Motor vehicle comprising a vehicle body part and a light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising a vehicle body part (3), an outer side (8) of which forms part of an outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1). An improved light appearance combined with simplified manufacture is achieved by the fact that the outer side (7) is formed by an outer layer (6) of the vehicle body part (3), wherein the vehicle body part (3) also has an inner layer (9) which follows the contour of the outer layer (6) and guides light, that is directed via a light source (10), towards the outer layer (6), wherein the outer layer (6) has outlet portions (12) for allowing the light guided by the inner layer (9) to exit through the outer side (7).

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle with a body part and a light source

[0002] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a body part and a light source, wherein the body part has light-guiding regions.

[0003] The use of body parts in a motor vehicle which have light-guiding areas for guiding light from a light source is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 107 062 A1.

[0004] In DE 102019 107 062 A1, the body part has a first partial region, which forms part of an outer surface of the motor vehicle and is opaque. A second partial region of the body part follows the first partial region along the outer surface. The second partial region is designed as a light guide, so that light coupled into the light guide via a light source is decoupled and output in a coupling position spaced therefrom.

[0005] DE 202015 001 340 U1 describes a body part for a motor vehicle which is formed from several layers stacked on top of each other in order to allow an easy and creative formation of the body part.

[0006] DE 102021 003615 A1 shows a body part 1 with an outer layer and a metal-containing inner layer. The body part has light-emitting diodes on the side of the inner layer facing away from the outer layer.

[0007] US 2014 / 0 119 038 A1 discloses a lighting assembly comprising a component with openings. Light sources of the lighting assembly are arranged directly behind an outer side of the lighting assembly.

[0008] DE 102012 003200 A1 shows a translucent body component. Light sources are arranged behind an outer coating of the body component. The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a motor vehicle with a body component.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​forming a body part of a motor vehicle from at least two layers stacked on top of one another, wherein an outer layer of the layers has translucent sections through which light emits during operation, which light reaches the translucent sections by means of a light source in an adjacent inner layer, wherein the outer layer partially forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle, and wherein the outer layer and the inner layer follow one another over a surface. The layered formation of the body part leads to a compact implementation, reduced tolerances and a seamless design on the outer surface of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the layers stacked on top of one another in this way are not visible from the outside or at least are visible to a reduced extent, thus improving the visual appearance of the motor vehicle.In this way, the body part can also be provided as a module or package and easily mounted on the vehicle, thus simplifying vehicle production. At the same time, the flat and consecutive alignment of the layers results in a flat and homogeneous light appearance during operation, with the translucent sections simultaneously allowing for a defined light appearance, especially of patterns.

[0011] According to the inventive concept, the motor vehicle has a body with the body part. Furthermore, the motor vehicle has a light source, for example, an LED, a laser, and the like. The body part has an outer layer with an outer side, wherein the outer side partially forms an outer surface of the motor vehicle, also known as the "outer skin." The body part also has an inner layer, which is arranged on the side of the outer layer facing away from the outer side. The inner layer has a flat section that follows the shape of the outer layer and through which light is coupled out during operation. This section is also referred to below as the coupling-out section. The outer layer and the inner layer are layered one on top of the other.At least the coupling-out section of the inner layer is designed as a light guide for the light from the light source, so that the inner layer guides light from the light source coupled into the inner layer with the coupling-out section along the course of the outer layer. In the region of the coupling-out section, the outer layer has at least two spaced-apart sections that are transmissive to light, so that during operation, the light guided by the coupling-out section radiates outward from the outer side via the respective section. These sections are also referred to below as outlet sections.

[0012] The inner and outer layers are stacked on top of each other as described. The body part is therefore a component made up of at least two layers stacked on top of each other, i.e., a multi-layer component.

[0013] It is advantageous if the inner layer and the outer layer are joined together.

[0014] Preferably, the inner layer with the coupling-out section rests on the outer layer. This leads to improved coupling of the light from the coupling-out section and a more compact design.

[0015] The outer layer is advantageously opaque to light outside the outlet sections or at least less permeable than in the outlet sections.

[0016] The spaced-apart arrangement of the outlet sections results in the light radiating from the exterior, and thus from the outer surface of the body, at correspondingly different distances. This allows, in particular, to create a three-dimensional impression of the light effect.

[0017] As explained above, the inner layer is a light guide, at least in the coupling-out section. In particular, it is conceivable to design the inner layer as a light guide.

[0018] The light from the light source is expediently coupled into the inner layer via a section of the inner layer, which is also referred to below as the coupling section. The coupling section is advantageously different from the coupling-out section, in particular adjacent to the coupling-out section.

[0019] In principle, the respective outlet section can have any shape. In preferred embodiments, the outer layer has at least two such outlet sections spaced apart from one another, each forming a graphic pattern. This means that, during operation, the light is emitted from the respective outlet section in the form of the graphic pattern. This further improves the light appearance. In particular, a light appearance unique to the motor vehicle can be created.

[0020] In particular, it is conceivable that the outlet sections each form the same graphic pattern, for example a logo.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the outer side of the outer layer has a color that matches the exterior surface of the motor vehicle. This means that the outer side of the outer layer has the same color as the rest of the exterior surface, or at least as adjacent areas of the exterior surface. Consequently, the body part is essentially indistinguishable from the rest of the body when unlit, i.e., when the light source is not operating. The outlet sections are a possible exception here.

[0022] Preferably, the outlet sections are recessed in the paint, i.e., they have a recess in the paint, and are advantageously designed as such a recess. In other words, the respective outlet section has an associated recess of this kind, and is preferably such an associated recess. In addition to a defined light appearance during operation, this results in the outlet sections, and thus any patterns formed by the outlet sections, still being recognizable in the unlit state. Overall, in this way, in addition to the described improved light appearance, the optical appearance in the unlit state is also improved.

[0023] An improved coupling out of the light from the coupling-out section can be achieved in that the inner layer in the coupling-out section has an associated thickening directed in the direction of the outlet section for at least one outlet section, preferably for the respective outlet section, so that the coupled-in light is coupled out via the thickening.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, at least one of the at least one thickened portions and the associated outlet section, preferably the respective thickened portion and the associated outlet section, have the same shape and overlap each other. Matching the shape of the respective outlet sections and thickened portions to each other results in a correspondingly adapted coupling of the light, locally limited to the outlet section. As a result, the light is emitted from the outlet sections in a locally limited manner. This results in a defined light output with high contrast.

[0025] In particular, at least one of the thickenings, advantageously the respective thickening, forms the same pattern as the associated outlet section.

[0026] The body part advantageously has an additional layer on the side of the inner layer facing away from the outer layer, which is also referred to below as the backing layer. The backing layer follows at least the path of the coupling-out section and, at least on the side facing the coupling-out section, is reflective for the light from the light source and thus for the light guided by the coupling-out section. This results in an improved light appearance with increased intensity during operation.

[0027] The inner layer and the backing layer are preferably layered on top of each other, preferably also joined together.

[0028] Advantageously, the backing layer rests on the inner layer on the side facing away from the outer layer, particularly the coupling-out section. This results in a more defined light guide and consequently a more defined light appearance during operation.

[0029] In addition to the inner layer, the body part may have at least one further component for guiding light for the purpose of radiating it via the outer layer.

[0030] According to the invention, such a component is designed as a strip which is arranged adjacent to the output section and extends elongately along the outer layer. The strip is designed as a light guide for the light from the light source, such that the strip guides light coupled into the strip, in particular from the light source, elongately along the outer layer. The outer layer has a section extending along the strip which is permeable to light and is referred to below as the transparent section to distinguish it from the output sections. The transparent section therefore extends elongately, just like the strip. As a result, during operation, the light guided by the strip radiates elongately out of the outer side via the transparent section.

[0031] The strip or transparent section can, for example, be used to implement a brake light function on a vehicle. For this purpose, the light coupled into the strip is red and / or the transparent section and / or the strip are colored red.

[0032] In principle, separate light sources can be provided for the inner layer and for the strip.

[0033] In advantageous embodiments, the light from the light source is coupled into both the inner layer and the strip.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, the coupling section of the inner layer is adjacent to the coupling section and extends along the strip. The light source is arranged between the strip and the coupling section, so that during operation, the light source couples light into the strip and, via the coupling section, into the inner layer.

[0035] During operation, the light source can generate and emit light of any type and / or color, i.e., in particular, it can couple it into the inner layer and, if necessary, also into the strip.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the light source produces white light during operation. This results in increased luminosity and thus a correspondingly more distinct light appearance.

[0037] In principle, the outer layer and the inner layer, especially the decoupling section, can be even and flat.

[0038] Likewise, the coupling section and the outer layer can be curved and / or bent in the region of the coupling section. This means that the body part can also be used in corresponding areas of the motor vehicle that have a curved or bent profile. In particular, it is conceivable for the body part to be arranged in the region of the rear of the motor vehicle. In this case, the body part can, for example, at least partially form a trunk lid of the motor vehicle.

[0039] The strip can be made of plastic or glass, in particular designed as a plastic profile or glass profile.

[0040] The inner layer can be made of plastic or glass and, in particular, can be designed as a plate. This means that the inner layer can be a plastic plate or a glass plate.

[0041] The outer layer can be made of plastic or glass. In particular, the outer layer can be designed as a film. The outer layer can therefore be a plastic film or glass film.

[0042] It is understood that the motor vehicle may also have two or more such body parts, which may be the same or different, i.e. in particular may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0043] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0044] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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

[0046] Showing schematically:

[0047] Fig. 1 is a sectional isometric view through a motor vehicle in the area of ​​a body part, Fig. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the body part,

[0048] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the motor vehicle in the area of ​​the body part in an unlit state,

[0049] Fig. 4 shows the view from Figure 3 in illuminated state.

[0050] A motor vehicle 1, as shown by way of example in Figures 1, 3, and 4, has a body 2. The body 2 has a body part 3, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is arranged purely by way of example in the region of a vehicle rear 4 and can partially form a trunk lid 5, purely by way of example.

[0051] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the body part 3 has an outer layer 6 with an outer side 7. The outer side 7 forms an outer surface

[0052] 8 or outer skin 8 of the motor vehicle 1 partially. In addition, the body part 2 has an inner layer 9, which is arranged on the side of the outer layer 6 facing away from the outer side 7. The inner layer 9 serves in particular to guide light, which is generated during operation by a light source 10 (see Figure 2) and coupled into the inner layer 9. The inner layer 9 has a section 11, which is used for coupling out

[0053] 9 of the coupled-in light. This section 11 is also referred to below as the outcoupling section 11. The outcoupled light radiates via the outer layer 6 out of the body part 2. The outcoupling section 11 is flat and follows the course of the outer layer 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer layer 6 and the outcoupling section 11 have a curved and bent course in order to form the course of the body 2, in this case the vehicle rear 4, in particular the trunk lid 5. The outer layer 6 and the inner layer 9 are layered on top of one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outcoupling section 11 and the outer layer 6 are layered on top of one another. The outcoupling section 11 lies on the outer layer 6.

[0054] At least the coupling-out section 11, preferably the entire inner layer 9, is designed as a light guide for the light from the light source 10, so that the inner layer 9 guides light from the light source 10 coupled into the inner layer 9 with the coupling-out section 11 along the course of the outer layer 6. To emit / radiate the light, the outer layer 6 has at least two spaced-apart sections 12, which are correspondingly transmissive to the light and which are also referred to below as outlet sections 12. During operation, i.e., when the light source 10 couples light into the inner layer 9, the light guided from the inner layer 9 via the coupling-out section 11 radiates via the respective outlet section 12 out of the outer side 7 and consequently the outer surface 8 and is thus visible from the outside. Figure 3 shows the unilluminated state, and Figure 4 shows the illuminated state of the body part 3.

[0055] Figure 2 shows that, in the illustrated embodiments, the coupling-out section 11 for the respective outlet section 12 has an associated thickened portion 13 directed toward the outlet section 12, so that the light is coupled out via the thickened portion 13 to the associated outlet section 12. The respective thickened portion 13 and the associated outlet section 12 have the same shape and overlap each other. This results in a coupling-out limited to the outlet section 12 and thus in a defined light image or a defined light phenomenon with increased contrast.

[0056] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective outlet section 12 forms a graphic pattern. The outlet sections 12 and thus the patterns on the outer side 7 are arranged regularly. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective thickened portion 13 is thus also formed as such a pattern. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the respective pattern corresponds purely by way of example to a logo.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiments shown, the outer side 7 of the outer layer 6 is colored the same color as the adjacent regions of the outer surface 8 of the motor vehicle 1, in particular as the remaining outer surface 8. The respective outlet section 12 is recessed in the color, i.e. formed as a recess 14 in the color. The overall consequence of this is that the body part 3, in the unlit state shown in Figure 3, cannot be distinguished, or at least not significantly, from the adjacent regions of the outer surface 8, with only the outlet sections 12 being visible as recesses 14 in the color. This means that even in the unlit state, the patterns formed by the outlet sections 12 or in recesses 14 are visible. To indicate the difference between the unlit and the illuminated state, the outlet sections 12 and thus the recesses 14 are shown in dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0058] According to Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiments, the body part 3 has a backing layer 15 on the side of the inner layer 9 facing away from the outer layer 6. The backing layer 15 follows the course of the coupling-out section 11. The backing layer 15, the inner layer 9, and the outer layer 6 are layered one upon another and, in the illustrated embodiments, are also joined together. The backing layer 15 is light-reflective, i.e., it reflects the light, at least on its side facing the coupling-out section 11.

[0059] As can be seen in particular from Figures 1 and 2, the body part 3 can have a strip 16 which is arranged adjacent to the coupling-out section 11 and extends longitudinally along the outer layer 6. The strip

[0060] 16 is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source 10, so that the strip 16 guides light from the light source 10 coupled into the strip longitudinally along the outer layer 6. The outer layer 6 has a section transparent to the light for the strip 16.

[0061] 17, which is also referred to below as the transparent section 17. The transparent section 17 extends along the strip 16 so that, as indicated in Figure 4, during operation, the light guided by the strip 16 radiates outward from the outer side 6 via the transparent section 17. As indicated in Figure 2, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the transparent section 17 is also designed as a recess 14 in the color. The light emitted by the transparent section 17 can serve as a brake light. The same applies to the light emitted via the outlet sections 12.

[0062] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the inner layer 9 has a coupling section 18 adjacent to the outcoupling section 11. The coupling section 18 extends along the strip 16 and is spaced apart from it. The light source 10 is arranged between the strip 16 and the coupling section 18, so that during operation the light source 10 couples light into the strip 16 and, via the coupling section 18, into the inner layer 9. The strip 16 and the coupling section 18 can be stacked on top of one another.

[0063] As can be seen from Figure 1, the body part 3 in the illustrated embodiments has a shell 19, for example made of plastic or metal, in which the strip 16, the light source 10, and the coupling section 18 are arranged. The shell 19 is open toward the outer layer 6 and is closed by the outer layer 6. The shell 19 and the outer layer 6 thus form a housing 20.

[0064] As indicated in Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiments, the strip 16 and the coupling section 18 are in contact with each other and also with a cover plate 21. The cover plate 21 is opaque to the outside and reflective to the inside.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle (1) with a body (2), - wherein the body (2) has a body part (3) with an outer layer (6) which, with an outer side (7), partially forms an outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1), - wherein the body part (3) has an inner layer (9) which is arranged on the side of the outer layer (6) facing away from the outer side (7) and follows the course of the outer layer (6) with a flat decoupling section (11), - wherein the outer layer (6) and the inner layer (9) are layered on top of each other, - with a light source (10), - wherein at least the coupling-out section (11) of the inner layer (9) is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source (10), so that the inner layer (9) guides light from the light source (10) coupled into the inner layer (9) with the coupling-out section (11) along the course of the outer layer (6), - wherein the outer layer (6) in the region of the coupling-out section (11) has at least two outlet sections (12) spaced apart from one another, which are permeable to the light, so that during operation the light emitted from the coupling-out section (11) guided light radiates from the outside (7) via the respective outlet section (12), characterized in that - that the body part (3) has a strip (16) which is arranged adjacent to the decoupling section (11) and extends longitudinally along the outer layer (6), - that the strip (16) serves as a light guide, in particular for the light of the light source (10), is designed so that the strip (16) guides light coupled into the strip (16) longitudinally along the outer layer (6), - that the outer layer (6) has a transparent section (17) extending along the strip (16) which is permeable to light, so that during operation the light guided by the strip (16) radiates out of the outer side (7) via the transparent section (17).

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer (6) has at least two such outlet sections (12) spaced apart from one another, each forming a graphic pattern.

3. Motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner layer (9) with the decoupling section (11) rests on the outer layer (6).

4. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner layer (9) in the coupling-out section (11) for at least one outlet section (12) has an associated thickening (13) directed in the direction of the outlet section (12), so that the coupled-in light is coupled out via the thickening (13).

5. Motor vehicle according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that at least one of the at least one thickened portions (13) and the associated outlet section (12) have the same shape and overlap each other.

6. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that - that the body part (3) has, on the side of the inner layer (9) facing away from the outer layer (6), a backing layer (15) which follows the course of the decoupling section (11) and is reflective for the light of the light source (10), - that the backing layer (15), the inner layer (9) and the outer layer (6) are layered on top of each other.

7. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that - that the inner layer (9) has a coupling section (18) adjacent to the decoupling section (11), which extends along the strip (16) and at a distance from it, - that the light source (10) is arranged between the strip (16) and the coupling section (18), so that the light source (10) couples light into the strip (16) and via the coupling section (18) into the inner layer (9) during operation.

8. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer side (7) of the outer layer (6) has a color of the outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1) and the respective outlet section (12) has a recess (14) of the color, in particular is designed as such a recess (14).

9. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the body part (3) is arranged in the rear (4) of the motor vehicle (1).

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