can be perceived from the outside is composed of the object and the virtual image of the projection area. It could be perceived as disadvantageous that the degree of freedom of the presented light design appears to be limited due to the proposed design. In addition, a direct combination of different light sources is not possible. Also, no superposition with further lamps and a 3D effect resulting therefrom is provided.DE 10 2013 008 197 A1 discloses a lighting device for a motor vehicle. This comprises a housing in which at least one first light-emitting body is accommodated, the light beams of which can be emitted or are emitted at least partially in the direction of a first, partially transmissive mirror. In addition, a second body is provided, which likewise emits light and whose light beams can be emitted or are emitted in the direction of the partially transmissive mirror. The light beams emitted via the body are superimposed and are visible outside the lighting device.The object of the invention is to provide a lighting device for a motor vehicle which provides a high degree of freedom with respect to the light or the information represented, is cost-effective to realize and avoids unwanted reflections.The object is achieved by a lighting device having the features mentioned in claim 1. It is provided that a lighting device for a motor vehicle is provided. This lighting device comprises an outer housing which externally surrounds the remaining components and has at least one transparent sub-region, at least one first light source element, at least one second light source element or at least one background object, at least one highly transparent projection surface element or at least one semi-transparent mirror element in each case having a specular side which is arranged between the at least second light source element or the at least one background object and an outer region of the at least one transparent sub-region of the housing, wherein light beams from the at least second light source element or the at least one background object are / is visible through the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and the at least one transparent sub-region of the housing outside the lighting device. Furthermore, the lighting device comprises a lens object element, wherein light beams from the at least one first light source element are likewise visible outside the at least one transparent partial region of the housing on account of a position of the lens object element relative to the at least one first light source element and the specular side of the at least one highly transparent projection surface element or of the at least one semi-transparent mirror element, wherein it is possible at least partially to implement superposition of image planes of light beams of the at least first light source element and light beams of the at least second light source element or of an image plane of the at least one background object. The highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element are each designed in such a way that, for example, the at least one background object lying behind it is visible, even if a large part of the light beams of the at least one first light source element is reflected. The functionality of the highly transparent projection surface element is similar to the function of a half mirror, wherein in the present case the highly transparent projection surface element typically has a lower degree of reflection than a half mirror. For example, this reflectance of the highly transparent projection surface element can be <10%. This embodiment with such a reflection factor of the highly transparent projection surface element maximizes a 3D effect that occurs. Unlighted objects or the image plane of the at least one background object or any diaphragms which are located behind the specular surface of the highly transparent projection surface element or of the semi-transparent mirror element are therefore also visible in the activated at least one first light source element, so that the impression of a spatial depth is produced. This effect is thus also obtained in the case of a semi-transparent mirror element, wherein a desired degree of penetration of the light beams can be obtained here as required. The highly transparent projection surface element accordingly has a higher degree of penetration than the semi-transparent mirror element, but the underlying function in each case remains ensured in both the listed alternatives. The reflecting surface does not divide the aperture visually. The at least one background object can be embodied to be luminous or non-luminous. The background object itself can also be illuminated by light beams. The 3D effect occurs in particular in the case of illuminated or generally illuminated or generally illuminated background object. The at least one primary light source element is in principle more visible and can optionally be made more light-less or merely reflective. A series connection of a plurality of highly transparent projection surface elements or a plurality of semi-transparent mirror elements is possible in this case. It is thus possible to provide a high degree of freedom with respect to the displayed light or the information. Superposition of, for example, two image planes in the lighting device is possible cost-effectively, so that numerous new display possibilities result. For example, by a corresponding concatenation of the above-described light source elements or generally of luminaires, optics or the lens object element, it may be possible to let image planes appear in regions in which no direct illumination is provided or allowed. For this purpose, the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and the lens object element are used to generate an apparent origin for the viewer, which is located in the desired location in which direct illumination is not possible. Due to the combination of the various components in the presented manner, a high degree of freedom in the light design or in the presentation of information can thus be realized cost-effectively. A new design language is thus possible. The projection can go beyond the legally necessary light function. For example, such a lighting device can be a tail lamp in a motor vehicle. The transparent partial region of the housing can be, for example, an external light screen.According to the invention, it is provided that the intermediate lens between the lens object element and the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element is formed dark enough that undesired reflections can be avoided. This prevents undesired reflections in the intermediate lens and, when the at least one first light source element is switched off, leaves only the background visible to the outside.Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims.Thus, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the lens object element is a collimator. In conjunction with the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element, the collimator ensures that, for example, the light graphic that is not directly visible always appears to the viewer at the same location, regardless of the relative eye position thereof. The observer therefore simultaneously sees through the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element, for example, the at least one object lying in the background and the representation which appears to be floating above it and reflected via the specular side of the highly transparent projection surface element or of the semi-transparent mirror element, which results from the light beams from the at least one first light source element.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the at least one first light source element is surrounded by a black boundary surface. In this way, cost-effective emphasis is possible with regard to a perception of the at least one first light source element.Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one intermediate light pane is arranged between the at least one second light source element or the at least one background object and the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and / or that at least one intermediate light pane is arranged between the lens object element and the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element. This arrangement supports the perceptibility of the image planes outside the lighting device, so that a reliable functioning of the lighting device is possible.Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one background object has a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional shape or a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Thus, a viewer can perceive the displayed information particularly well from the outside. In this way, different design possibilities are possible, which can be realized cost-effectively and without great additional expense. An annular or conical structure of the projection surface is also conceivable.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is also provided that the at least one first light source element has the form of a light graphic, wherein the light graphic comprises patterns, images, writing or an illuminated hologram, and / or has at least one of the following light functions or a combination of the following light functions: tail light, stand light. Thus, different light designs can be achieved in a simple manner with the presented lighting device without the basic design having to be changed greatly in this case. A high degree of freedom in light design with low production costs can thus be achieved. In other words, the installation space of the lighting device can additionally serve as a display. For example, information display can be realized. As already mentioned in general form, it is therefore possible for a viewer to simultaneously see the at least one object lying in the background through the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and the graphic which appears to be floating above it and reflected via the specular side. It is thus conceivable that the at least one first light source element has final light functions and a 3D mirror image is reflected by means of the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element in such a way that a viewer looking at the lighting device from the outside perceives this mirror image.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the light graphic can be changed with respect to light intensity and / or color and / or shape. Thus, even better perception is possible. Linking of transmitted information is also possible, so that a high degree of freedom of the light design can be achieved in a simple manner. A displayed light graphic can consist, for example, of patterns, images or writing and change over time in intensity, color and shape. Animated projections can therefore also be made possible, for example. Additive color mixtures can also be realized between the first and second image plane.Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one second light source element has at least one of the following light functions or a combination of the following light functions: low beam, stop light, turn signal light. Depending on the need, the presented lighting device can therefore be configured cost-effectively, since a particularly high degree of freedom in the light emitting system is possible.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one first light source element comprises an actuatable LED array, an OLED array or an LCD screen. In this way, an animated display is particularly well possible, wherein a high degree of design freedom is additionally made possible with the combination presented. It is also conceivable that in this way, for example, a representation of a film or a film sequence or of a sequence of animated picture elements is made possible. For example, the function "Welcumellight" can thus be realized. In this case, both supporting variants of this function are conceivable by means of the invention and variants in which this function is realized per se by means of the invention.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one first light source element and the at least one second light source element can be adjusted in such a way that at least two different light designs can be adjusted. A high degree of freedom in light design can thus be realized in a simple manner. This is an example possible application in particular when using displays as a light source or light source element. The switching sequence of the two light source elements can generate an additional 3D effect. The transition from the at least two light designs can thereby run in such a liquid manner that any number of different light designs can be set. The light design can also be selectable depending on the combined light graphic, for example, via menus of an infotainment system, so that the at least two different light designs can be adjusted here depending on the desire of a user.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the lighting device comprises a bright graphic instead of or in addition to the at least one first light source element and the lens object element. In this way, a representation of the 3D effect is also possible in day design, or when all light functions are switched off.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the lighting device comprises at least one light function element which is embodied so as to be translucent and which is arranged between the at least one first light source element and the lens object element and / or between the lens object element and the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and / or between the highly transparent projection surface element or the semi-transparent mirror element and the outer region of the at least one transparent subregion of the housing. In this way, further light designs can be realized and an even higher degree of freedom can be achieved. Such a light function element can be, for example, a light guide or a light guide element or can comprise a light guide or a light guide element.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one background object is illuminated by a light source element. An additional light source element ensures an even better illumination of the at least one background object. In this way, an external illumination of the at least one background object that is independent of the remaining light beams, which beam or could beam onto the at least one background object, is possible. An additional light source element can also ensure construction-independent illumination of the at least one background object.Finally, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a motor vehicle having at least one lighting device according to claims 1 to 14 is provided, wherein the at least one lighting device is applicable both in the interior region and for an exterior region of the motor vehicle. Due to the high degree of freedom, such a lighting device can be quickly adapted to the desired specifications and can thus be used flexibly both in the interior and in the exterior of the vehicle, wherein no particularly high outlay is required.The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be combined with one another with advantage unless stated otherwise in the individual case.The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated single drawing, which shows a sectional view of a lighting device for a motor vehicle.The single FIGURE shows a sectional view of a lighting device 10 for a motor vehicle. In this case, the illustrated lighting device 10 is shown by way of example for the exterior of the motor vehicle. An outer housing 12 is shown which comprises a transparent portion 14. In the figure, the housing 12 is arranged on a bumper 16. In other words, the transparent partial region 14 of the outer housing 12 thus delimits the motor vehicle outwards in the region of the lighting device 10, wherein the bumper 16 at least partially represents a delimitation of the lighting device 10 with respect to the remaining outer surface of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, a first light source element 18 and a second light source element 20 can be seen. The shapes of the light source elements 18, 20 illustrated here are given only by way of example. It is conceivable that these shapes can be adapted depending on the application, or that the light source elements 18, 20 then have a different construction and comprise any components familiar to the skilled person. Thus, the light source elements 18, 20 can also be, for example, components which comprise different lighting means of any kind, wherein a combination and also an use of only one form of lighting means would be conceivable. For example, the first light source element 18 can comprise a combination of lighting means, while the second light source element 20 comprises only a conventional lighting means. For example, the first light source element 18 could be an LED tail light. The second light source element 20 could be, for example, an LED stop lamp. Instead of the second light source element 20, a background object may be provided, which is not shown in this exemplary figure. A highly transparent projection surface element 22 having a specular side 24, which is arranged between the second light source element 20 or the background object and an outer region of the at least one transparent partial region 14 of the housing 12, is illustrated in the middle of the lighting device 10. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, this highly transparent projection surface element 22 can be replaced by a semi-transparent mirror element, which likewise has a specular side. The reflecting side 24 is shown exposed, so that a step-like structure results on this side. However, it is also conceivable that the highly transparent projection surface element 22 on the side with the mirror function is as smooth and continuously variable as the other side 26 of the highly transparent projection surface element 22. This other side 26 is not specular, but passes incident light beams, so that any background object or the light beams from the second light source element 20 is / are visible outside the lighting device 10. The highly transparent projection surface element 22 is configured or designed in such a way, for example on account of the different material layers used, that a part of the incident light beams is reflected on the specular side 24 and an object lying behind this highly transparent projection surface element 22 is nevertheless recognizable. This highly transparent projection surface element 22 or the alternative semi-transparent mirror element, not shown, could also be regarded as a specially designed intermediate light screen. In other words, both the highly transparent projection surface element 22 and the alternative semi-transparent mirror element, not shown, are configured such that they can be illuminated, so that, for example, light beams that strike the other side 26 are transmitted, so that the light beams are also visible outside the lighting device 10 and can be superimposed, for example, with the light beams of the other light source element 18. At the same time, light beams are therefore also reflected by the light source element 18 on the specular side 24 in such a way that these light beams are visible outside the lighting device 10 at least partially and depending on the degree of reflection of the highly transparent projection surface element 22 and of the alternative semi-transparent mirror element, not shown. In the exemplary figure shown, the highly transparent projection surface element 22 is held or arranged there by an intermediate holder 28. The intermediate holder 28 could also be a design screen. In the alternative embodiment not shown, the semi-transparent mirror element could be held accordingly. However, it would also be conceivable for the highly transparent projection surface element 22 to be arranged directly on an inner side of the outer housing 12 or to be held there. Furthermore, a lens object element 30 can be seen, wherein light beams from the first light source element 18 are likewise visible outside the at least one transparent partial region 14 of the housing 12 on account of a position of the lens object element 30 relative to the first light source element 18 and the specular side 24 of the highly transparent projection surface element 22. Depending on how the positioning of the lens object element 30 to the highly transparent projection surface element 22 is carried out, different positionings of the first light source element 18 are conceivable. The lens object element 30 may be, for example, a collimator. The lens object member 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the first light source member 18 in the illustrated figure, and is held between the intermediate holder 28 and the outer housing 12. However, it is also conceivable that this lens object element 30 is held in each case only by the outer housing 12 or by the intermediate holder 28 or is arranged there with aids not shown. The lens object element 30 can also be located further away from the first light source element 18 locally, as long as the mode of operation is still ensured in this case. The position can also be designed differently as desired, wherein it is merely necessary to ensure that the deflected light beams are at least partially reflected in the direction of the highly transparent projection surface element 22.List of reference characters10 Lighting device 12 Outer housing 14 Transparent partial region 16 Bumper 18 First light source element 20 Second light source element 22 Highly transparent projection surface element 24 Specular side 26 Other side 28 Intermediate holder 30 Lens object element

Claims

Lighting device (10) for a motor vehicle comprising an outer housing (12) which externally surrounds the remaining components and has at least one transparent sub-region (14), at least one first light source element (18), at least one second light source element (20) or at least one background object, at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or at least one semi-transparent mirror element each having a specular side (24) which is arranged between the at least one second light source element (20) or the at least one background object and an outer region of the at least one transparent sub-region (14) of the housing (12), wherein light beams from the at least one second light source element (20) or the at least one background object are / is visible through the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element and the at least one transparent sub-region (14) of the housing (12) outside the lighting device (10), characterized in that, the lighting device (10) further comprises a lens object element (30), wherein light beams from the at least one first light source element (18) are likewise visible outside the at least one transparent sub-region (14) of the housing (12) on the basis of a position of the lens object element (30) relative to the at least one first light source element (18) and the specular side (24) of the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or of the at least one semi-transparent mirror element, wherein at least partially a superposition of image planes of light beams of the at least one first light source element (18) and light beams of the at least one second light source element (20) or an image plane of the at least one background object can be realized, and at least one first intermediate light pane is arranged between the lens object element (30) and the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element, and the first intermediate light pane is formed dark in such a way, undesirable reflections can be avoided.Lighting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens object element (30) is a collimator.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first light source element (18) is surrounded by a black boundary surface.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second intermediate light pane is arranged between the at least one second light source element (20) or the at least one background object and the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one background object has a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional shape or a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first light source element (18) has the form of a light graphic, wherein the light graphic comprises patterns, images, writing or an illuminated hologram, and / or has at least one of the following light functions or a combination of the following light functions: tail light, stand light.Lighting device (10) according to claim 6, characterised in that the light graphic can be changed with respect to light intensity and / or colour and / or shape.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second light source element (20) has at least one of the following light functions or a combination of the following light functions: low beam, stop light, flashing light.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first light source element (18) comprises an actuatable LED array, an OLED array or an LCD screen.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first light source element (18) and the at least one second light source element (20) can be adjusted in such a way that at least two different light designs can be adjusted.Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (10) comprises a bright graphic in addition to the at least one first light source element (18) and the lens object element (30).Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (10) comprises at least one light function element which is embodied such that it can be transilluminated and which is arranged between the at least one first light source element (18) and the lens object element (30) and / or between the lens object element (30) and the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element and / or between the at least one highly transparent projection surface element (22) or the at least one semi-transparent mirror element and the outer region of the at least one transparent subregion (14) of the housing (12).Lighting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one background object is illuminated by a light source element.Motor vehicle having at least one lighting device (10) according to Claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one lighting device (10) can be used both in the interior region and for an exterior region of the motor vehicle.

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