Disc assembly for a motor vehicle

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a window assembly, in particular a roof window assembly, for a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a window assembly.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have windows that allow the vehicle's occupants to see outside. These include, for example, the windshield and side windows. Such windows can also be located in the roof of the vehicle to allow a view upwards and / or to let light from outside into the vehicle.

[0003] In particular, the integration of windows into the roof of the vehicle leads to a restriction of lighting options.

[0004] From DE 10 2008 045 474 A1, a motor vehicle windscreen is known which has a first transparent layer and at least one light source arranged on the layer. A transparent conductor structure for supplying energy to the light source is also provided on the first layer.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2004 007 555 A1 describes an interior light for vehicles with a glass roof. The light has a lens and a light coupling element that couples light from a light source laterally into the lens. To ensure that the light only exits from one side of the lens, the lens has a shading device.

[0006] From WO 2008 / 083915 A1, a laminated vehicle glazing is known which has two panes of glazing material and an intermediate layer connecting the panes. Several light sources are arranged on one surface of one of the panes. Further lighting systems are known from US 7,943,940 B2, WO 2022 / 095959 A1 and EP 2 983 909 B1.

[0007] The present invention addresses the objective of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments of a windscreen assembly for a motor vehicle, as well as of a motor vehicle with such a windscreen assembly, which in particular eliminate disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the present invention addresses the objective of providing embodiments of the windscreen assembly and of the motor vehicle which are characterized by improved lighting.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the general concept of providing a windscreen for a motor vehicle as an assembly in which light sources emit light towards a base screen, wherein local reflections are provided on the side of the base screen facing away from the light sources, which reflect the light from the light sources back so that the light outside the reflections exits the base screen and is thus emitted. This allows the light sources in the assembly, which is hereinafter also referred to as the windscreen assembly, to be arranged arbitrarily and, in particular, closer to predetermined light emission points, so that the windscreen assembly can emit light with increased luminous intensity across the entire windscreen assembly. Furthermore, the reflections prevent the light emission locally, thus enabling the individual emission of light, in particular of light patterns.The reflections can also be used to locally reduce the intensity of the emitted light, for example, to avoid areas of increased light output, so-called "hotspots," which are usually located directly below the light source, or at least to reduce the light intensity in these areas. Overall, it is therefore possible to emit light with increased intensity across the entire windscreen assembly while simultaneously adapting the light output to individual needs. In particular, it is possible to reduce the light output in the area of ​​the head and / or towards the eyes of vehicle occupants. As a result, the windscreen assembly provides individualized light output and simultaneously increases comfort.

[0010] According to the inventive concept, the disc assembly comprises a transparent disc, which is the base disc. The base disc has two opposite sides, which are hereinafter also referred to as the inside and outside of the base disc. The disc assembly further comprises an arrangement with at least one light source, which is hereinafter also referred to as the light source arrangement. The light source arrangement, and thus the at least one light source, is arranged on the side of the outside of the base disc facing away from the inside. The respective light source is designed such that it generates light during operation and emits it towards the inside of the base disc. In addition, the disc assembly comprises a reflection arrangement. The reflection arrangement is arranged on the inside of the base disc and has at least one reflective section and at least one transmitting section.The respective mirror section is designed such that it reflects the light from at least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source, back towards the outer surface of the base plate. The respective transmission section is designed such that it is transparent to the light from at least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source, so that the light passes through the transmission section from the plate assembly and is emitted.

[0011] Preferably, the reflection arrangement with at least one mirror section is reflective and thus reflects the light from the at least one light source back, while remaining transparent. Consequently, light can pass through the reflection arrangement outside the at least one mirror section and thus be emitted.

[0012] In this context, "transparent" means that it allows light to pass through at least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source.

[0013] Preferably, "transparent" is understood to mean completely permeable to visible light. Thus, light generated by at least one light source can be emitted via the inner surface of the base plate or the reflective arrangement, while at the same time light, especially daylight, from the surroundings can pass through the plate assembly. This makes it possible, in addition to allowing light to penetrate the plate assembly from the outside, to also see through the plate assembly.

[0014] The disc assembly is advantageously used in a motor vehicle.

[0015] In motor vehicles, the arrangement of light sources is preferably used to individually illuminate and / or light up an interior, in particular a passenger compartment.

[0016] The disc assembly advantageously limits the interior space of the vehicle.

[0017] The advantage is that the base disc's inner surface or the mirror arrangement faces the interior of the vehicle.

[0018] It is conceivable that the disc assembly could be used as a side window of the motor vehicle and / or as a side window of the motor vehicle or part thereof.

[0019] The disc assembly is advantageously used in the roof of a vehicle, thus serving as a roof disc assembly. In this way, the disc assembly, when the lighting system is in operation, generates individual and targeted light for the vehicle's occupants. At the same time, the vehicle's occupants can see out through the roof disc assembly. The roof disc assembly therefore preferably serves as a panoramic roof for the vehicle or is part of a panoramic roof. In particular, the roof disc assembly can be used to implement individual lighting similar to a headliner and / or ambient lighting.

[0020] The light source arrangement of the disc assembly can include a single light source.

[0021] Advantageously, the light source arrangement includes at least two light sources. It is beneficial to space the light sources apart from each other. Advantageously, the light sources are evenly distributed within the disc assembly and, in particular, within the light source arrangement itself. This allows for uniform, individual, and targeted light output.

[0022] The respective light source can be designed in any way, provided that it generates light during operation and emits it towards the inside of the base plate.

[0023] It is advantageous for at least one of the light sources, preferably the respective light source itself, to be a light-emitting diode or LED. This allows for a compact design of the disc assembly, an increased number of light sources, and leads to reduced energy consumption.

[0024] If the light source arrangement has two or more light sources, at least two of the light sources can produce light of different types, for example, different colors and / or light intensity.

[0025] Preferred embodiments include those in which the light sources are of the same type. This allows for a simple and cost-effective implementation of the disc assembly, while simultaneously enabling individual light output and the avoidance of hotspots through the use of the reflection arrangement, again in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0026] The respective mirror section can be implemented in any way, provided that it reflects back the light from at least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source.

[0027] It is advantageous if at least one of the mirror sections, in particular the respective mirror section, is a reflective layer.

[0028] At least one of the mirror sections, in particular the respective mirror section, can be applied directly to the inside of the base disc.

[0029] It is also conceivable to use embodiments in which the mirroring arrangement comprises a film with at least one mirrored section. The film is preferably otherwise transparent.

[0030] In advantageous embodiments, the mirror arrangement has at least two mirror sections and at least one transmitting section separating the mirror sections from each other along the inner surface of the base plate. This allows for a more individualized output of the light generated by the at least one light source.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments include those in which the disk assembly has sections that scatter the light reflected back from the at least one mirror section; these sections are hereinafter also referred to as scattering sections. Preferred embodiments are those in which a scattering structure with at least one scattering section is arranged on the side of the base disk facing away from the inner surface of the base disk. The respective scattering section is configured such that it scatters the light reflected back from the mirror arrangement towards the inner surface of the base disk. The scattered light is thus emitted from the disk assembly as scattered or diffuse light via the at least one transmission section. This leads to further customization of the light output.In addition, this makes it possible to define areas over which the light generated by the at least one light source passes directly, and other areas over which the light generated by the at least one light source is emitted as scattered or diffuse light.

[0032] The disc assembly advantageously includes a cover plate, with the light source arrangement positioned between the cover plate and the base plate. This means that the disc assembly has the cover plate on the side of the light source arrangement facing away from the outer surface of the base plate.

[0033] The arrangement of the light sources is advantageously mounted on the cover plate. This results in simple manufacturing and a compact design of the plate assembly.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, the light source arrangement comprises a functionalized film, hereinafter also referred to as a functional film. The functional film is advantageously electrically insulating and preferably made of plastic. The functional film is advantageously manufactured by injection molding. At least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source, is attached to the functional film. Such functional films can be easily attached and / or processed between and on a disc. This simplifies the manufacture of the disc assembly and also makes the disc assembly more compact.

[0035] The attachment of at least one light source to the functional film can be done in any way. In particular, the at least one light source is attached to the functional film, for example by gluing.

[0036] Preferably, the functional film is attached to the cover plate, in particular glued to the side of the cover plate facing the base plate. This simplifies the manufacturing of the plate assembly.

[0037] Advantageously, the functional film has at least one electrical conductor for supplying power to the at least one light source. In preferred embodiments, the functional film is printed with the at least one conductor. This results in a compact design and cost-effective manufacturing of the disc assembly.

[0038] The use of such functional films is known, for example, from so-called "smart glasses" or "smart glasses," particularly in "polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal devices" or "PDLCs" for short, as well as in "suspended particle devices" or "SPDs" for short. As a result, the lens assembly can be manufactured in a simple, cost-effective, and precise manner.

[0039] In advantageous embodiments, at least one of the at least one scattering sections, in particular the scattering structure, is attached to the functional film. This leads to a further simplification of the manufacture of the disc assembly and at the same time to a precise arrangement of the at least one scattering section and thus to a more precise light output.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the reflection arrangement on the inner surface of the base plate within the light cone has such mirror sections for at least one of the at least one light source, preferably the respective light source, and is free of mirror sections outside the light cone. Thus, a mirror-free area of ​​the reflection arrangement is arranged outside the light cone, which is hereinafter also referred to as the transmission area. This avoids the aforementioned hotspots in a simple and effective manner and simultaneously achieves a targeted and / or large-area emission of the light.

[0041] The diffusion structure is advantageously free of diffusion sections in the area of ​​at least one of the at least one light source and has diffusion sections spaced apart from the light source. The diffusion structure thus has at least one area free of diffusion sections, which is hereinafter also referred to as the free area. It is expedient to arrange the respective light source in a corresponding free area.

[0042] Preferred embodiments include those in which free transmission areas of the reflection arrangement and free areas of the diffusing structure are spaced apart from each other transversely to the spacing direction between the inner and outer surfaces of the base disks. Preferably, at least one of the transmission areas overlaps with diffusing areas transversely to the spacing direction. As a result, the direct emission of light from at least one of the light sources is prevented or at least reduced, thus avoiding or at least reducing hotspots. Simultaneously, a large-area and diffuse emission of light is achieved outside of these hotspots.

[0043] It is understood that, in addition to the disc assembly, a motor vehicle with such a disc assembly is also part of the scope of this invention.

[0044] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0046] Each of these shows, schematically: Fig. 1 a highly simplified section through a motor vehicle with a disc assembly, Fig. 2 a section through the disc assembly, Fig. 3 a top view of a mirrored arrangement of the disc assembly.

[0047] A disc assembly 1, as described in the Figures 1 to 3 As illustrated by example, it comes in a Figure 1The exemplary embodiment shown is used in a motor vehicle 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the window assembly 1 is used on a roof 52 of the motor vehicle 50 and is thus a roof window assembly 2, which is part of a panoramic roof 53 of the motor vehicle 50 or forms the panoramic roof 53 itself. The window assembly 1 defines an interior space 51 of the motor vehicle 50 for occupants (not shown). Consequently, the window assembly 1, designed as a roof window assembly 2, defines the interior space 51 in a Z-direction 100 of the motor vehicle 50.

[0048] As in Figure 2As can be seen from the section through the disc assembly 1 shown, the disc assembly 1 has a transparent disc 3, which is hereinafter also referred to as the base disc 3. The base disc 3 has two opposite sides 4, 5, which are hereinafter also referred to as the base disc inner side 4 and the base disc outer side 5. The base disc inner side 4 and the base disc outer side 5 are spaced apart from each other in a direction 101, which is hereinafter also referred to as the spacing direction 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing direction 101 runs essentially parallel to the Z-direction 100. The disc assembly 1 also has an arrangement 6 comprising at least one light source 7, which is hereinafter also referred to as the light source arrangement 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source arrangement 6 has at least two light sources 7, as shown in the sectional view of the Figure 2Two such light sources 7 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, each light source 7 is designed as an LED 8. The light source arrangement 6, and thus the at least one light source 7, is arranged on the side of the base plate's outer surface 5 facing away from the inner surface 4 of the base plate. Each light source 7 is designed, and in particular oriented, such that it generates light during operation and emits it towards the inner surface 4 of the base plate. In the illustration of the Figure 2The light generated and emitted by the left light source 7 and its path or propagation are indicated by arrows. The disc assembly 1 also has an arrangement 9, which is hereinafter also referred to as the reflection arrangement 9. The reflection arrangement 9 is arranged on the inner surface 4 of the base disc. The reflection arrangement 9 has at least one section 10 that reflects the light from at least one of the light sources 9, in the illustrated embodiment and preferably the respective light source 9, which is hereinafter also referred to as the mirror section 10. The respective mirror section 10 is designed such that the mirror section 10 reflects the light from the light sources 7 back towards the outer surface 5 of the base disc, as shown in Figure 2as indicated in one of the mirror sections 10. The mirror arrangement 9 further comprises at least one section 11 that is transparent to the light of at least one of the light sources 9, in this case and preferably to the visible light as a whole, which is hereinafter also referred to as the transmission section 11. The respective transmission section 11 is thus designed such that it is transparent to the light of the light sources 7, allowing the light to pass through the transmission sections 11 from the disk assembly 1 and thus be emitted. In this way, with a compact design, it is possible to emit light with any desired pattern and / or with increased luminous intensity from the disk assembly 1 via the inner surface 4 of the base disk.

[0049] Figure 3 This shows a top view of the reflection arrangement 9. How Figure 3As can be seen, the reflection arrangement 9 in the illustrated embodiment has several spaced-apart reflection sections 10 and a continuous passage section 11, which separates the reflection sections 10 from each other along the inner surface 4 of the base disk. Figure 3 As can be further seen, the mirror arrangement 9 in the illustrated embodiment has mirror sections 10 of different sizes. The respective mirror section 10 can be formed by a correspondingly reflective coating on the inner surface 4 of the base plate or by a film applied to the inner surface 4 of the base plate (neither shown).

[0050] As in Figure 1As indicated, in the illustrated embodiment, the disc assembly 1 with the base disc inner surface 4 or the mirror arrangement 9 limits the interior 51 of the motor vehicle 50. With the disc assembly 1, it is thus possible, for example, to integrate a headliner into the panoramic roof 53.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the light source arrangement 6 is arranged between the base disc 3 and a cover disc 18 of the disc assembly 1. The disc assembly 1 thus has the cover disc 18 on the side of the light source arrangement 6 facing away from the outer surface 5 of the base disc.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the light source arrangement 6, as shown, has Figure 2A functional film 14 made of plastic, to which the light sources 7 are attached, can be removed. The functional film 16, and thus the light source arrangement 6, is attached to the cover plate 18. The light sources 7, in particular the LEDs 8, may be glued to the functional film 14. Furthermore, conductive traces for supplying electrical power to the light sources 7, not shown, may be printed on the functional film 14.

[0053] The disk assembly 1, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, has the following features: Figure 2As can be seen, a structure 12 is formed which, with sections 13, scatters the light reflected back from the reflection arrangement 9 towards the inner surface 4 of the base disk, so that scattered or diffused light is emitted via the at least one transmission section 11. The structure 12 is subsequently also referred to as the scattering structure 12 and the sections 13 as scattering sections 13. The respective scattering section 13 is designed such that it scatters the light reflected back from the reflection arrangement 9 towards the inner surface 4 of the base disk, as shown in Figure 2 as indicated by arrows. In the illustrated embodiment, the scattering structure 12 is attached to the functional film 14.

[0054] How in particular Figure 2As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the reflection arrangement 9 has at least one area 16 which is free of reflection sections 10 and thus transparent to the light from the light source 7. This area 16 is hereinafter also referred to as the transmission areas 16. In the transmission areas 16, the light can therefore pass through the inner surface 4 of the base plate from the disc assembly 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflection arrangement 9 has such reflection sections 10 on the inner surface of the base plate within the light cone 15 of the respective light source 9 and is free of reflection sections 10 outside the light cone 15. Thus, areas outside the light cone 15 are transmission areas 16. Consequently, the light generated by the respective light source 7 cannot pass entirely directly from the disc assembly 1, so that so-called "hotspots" of light are avoided.

[0055] How Figure 2As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment the scattering sections 13 are arranged in groups such that the scattering structure 12 has free areas 17 of scattering sections 13, which are hereinafter also referred to as free areas 17. The light is therefore not scattered in the free areas 17. The light sources 7 are each arranged in such free areas 17, so that the scattering structure 12 is free of scattering sections 13 in the area of ​​the light sources 9. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmitting areas 16 of the reflection arrangement 9 and the free areas 17 of the scattering structure 12 are spaced apart from each other transversely to the spacing direction 101 of the inner surface 4 of the base plate from the outer surface 5 of the base plate, so that at least one transmitting area 16 overlaps with the grouped scattering sections 13. Thus, as in Figure 2As indicated by the arrows, the light reflected back from the mirror sections 10 of the reflection arrangement 9 is scattered by the scattering sections 13 in the direction of the transmission area 16.

Claims

1. Panel assembly (1), in particular a roof panel assembly (2), for a motor vehicle (50), - comprising a transparent base panel (3) which has a base panel inner face (4) and a base panel outer face (5) which faces away from the base panel inner face (4), - comprising a lamp arrangement (6) which is arranged on the side of the base panel outer face (5) that faces away from the base panel inner face (4) and which has at least one lamp (7), in particular at least one LED (8), - each lamp (7) being designed such that, during operation, it generates light and emits the light in the direction of the base panel inner face (4), characterized in that - the panel assembly (1) has a mirroring arrangement (9) which is arranged on the base panel inner face (4), - the mirroring arrangement (9) has at least one mirror portion (10) and at least one transmission portion (11), - each mirror portion (10) is designed such that the mirror portion (10) reflects the light from at least one of the at least one lamps (7) back toward the base panel outer face (5), - each transmission portion (11) is designed such that the transmission portion (11) is transparent to the light of at least one of the at least one lamp (7) so that the light emerges from the panel assembly (1).

2. Panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the mirroring arrangement (9) has at least two mirror portions (10) and at least one transmission portion (11) which separates the mirror portions (10) from one another along the base panel inner face (4).

3. Panel assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a scattering structure (12) having at least one scattering portion (13) is arranged on the side of the base panel outer face (5) which faces away from the base panel inner face (4), each scattering portion (13) being designed such that the scattering portion (13) scatters the light reflected back from the mirroring arrangement (9) toward the base panel inner face (4).

4. Panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lamp arrangement (6) has a functional film (14) to which at least one lamp (7) is attached.

5. Panel assembly according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the scattering structure (12) is attached to the functional film (14).

6. Panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mirroring arrangement (9) has such mirror portions (10) on the base panel inner face in the light cone (15) of at least one of the at least one lamps (9) and is free of mirror portions (10) outside of the light cone (15).

7. Panel assembly according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the scattering structure (12) is free of scattering portions (13) in the region of at least one of the at least one lamps (9) and has scattering portions (13) spaced apart from the lamp (9).

8. Panel assembly according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that transmission regions (16) of the mirroring arrangement (9) that are free from mirror portions (10) and free regions (17) of the scattering structure (12) that are free from scattering portions (13) are spaced apart from one another perpendicularly to the spacing direction (101) of the base panel inner face (4) to the base panel outer face (5).

9. Panel assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the panel assembly (1) has, on the side of the lamp arrangement (6) which faces away from the base panel outer face (5), a cover panel (18) to which the lamp arrangement (6), in particular the functional film (14), is attached.

10. Motor vehicle (50) with a panel assembly (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the panel assembly (1) defines an interior space (51) of the motor vehicle (50).