Vehicle with a vehicle roof on which at least one lighting unit is arranged on the inside.

Abstract

Vehicle (1) with a vehicle roof (10), wherein at least one lighting unit (11) is arranged on or under the inside of the vehicle roof (10), characterized in that the lighting unit (11) has a profile frame (12) in which a carrier plate (13) is received, and wherein light sources (14) are arranged on the carrier plate (13), wherein a transparent surface body (15) is further stretched on the profile frame (12), which extends at a distance from the carrier plate (13), so that an interior space (16) is formed between the carrier plate (13) and the transparent surface body (15), in which the light sources (14) are arranged such that they emit light (17) during operation, which shines through the transparent surface body (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with a vehicle roof, wherein at least one lighting unit is arranged on the inside of or under the vehicle roof. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2012 023 932 A1 discloses a vehicle with a roof in which a lighting unit is provided on the inside of the roof. It is proposed therein to achieve point-source light emission through the roof lining using thin-film conductive traces on a foil and LEDs, thus creating a so-called starry sky effect.

[0003] Furthermore, the document EP 4 023 499 B1 describes a vehicle with a vehicle roof, in which a lighting unit in the form of an integrated spotlight module is provided on the inside of the roof to set directed light accents in the interior.

[0004] From DE 10 2016 207 693 A1, a vehicle with a trim panel for arrangement under the vehicle roof is known, in which at least one fibrous decorative layer is produced by incorporating at least one light guide and the fibrous decorative layer is then applied to the trim panel, wherein before or after the fibrous decorative layer has been applied to the trim panel, at least one decorative area, in which the light guide is arranged at least partially, is removed from a visible side of the fibrous decorative layer, so that at least one edge-emitting section results on the light guide.

[0005] US 9 145 086 B2 describes a headliner with longitudinal and / or transverse lighting elements that illuminate the headliner itself or the interior from there. WO 2014 / 029802 A1 describes a lighting unit as a headliner with a starry sky-like lighting effect, typically with many point-like light outlets / fibers.

[0006] All these solutions share the common feature that while a lighting unit is located inside the vehicle, either on or under the roof, the illumination is only provided at specific points or in the form of individual beams. This does not achieve a large-area, homogeneous light emission across larger sections of the vehicle's roof. Furthermore, the known systems require a comparatively complex design, such as the integration of numerous light guides, the application of conductive traces, or the separate integration of spot modules, which increases manufacturing costs and assembly effort. The solutions known from the prior art therefore do not meet the need for a uniform, area-wide illumination of the vehicle interior while simultaneously simplifying the design. In particular, they cannot create area-wide lighting effects, and the known systems are generally not retrofittable to existing vehicles. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a vehicle with a vehicle roof in which at least one lighting unit is arranged on or under the inside of the vehicle roof, which is of simple construction, with which area lighting effects with a larger area extent are produced and which can be retrofitted into existing vehicles.

[0008] This problem is solved starting from a vehicle with a vehicle roof according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention includes the technical teaching that the lighting unit has a profile frame in which a carrier plate is received, and wherein light sources are arranged on the carrier plate, wherein a transparent surface body is further stretched on the profile frame, which extends approximately or substantially parallel to the carrier plate, so that an interior space is formed between the carrier plate and the transparent surface body, in which the light sources are arranged in such a way that they emit light during operation, which shines through the transparent surface body.

[0010] The vehicle according to the invention has a roof on or under the inside of which at least one lighting unit is retrofittable and / or replaceable. This lighting unit emits light into the vehicle's interior or at least forms a decorative illuminated surface that can be viewed by vehicle occupants and creates ambient lighting or decoration. The lighting unit is designed not merely to provide point light sources, but rather to enable a large-area, homogeneous light emission across almost the entire surface of the unit. For this purpose, the lighting unit comprises a profile frame, preferably rectangular or trapezoidal, constructed, for example, from aluminum profiles. This frame contains a support plate as a base, which, when assembled, faces the rear of the frame towards the vehicle roof, i.e., is arranged upside down.

[0011] A multitude of light sources are arranged on the mounting plate, emitting light during operation. These light sources are formed, for example, by point-source LEDs or strip-shaped light bands, which are mounted and wired to the inside of the mounting plate. A power supply for controlling the light sources can also be located on the inside or outside of the mounting plate. The profile frame supports a transparent panel, which is stretched parallel to the mounting plate at a distance, creating an interior space between the mounting plate and the panel. The light sources are arranged so that the emitted light passes through the transparent panel, resulting in a uniform, even illumination of the panel. The advantage of this arrangement lies in the homogeneous lighting effect combined with a comparatively simple and compact design for the lighting unit.

[0012] In an advantageous design, the transparent surface is printed with a motif. This allows the lighting effect to be specifically customized, for example by backlighting a particular pattern or image. A particular advantage is that the combination of motif printing and backlighting creates atmospheric effects in the vehicle interior, contributing to increased comfort and a more immersive experience.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the transparent panel features a woven fabric, a knitted fiber material, or similar. Such a construction generally allows for a pleasing tactile and visual integration into the rest of the roof cladding. The textile nature also provides a high degree of design freedom while simultaneously allowing the light emitted by the light sources to pass through. This achieves a harmonious combination of a functional lighting effect and high-quality interior design. Advantageously, the transparent panel is at least slightly elastic, so that it is wrinkle-free when initially clamped into or stretched over the profile frame, and can remain so for an extended period.

[0014] To reliably fix the transparent panel to the profile frame, the frame features a circumferential groove. The edge of the panel is inserted into the groove, clamped, or crimped, thus securing it in place. This design feature allows the panel to be easily and securely fixed by hand without additional effort, simplifying assembly and increasing operational reliability.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if a flexible retaining strip is arranged at the edge of the transparent panel, which, together with the edge (i.e., a section thereof), is inserted into the mounting groove. The retaining strip ensures even force distribution and a secure hold, even under thermal or mechanical stress. Furthermore, it enables a gentle, form-fitting and / or force-fit connection between the profile frame and the panel, thus ensuring a long service life for the lighting unit. Above all, this offers the advantage that the transparent panel can be removed from the profile frame by hand and, for example, replaced if a user wishes to insert transparent panels with different designs into the profile frame from time to time.

[0016] Furthermore, mounting elements can be provided that extend between the lighting unit and the vehicle roof, so that the lighting unit is positioned under the vehicle roof by means of these mounting elements. This ensures a stable connection to the roof, and the lighting unit can be easily installed as a pre-assembled unit or replaced if necessary. The mounting elements can be angle brackets or, for example, rods, which may also include means for quick fastening or quick release of the lighting unit, such as hooks, eyelets, clip connectors, or the like.

[0017] A further advantage arises when the light sources are designed to emit multiple, especially changing, colors. This allows the lighting atmosphere in the vehicle interior to be flexibly adapted to different situations or user preferences. The ability to vary the colors increases comfort and contributes to a personalized and emotional interior design, preferably with adjustable ambient lighting.

[0018] Particularly attractive effects are created when the motif applied to the transparent surface depicts a white and blue sky, a skyline, or a night sky. Combined with color-changing light sources, this allows for the creation of realistic and atmospheric interior scenarios that offer an aesthetic experience for vehicle occupants that goes beyond mere illumination.

[0019] Overall, the vehicle design according to the invention enables a uniform, area-wide light emission that is simple in construction, cost-effective to manufacture, and versatile in its design. Compared to the prior art, which is characterized by complex point sources or spot modules, this provides a technically simple yet aesthetically sophisticated solution that can be easily retrofitted and / or replaced in the vehicle, i.e., installed under the vehicle roof. PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle using the example of a coach with a lighting unit arranged inside under the vehicle roof; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the lighting unit arranged under the vehicle roof, Fig. 3 a detailed view of the profile frame in or on which the carrier plate and the transparent surface body with the light sources are arranged and Fig. 4 A bottom view of the lighting unit under the vehicle roof with a transparent surface body printed with a motif.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle 1, using the example of a coach with an interior 1a containing several seats 2 for passengers. A lighting unit 11, designed according to the invention, is arranged below the vehicle roof 10 and suspended from it by means of retaining elements 21. The lighting unit 11 is thus positioned at a certain distance from the underside of the vehicle roof 10. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the lighting unit 11 could be arranged directly below the vehicle roof 10, for example, by being screwed or attached with connecting elements. Light sources 14 are mounted within the lighting unit 11, which, during operation, illuminate a transparent surface 15 of the lighting unit 11 from behind or even through it.This results in ambient lighting or at least a motif as a headliner in the interior 1a of the vehicle 1, by printing the transparent surface body 15 with a corresponding motif, for example a white-blue sky, a skyline, landscape or the like.

[0022] The illustration also shows a power supply 22, which can supply power to and control the light sources 14 within the lighting unit 11. The power supply 22 can also be located within the lighting unit 11, for example, between the matrix-like or grid-like arranged light sources 14, as shown in the illustration.

[0023] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the lighting unit 11, which has a profile frame 12 in which a carrier plate 13 is received, and wherein the light sources 14 are arranged at equal intervals on the carrier plate 13, wherein a transparent surface body 15 is further spanned on the profile frame 12, which extends parallel to and at a distance from the carrier plate 13, so that an interior space 16 is formed between the carrier plate 13 and the transparent surface body 15, in which the light sources 14 are arranged such that they emit light during operation which shines through the transparent surface body 15.

[0024] The transparent surface body 15, for example, has a textile fabric that is coated on at least one side. The textile fabric can be printed with a motif, with the printing ink being applied either to the coating or incorporated into the textile fabric. The illustration shows, by way of example, the vehicle roof 10, and the lighting unit 11 is suspended from the vehicle roof 10 by means of retaining elements 21. The power supply 22, shown schematically, is located on the upper side of the lighting unit 11. On the inside of the carrier plate 13, which is encased in the profile frame 12, the light sources 14 are arranged in a grid pattern, and when the light sources 14 are switched on, the light emitted by them can illuminate the transparent surface body 15.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 repeatedly shows a detailed view of a corner area of ​​the lighting unit 11 with the profile frame 12 in cross-section, into which the support plate 13 is received in a groove, and wherein the light sources 14 are arranged at equal intervals on the support plate 13. The profile frame 12 has a receiving groove 19 into which the edge of the transparent surface body 15 is inserted, which extends parallel to and at a distance from the support plate 13, so that the interior space 16 is formed between the support plate 13 and the transparent surface body 15, in which the light sources 14 are arranged such that they emit light 17 during operation, which shines through the transparent surface body 15.

[0026] The transparent surface body 15 is shown once inserted into the receiving groove 19 and once removed, thus clarifying that the edge of the transparent, flexible surface body 15 can be inserted into and removed from the receiving groove 19 by hand. To ensure that the edge of the transparent surface body 15, i.e., for example, the textile web, remains in the receiving groove 19, a retaining strip 20 is attached to the edge of the surface body 15, for example, sewn on, so that the retaining strip 20 can be pressed into the receiving groove 19, acting as a kind of welt.The receiving groove 19 and the retaining strip 20 can even form a positive fit, for example through a grooved surface, a trapezoidal cross-section of the receiving groove 19 or the retaining strip 20, or the retaining strip has a slight oversize and is, for example, rubber-elastic, so that it holds itself in the receiving groove 19 together with the edge of the surface body 15 in the receiving groove 19 and can only be removed by manual intervention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the lighting unit 11 under a vehicle roof 10 with a transparent surface 15 printed with a motif 18, for example, with sun and clouds. If the light sources are operated in different colors, the parts of the motif 18 can even assume characteristic colors, for example, blue for the sky, white for the clouds, and yellow for the sun. Reference symbol list: 1 vehicle 1a Interior 2 seats 10 Vehicle roof 11 lighting units 12 profile frames 13 Carrier plate 14 light bulbs 15 transparent surface bodies 16 Interior 17 lights 18 motif 19 recordings 20 retaining strip 21 Holding devices 22 Power supply 100 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] DE 10 2012 023 932 A1

[0002] EP 4 023 499 B1

[0003] DE 10 2016 207 693 A1

[0004] US 9 145 086 B2

[0005] WO 2014 / 029802 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) with a vehicle roof (10) wherein at least one lighting unit (11) is arranged on the inside of or under the vehicle roof (10), characterized by , that the lighting unit (11) has a profile frame (12) in which a carrier plate (13) is received, and wherein light sources (14) are arranged on the carrier plate (13), wherein a transparent surface body (15) is further spanned on the profile frame (12), which extends at a distance from the carrier plate (13), so that an interior space (16) is formed between the carrier plate (13) and the transparent surface body (15), in which the light sources (14) are arranged such that they emit light (17) during operation, which shines through the transparent surface body (15). [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transparent surface body (15) is printed with a motif (18). [3] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the transparent surface body (15) has a textile fabric. [4] Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the profile frame (12) has a circumferential receiving groove (19) in which the edge of the transparent surface body (15) is inserted, such that the transparent surface body (15) is spanned on the profile frame (12). [5] Vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that a flexible retaining strip (20) is arranged at the edge of the transparent surface body (15), which is inserted into the circumferential receiving groove (19) with the edge of the transparent surface body (15). [6] Vehicle (1) according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that retaining means (21) are provided which extend between the lighting unit (11) and the vehicle roof (10) so that the lighting unit (11) is arranged under the vehicle roof (10) by means of the retaining means (21). [7] Vehicle (1) according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the light sources (14) are designed to emit several, in particular changing, colors. [8] Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by , that the motif (18) features a white and blue sky, a skyline or a night sky.

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