Motor vehicle with a foldable cover element that is movable in the longitudinal and transverse direction of a light intake area and method for covering a light intake area of ​​a motor vehicle

Abstract

Motor vehicle (10) with a cover device (22) configured to cover a light intake area (12) of the motor vehicle (10) in a cover position and to at least partially release the light intake area (12) in at least one release position, wherein in the at least one release position of the cover device (22) light from an environment (16) of the motor vehicle (10) can be introduced into a passenger compartment (14) of the motor vehicle (10) via at least one released portion of the light intake area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a cover element (24) with a plurality of fold lines (26), wherein at least in the at least one release position a plurality of protrusions (28) and a plurality of recesses (30) are formed in the cover element (24), wherein groups of fold lines (26) are located at respective apex regions (32) of the protrusions (28) and at respective trough regions (34) of the recesses (30). collidewherein by moving the cover device (22) from the at least one release position to the cover position a height difference between the apex areas (32) and the trough areas (34) can be reduced, wherein the covering device (22) comprises a first retaining element (36) on which a first longitudinal side (38) of the covering element (24) is held, and a second retaining element (42) on which a first transverse side (44) of the covering element (24) is held, characterized in that The retaining elements (36, 42, 48, 52) are designed as retaining rods, wherein the first retaining element (36) is displaceable in a transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12) and the second retaining element (42) is displaceable in a longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a third retaining element (48) on which a further longitudinal side (50) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the third retaining element (48) is displaceable in the transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a fourth retaining element (52) on which a further transverse side (56) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the fourth retaining element (52) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the light inlet area (12) comprises a frame (62) surrounding the light inlet area (12), and wherein frame parts (64, 66, 68) of the frame (62) are designed as guide elements,into which end areas of the movable retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) are guided when the retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) is moved.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a cover device configured to conceal a light intake area of ​​the motor vehicle in a covered position and to at least partially uncover the light intake area in at least one released position. In the at least one released position of the cover device, light from the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via at least one uncovered portion of the light intake area. The cover device comprises a cover element with a plurality of fold lines, wherein, at least in the at least one released position, a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions are formed in the cover element. Groups of fold lines meet at the respective apex regions of the protrusions and at the respective trough regions of the depressions.By moving the covering device from the at least one release position to the covering position, the height difference between the apex areas and the trough areas can be reduced. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for covering a light intake area of ​​a motor vehicle.

[0002] KR 10 2015 0 105 066 A describes a light-shielding device for a side window of a vehicle. An upper frame, with an upper guide rail on its underside, extends longitudinally. A lower frame, with a lower guide rail on its top, faces the upper frame. Several upper guide blocks slide on the upper guide rail, and several lower guide blocks slide on the lower guide rail. One side of a light-shielding element is connected to the upper guide blocks, and another side to the lower guide blocks, so that it can be unfolded or folded along the upper and lower guide rails.

[0003] Motor vehicles with a translucent roof area are typically equipped with a cover element to conceal the translucent roof area from the passenger compartment. This prevents dazzling sunlight from entering the passenger compartment through the translucent roof area, such as in the case of a panoramic roof. A roller blind system with a roll-up panel is often used to cover such a translucent roof area.

[0004] A roller blind arrangement for a transparent roof section of a motor vehicle is described in DE 10 2014 108 119 A1. In this arrangement, a roller blind panel is formed from a foldable fabric or a fabric that can be wound onto a roller.

[0005] A disadvantage here is that the roller blind arrangement requires a relatively large amount of installation space. Furthermore, such a covering device in the form of a roller blind arrangement is comparatively expensive.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 20 2019 005 447 U1 describes a shading material arranged at a light inlet of a glass roof in a motor vehicle. A web of the shading material has a multitude of folds extending between the longitudinal edges of the material from one longitudinal edge towards the opposite longitudinal edge. The height profile of the folds can exhibit several elevations in the direction of a transverse axis running between the longitudinal edges, with depressions formed between successive elevations in the transverse direction.

[0007] If the material web is designed with a 3D height profile, the height profile can be created using origami folding techniques.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset in which the covering device is particularly flexible with regard to releasing parts of the light intake area, and to specify a corresponding method.

[0009] This problem is solved by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0010] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a covering device configured to cover a light intake area of ​​the motor vehicle in a covering position and to at least partially uncover the light intake area in at least one release position. In the at least one release position of the covering device, light from the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via at least a released portion of the light intake area. The covering device comprises a covering element with a plurality of fold lines. At least in the at least one release position, the covering element has a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions, wherein groups of fold lines meet at respective apex regions of the protrusions and at respective trough regions of the depressions.By moving the cover device from at least one release position to the cover position, the height difference between the crown areas and the trough areas can be reduced. The cover device comprises a first retaining element, to which a first longitudinal side of the cover element is held, and a second retaining element, to which a first transverse side of the cover element is held. The first retaining element is displaceable in a transverse direction of the light inlet area, and the second retaining element is displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the light inlet area.

[0011] To enlarge the area of ​​the light inlet covered by the cover element, either the first or the second retaining element can be moved, or both can be moved. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in shaping and sizing the area of ​​the light inlet covered by the cover element, depending on the position of the retaining elements.

[0012] For example, if the first retaining element is moved laterally across the light intake area, a larger portion of the light intake area can be covered by the cover element. Similarly, if the second retaining element is moved longitudinally across the light intake area, a larger portion of the light intake area can be covered by the cover element. Consequently, the cover mechanism is particularly flexible in terms of exposing and concealing portions of the light intake area.

[0013] In particular, it allows for very flexible adjustments to the specific sections or segments of the light intake area where light, especially sunlight, from the vehicle's surroundings is entering or about to enter the passenger compartment. Furthermore, this enables highly targeted shading of the passenger compartment.

[0014] In at least one of the release positions, at least a portion of the light intake area is open, allowing ambient light to enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If at least one of the retaining elements can be moved beyond an edge of the light intake area, it can be ensured that the entire light intake area is open in one of the release positions.

[0015] The fold lines formed in the cover element meet at least when the cover device is in at least one release position. Due to the provision of these fold lines in the cover element, the cover element exhibits a foldability similar to that of an origami structure. The raised areas with their apex regions, particularly vertices, and the recessed areas with their troughs, particularly trough points, can be arranged regularly, especially in a regularly alternating pattern.

[0016] Such a folding structure advantageously allows the cover element to be folded in such a way that it occupies very little space. In this largely or completely folded state of the cover element, the height difference between the apex areas, especially the vertices, of the elevations and the trough areas, especially the vertices or low points, of the depressions is maximized. Conversely, by unfolding the cover element, the height difference between the apex areas and the trough areas can be reduced, in particular to zero or almost zero.

[0017] The cover device with such a cover element can be provided particularly cost-effectively. In particular, a complex mechanism, such as that required for a roller blind assembly with a roller and a winding mechanism, can be dispensed with. Eliminating the roller blind assembly advantageously results in a significant saving of installation space. The cover device, comprising at least the first and second retaining elements, can thus be implemented in the vehicle with minimal effort, in a space-saving manner, and at low cost.

[0018] Advantageously, moving the first retaining element transversely across the light inlet area from the maximum release position causes the cover element, which has a multitude of fold lines, to unfold or spread out. Similarly, moving the second retaining element longitudinally across the light inlet area from the maximum release position causes the cover element to unfold or spread out longitudinally across the light inlet area.

[0019] In principle, the first longitudinal side of the cover element and the first transverse side of the cover element can be oriented arbitrarily in the motor vehicle, as can the longitudinal direction of the light intake area and the transverse direction of the light intake area.

[0020] For an attractive appearance of the cover and ease of use when moving the retaining elements, it can be advantageous if the longitudinal direction of the light intake area in the vehicle is essentially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Depending on its arrangement in the vehicle, the transverse direction of the light intake area can be, for example, essentially parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis or essentially parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0021] For example, the longitudinal direction of a light intake area designed as a side window can extend essentially in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In contrast, the transverse direction of the side window, which includes the covering device, extends essentially in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0022] If, on the other hand, the light intake area is designed, for example, as the rear window of the vehicle, then the longitudinal direction can extend essentially in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis and the transverse direction essentially in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis. The same applies if the light intake area is designed as the windshield of the vehicle.

[0023] In all these longitudinal and transverse orientations of the light intake area, the respective light intake areas of the vehicle can be covered or at least partially uncovered very flexibly by means of the cover device, by moving the cover device into at least one release position. This is advantageous.

[0024] The cover mechanism includes a third retaining element to which another longitudinal side of the cover element is attached. This third retaining element is movable in the transverse direction of the light inlet area. This allows for a particularly high degree of variability with regard to the spatial extent of the cover element in the transverse direction of the light inlet area.

[0025] It has also proven advantageous that the covering device includes a fourth retaining element to which another transverse side of the covering element is attached, and that this fourth retaining element is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the light inlet area. This advantageously allows for a particularly variable size of the portions of the light inlet area that can be covered or uncovered by the covering element in the longitudinal direction of the light inlet area.

[0026] The light inlet area comprises a frame surrounding it, with frame components designed as guide elements. The end sections of the sliding retaining element are guided within these guide elements as the retaining element is moved. This ensures both secure mounting of the sliding retaining element on the frame and highly precise guidance of the retaining element during its movement.

[0027] For example, the guide elements can be designed as guide rails, with the end sections of the sliding retaining element, designed as engagement parts, engaging in the respective guide rail. This allows for very reliable sliding of the retaining element.

[0028] The retaining elements are designed as retaining rods. By providing inherently rigid retaining rods as the retaining elements, very simple operation when moving the retaining element can be achieved. And if, in a variant of the covering device not covered by claim 1, the retaining elements are designed as flexible retaining cords, for example in the form of retaining wires or in the form of retaining threads, particularly made of plastic, this ensures a very simple and cost-effective construction of the covering device.

[0029] It can be provided that by fixing corner areas of the cover element to the retaining elements, the mounting of at least one longitudinal side and at least one transverse side of the cover element to the associated retaining element is achieved. This results in a very simple design and easy assembly of the cover element during the manufacture of the cover device.

[0030] Preferably, the cover element has a plurality of fastening points along its longitudinal side, at which the cover element is coupled to the retaining element that holds the longitudinal side. This ensures a very reliable fastening of the longitudinal side of the cover element to the retaining element.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the cover element can have multiple fastening points along its transverse side, at which the cover element is coupled to the retaining element holding the transverse side. This advantageously ensures a very reliable fixation of the cover element to the retaining element holding the transverse side along its transverse side.

[0032] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the retaining elements are made of a translucent material. This minimizes the visual disturbance caused by the retaining elements extending across the light intake area, either transversely or longitudinally. Additionally or alternatively, a thin design of the retaining elements can ensure that they are barely visible, or at least not distracting, to an observer looking from the passenger compartment into the vehicle's surroundings.

[0033] Preferably, the cover element has at least one light source by means of which at least a portion of the passenger compartment can be illuminated. This allows for an attractive appearance of the cover device from the side facing the passenger compartment. Furthermore, providing the at least one light source improves the visibility of the cover element. By switching on the at least one light source, the cover element can be clearly seen.

[0034] This is particularly advantageous when an operator manually operates the covering device, for example by moving the movable retaining element. However, even when the retaining element is moved by means of at least one actuator, such as an electric motor or the like, it is advantageous if the result of the movement is simple and clearly visible. Therefore, even when the retaining element can be moved by means of at least one actuator of the covering device, providing at least one light source is advantageous.

[0035] For example, filaments containing LEDs or similar light sources can be integrated into the cover element. This allows for a very pleasant lighting effect when the at least one light source is in operation. In particular, it can be provided that such strip-shaped light sources are arranged or designed at a distance from the fold lines of the cover element. This allows for very simple integration of the at least one light source into the cover element. Furthermore, this reliably prevents any impairment of the at least one light source when the cover element is folded along the fold lines.

[0036] Preferably, the light intake area is formed in the roof of the motor vehicle. This is based on the understanding that, particularly in the area of ​​the vehicle's roof, it is advantageous if the entry of sunlight into the passenger compartment can be prevented by appropriately sliding the retaining elements and, consequently, the cover element.

[0037] In the inventive method for covering a light intake area of ​​a motor vehicle, a covering device of the motor vehicle is moved into a covering position in which the light intake area is covered. The covering device is designed to at least partially uncover the light intake area in at least one release position, wherein in this at least one release position of the covering device, light from the surroundings of the motor vehicle can be introduced or enter the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via at least one uncovered portion of the light intake area. The covering device comprises a covering element with a plurality of fold lines.In at least one release position, the cover element has a multitude of raised sections and a multitude of recesses, with groups of fold lines meeting at the respective crests of the raised sections and at the respective troughs of the recesses. Moving the cover device from the release position to the covered position reduces the height difference between the crests and the troughs. The cover device comprises a first retaining element, to which a first longitudinal side of the cover element is held, and a second retaining element, to which a first transverse side of the cover element is held. The first retaining element is moved transversely across the light-inlet area, and the second retaining element is moved longitudinally across the light-inlet area.The retaining elements are designed as retaining bars, with the cover device comprising a third retaining element to which another longitudinal side of the cover element is held, wherein the third retaining element is displaced in the transverse direction of the light inlet area. The cover device comprises a fourth retaining element to which another transverse side of the cover element is held, wherein the fourth retaining element is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the light inlet area. The light inlet area comprises a frame surrounding the light inlet area, wherein frame components are designed as guide elements in which end regions of the displaceable retaining element are guided when the retaining element is displaced.

[0038] The ability to move only the first retaining element, only the second retaining element, or both the first and second retaining elements makes the method particularly flexible with regard to exposing and concealing parts of the light inlet area.

[0039] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the motor vehicle according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0040] The invention therefore also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0041] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

[0042] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0043] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective view and in section a motor vehicle in which a light intake area is formed in a roof, for example by providing at least one translucent pane in the roof of the motor vehicle, wherein a cover element of a cover device of the motor vehicle, by means of which the light intake area can be covered, has four retaining elements, of which two are movable in a longitudinal direction of the light intake area, wherein two further retaining elements are movable in a transverse direction of the light intake area; Fig. 2 in a schematic top view the cover element of the cover device according to Fig. 1, which is in a partially folded state; Fig. 3 schematically the motor vehicle according to Fig. 1, in which the covering device is placed in a covering position, so that the light inlet area is covered on the inside, i.e. towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, by means of the covering element; Fig. 4 in a schematic top view the cover element according to Fig. 3, which is in the unfolded state; Fig. 5. covering a section of the light inlet area located towards the rear in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis by means of the cover element; Fig. 6. covering a front section of the light intake area in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis by means of the cover element; Fig. 7. Covering a corner area of ​​the light inlet area by means of the cover element by appropriately moving the retaining elements towards the corner area; Fig. 8 schematically the directions of movement in which, on the one hand, the two retaining elements arranged on the longitudinal sides of the cover element and, on the other hand, the two retaining elements arranged on the transverse sides of the cover element can be moved; Fig. 9 schematically, fastening points where the cover element is coupled to one of the retaining elements; and Fig. 10 schematically the guiding of end areas of the retaining elements in frame parts of a frame which runs around the light inlet area, wherein the frame parts of the frame are designed as guide elements.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0045] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and partial view of a motor vehicle 10 in which a light inlet area 12 is formed in the roof. For example, at least part of the roof can be designed as a so-called panoramic roof, which allows a view from a passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 10 into the surroundings 16 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0047] The light inlet area 12 can, as in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1, the light intake area 12 covers almost the entire roof surface of the motor vehicle 10. However, it is also possible for the light intake area 12 to cover only a portion of the roof of the motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, the following descriptions of the light intake area 12 formed in the roof area apply analogously if light can enter the passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 10 through at least one light intake area 12 of the motor vehicle 10, for example in the form of a side window 18 and / or a rear window 20.

[0048] According to Fig. The motor vehicle 10 has a covering device 22 which makes it possible to flexibly expose or cover individual sections of the light intake area 12 towards the passenger compartment 14. The covering device 22 is preferably arranged on an inner side of a translucent pane of the light intake area 12 facing the passenger compartment 14. For reasons of clarity, the translucent pane of the motor vehicle 10 in the light intake area 12 is Fig. 1 not labelled with a reference mark.

[0049] According to Fig. 1 The cover device 22 includes a cover element 24, which is in Fig. 2 is shown schematically in a state that is at least partially folded. An enlarged detail view of the folded cover element 24, which is thus in a release position, is also shown in Fig. 9 shown.

[0050] According to Fig. 2 The cover element 24 has an origami structure. Accordingly, the cover element 24 comprises a large number of fold lines 26, of which, for the sake of clarity, Fig. 2 only some are marked with a reference symbol. From the in Fig. However, as shown in the illustration of the origami-like structure of the cover element 24 in section 2, it is evident that when the cover device 22 is in the, for example, Fig. In the release position shown in Figure 1, the cover element 24 has a multitude of protrusions 28 and also a multitude of depressions 30.

[0051] At a vertex area, particularly as a vertex 32, the fold lines 26 assigned to a respective elevation 28 abut each other. Similarly, the fold lines 26 abut each other at a trough area of ​​the respective depression 30, particularly as a trough point 34 or low point.

[0052] The in Fig. The regular or alternating arrangement of the protrusions 28 and the depressions 30 shown in Figure 2 means that the entire cover element 24 can be folded very small. In contrast, when the cover element 24 is unfolded or pulled apart, as shown schematically in Figure 2, the cover element 24 can be folded very small. Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the area of ​​the light inlet area 12 that can be covered by means of the cover element 24 is increased.

[0053] Furthermore, unfolding or pulling apart or stretching the cover element 24 results in the following in the covered position (compare Fig. 3), in which the light inlet area 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is obscured, the height difference between the vertices 32 of the elevations 28 and the trough points 34 of the depressions 30 is less than in the Fig. 2 shown release position of the cover element 24.

[0054] In order to be able to move the cover element 24 very flexibly into different release positions, the cover device 22 has a first retaining element 36 (compare Fig. 1), on which a first longitudinal side 38 of the cover element 24 is held. The first retaining element 36 is displaceable in a transverse direction 40 of the light inlet area 12, wherein the transverse direction 40 in Fig. 1 is illustrated by a double arrow.

[0055] Furthermore, the cover device 22 comprises a second retaining element 42, to which a first transverse side 44 of the cover element 24 is held. The second retaining element 42 is displaceable in a longitudinal direction 46 of the light inlet area 12, wherein the longitudinal direction 46 of the light inlet area 12 is Fig. 1 is illustrated by another double arrow.

[0056] Is the first retaining element 36 therefore located further than in Fig. 1 shown shifted in the transverse direction 40 of the light inlet area 12, thus further towards a point in Fig. 1 lateral edge of the light inlet area 12, so towards this (in Fig. 1 right) lateral edge a larger part of the light inlet area 12 is covered by the cover element 24.

[0057] The same applies if the second holding element 42 is located further than in Fig. 1 shown is shifted in the longitudinal direction 46 of the light inlet area, i.e. according to Fig. 1 further towards the rear of the motor vehicle 10.

[0058] By providing the movable first retaining element 36 and the movable second retaining element 42, a very high degree of flexibility is given with regard to the opening and closing of respective sections of the light inlet area 12.

[0059] Preferably, the covering device comprises a third retaining element 48, to which a further longitudinal side 50 of the covering element 24 is held. As can be seen in particular from a combination of Fig. 1 with Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the further longitudinal side 50 of the cover element 24 is opposite the first longitudinal side 38 in the transverse direction 40 of the light inlet area 12.

[0060] Therefore, if the cover element 24 is moved further towards the point indicated by the third retaining element 48, then Fig. 1. If the left edge of the light intake area 12 is shifted relative to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 10, the area of ​​the light intake area 12 covered by the cover element 24 increases in the direction towards this left edge of the light intake area 12.

[0061] Preferably, the cover device 22 comprises a fourth retaining element 52, on which a further transverse side 56 of the cover element 24 is held (compare Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 2).

[0062] According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The further transverse side 56 lies in the longitudinal direction 46 of the cover element 24 opposite the first transverse side 44. By providing the fourth retaining element 52, the cover element 24 can be pulled apart or unfolded further towards a front edge of the light inlet area 12 than is possible in Fig. 1 is shown. For this, according to Fig. 1 to move or shift the third retaining element 52 towards a front area of ​​the motor vehicle 10.

[0063] Out of Fig. 3 It is evident that when the cover device 22 is in its cover position, the cover element 24 covers, in particular completely covers, the light inlet area 12 towards the passenger compartment 14. In contrast, in the case of the Fig. In the release position of the cover device 22 shown in 1, light enters the passenger compartment 14 via released sections of the light inlet area 12, with the released sections being in the Fig. 1. Release position shown around the cover element 24.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a situation in which the light inlet area 12 formed in the roof of the motor vehicle 10 is exposed in a frontal section. In contrast, a rear section of the light inlet area 12 is covered by the cover element 24. Here, the first retaining element 36 and the one in Fig. 5 third retaining element 48 not specifically shown, each completely shifted towards the edges of the light inlet area 12 opposite each other in the transverse direction 40.

[0065] The fourth retaining element 52 is located according to Fig. 5 in the longitudinal direction 46 approximately in the middle between a front edge of the light intake area 12 and a rear edge of the light intake area 12. Towards this rear edge of the light intake area 12 is the second retaining element 42 (compare Fig. 1) completely displaced. As a result, the rear portion of the light inlet area 12, in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle 10, is covered by the cover element 24 when the motor vehicle 10 is traveling forward. In contrast, the front portion of the light inlet area 12 is uncovered.

[0066] In the Fig. In the release position of the cover device 22 and the cover element 24 shown in Figure 6, the fourth retaining element 52 is completely displaced towards the front edge of the light inlet area 12. In contrast, the second retaining element 42 is located approximately halfway between the front edge and the rear edge of the light inlet area 12. The first retaining element 36 and the third retaining element 48 are as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 5 shown completely shifted towards the transverse 40 lateral edges of the light inlet area 12.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 7 shows another release position of the cover element 24. In this case, the cover element 24 is folded more tightly or further than in Figure 7. Fig. 1 is the case. The first retaining element 36 and the fourth retaining element 52 are located in those positions which are indicated with reference to Fig. 6 were described.

[0068] However, the second retaining element 42 is shifted further towards the front edge of the light inlet area 12 than is specified according to Fig. 6 is the case. And the third retaining element 48 is displaced further towards the right-hand edge of the light inlet area 12 in the direction of travel than is specified according to Fig. 6 is the case. Accordingly, only one corner section of the light inlet area 12 is covered by the cover element 24. The remaining sections of the light inlet area 12 are, in contrast, uncovered.

[0069] According to the above explanations, the cover element 24 can be placed at any point within the light inlet area 12 by moving the associated retaining elements 36, 42, 48, 52 as desired.

[0070] In Fig. 8 is the one in Fig. Figure 1 shows the enlarged state of the cover element 24 or the cover device 22. The cover element 24 can be made of a foldable material; the fold lines 26 (compare Figure 1) Fig. 2) shall be formed of a fabric or material which is coupled to the retaining elements 36, 42, 48, 52.

[0071] The mobility of the first retaining element 36 and the third retaining element 48 in the transverse direction 40 of the light inlet area 12 is in Fig. Figure 8 is illustrated by a double arrow. Likewise, the mobility of the second retaining element 42 and the fourth retaining element 52 in the longitudinal direction 46 of the light inlet area 12 is shown. Fig. 8 illustrated by another double arrow.

[0072] Preferably the retaining elements 36, 42, 48, 52 are designed as translucent or transparent retaining rods or retaining cords.

[0073] In Fig. Figure 9 shows, by way of example, the second retaining element 42, how the cover element 24 is attached along the second retaining element 42 at a plurality of fastening points 58 to the first transverse side 44 (compare Figure 9). Fig. 1) is coupled to the second retaining element 42. In an analogous manner, the remaining longitudinal sides 38, 50 of the cover element 24 and the further transverse side 56 are preferably coupled to the associated retaining elements 36, 48, 52 at a plurality of fastening points 58. In Fig. However, 9 such additional fastening points 58 are not separately marked.

[0074] From the enlarged view of the cover element 24 in Fig. It is further evident from Figure 9 that the cover element 24 can have at least one light source 60 which can be switched on to illuminate at least a partial area of ​​the passenger compartment 14. For example, the light sources 60 can be designed as threads having or being provided by light-emitting diodes, which are integrated into the surface structure or fabric of the cover element 24.

[0075] One possible arrangement of these light sources 60 can also be seen from the schematic representation of the cover element 24 in Fig. 4 is evident. As in Fig. 9 are also in Fig. 4 For the sake of clarity, only some of these light sources 60 are marked with a reference symbol.

[0076] According to Fig. 10 The light inlet area 12 has a frame 62, which is formed from a plurality of frame parts 64, 66, 68. Another, in Fig. 10. The rear frame part of frame 62 is, for the sake of clarity, in Fig. 10 not shown in detail. The frame parts 64, 66, 68 are preferably designed as guide elements in which end regions of the movable retaining elements 36, 42, 48, 52 are guided.

[0077] In particular, in Fig. Figure 10, illustrated by two double arrows 70, shows how the front end regions of the first retaining element 36 and the third retaining element 48 can be displaced in the transverse direction 40. The front end regions of the first retaining element 36 and the third retaining element 48 are guided in the frame part 66, which is designed as the front guide element of the frame 62.

[0078] Similarly, from Fig. 10 shows how the end regions of the fourth retaining element 52 are on the one hand in the in Fig. 10 right frame part 64 are guided and on the other hand in the in Fig. 10 left frame part 68. A sliding movement of the fourth retaining element 52 along these frame parts 64, 68 designed as guide elements is in Fig. Figure 10 illustrates this with a further double arrow 72. A corresponding degree of displacement along the left and right frame parts 64, 68, which are designed as guide elements, is given for the second retaining element 42.

[0079] Overall, the examples show how an intelligent and space-saving cover device 22 can be provided for a light inlet area 12, in particular in the form of a panoramic roof, which preferably has a lighting device, in particular in the form of at least one light source 60.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (10) with a cover device (22) configured to cover a light inlet area (12) of the motor vehicle (10) in a cover position and to at least partially release the light inlet area (12) in at least one release position, wherein in the at least one release position of the cover device (22) light from an environment (16) of the motor vehicle (10) can be introduced into a passenger compartment (14) of the motor vehicle (10) via at least one released portion of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a cover element (24) with a plurality of fold lines (26), wherein at least in the at least one release position a plurality of protrusions (28) and a plurality of recesses (30) are formed in the cover element (24), wherein groups of fold lines (26) are located at respective apex regions (32) of the protrusions (28) and at respective trough regions (34) of the recesses (30) collide,wherein by moving the cover device (22) from the at least one release position to the cover position a height difference between the apex areas (32) and the trough areas (34) can be reduced, wherein the cover device (22) comprises a first retaining element (36) on which a first longitudinal side (38) of the cover element (24) is held, and a second retaining element (42) on which a first transverse side (44) of the cover element (24) is held, characterized by , that The retaining elements (36, 42, 48, 52) are designed as retaining rods, wherein the first retaining element (36) is displaceable in a transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12) and the second retaining element (42) is displaceable in a longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a third retaining element (48) on which a further longitudinal side (50) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the third retaining element (48) is displaceable in the transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a fourth retaining element (52) on which a further transverse side (56) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the fourth retaining element (52) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the light inlet area (12) comprises a frame (62) surrounding the light inlet area (12), and wherein frame parts (64, 66, 68) of the frame (62) are designed as guide elements,into which end areas of the movable retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) are guided when the retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) is moved. [2] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cover element (24) has a plurality of fastening points (58) along the longitudinal side (38, 50) at which the cover element (24) is coupled to the retaining element (36, 48) holding the longitudinal side (38, 50), and / or the cover element (24) has a plurality of fastening points (58) along the transverse side (44, 56) at which the cover element (24) is coupled to the retaining element (42, 52) holding the transverse side (44, 56). [3] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining elements (36, 42, 48, 52) are made of a translucent material. [4] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cover element (24) has at least one light source (60) by means of which at least a partial area of ​​the passenger compartment (14) can be illuminated. [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light inlet area (12) is formed in a roof of the motor vehicle (10). [6] A method for covering a light intake area (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein a cover device (22) of the motor vehicle (10) is moved into a cover position in which the light intake area (12) is covered, wherein the cover device (22) is configured to at least partially release the light intake area (12) in at least one release position, wherein in the at least one release position of the cover device (22) light from an environment (16) of the motor vehicle (10) can be introduced into a passenger compartment (14) of the motor vehicle (10) via at least one released portion of the light intake area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a cover element (24) with a plurality of fold lines (26), wherein at least in the at least one release position a plurality of protrusions (28) and a plurality of recesses (30) are formed in the cover element (24),wherein groups of fold lines (26) meet at respective vertex regions (32) of the elevations (28) and at respective trough regions (34) of the depressions (30), wherein by moving the cover device (22) from the at least one release position to the cover position a height difference between the vertex regions (32) and the trough regions (34) is reduced, wherein the cover device (22) comprises a first retaining element (36) on which a first longitudinal side (38) of the cover element (24) is held, and a second retaining element (42) on which a first transverse side (44) of the cover element (24) is held, , characterized bythat the retaining elements (36, 42, 48, 52) are designed as retaining bars, wherein the first retaining element (36) is displaced in a transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12) and the second retaining element (42) is displaced in a longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a third retaining element (48) on which a further longitudinal side (50) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the third retaining element (48) is displaced in the transverse direction (40) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the cover device (22) comprises a fourth retaining element (52) on which a further transverse side (56) of the cover element (24) is held, wherein the fourth retaining element (52) is displaced in the longitudinal direction (46) of the light inlet area (12), wherein the light inlet area (12) has a diameter around the light inlet area (12) comprises surrounding frame (62), and frame parts (64, 66, 68) of the frame (62) are designed as guide elements,into which end areas of the movable retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) are guided when the retaining element (36, 42, 48, 52) is moved.

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