VEHICLE ROOF

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle roof according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicle roofs often feature a glass surface, sometimes referred to as a panoramic roof or glass roof. This glass surface may also be combined with an optical unit for lighting.

[0003] Regarding this topic, EP 3 744 544 A1 describes a vehicle in which a glass pane with a frame is integrated into the vehicle roof. An elongated lighting device is connected to the frame and configured to directly illuminate the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2018 116 340 A1 discloses a vehicle roof system in which a three-dimensional standing image is generated in the vehicle interior by an optical unit arranged in the roof frame.

[0005] Further prior art is disclosed in WO 2018 / 219657 A1, a vehicle windshield with a lighting device covered by a cover. DE 10 2015 000 071 A1 shows a cover for a vehicle roof in which a lighting unit is arranged on a positioning strip. WO 2011 / 007070 A1 describes a blackout device with a light guide integrated in a guide rail. Finally, DE 10 2018 123 196 A1 discloses a vehicle roof in which a light guide is arranged below a support to illuminate the vehicle interior.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of specifying a generic vehicle roof in which illumination of a glass surface of the vehicle roof is made possible in a simple and advantageous manner.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle roof with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous further developments of the invention are part of the additional patent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, in a vehicle roof with a glass surface provided in a frame in the vehicle roof, this glass surface is divided into a rectangular transparent viewing area and a rectangular opaque edge area adjoining the rectangular transparent viewing area peripherally. In the edge region of the rectangular opaque edge area, an opaque elongated support body is arranged on both longitudinal sides of the rectangular opaque edge area adjacent to the rectangular transparent viewing area, preferably extending over the entire longitudinal side of the rectangular transparent viewing area.

[0010] On the upper side of each of these two opaque, elongated support bodies, an LED module with a multitude of LEDs is arranged as an optical unit. The emitted radiation from these LEDs is coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing area of ​​the glass surface. The opaque, elongated support body, acting as a shield, prevents the radiation emitted by the LEDs of the two LED modules from entering the vehicle's interior.

[0011] Furthermore, several fastening elements for attaching the opaque, elongated support body to the headliner or roof lining of the vehicle roof are molded onto the underside. These fastening elements are preferably designed as fastening hooks that engage in corresponding recesses in the headliner or roof lining of the vehicle roof, for example, by clipping them into these recesses.

[0012] In an LED module as an optical unit, preferably at least 20 LEDs are provided, for example at least 30 LEDs, which are spaced apart from each other and mounted on the opaque elongated carrier body. For example, the LEDs of an LED module are arranged equidistant from each other and, for example, glued onto the opaque elongated carrier body.

[0013] For attaching the respective opaque elongated support body to the headliner or roof lining of the vehicle roof, preferably at least 5 fastening elements are provided, for example at least 7 fastening elements, which are integrally molded onto the respective opaque elongated support body at intervals from one another and thus form a single unit with it. For example, the fastening elements integrally molded onto the respective opaque elongated support body are arranged equidistantly from one another.

[0014] The respective opaque elongated carrier body is preferably made of an opaque plastic, and consists, for example, of polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0015] The respective rectangular, opaque, elongated support body is preferably attached to the edge of the rectangular, opaque surface of the glass roof by means of an opaque fastening element, in particular by means of an opaque adhesive at specific points on the rectangular, opaque surface of the glass roof. The opaque fastening element, which acts as a shield, for example, the opaque adhesive, prevents the radiation emitted by the LEDs of the two LED modules from escaping laterally from the opaque, elongated support body as scattered radiation at undesirable points.

[0016] To distribute the radiation from the LEDs of the respective LED module, coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing area of ​​the glass roof, optical diffusing elements, for example designed as optical prisms, are provided in the glass roof, preferably in the edge region between the rectangular opaque edge surface of the glass roof and the rectangular transparent viewing area. These optical diffusing elements homogeneously distribute the radiation from the LEDs of the respective LED module, coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing area of ​​the glass roof, so that the entire surface of the rectangular transparent viewing area of ​​the glass roof is advantageously illuminated and homogeneously lit.

[0017] The LEDs of the two LED modules are selected or controlled accordingly so that any color can be selected by a user for the radiation coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing surface of the glass roof, or can be specified as desired.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each opaque elongated support body is divided into at least two spaced-apart support segments, for example, into four spaced-apart support segments, which together then form the functionality of a single opaque elongated support body. This division of the opaque elongated support bodies into individual support segments is selected according to the (geometric) characteristics of the vehicle roof and depending on the radiation coupling to be achieved from the radiation emitted by the LEDs of the respective LED module and their control.

[0019] In particular, each of the carrier segments thus realized is assigned at least 5 LEDs, the emitted radiation of which is then coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing surface of the glass roof in a specific area. Specifically, each of the carrier segments thus realized has at least two molded-on fastening elements for attachment to the headliner or roof lining of the vehicle roof and is bonded to the rectangular opaque edge surface of the glass roof adjacent to the rectangular transparent glass surface of the vehicle roof at specific adhesive points in a specific section of the edge area using an opaque adhesive.

[0020] Advantageously, in the vehicle roof according to the invention, the opaque elongated support body can be integrated to provide both a receiving option for the LED module intended for radiation emission into the rectangular transparent viewing surface of the glass roof and a fastening option for the glass surface of the vehicle roof in the headliner or in the roof lining of the vehicle roof, thereby saving otherwise required installation space, particularly in the transverse direction of the vehicle roof.

[0021] Consequently, a larger area than the rectangular transparent viewing surface of the glass roof can be provided in the vehicle roof, and in particular the area intended for lighting in the vehicle roof can be enlarged, which in turn can also benefit the users of the vehicle.

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown individually in the two figures, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] This shows: Fig. 1 A schematic view from below of a section of a vehicle roof with an integrated glass surface. Fig. 2 A schematic sectional view of the vehicle roof with an integrated glass surface.

[0024] According to the Figure 1In the illustration of a section of a vehicle roof 1, a rectangular insert 2 with dimensions of, for example, approximately 1800 mm x 1150 mm is inserted into the vehicle roof 1.

[0025] This rectangular insert 2 has a rectangular frame 3, for example made of plastic, on which a bead of adhesive 8 is applied around the perimeter, by means of which the rectangular insert 2 can be attached to the body of the vehicle by gluing.

[0026] Furthermore, a rectangular glass surface 20 is provided in the rectangular insert 2 or in the rectangular frame 3. This glass surface has a rectangular transparent viewing area 5 and a rectangular opaque edge surface 4 adjoining the rectangular transparent viewing area 5 peripherally in the edge region 19, for example by means of a black print. The rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20 has a width of, for example, 100 mm to 120 mm on each of its long sides 22 of the rectangular transparent viewing area 5 of the glass surface 20, so that the rectangular transparent viewing area 5 of the glass surface 20 consequently has a width of, for example, approximately 900 mm to 950 mm.On the two broad sides of the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20, the length of the rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20 is, for example, approximately 100 mm to 150 mm on the front broad side of the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and approximately 50 mm to 100 mm on the rear broad side of the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, so that the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 consequently has a length of, for example, approximately 1600 mm.

[0027] In the edge region 19 between the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 and the rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20, an opaque elongated support body 10 is applied to each of the two long sides 21 of the rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20, and thus adjacent to the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20. This opaque elongated support body 10 extends according to the Figure 1 for example along the entire long side 22 of the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20.

[0028] In one in the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the opaque elongated support body 10 is designed as a single-piece component. However, the opaque elongated support body 10 can also be divided into two spaced-apart support segments or into several spaced-apart support segments.

[0029] In the sectional view according to the Figure 2It can be seen that a respective elongated carrier body 10, made, for example, of an opaque plastic, such as an ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), is glued to the rectangular, opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20 at adhesive points 16. The glass surface 20 is designed as laminated glass with an outer glass pane 6 and an inner glass pane 7, wherein in the area of ​​the rectangular, opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20, the inner glass pane 7 is printed black and thus opaque.

[0030] On the upper surface 11 of the respective opaque, elongated carrier body 10, an LED module 13 is provided with a multitude of LEDs, arranged, for example, at equidistant intervals. For example, 30 LEDs are provided in an LED module 13, which emit optical radiation in a specific wavelength range, by means of which any adjustable color can be specified by appropriately controlling the LEDs. In particular, a user can also select the respective color according to their wishes and preferences. For example, an LED module 13 has a length of 1000 mm to 1200 mm, a width of 20 mm to 30 mm, and a height of 20 mm.

[0031] Optical scattering elements designed as prisms 15 introduce the optical radiation emitted by the LEDs of the two LED modules 13 into the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 and distribute it homogeneously within the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 by scattering effects, so that the entire rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20 adjoining the rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20 is also illuminated homogeneously.

[0032] The adhesive points 16 are, in addition to attaching the opaque elongated carrier body 10 to the rectangular opaque edge surface 4 of the glass surface 20, also intended to protect the LEDs of the respective LED module 13 from damage and weather influences and to prevent stray light from the LEDs of the respective LED module 13 leading to radiation losses, which does not contribute to the optical radiation of the LEDs of the respective LED module 13 coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing surface 5 of the glass surface 20.

[0033] On the underside 12 of the respective opaque elongated support body 10, several fastening elements 14, designed for example as fastening hooks, are integrally formed. For example, 7 such fastening hooks 14 are integrally formed at equidistant intervals on each elongated support body 10.

[0034] Again Figure 2As can be seen, the fastening hooks 14 engage corresponding receptacles 17 in the headliner 9 of the vehicle roof 1, which is designed, for example, as a fabric-covered or leather-covered plastic part, and thus secure the glass surface 20 and consequently also the entire insert 2 in the headliner 9 of the vehicle roof 1. The respective receptacle 17 in the headliner 9 of the vehicle roof 1 is connected to a reinforcement element 18 integrated into the headliner 9 for stabilization.

[0035] If the opaque elongated support body 10 is divided into two spaced-apart support segments or into several spaced-apart support segments, each support segment is designed and configured to accommodate a specific number of LEDs and to be attached to the headliner 9 or the roof lining of the vehicle roof 1. Taken together, the individual support segments then perform the function of a single-piece opaque elongated support body 10 with regard to accommodating an optical unit for emitting optical radiation into the rectangular transparent viewing area 5 of the glass surface 20 and with regard to attaching the insert 2 to the headliner 9 or the roof lining of the vehicle roof 1.

Claims

1. Vehicle roof (1), comprising a headliner (9), comprising a glass surface (20) in a frame (3) formed in the vehicle roof (1), and comprising at least one LED module (13) arranged on an elongate support body (10), wherein the glass surface (20) is divided into a rectangular transparent viewing surface (5) and a rectangular intransparent edge surface (4) peripherally adjoining the rectangular transparent viewing surface (5), wherein an opaque elongate support body (10) is arranged on each of the two longitudinal sides (21) of the rectangular intransparent edge surface (4) in the edge region (19), adjacent to the rectangular transparent viewing surface (5), of the rectangular intransparent edge surface (4) on the rectangular intransparent edge surface (4), characterized in that an LED module (13) comprising a plurality of LEDs is arranged on the top side (11) of each opaque elongate support body (10), and in that a plurality of fastening elements (14) for fastening the relevant opaque elongate support body (10) in the headliner (9) of the vehicle roof (1) are molded onto the underside (12) of each opaque elongate support body (10).

2. Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an LED module (13) of each opaque elongate support body (10) has at least 20 mutually spaced LEDs.

3. Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each opaque elongate support body (10) has at least 5 mutually spaced fastening elements (14).

4. Vehicle roof (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each opaque elongate support body (10) is made of an opaque plastics material.

5. Vehicle roof (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each opaque elongate support body (10) is glued to the rectangular intransparent edge surface (4) of the glass surface (20) by means of an opaque adhesive at adhesive points (16).

6. Vehicle roof (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the glass surface (20) has optical scattering elements (15) for the surface distribution of the radiation, coupled into the rectangular transparent viewing surface (5), from the LEDs of each LED module (13).

7. Vehicle roof (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening elements (14) for fastening a relevant opaque elongate support body (10) in the headliner (9) are in the form of fastening hooks.

8. Vehicle roof (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each opaque elongate support body (10) is divided into at least two mutually spaced support segments.

9. Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a support segment of an opaque elongate support body (10) has at least two molded-on fastening elements (14).

10. Vehicle roof (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a support segment of an opaque elongate support body (10) has at least 5 LEDs.