Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Ambient light for a motor vehicle (4) for generating a light distribution (5, 6) on the ground (7) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (4), comprising a transparent cover (14) and a light source module (10), wherein the light source module (10) has at least a first light source (12) and a second light source (13), wherein the transparent cover (14) can be arranged on a body attachment of the motor vehicle (4), wherein each of the light sources (12, 13) of the light source module (10) comprises a light-emitting diode, and wherein the light sources (12, 13) are arranged adjacent to each other on a flat circuit board (11), wherein each light source (12, 13) of the light source module (10) is assigned a specifically shaped optical structure (141, 142), wherein the optical structures (141,142) and the transparent cover plate (14) are formed together as a single molded part, wherein the transparent cover plate (14) and the light source module (10) are arranged relative to each other such that the first light source (12) emits a first light beam (20) along a first beam axis (2) and the second light source (13) emits a second light beam (30) along a second beam axis (3) via the transparent cover plate (14), wherein the second beam axis (3) is offset at a defined angle to the first beam axis (2), characterized in that the optical structures (141, 142) are formed on an outer surface of the transparent cover plate (14) and that a planar surface section for coupling the light beams (20, 30) is provided on an inner surface of the transparent cover plate (14) for each light source (12, 13).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an ambient light for generating a light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] From DE 10 2013 211 877 A1, an ambient lighting device for generating a light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of a motor vehicle is known. A projection module is arranged in a door sill adjacent to a wheel arch. The door sill is inclined at an angle of 45° to the ground, at least in a partial section, so that the light sources of the ambient lighting device cannot be directly seen.

[0003] US 6 152 590 A describes an ambient light for a motor vehicle with multiple light sources on a light source module and a transparent cover.

[0004] Furthermore, an ambient light for a motor vehicle is known from US 10 391 943 B2, DE 20 2014 101 755 U1, and US 2017 / 0 210 282 A1, respectively. Signaling and lighting devices for a vehicle exterior mirror are known from US 7 342 707 B2. Brief description of the invention

[0005] Against this background, the invention aims to provide an alternative ambient light that does not require any geometric adaptation of the respective vehicle attachment.

[0006] Accordingly, a perimeter light for a motor vehicle is proposed in accordance with the independent claim. Further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by an ambient light for a motor vehicle, designed to generate a light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. The ambient light comprises a transparent cover and a light source module. The light source module has a number of light sources, with at least one first and one second light source. The transparent cover can be arranged on a body component of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The light sources of the light source module each comprise a light-emitting diode (LED). The light sources are arranged adjacent to each other on a flat circuit board. Each light source of the light source module is associated with a specifically shaped optical structure, whereby the optical structures and the transparent cover plate are formed together as a single molded component.

[0009] The transparent cover plate and the light source module are arranged in such a way that the first light source emits a first beam of light along a first beam axis and the second light source emits a second beam of light along a second beam axis via the transparent cover plate, the second beam axis being offset at a defined angle to the first beam axis.

[0010] The optical structures are formed on one outer surface of the transparent cover plate. Furthermore, a planar surface area for coupling the light beams is provided on an inner surface of the transparent cover plate for each light source.

[0011] The individual light sources of the light source module each form a point light source, which, in conjunction with the cover plate, can each have its own emission characteristic independent of the other light sources.

[0012] If the ambient light is attached to a body component of the motor vehicle, the two light beams of the first and second light source can be projected onto a ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, with each light source contributing a partial light distribution to a total light distribution projected onto the ground.

[0013] According to further training, it can be provided that the first and second beam axes are aligned in different spatial directions.

[0014] The beam axes pointing in two different directions ensure that the two partial light distributions of the first and second light sources can be directed onto different sections of the projected surface of the ground to be illuminated in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. The partial light distributions can and may, however, partially overlap at their edges.

[0015] Furthermore, it may be provided that the first beam axis is aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0016] According to further training, the body attachment can be an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle.

[0017] An exterior mirror-integrated ambient light represents a geometrically advantageous installation location on a motor vehicle in order to project a first and a second beam of light via a common cover lens onto two different projection surface sections of a floor to be illuminated in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

[0018] A flat printed circuit board can form a load-bearing element of the lighting module, ensuring sufficient mechanical stability while allowing for a low profile. In particular, the use of surface-mounted LEDs (SMDs) enables a compact and flat design for the lighting module.

[0019] The optical structures can contain lenses and / or prisms, which allow the beam path of each light beam from an associated light source to be individually adjusted. The transparent cover plate forms a translucent housing cover for the ambient light and also provides an optical component with which the beam characteristics of the ambient light can be individually adapted to each light source.

[0020] The arrangement of the optical structures on the outer surface enables at least a partially planar design of the inner surface of the transparent cover plate. This provides a planar surface area for each light source, through which the light beams can be coupled into the associated optical structure. This allows for a compact design of an ambient light according to the invention.

[0021] According to further training, the light-emitting diodes can each be designed as a surface-mounted component with an LED chip in a housing.

[0022] According to a further development of the previous embodiments, the light source module can also be assigned a control device which is designed to control the first and the second light source electrically independently of each other.

[0023] The control unit can comprise a single-part or a multi-part circuit assembly, wherein at least one driver circuit for supplying current and voltage to the light source can be included in the light source module. The corresponding electronic components can, for example, be arranged together with the light sources on a printed circuit board. The driver circuit is implemented at least twice, so that the first and second light sources can be switched independently of each other.

[0024] According to a further development of the previous embodiment, the control device associated with the light source module can include a dimmer with at least two channels, so that the brightness of the first and second light sources can be varied separately.

[0025] According to a further development of the two preceding configurations, the control unit can provide a number of lighting functions. Each lighting function can be defined by a predetermined control of the light sources, with each lighting function being assigned to a specific operating state of the vehicle.

[0026] The control unit can identify the respective operating state of the vehicle via corresponding input signals. By pre-programming the lighting, different light distributions can be provided for relevant operating states of the vehicle, which are, for example, tailored to a specific driving situation.

[0027] The lighting module of the ambient light according to the invention can further comprise, in addition to the first and second lighting elements, a plurality of additional lighting elements which can be individually or in groups controlled via multiple channels. Thus, depending on the number of lighting elements, any static or dynamically variable light distribution pattern can be projected onto a projection surface on a ground area in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. Brief description of the drawing figures

[0028] Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. The features described and / or illustrated constitute the subject matter individually or in any meaningful combination, possibly also independently of the claims, and may in particular also be the subject matter of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are designated with the same reference numerals. These include: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of an ambient light; Fig. 2 an embodiment of an ambient light according to the invention; Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment of an ambient light; Fig. 4 a motor vehicle with an exterior mirror and an ambient light according to the invention; Fig. 5 a state diagram of a control system designed to control an ambient light according to the invention; Fig. 6 a motor vehicle with an ambient light according to the invention, with which an orientation light for reversing is projected; Fig. 7 a motor vehicle with an exterior mirror and a further embodiment of an ambient light according to the invention. Description of the execution types

[0029] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an ambient light 1 of a motor vehicle 4. The ambient light 1 comprises at least one light source module 10 with at least one first and one second light source 12 and 13, as well as a cover lens 14. The light sources 12 and 13 are preferably designed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and are mounted on a carrier device 11. The carrier device 11 can, for example, be a printed circuit board (PCB). The cover lens 14 can be arranged on a body component of the respective motor vehicle 4.

[0030] To generate a light distribution on the ground 7 in the vicinity of a respective motor vehicle 4, the light source module 10 is to be arranged above the cover plate 14 with respect to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0031] The cover plate 14 and the light source module 10 are arranged relative to each other such that a first light beam 20 from the first light source 12 and a second light beam 30 from the second light source 13 can be emitted through the cover plate 14. The light source module 10 and the cover plate 14 together form an optical system with which the first light beam 20 can be directed and shaped along a first beam axis 2 and the second light beam 30 along a second beam axis 3. The first beam axis 2 can, for example, be perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis X and thus perpendicular to the ground in the vicinity of a respective vehicle 4. The second beam axis 3 runs at a defined angle to the first beam axis 2 and can thus be directed obliquely towards a respective area of ​​the ground to be illuminated.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an ambient light 1 according to the invention, which forms a configuration for an optical system for generating a light distribution on the ground 7 in the vicinity of a corresponding motor vehicle 4. Two LEDs 12 and 13 are arranged side by side on a planar circuit board 11, each LED being designed as a surface-mounted device (SMD) with an LED chip in a housing. The two LEDs 12 and 13 each emit a cone of light that propagates along a beam axis 2 and 3' perpendicular to the lower surface of the circuit board.

[0033] The cover plate 14 incorporates, by way of example, a converging lens 141 and a prism 142, which can be formed as a single piece from a transparent plastic material of the cover plate 14. The converging lens 141 can focus the light emitted by the first LED 13 according to a desired geometry for a first partial light distribution 5 on a ground 7 in the vicinity of a motor vehicle 4. A first light beam 20 spreads essentially conically around the first beam axis 2, which points perpendicularly towards the ground. The prism 142 integrated into the cover plate 14 deflects the light emitted by the second LED 13 along the beam axis 3', which is also oriented perpendicularly towards the ground, so that a second light beam 20 spreads essentially conically around the second beam axis 3.

[0034] An alternative to the one in which Fig. In the second embodiment of the ambient light 1 shown in Figure 2, the LED chips of a first and a second light source can be arranged side by side, spaced apart, in a common SMD package. Furthermore, a circuit device for controlling and driving the LEDs can be provided on the circuit board 11.

[0035] An ambient light 1 with an alternative optical system is in the Fig. Figure 3 shows a carrier device 11 designed as a three-dimensional molded part with two surfaces. An LED, serving as a light source 12 or 13, is arranged on each surface. The LEDs are designed as components for through-hole technology (THT) mounting and each has a transparent housing that provides light-focusing optics. The surfaces of the carrier device 11 abut each other at a common edge at a selected angle. The LEDs 12 and 13 are covered by a one-piece cover plate 14. The first LED 12 emits a first light beam 20 along a first beam axis 2, which extends orthogonally to the surface of the carrier device 11 on which the first LED 12 is arranged. A second beam axis 3, along which a second light beam 30 propagates, extends orthogonally to the surface of the carrier device 11 on which the second LED 13 is arranged.

[0036] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 4 equipped with an ambient light 1 according to one of the Fig. The vehicle is equipped with a puddle light 1, which is mounted on or integrated into a housing of the puddle light 8, the puddle light 8 being attached to a side of the vehicle. The cover lens 14 of the puddle light 1 can preferably be mounted flush with or in a lower housing area of ​​the puddle light 8, with the respective light source module 10 extending into the interior of the mirror housing.

[0037] A first light beam 20, emitted by a first light source 12 of the ambient light 1, is directed along a first beam axis 2 onto the ground 7 in the vicinity of the vehicle 4. In the illustrated example, the first beam axis 2 is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the vehicle 4. The first light source 12 can project a first partial light distribution 5 onto the ground 7 in a front area in the vicinity of the vehicle 4. A second light beam 30 can propagate along a second beam axis 3, extending at predetermined angles to the vehicle's vertical axis Z and longitudinal axis X. The second light beam 30 enables the projection of a second partial light distribution 6 onto the ground 7 in a rear area of ​​the vehicle 4.

[0038] Regardless of the specific embodiment of an ambient light 1 described above, it is provided that the first light source 12 and the second light source 13 can be electrically controlled independently of each other. Preferably, the two light sources can be dimmed selectively.

[0039] As will be explained in more detail below, various lighting functions can be provided with an ambient light 1 according to the invention, which can be controlled depending on the operating state of a respective motor vehicle 4.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary state transition diagram illustrating a possible mode of operation for a control device associated with an ambient light 1 according to the invention. The control device is initialized via a wake-up signal and subsequently assumes the initial state q0. In the initial state q0, the first and second light sources 12 and 13 are each deactivated. An ambient light sensor (ALS) can monitor the ambient brightness around the vehicle 4. As soon as the ambient brightness falls below the threshold, the control device detects a corresponding first input signal ALS, which has been signaled by the ambient light sensor. The control device then transitions to the first state q1, in which both light sources 12 and 13 initially remain deactivated.

[0041] For example, if a vehicle door of the motor vehicle 4 is opened, the control unit detects a second input signal DR. The control unit transitions from the first state q1 to the second state q2. In the second state q2, the control unit outputs a first output signal value for each of the two lamps 12 and 13 of the ambient light 1. In the second state q2, the ambient light 1 is intended to provide exit lighting. The ground 7 in the lateral vicinity of the motor vehicle 4 is illuminated, for example, with a uniform light distribution. As soon as the second input signal DR is no longer present, the control unit returns to the first state q1.

[0042] If a reverse gear is engaged while the vehicle 4 is in motion, the control unit receives a third input signal R. The control unit then enters the third state q3. In this third state, the first light source 12 of the ambient light 1 remains deactivated, while a second output signal value is issued for the second light source 13. This second output signal value controls the second light source 13 so that it shines brighter than with a predetermined first output signal value.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows an orientation light function for reversing, which is provided by the control unit in the third state q3. As can be seen, only the second partial light distribution 6 is projected from the ambient light 1 onto the ground 7 in the vicinity of the vehicle 4.

[0044] In addition to the two exemplary lighting functions described, further lighting functions can be provided through appropriately extended control logic to support the driver in specific driving situations or vehicle operating conditions. For example, construction site lighting can be activated if a narrowing of the roadway is detected by a camera or other environmental sensors while driving. By appropriately illuminating the area to the side of the vehicle, lane markings on the road can be more easily seen in the side mirrors, thus assisting the driver in staying in their lane.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of an ambient light 1 according to the invention, which is arranged on or in a lower housing area of ​​an exterior mirror 8 of a motor vehicle 4. The ambient light 1 has a light source module 10 with a plurality of light sources, which can be arranged on the surface of a common carrier device in a matrix-like arrangement relative to one another. With individually dimmable control of each individual light source, in principle any desired light distribution pattern can be projected onto the ground 7 in the lateral vicinity of the motor vehicle 4.

[0046] The light source module 10 can contain a number of SMD light-emitting diodes arranged planarly in an nxm matrix arrangement on a printed circuit board. Thus, the light source module 10 forms a projection axis perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board. If the surface of the printed circuit board is installed in a substantially horizontal position in the exterior mirror 8 of the motor vehicle 4, the projection axis of the light source module 10 runs perpendicular to the projection plane, i.e., perpendicular to the ground 7 in the vicinity of the vehicle. As already shown in the Fig. As can be seen from 4, the installation position in the exterior mirror 8 in a front area of ​​the vehicle requires a distortion or deflection optic so that the corresponding partial light distributions on the ground 7 in the rear area of ​​the vehicle are directed.

[0047] A transparent plastic cover plate with integrated prism optics can be placed in front of a respective LED matrix arrangement, so that the light beams for each LED in the matrix arrangement can be individually deflected and shaped.

[0048] Although the subject matter has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the exemplary embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not to be interpreted in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 1 ambient light 2 first beam axis 3 second beam axis 4 Motor vehicle 5 first partial light distribution 6 second partial light distribution 7 Floor 8 exterior mirrors 10 light source modules 11 Circuit board 12 first light source 13 second light source 14 Cover plate 20 first light beam 30 second light beam 141 Converging lens 142 prisms X Vehicle longitudinal axis Z vehicle vertical axis q0, q1, q2, q3 state AS first input signal DR second input signal R third input signal

Claims

[1] Ambient light for a motor vehicle (4) for generating a light distribution (5, 6) on the ground (7) in an environment of the motor vehicle (4), comprising a transparent cover plate (14) and a lighting module (10), wherein the lighting module (10) has at least a first lighting means (12) and a second lighting means (13), wherein the transparent cover plate (14) can be arranged on a bodywork part of the motor vehicle (4), wherein each of the lighting means (12, 13) of the lighting means module (10) each comprises a light-emitting diode, and wherein the lighting means (12, 13) are arranged adjacently on a flat printed circuit board (11), wherein each lighting means (12, 13) of the lighting means module (10) is assigned a specifically shaped optical structure (141, 142), wherein the optical structures (141,142) and the transparent cover plate (14) are formed together as a one-piece molded part and wherein the transparent cover plate (14) and the illuminant module (10) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first illuminant (12) emits a first light beam (20) along a first beam axis (2) and the second illuminant (13) emits a second light beam (30) along a second beam axis (3) via the transparent cover plate (14), wherein the second beam axis (3) is offset at a defined angle to the first beam axis (2), , characterized by that the optical structures (141, 142) are formed on an outer side of the transparent cover plate (14) and that a planar surface section for coupling in the light beams (20, 30) is provided on an inner surface of the transparent cover plate (14) for each illuminant (12, 13). [2] Ambient light according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the first and second beam axes (2, 3) are aligned in different spatial directions. [3] Ambient light according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the first beam axis (2) is aligned perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal axis (x). [4] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the body attachment part is an exterior mirror (8) of the motor vehicle (4). [5] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the light-emitting diodes are each formed as a surface-mounted component with an LED chip in a housing. [6] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein a first optical structure (141) is designed as a converging lens. [7] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein a second optical structure (142) is formed as a prism. [8] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the illuminant module (10) is further assigned a control device which is designed to control at least the first and the second illuminant (12, 13) electrically independently of one another. [9] Ambient light according to the preceding claim 8, wherein the control device includes an at least two-channel dimmer, so that the brightnesses of the first and the second illuminating means (12, 13) can be varied separately from one another. [10] Ambient light according to one of the preceding claims 8 or 9, wherein the control device provides a number of lighting functions, wherein each lighting function is defined by a predetermined control of the lighting means (12, 13) and wherein each lighting function is assigned to at least one specific operating state of the motor vehicle (4).

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