Lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method of operating a lighting arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting arrangement (16) for a motor vehicle (10), having a light source (18) which is arranged behind an exterior cladding part (14) with respect to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16). The exterior cladding part (14) comprises a flap area (24) which is movable about a pivot axis (28) from a closed position, in which light from the light source (18) can be prevented from escaping into the environment (22) by means of the flap area (24), towards a functional position. In the functional position, a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap area (24) and an enclosing area (26) of the exterior cladding part (14) surrounding the flap area (24), via which light from the light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22). The flap area (24), which is integrally formed with the enclosing area (26), is connected to the enclosing area (26) via the pivot axis (28). Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) with such a lighting arrangement (16) and a method for operating the lighting arrangement (16).

Description

Lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method of operating a lighting arrangement

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, having at least one light source which is arranged behind an exterior cladding part with respect to an environment of the lighting arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such lighting arrangement and a method for operating the lighting arrangement.

[0002] DE 10 2012 003 200 B4 describes a translucent body part of the outer skin of a motor vehicle. Here, a light-emitting diode strip is arranged on an interior side of the body part. The body part and a coating layer applied to the exterior side of the body part are designed to be translucent. When light is emitted from the light-emitting diode strip, this light exits through the body part and the coating layer into an environment of the motor vehicle.

[0003] In this type of technology, in which the light source, which is concealed from the environment, emits the light through the body part and the coating layer into the environment, a comparatively large amount of radiant power from the light source is lost. This is because the translucent components in the form of the body part and the translucent coating layer usually have comparatively low light transmission values of less than ten percent. Such losses in terms of the radiant power of the light source are disadvantageous.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting arrangement of the type mentioned above, which allows light from the light source to escape into the environment with particularly low loss, as well as a motor vehicle with at least one such lighting arrangement and a corresponding method for operating the lighting arrangement.

[0005] This object is achieved by a lighting arrangement having the features of claim 1, a motor vehicle having the features of claim 9, and a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0006] The lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises at least one light source, which is arranged behind an exterior cladding part of the lighting arrangement with respect to an environment of the lighting arrangement. The exterior cladding part comprises a flap area that can be moved about a pivot axis from a closed position towards a functional position. In the closed position, light from the at least one light source can be prevented from escaping into the environment by means of the flap area, in particular at least to a large extent. A passage is designed between the flap area and an enclosing area of the exterior cladding part surrounding the flap area in the functional position, wherein the passage tapers toward the pivot axis. Light from the at least one light source can be emitted into the environment via the passage. The flap area, which is formed integrally with the enclosing area, is connected to the enclosing area via the pivot axis.

[0007] Due to the integral design of the flap area with the enclosing area, a quasi-hingeless flap is provided by the flap area, which is associated with the exterior cladding part. Accordingly, the flap area is not or virtually not perceptible by an observer looking at the exterior cladding part from the environment when the flap area is in the closed position. On the pivot axis, it is possible to bend or pivot the flap area relative to the enclosing area. This bending occurs when the flap area of the exterior cladding part is moved to the functional position. And due to bringing the flap area into the functional position, the light provided by the at least one light source can be emitted particularly unobstructed through the passage into the environment. Consequently, the lighting arrangement allows the light from the at least one light source to escape or be emitted into the environment with particularly low losses.

[0008] In contrast, the at least one light source is particularly largely concealed when the flap area is moved into the closed position. This is advantageous. Emitting light into the environment by operating the light source when the flap area is moved towards the functional position can take place with particularly high energy efficiency, since the light does not need to pass through the exterior cladding part. Rather, the light from the at least one light source is emitted into the environment via the passage. Even a comparatively low luminosity of the at least one light source is thus sufficient for the light to be easily perceived.

[0009] Furthermore, by releasing the at least one passage, i.e. by moving the flap area into the functional position, air can be caused to pass from the environment into an area behind the exterior cladding part. This is advantageous, for example, to improve aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement. In addition or alternatively, cooling of at least one component of the motor vehicle can be effected by the air coming from the environment via the passage or entering the area behind the exterior cladding part. This is also advantageous.

[0010] The emission of light via the passage into the environment advantageously leads to improved visibility of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement. This is particularly advantageous in the dark or at dusk, for example, because it enables road users to see the motor vehicle clearly. Consequently, increased motor vehicle safety is achievable during operation of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement.

[0011] Preferably, an exterior side of the flap area facing the environment is arranged flush with an exterior side of the enclosing area facing the environment in the closed position. In this manner, it can be ensured that the flap area moved into the closed position is not or virtually not perceptible in the exterior cladding part.

[0012] Preferably, the flap area is movable from the closed position into an interior space of the lighting arrangement towards the functional position. The interior space is delimited by an interior side of the exterior cladding part facing away from the exterior side. Opening the passage inwardly in this manner by pivoting the flap area into the interior space of the lighting arrangement is advantageous in several respects. On the one hand, this prevents the flap area from protruding over an outer contour of the exterior cladding part when the flap area is brought into the functional position. This prevents, for example, the flap area from interfering with the environment or even causing an unwanted bump against the flap area, approximately by a person or object or the like in the environment.

[0013] Furthermore, by moving the flap area into the functional position into the interior space of the lighting arrangement, a very effective entry of air into the interior space can be achieved. This is advantageous with regard to, for example, improving the aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement and / or with regard to cooling at least one component by means of the air entering the interior space.

[0014] The exterior cladding part can be made of plastic. In particular, when the exterior cladding part is manufactured in an injection molding process using polypropylene as the plastic, it is particularly easy to provide the hingeless flap area or respectively the flap area connected to the enclosing area via the pivot axis.

[0015] For example, a cutout can already be formed in the exterior cladding part by means of the injection mold, which ensures separation of the enclosing area from the flap area by means of a very narrow and thus invisible or virtually invisible gap. Additionally or alternatively, such a gap may be formed after a blank of the exterior cladding part has been manufactured, such as by means of a cutting process such as laser cutting and / or milling or the like. Consequently, the flap area can be provided particularly easily and with little effort if the exterior cladding part is made of plastic.

[0016] Preferably, a holding apparatus is arranged on an interior side of the exterior cladding part, by means of which an actuator is held. The actuator is designed to move the flap area from the closed position about the pivot axis to the functional position. This allows a very immediate movement of the flap area to be realized by operating the actuator. By means of the actuator, the flap area can preferably also be moved from the functional position to the closed position.

[0017] Preferably, the holding apparatus is designed as an air guiding apparatus. This means that the holding apparatus can be used in a particularly wide variety of ways. For one thing, the holding apparatus serves to hold the actuator. And secondly, the air guiding apparatus can be used to selectively guide an air flow which, when the flap area is moved into the functional position, enters an area behind the exterior cladding part via the passage.

[0018] Preferably, the holding apparatus delimits a receiving space into which the flap area can be moved into the functional position. In this case, at least one wall of the holding apparatus can be exposed to light by means of the at least one light source. In this manner, it can be achieved that the at least one wall is illuminated and thus particularly well visible for an observer looking from the environment of the lighting arrangement through the passage into the receiving space. This is particularly favorable for increased visibility of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement.

[0019] Furthermore, decorative elements or similar can be made visible in this manner, which are arranged on the wall of the holding apparatus that can be exposed to the light. Consequently, the visibility of such decorative elements is increased in an advantageous manner.

[0020] Preferably, at least one decorative element and / or at least one light reflecting element is arranged on the at least one wall which can be exposed to the light. This is because the visibility of the at least one decorative element and / or light reflecting element can then be increased by exposing the wall of the holding apparatus to the light. Consequently, visibility of the elements and / or decorative elements can be increased in an advantageous manner. Thus, a conspicuousness of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement can be increased in an advantageous manner for an observer looking from the environment into the receiving space.

[0021] Additionally, or alternatively, at least one translucent element can be arranged on the at least one wall of the holding apparatus that can be exposed to the light. Accordingly, it can be provided that the element, which can be designed in particular as a decorative element, is transilluminated during operation of the light source.

[0022] If the element and / or decorative element is designed to be translucent, it may be provided that the at least one element and / or decorative element is transilluminated by the light emitted by the light source during operation of the at least one light source. This also makes it possible to achieve good visibility of the element, in particular the decorative element.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to introduce light into the receiving space from an upper wall of the holding apparatus in the vertical direction of the lighting arrangement. In this manner, it is particularly easy to achieve that the at least one light source is not visible even when the flap area is moved into the functional position and thus the light can escape into the environment via the passage.

[0024] The non-visible arrangement of the at least one light source is particularly easily achieved if the upper wall of the holding apparatus is concealed behind a marginal portion of the enclosing area, which is arranged above the flap area.

[0025] The at least one light source may in particular be arranged on a printed circuit board of the lighting arrangement, which is mounted in the area of the upper wall of the holding apparatus. By providing the printed circuit board, a particularly simple control of the at least one light source is made possible, and a supply of electrical energy to the at least one light source can be realized very easily.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to introduce the light into the receiving space through a diffusing apparatus of the lighting arrangement. Such a diffusing apparatus or respectively such a diffuser ensures a particularly uniform exposure of the receiving space to the light which is emitted by the at least one light source during operation of the at least one light source. This is advantageous.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to project the light onto an exterior side of the exterior cladding part facing the environment when the flap area is moved into the functional position. This is also conducive to improved visibility of the lighting arrangement and thus of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement.

[0028] For example, the at least one light source can be designed to project light onto an exterior side of the flap area facing the environment when the flap area is moved into the functional position. As a result, the flap area that has been moved into the functional position can be perceived particularly well.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source can be designed to project the light onto a surface located in the environment of the lighting arrangement when the flap area is moved into the functional position. In this manner, when the lighting arrangement is mounted in the motor vehicle, for example the ground surrounding the motor vehicle, can be used as such a surface or projection surface. This is favorable in terms of improved visibility of the motor vehicle.

[0030] Preferably, the lighting arrangement comprises a control apparatus which is designed to cause the light to be emitted by means of the at least one light source in dependence on a movement of the flap area into the functional position. Accordingly, the control apparatus may cause the at least one light source to emit the light during movement of the flap area to the functional position and / or when the flap area is moved to the functional position. Consequently, the light can then escape particularly well and unobstructed into the environment.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the control apparatus can ensure that the emission of light by means of the at least one light source is prevented when the flap area is in the closed position. As a result, the energy consumption associated with the operation of the at least one light source is reduced to a particularly large extent.

[0032] This is advantageous, particularly if the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, in which a supply of electrical energy for operating the at least one light source is naturally limited.

[0033] The motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one lighting arrangement according to the invention. Consequently, the motor vehicle enables light from the light source to be emitted into the environment with particularly low losses.

[0034] Preferably, the exterior cladding part of the at least one lighting arrangement is formed as a bumper cladding. This is because the light from the at least one light source emerging into the environment via the passage is particularly visible to an observer looking at the bumper of the motor vehicle. This is advantageous, particularly with regard to safety during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0035] Additionally, or alternatively, the exterior cladding part of the at least one lighting arrangement may be formed as a fender of the motor vehicle. Also advantageous in such an embodiment of the exterior cladding part is the improved visibility, which can be achieved by operating the at least one light source when the flap area is moved or pivoted into the functional position.

[0036] In the method according to the invention for operating a lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, at least one light source is arranged behind an exterior cladding part of the lighting arrangement with respect to an environment of the lighting arrangement. The exterior cladding part comprises a flap area which is moved about a pivot axis from a closed position, in which light from the at least one light source can be prevented from escaping into the environment by means of the flap area, towards a functional position. In the functional position, a passage tapering towards the pivot axis is formed between the flap area and an enclosing area of the exterior cladding part surrounding the flap area. Light from the at least one light source can be emitted into the environment via the passage. In the method, the flap area, which is formed integrally with the enclosing area and is connected to the enclosing area via the pivot axis, is moved towards the functional position. Due to this creating and unblocking of the passage, the method enables a particularly low-loss emission of light from the at least one light source into the environment.

[0037] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the lighting arrangement according to the invention apply in an analogous manner to the motor vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0038] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawing(s). The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0039] In the figures:

[0040] shows a bumper cladding of a motor vehicle, wherein the bumper cladding is associated with a lighting arrangement of the motor vehicle;

[0041] shows sections of components of the lighting arrangement in a view from the outside or the environment;

[0042] shows components of a movement mechanism for moving a flap area of the bumper cladding;

[0043] shows a perspective view of the components in accordance within an assembled state of the lighting arrangement;

[0044] shows the lighting arrangement in accordance within a further perspective view;

[0045] shows a front view of a holding apparatus of the lighting arrangement and a flap area of the lighting arrangement;

[0046] shows a partially sectioned perspective view of the lighting arrangement in accordance with;

[0047] shows another partially sectioned perspective view of parts of the lighting arrangement;

[0048] shows a sectional view of the lighting arrangement;

[0049] shows the lighting arrangement in a top view from above;

[0050] schematically shows the flap area of the bumper cladding pivoted into a functional position, wherein light is projected onto an exterior side of the flap area; and

[0051] shows a schematic perspective view of the bumper cladding, with symbols in an environment of the motor vehicle and in a receiving space of the lighting arrangement being shown or illuminated by means of light sources of the lighting arrangement.

[0052] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are each given the same reference numerals.

[0053] In, a front view of a motor vehicle 10 shows a radiator grille cladding 12 and an exterior cladding part 14, which in the exemplary embodiment shown inis designed as bumper cladding of the motor vehicle 10.

[0054] The exterior cladding part 14 is part of a lighting arrangement 16 of the motor vehicle 10, which comprises at least one light source 18. In, the light sources 18 are shown in the vertical direction z of the motor vehicle 10 or of the lighting arrangement 16 above respective passages 20, via which light emitted by the respective light source 18 can reach an environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 or of the motor vehicle 10. In fact, with respect to the environment 22, the light sources 18 are concealed behind the exterior cladding part 14 of the lighting arrangement 16. Consequently, the light sources 18 are not visible to an observer looking at the exterior cladding part 14 from the environment 22. Furthermore, inthe positions of the light sources 18 are only shown schematically and not true to reality.

[0055] The exterior cladding part 14 comprises a flap area 24, which is shown pivoted into a functional position in. In accordance with, opposite one another in the transverse direction y of the lighting arrangement 16 respectively the motor vehicle 10, respective flap areas 24 are arranged at end portions of the exterior cladding part 14. However, the mode of operation when pivoting the respective flap area 24 from the closed position shown inand into the open position shown inis analogous for the two flap areas 24. Therefore, only one of the two flap areas 24 shown inwill be discussed in more detail below with regard to the movement mechanism.

[0056] A hingeless flap is provided in the exterior cladding part 14 by the flap area 24. Accordingly, the flap area 24 or the flap is integrally formed with an enclosing area 26 on the exterior cladding part 14 extending around the flap area 24 or respectively surrounding the flap area 24. The flap area 24, which is integrally formed with the enclosing area 26, is connected to the enclosing area 26 via a pivot axis 28.

[0057] The flap area 24 can be moved or pivoted about the pivot axis 28 from the closed position shown intowards the functional position or open position shown in. When the flap area 24 or the flap is moved about the pivot axis 28 towards the functional position shown in, the passage 20 is formed between the flap area 24 and the enclosing area 26 surrounding the flap area 24. This passage 20 tapers toward the pivot axis 28. In other words, the passage 20 becomes progressively smaller toward the pivot axis 28.

[0058] In the exterior cladding part 14, which is made of plastic in the present case, the hingeless flap in the form of the flap area 24 can be provided particularly easily. For example, a parting line formed between the enclosing area 26 and the flap area 24 on the sides different from the pivot axis 28 can be produced directly with the exterior cladding part 14 in an injection molding process. Additionally, or alternatively, it is possible to produce the parting line or joint subsequently, for example by means of laser cutting and / or milling or the like.

[0059] Where the passage 20 impinges on the pivot axis 28 when the flap area 24 is moved towards the functional position, through-openings (which are not shown in greater detail herein for reasons of clarity ) may be formed in the exterior cladding part 14 for the purpose of reducing a load. Alternatively (i.e. if no such through-openings are present), it is possible for the very narrow parting line or respectively joint between the flap area 24 and the enclosing area 26 to have a constant width throughout.

[0060] When the flap area 24 is moved to the closed position shown inor, no light would be visible in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 even if the at least one light source 18 were turned on.

[0061] In the present case, a control apparatus 30 of the lighting arrangement 16, shown only very schematically in, ensures that the at least one light source 18 is in any case only put into operation when the flap area 24 is moved towards the functional position and / or is in the functional position.

[0062] In contrast, when the flap area 24 is moved towards the closed position and thus the passage 20 is closed, the control apparatus 30 preferably causes the at least one light source 18 to remain switched off. Consequently, the amount of energy that would be expended if light from the at least one light source 18 were to be emitted into the environment 22 through the exterior cladding part 14 can be avoided.

[0063] However, such transillumination of the exterior cladding part 14 in the flap area 24 is avoided or not provided in the present case. Rather, light from the light source 18 concealed behind the exterior cladding part 14 passes unobstructed into the environment when the flap area 24 is moved about the pivot axis 28 towards the functional position and thus the passage 20 is formed between the enclosing area 26 and the flap area 24. In the closed position of the flap area 24, the passage 20, which tapers toward the pivot axis 28, is not present. Consequently, no light can escape into the environment 22 via the passage 20.

[0064] It can be seen fromthat in the closed position of the flap area 24, an exterior side 32 of the flap area 24 facing the environment 22 is arranged flush with an exterior side 34 of the enclosing area 26 facing the environment 22. The exterior side 32 of the flap area 24 and the exterior side 34 of the enclosing area 26 together form the exterior side 32, 34 of the exterior cladding part 14.

[0065] It is further apparent from, when viewed in conjunction with, that the flap area 24 can be moved from the closed position (seeor) into an interior space of the lighting arrangement 16 towards the functional position. The interior space is delimited by an interior side 36 of the exterior cladding part 14 facing away from the exterior side 32, 34 (see). Accordingly,shows a view of the interior side 36 of the exterior cladding part 14 with the flap area 24 moved about the pivot axis 28 towards the closed position. Thus, when the flap area 24 is in the closed position, the exterior cladding part 14 is not permeable to light toward the environment 22.

[0066] A possible movement mechanism for moving the flap area 24 from the closed position (see) to the functional position (see) and back will be explained with reference to.

[0067] Accordingly, by means of an actuator 38, which may be designed to perform a rotational movement, movement of the flap area 24 about the pivot axis 28 from the closed position towards the functional position and back may be effected. The actuator 38 is coupled to pivot arms 42, which are rotatably mounted or hinged to a plate part 44, via a bushing-type connection piece 40. The hinging of the pivot arms 42 to the plate part 44 is also readily apparent from the sectional view of the lighting arrangement 16 in.

[0068] The plate part 44 is connected to the interior side 36 of the flap area 24. Furthermore, fastening parts 46, 48 are shown in, which serve to fix the actuator 38 to a holding apparatus 50, designed in this present case in the manner of an air shaft.

[0069] The holding apparatus 50 is shown inin perspective and spaced from the interior side 36 of the enclosing area 26. Fromit is apparent how the holding apparatus 50 is secured to the interior side 36 of the enclosing area 26. For reasons of clarity, however, the plate part 44 on which the pivot arms 42 engage is not shown in.

[0070] Rotation of the connection piece 40 about an axis of rotation, which can be effected by means of the actuator 38, ensures pivoting movement of the flap area 24 from the closed position (see) towards the functional position (see) and back via the pivot arms 42, which are hinged to the plate part 44 or connected to the plate part 44 in an articulated manner. However, other movement mechanisms than the mechanism shown as an example inare also possible to effect this pivoting movement of the flap area 24.

[0071] In, strip-shaped sealing elements 52 are also shown, which serve to seal the gap or joint at the rear, which is formed between the enclosing area 26 and the flap area 24 on the sides different from the pivot axis 28 in the closed position of the flap area 24. The sealing elements 52 are also visible in the sectional view of the lighting arrangement 16 in.

[0072] further shows that the holding apparatus 50, which is designed as an air shaft or an air guiding apparatus, comprises walls in the form of an upper wall 54 in the vertical direction z, a rear wall 56, and a lower wall 58 in the vertical direction z. In particular, those sides of these walls 54, 56, 58 which face the interior side 36 of the exterior cladding part 14 can be exposed to light by operating the at least one light source 18. In this manner, elements arranged on at least one of these walls 54, 56, 58, for example in the form of decorative elements 60, can be illuminated or spotlighted.

[0073] The decorative elements 60 are exemplarily shown in the form of three-pointed stars. However, other elements that can be illuminated or transilluminated by means of the light of the at least one light source 18, in particular in the form of the decorative elements 60 shown by way of example herein, can also be arranged or formed on at least one of the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding apparatus 50.

[0074] Also, from the perspective view of the lighting arrangement 16 in, the decorative elements 60 formed on the lower side wall 58 in the vertical direction z are clearly visible. In contrast,clearly shows the arrangement of the decorative elements 60 on the rear wall 56 of the holding apparatus 50, which has a U-section in the present case.

[0075] In, it is shown how the flap area 24 is pivoted into the functional position and thus moved into a receiving space 62, which is delimited by the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding apparatus 50.

[0076] andalso show a printed circuit board 64 of the lighting arrangement 16, on which the at least one light source 18 may be arranged. Accordingly, the printed circuit board 64 may be disposed on the upper wall 54 of the holding apparatus 50 in the vertical direction z.

[0077] In this regard, it is further apparent fromthat the control apparatus 30 may also be arranged on the printed circuit board 64. Furthermore, it can be seen fromthat the printed circuit board 64 can be protected at the top by means of a cover 66, which is not represented inand infor reasons of clarity.

[0078] The light emitted by the at least one light source 18 can be diffused toward the receiving space 62 by means of a diffusing apparatus 68, for example in the form of a diffusing disk or a similar diffuser, with the diffusing apparatus 68 being shown in section in.

[0079] It can be seen fromthat the light sources 18 can emit the light into the receiving space 62, in particular through through-openings, wherein the through-openings can be formed in particular in the upper wall 54 of the holding apparatus 50. The diffusing apparatus 68 arranged below the upper wall 54 is not shown infor reasons of clarity.

[0080] From the top view of the lighting arrangement 16 in, it can be seen that the cover 66 can also extend along the entire length of the holding apparatus 50.

[0081] In the present case, the holding apparatus 50 is designed to taper towards an end area close to the pivot axis 28. Accordingly, the upper wall 54 and the lower wall 58 become narrower toward this end area, in particular narrower in a tapered manner. However, in variants of the lighting arrangement 16, other designs of the holding apparatus 50 are also possible.

[0082] In, the exterior cladding part 14 is shown schematically and, in addition, the at least one light source 18, which (unlike the schematic representation in) is concealed behind the exterior cladding part 14. From, it can be seen that light emitted from the light source 18 can be projected onto the exterior side 32 of the exterior cladding part 14, in particular onto the exterior side 32 of the flap area 24.

[0083] It can be seen fromthat by means of the at least one light source 18, which is designed in particular as a light-emitting diode and / or as a laser, light can be introduced into the receiving space 62, which is delimited by the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding apparatus 50.

[0084] Additionally, or alternatively, in accordance with, the light emitted from the at least one light source 18 may be projected onto a surface located in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16. For example, light symbols or the like may be projected onto a surface in the form of a ground 70 in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 or motor vehicle 10 by operating the at least one light source 18.

[0085] As explained above, by moving the flap area 24 to the functional position (see, for example,and), an ambient light function of the motor vehicle 10 is enabled if necessary.

[0086] And the light emitted from the at least one light source 18 is readily perceivable without any loss in terms of light transmission when the flap area 24 is moved to the functional position. In the closed position of the flap area 24 (see), on the other hand, the light function is concealed or not visible from the outside or from the environment 22.

Claims

A lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle (10), having at least one light source (18) which is arranged behind an exterior cladding part (14) of the lighting arrangement (16) with respect to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16),characterized in thatthe exterior cladding part (14) comprises a flap area (24) which is movable about a pivot axis (28), from a closed position in which light from the at least one light source (18) can be prevented from escaping into the environment (22) by means of the flap area (24), towards a functional position in which a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap area (24) and an enclosing area (26) of the exterior cladding part (14) surrounding the flap area (24), via which passage light from the at least one light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22), wherein the flap area (24), which is formed integrally with the enclosing area (26), is connected to the enclosing area (26) via the pivot axis (28), wherein an exterior side (32) of the flap area (24) facing the environment (22) is arranged in the closed position flush with an exterior side (34) of the enclosing area (26) facing the environment (22), wherein the flap area (24) is movable, from the closed position into an interior space of the lighting arrangement (16), which is delimited by an interior side (36) of the exterior cladding part (14) facing away from the exterior side (32, 34), towards the functional position, and wherein the at least one light source (18) is designed to project the light onto the exterior side (32) of the flap area (24) facing the environment (22) when the flap area (24) is moved towards the functional position.The lighting arrangement according to claim 1,characterized in that,a holding apparatus (50), by means of which an actuator (38) is held, is arranged on an interior side (36) of the exterior cladding part (14), which is formed in particular from plastic, wherein the actuator (38) is designed to move the flap area (24) about the pivot axis (28) from the closed position towards the functional position.The lighting arrangement according to claim 2,characterized in that,a receiving space (62), into which the flap area (24) can be moved towards the functional position, is delimited by walls (54, 56, 58) of the holding apparatus (50), which is formed in particular as an air guiding apparatus, , wherein at least one wall (54, 56, 58) of the holding apparatus (50) can be exposed to light by means of the at least one light source (18), and wherein, at least one decorative element (60) and / or at least one light reflecting and / or translucent element is arranged on the at least one wall (54, 56, 58) of the holding apparatus which can be exposed to the light..The lighting arrangement according to claim 2 or 3,characterized in thatthe at least one light source (18), which is in particular arranged on a printed circuit board (64) of the lighting arrangement (16), is designed to introduce the light, in particular through a diffusing apparatus (68) of the lighting arrangement (16), into the receiving space (62) from an upper wall (54) of the holding apparatus (50) in the vertical direction (z) of the lighting arrangement (16).The lighting arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 6,characterized in thatthe at least one light source (18) is designed to project the light, when the flap area (24) is moved towards the functional position, onto an exterior side (32, 34) of the exterior cladding part (14) facing the environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16), and / or onto a surface (70) located in the environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16).The lighting arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 5,characterized in thatthe lighting arrangement (16) comprises a control apparatus (30) which is designed to cause the light to be emitted by means of the at least one light source (18) depending on the movement of the flap area (24) towards the functional position.A motor vehicle having at least one lighting arrangement (16) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the exterior cladding part (14) of the at least one lighting arrangement (16) is designed in particular as a bumper cladding and / or as a fender of the motor vehicle (10).A method of operating a lighting arrangement (16) for a motor vehicle (10), having at least one light source (18) which is arranged behind an exterior cladding part (14) of the lighting arrangement (16) with respect to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16),characterized in thatthe exterior cladding part (14) comprises a flap area (24) which is moved about a pivot axis (28) from a closed position, in which light from the at least one light source (18) can be prevented from escaping into the environment (22) by means of the flap area (24), towards a functional position, in which a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap area (24) and an enclosing area (26) of the exterior cladding part (14) surrounding the flap area (24), via which passage light from the at least one light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22), wherein the flap area (24), which is formed integrally with the enclosing area (26) and is connected to the enclosing area (26) via the pivot axis (28), is moved towards the functional position, wherein an exterior side (32) of the flap area (24) facing the environment (22) is arranged in the closed position flush with an exterior side (34) of the enclosing area (26) facing the environment (22), wherein the flap area (24) is moved from the closed position into an interior space of the lighting arrangement (16), which is delimited by an interior side (36) of the exterior cladding part (14) facing away from the exterior side (32, 34), into the functional position, and wherein the at least one light source (18) is designed to project the light onto the exterior side (32) of the flap area (24) facing the environment (22) when the flap area (24) is moved towards the functional position.

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