Vehicle with cargo area lighting

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle with a cargo space (1), in particular a rear trunk, and with trunk lighting (33) that illuminates the cargo space (1) at least when the trunk is open. According to the invention, the cargo space lighting (33) is diffuser-free and has at least one luminous element (31) that emits a directly directed cone of light (39) focused onto a narrowly defined area (41) in the cargo space (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a two-track vehicle with cargo area lighting according to the preamble of claim 1 and a cargo area lining for such a vehicle according to claim 10.

[0002] The trunk located at the rear of a vehicle is lined on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle with a trunk lining that covers the rear body structure of the vehicle.

[0003] In a generally accepted design, trunk lighting is integrated into the trunk lining, illuminating the trunk when the tailgate is open. The trunk lighting is a space-consuming assembly consisting of a lamp housing and a lamp holder containing the light source. The lamp housing is further covered on its light-emitting side with a transparent diffuser element, which converts the direct light generated by the light source into diffused light. In this way, the entire trunk is illuminated with diffused light. The lamp housing is mounted in a mounting opening in the trunk lining.

[0004] As soon as larger items, such as a suitcase, are placed in the trunk in front of the trunk light, the remaining, unloaded trunk space is usually no longer illuminated, or only inadequately so. Furthermore, the diffuse illumination of the trunk with scattered light means that a significant portion of the light is not used to illuminate the trunk itself, but rather shines outwards through the open trunk opening, potentially dazzling a person standing in front of the trunk.

[0005] A trunk light is known from CN 205149642 U in which the light entering the trunk is adjustable. The luminous flux generated by the trunk light can be selectively directed towards the trunk through a light passage.

[0006] From JP 2010-158998 A, a side panel structure for a trunk is known. The side panel structure has an opening for a lighting device. The side panel structure also has an opening in which a plate-shaped cover body with ventilation holes is provided.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a two-track vehicle with trunk lighting in which the trunk can be illuminated in a targeted manner through simple construction.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 or 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a two-track vehicle with a general cargo space, in particular a preferably rear-facing trunk, and at least one cargo space light. The cargo space light illuminates the cargo space, at least when the trunk is open. According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the trunk light does not use diffused light, in which a lighting element of the trunk light is covered on its light-emitting side with a transparent diffuser by means of which the direct light generated by the lighting element is converted into diffused light. Instead, according to the characterizing part of claim 1, the cargo space light is designed without a diffuser, with at least one lighting element that emits a directly directed cone of light focused onto a narrowly defined area, such as a circular area, in the trunk.This ensures that the luminous flux generated by the lighting element is used almost entirely for illuminating the cargo area, while the proportion of light emitted outwards through the cargo opening is significantly reduced compared to the prior art. Therefore, the focusing of the light energy according to the invention enables more energy-efficient cargo area lighting than cargo area lighting that uses scattered light.

[0010] Preferably, several cargo area lights are provided on each side of the vehicle, which can be staggered one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, if one of the cargo area lights is covered by cargo in the cargo area, the other cargo area lights can still provide sufficient illumination.

[0011] In one technical implementation, the cargo space can be designed as a rear-facing trunk extending longitudinally forward to the rear of the vehicle's rear seat. Alternatively and / or additionally, the cargo space is bounded laterally on both sides by cargo area panels that cover the side of the vehicle body. Viewed vertically, the cargo space can be defined downwards by a cargo floor and / or upwards by a molded headliner. Depending on the specific design, the light cone generated by the lighting element can be integrated, for example, into the side cargo area panels and / or the vehicle's headliner. The light cone generated by the lighting element can be directed, for example, directly onto the rear of the rear seat, onto the side cargo area panels, and / or onto the cargo floor.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting element is positioned on the side of the cargo area lining facing away from the cargo space, thus concealing it from view (i.e., invisible to the vehicle user). In this case, the cargo area lining can have at least one diffuser-free light passage. This diffuser-free light passage allows the lighting element to focus its direct beam of light precisely onto the narrowly defined area of ​​the light circle within the cargo space. In a structurally simpler embodiment, the diffuser-free light passage in the cargo area lining can be an open opening, specifically a round or oblong hole, such as a groove or a slot.

[0013] In the cargo area lighting according to the invention, the lamp housing and the diffuser disc at the light outlet of the lamp housing, which are required in the prior art, can be omitted. Therefore, the invention enables a component-reduced design of the cargo area lighting compared to the prior art, in which the lighting element is positioned behind the cargo area lining, protected from mechanical influences, and is only inserted into a lamp socket.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, ventilation slots can be incorporated into the cargo area lining. These slots allow for pressure equalization when the cargo area is closed using a tailgate, preventing a build-up of air pressure that could impair the closing process. At least one of the ventilation slots can also function as a diffuser-free light passage through which the lighting element emits a direct beam of light towards the cargo area. The lighting element is preferably positioned a sufficiently large distance behind the diffuser-free light passage in the cargo area lining, making it completely invisible to the vehicle user.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, to which the invention is not limited, the lighting element is an LED. Compared to a conventional incandescent lamp, the beam angle of the LED can be easily designed so that the generated light cone, with a sufficiently large cross-section, falls on the narrowly defined area (i.e., the area of ​​the light circle) in the cargo space. Particularly in high-volume vehicles, a simple reading lamp can be used, which can be controlled by on / off signals. In a more sophisticated embodiment, the LED can be controlled by an electronic control unit to adjust the brightness, the color of the outline, and / or the direction of the generated light cone. The LED not only allows for the generation of a variety of light colors; a wide spectrum of LEDs with different color temperatures is also available.In this way, a desired lighting mood can be created by appropriately controlling the LEDs. Furthermore, when using LEDs, the cargo area lighting can be designed in an extremely compact form with a very flexible design.

[0016] It is structurally preferred if the ventilation slots are formed in a dimensionally stable ventilation grille. The ventilation grille can be inserted as a separate component into a mounting opening in the cargo area lining. For simplified assembly of the cargo area lighting, the following measure is preferred: The ventilation grille and the cargo area lighting can form a pre-assembled unit. In this pre-assembled unit, the ventilation grille can have a lamp socket on its side facing away from the cargo area, to which the light element can be mounted. The pre-assembled unit, consisting of the ventilation grille and the cargo area lighting, can therefore be easily installed in the cargo area lining in a single assembly step.

[0017] The cargo area lining can have a vertically raised side wall. This can transition upwards into a top wall that projects inwards towards the cargo area floor. The top wall can, for example, be the underside of a trunk sill. Preferably, the diffuser-free light passage is formed directly in the top wall of the cargo area lining to enable targeted light emission towards the cargo area floor.

[0018] Specifically, when using an LED controllable by the electronic control unit as the lighting element, the following aspect of the invention is feasible: When the cargo area is opened, the electronic control unit can initiate a welcome mode, offering the vehicle user a welcome light display. During this display, the lighting element can temporarily generate light effects, in particular by temporarily changing the brightness, color, direction, and / or contour of the light cone, thereby enhancing the user experience. A similar light display is already initiated using the rear and / or front lighting when the vehicle is locked or unlocked.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the electronic control unit can be assigned an occupancy sensor that detects the current occupancy of the cargo space. Based on the detected cargo space occupancy, the electronic control unit can control the lighting elements of the cargo space lighting in such a way that their light cone is directed onto an unoccupied area of ​​the cargo space floor and focuses it situationally.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1. A vehicle rear with the tailgate open, in a rear view; and Fig. 2 a detailed view from the Fig. 1.

[0022] In the Fig. Figure 1 indicates a trunk 1 located in the rear of a two-track vehicle with the tailgate 3 open upwards. The trunk 1 is defined on both sides in the transverse direction y of the vehicle by a trunk panel 5, of which in the Fig. Figure 1 shows only one trunk lining 5. The trunk lining 5 on the opposite side of the vehicle may be a mirror image. Furthermore, the trunk 1 extends from a rear loading edge 7 to the back 9 of a rear seat of the vehicle. In the open position shown, a trunk cover 11 is folded diagonally upwards to allow unobstructed access to the trunk 1.

[0023] The one in Fig. 1 The indicated trunk lining 5 has a vertically raised side wall 13. This closes at the top of the vehicle against a top wall 15, which projects diagonally inwards with an overhang and forms the underside of a trunk sill 17 running horizontally in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle.

[0024] Ventilation slots 21 are formed in the cover wall 15 of the trunk lining 5, which points towards the trunk floor 19. These are shown in the detailed view of the Fig. 2 Component of a ventilation grille 23. The ventilation grille 23 is inserted as a separate, rigid plastic component into a mounting opening 25 of the cover wall 15 of the trunk interior trim 5 using a clip connection or other joining technique.

[0025] As from the Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 2, the ventilation grille 23 has a support flange 27 on its side facing away from the trunk 1, to which a socket 29 is attached, in which an LED 31 is inserted. The socket 29 together with the LED 31 inserted therein forms a trunk light 33. A total of two trunk lights 33 are provided on each side of the vehicle in the trunk trim panels 5, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, as can be seen in the Fig. 1 based on the (in the Fig. The light cones 39 produced by the LEDs 31 (not shown) can be removed.

[0026] In one specific implementation, the LED can be a simple reading lamp that can be controlled via on / off signals. In a more complex version, according to the Fig. 2 the trunk lighting 33 in electrical signal connection with an electronic control unit 35. As soon as a door sensor 37 of the electronic control unit 35 detects an opening of the tailgate 3, the electronic control unit 35 activates the LED 31. A core of the invention is that the LED 31 projects a directly directed light cone 39 onto a narrowly defined circular light area 41 ( Fig. 1) emits focused light in the trunk floor 19 with a predefined beam angle α.

[0027] The ventilation slots 21 equalize the pressure when the tailgate 3 is closed, thus preventing an air pressure build-up in the trunk 1 that would impair the closing process.

[0028] A key aspect of the invention is that the luminous flux generated by the LED 31 is emitted diffuser-free through the ventilation slot 21 towards the trunk floor 19. By omitting a diffuser element on the light-emitting side of the LED 31, the generation of stray light is avoided. The trunk lighting 33 can therefore illuminate the predefined light circle areas 41 in a targeted manner – without the need for an intermediate diffuser element.

[0029] The brightness, light color, contour, and / or orientation of the light cone 39 generated by the LED 31 can be adjusted using the electronic control unit 35. For example, when the tailgate 3 is opened, the electronic control unit 35 can initiate a welcome mode in which the LED 31 temporarily generates light effects, in particular by reducing or increasing the brightness, light color, spatial orientation, or contour of the light cone 39.

[0030] As from the Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, an occupancy sensor 38 is assigned to the electronic control unit 35. This sensor detects whether the trunk is currently occupied by cargo. Based on the detected occupancy, the electronic control unit 35 can control the LED 31 of the cargo area lighting 33 in such a way that its light beam 39 is directed onto an unoccupied area of ​​the trunk floor 19 and focuses it accordingly. Reference symbol list 1 trunk 3. Tailgate 5 Trunk lining 7 Loading edge 9 Back of a rear seat 11. Trunk cover 13 Side wall 15 Ceiling wall 17 Trunk sill 19 boot floor 21 ventilation slots 23 ventilation grilles 25 Mounting opening 27 Support flange 29 Lamp holder 31 LED 33 Trunk lighting 35 electronic control unit 37 Door sensors 38 Occupancy sensors 39 light cones 41 Light cone area or narrowly limited area α Beam angle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 205149642 U

[0005] JP 2010-158998 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Vehicle with a cargo space (1), in particular a rear trunk, and with at least one trunk light (33) which illuminates the cargo space (1) at least when open, characterized by , that the cargo space lighting (33) is designed without a diffuser with at least one lighting element (31) which emits a directly directed light cone (39) focused onto a narrowly limited area (41) in the cargo space (1). [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by, that the cargo space (1) is defined in the longitudinal direction (x) towards the front of the vehicle by a rear seat of the vehicle, and / or in the transverse direction (y) on both sides by a cargo space lining (5) covering the vehicle body, and / or in the vertical direction (z) by a cargo space floor (19), and that in particular the light cone (39) generated by the light element (31) is directed directly onto the rear (9) of the rear seat, and / or onto the cargo space lining (5), and / or onto the cargo space floor (19). [3] Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized by, that the lighting element (31) is arranged in a manner that protects it from view on the side of the cargo compartment lining (5) facing away from the cargo compartment (1), and that in particular the cargo compartment lining (5) has at least one diffuser-free light passage (21) through which the lighting element (31) emits the directly directed light cone (39) focused onto the narrowly defined area (41) in the cargo compartment (1), and that in particular the diffuser-free light passage (21) formed in the cargo compartment lining (5) is an open passage opening, in particular a round or oblong hole formed in the cargo compartment lining (5). [4] Vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the cargo compartment lining (5) has a vertically raised side wall (13) which transitions towards the top of the vehicle into a top wall (15) which projects towards the interior of the vehicle and points towards the cargo compartment floor (19), and that in particular the diffuser-free light passage (21) is formed in the top wall (15) of the cargo compartment lining (5). [5] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that ventilation slots are formed in the cargo compartment lining (5) with the help of which, in particular when closing the cargo compartment (1), an air pressure build-up in the cargo compartment (1) can be avoided, and that in particular at least one of the ventilation slots acts in a dual function as a diffuser-free light passage (21) through which the lighting element (31) emits the directly directed light cone (39) towards the cargo compartment (1). [6] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the light element (31) is an LED whose beam angle (α) is designed such that the generated light cone (39) with a sufficiently large cross-section hits the narrowly limited area (41) in the cargo space (1). [7] Vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the ventilation slots (21) are formed in a ventilation grille (23) which can be inserted as a separate component into a mounting opening (25) of the cargo compartment lining (5), and that in particular the ventilation grille (23) together with the cargo compartment lighting (33) forms a pre-assembly unit, and that in particular a lamp holder (29) is attached to the side of the ventilation grille (23) facing away from the cargo compartment (1), to which the light element (31) can be mounted. [8] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the luminous element (31) can be controlled by an electronic control unit (35), and that the brightness, the light color, the orientation and / or the contour of the light cone (39) of the luminous element (31) can be adjusted by means of the electronic control unit (35). [9] Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized by , that when the cargo compartment (1) is opened, the electronic control unit (35) starts a welcome mode in which the light element (31) temporarily generates light effects, in particular by changing the brightness, the color of the light, the orientation and / or the contour of the light cone (39) of the light element (31), and / or that, based on a current cargo compartment occupancy, the electronic control unit (35) controls the light element (31) of the cargo compartment lighting (33) in such a way that its light cone (39) is directed onto an unoccupied area of ​​the cargo compartment floor (19) and / or focuses it situationally. [10] Cargo area lining (5) for a vehicle according to one of the preceding claims.

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