Lighting device on a vehicle door of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (7) on a vehicle door (2) of a motor vehicle (1), having an illuminating means (17), a light guide (20) which can be connected to the illuminating means (17), and an imaging means (18), wherein by means of the lighting device (7) a variable display (8, 9) can be generated, and wherein the lighting device (7) is arranged at least partly in an operating element (5) which can be moved out of the vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lighting device on a vehicle door of a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting device on a motor vehicle door of a motor vehicle comprising a lighting means, a light guide connectable to the lighting means and an imaging means, wherein a variable display can be generated by means of the lighting device.

[0004] When motor vehicles are used on the road, they are subject to a series of safety regulations. In particular, motor vehicle lighting has become increasingly important in recent years. Today's vehicles are already equipped with headlights that illuminate the vehicle during the day, independent of the dipped beam used in the dark, making it more visible to other road users. The lights on a motor vehicle therefore represent a safety-relevant feature.

[0005] In order to further increase safety and comfort for the driver and / or other road users, it is also known to provide an opening door or flap of a motor vehicle with a light source, reflectors or luminescent components, so that the movements of the motor vehicle can be displayed to another road user by means of a light effect.

[0006] In order to increase comfort in a motor vehicle, it has become known from DE 103 03 514 A1 to arrange a lighting device on a vehicle door, which has a light guide connected to a light source and a support element to be fastened to the vehicle door. The light source is fastened to the support element, the guide having an electrical line leading to the support element, the free end of which can be inserted through a passage opening in the vehicle door into an interior region of the vehicle door and can be connected to a power line. By integrating a lighting device into a vehicle handle in this way, it is possible to generate approach lighting on the vehicle.

[0007] Another prior art which leads to an increase in comfort in a motor vehicle is DE 10 2016 105 997 A1. The document relates to a locking device for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle lock, comprising a housing, a lighting means and at least one light-guiding element, wherein light can be introduced into the light-guiding element by means of the lighting means and wherein light can be guided and emitted into an area surrounding the locking device by means of at least one light-guiding element. In addition, an imaging means can be arranged on the light-guiding element so that information on the state of the motor vehicle can be displayed to the driver. To project the display, information is projected, for example, onto a side wall and / or a B-pillar of a motor vehicle.

[0008] The display means or lighting means known from the prior art for use in a vehicle door of a motor vehicle have generally proven themselves, but reach their limits when, for example, information about the unopened vehicle is to be provided, or when, in addition to pure illumination, additional information is to be transmitted to the operator. In particular, safety-relevant features or information that facilitates operation of the vehicle cannot then be transmitted to the operator. This is where the invention comes in.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an improved lighting device on a motor vehicle door that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a lighting device that provides the operator with clear instructions for operating the motor vehicle and, at the same time, provides means for providing the operation. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective and structurally simple system for providing vehicle information.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a lighting device is provided on a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting means, a light guide connectable to the lighting means and an imaging means, wherein a variable display can be generated by means of the lighting device and wherein the lighting device is arranged at least in part in an operating element that can be moved out of the vehicle. The design of the lighting device according to the invention now creates the possibility of transmitting information to the operator or user of the motor vehicle even when the vehicle is locked and at the same time providing an operating element.The lighting device is at least partially integrated into the control element so that, after the control element has been moved out, information about the operation and / or status of the motor vehicle can be made available by the control element itself. For this purpose, the lighting device is able to transmit information to the user of the motor vehicle from the control element itself. This is achieved in particular by the fact that an imaging means is assigned to the lighting device so that variable information can also be transmitted to the user. In particular, the imaging means can display information to the user, for example about the status of the motor vehicle.If, for example, an authorized operator approaches the motor vehicle, the control element can be moved out of the motor vehicle and information can be projected onto the motor vehicle using the lighting and display device. It is conceivable, for example, that an outside door handle is moved out of the motor vehicle when the operator approaches the motor vehicle and a status display is transmitted to the user using the lighting and display device. The status display can, for example, show the user that the vehicle is ready to be opened or safety instructions can be given, for example that a tailgate has not yet been locked.The lighting and display device is not limited to a fixed value or display, but is freely programmable by the imaging means so that moving images, text, symbols and / or characters can be displayed on, for example, a motor vehicle door or a side wall of the motor vehicle.

[0012] At least one light guide or light-guiding element is connected to the light source, whereby light emitted by the light source can be introduced into the light-guiding element. The light guide element can be a solid plastic or glass guide body, but the light guide or light guide element can also be made of a flexible light-guiding material, such as a light-guiding flexible silicone. Other materials that can be used for the light-guiding element include polystyrene or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which are precisely the kind of plastics that are characterized by good light-guiding properties.

[0013] By using the light guide or the light guiding element, where these words are used as synonyms, it is possible to arrange parts of the lighting device outside the control element in the motor vehicle and in particular the motor vehicle door. The light emitted by the light source or the lamp is introduced into the light guide and guided to the imaging means. Of course, a reverse design is also conceivable, with an imaging means being arranged directly behind the lamp and the light guide being connected to the imaging means. In any case, the combination of the light source, the light guide and the imaging means makes it possible to display information that can be projected onto an external surface of the motor vehicle via the control element.A significant advantage has been found in that the control element is arranged movably on the motor vehicle, so that the control element can emerge from the vehicle and a projection can be projected onto the outer surface, for example an outer body of the motor vehicle.

[0014] In particular, by using the imaging means as a variable display, it is possible to react to different conditions in the motor vehicle and, in addition to the variability of the display, to indicate the different conditions in the motor vehicle, for example by using different colors.

[0015] The imaging means can be used to display characters and / or symbols and / or patterns. By displaying characters and / or symbols and / or patterns, it is possible to immediately reproduce display states. The user of the motor vehicle is thus clearly informed, for example, of a vehicle that is not properly locked. This can be done without any prior knowledge, as it is possible to use characters and / or symbols to display text, for example, the meaning of which can be reinforced by a symbol. A symbol can be a directional arrow, for example, so that a visual aid can also be displayed for the user. If, for example, a tailgate is not properly closed, a directional arrow can point to the rear of the vehicle.If, for example, the sunroof is not fully closed, a symbol can be displayed, an additional text can be provided to indicate that the vehicle is not in all states required for full locking, and visual support can be provided by means of a pattern, so that an intuitive and very convenient safety and warning system is available to the user. It is also conceivable that, for example, alternating and / or repeating symbols can be used to create a visual representation in the form of a moving image. For example, the closing of a side window can be indicated by visually indicating the closing process of the side window using varying, i.e. changing, symbols.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one means for varying the light incident on the light guide is arranged between the illuminant and the light guide. The illuminant or light source sends light into the light guide, thus enabling projection. By using a means for varying the light, the light can now be shaped. For this purpose, for example, an LCD or DLB panel and / or a polarization filter can be used. A display offers the advantage that larger areas are available for displaying symbols and / or patterns and / or characters.Even if characters, patterns, and symbols are mentioned here, this is not meant to be limiting. Rather, it is intended to demonstrate that the display is freely variable. This means that it is not limited to characters, symbols, and patterns, but that any motif or message format can be reproduced. Using a display, it is possible to show several messages simultaneously or individual messages in a way that is easy to understand for the operator.

[0017] Using one of the aforementioned freely programmable displays, it is possible not only to generate predefined text displays, but also to react individually to changes in the vehicle's status and change the display immediately. Free programmability makes it possible, for example, to immediately display status changes in the vehicle. An LCD or DLP panel can be advantageously used in this case, as this allows for free programmability and these panels are available in large numbers and at low cost.

[0018] A polarization filter can also be used as a light variation device to vary or influence the image. It is also conceivable to use a combination of a panel and a polarization filter behind the light source. This makes it possible to generate different symbols and displays in a timed and different format.

[0019] It can also be advantageous, and represent an embodiment of the invention, if a means for deflecting the light, in particular a mirror or a prism, can be arranged in the operating element. The mirror can be used to deflect the light so that even distant areas can be illuminated by the operating element or to generate projections at a distance from the operating element. The deflection means can also interact with a polarization filter so that the displays generated by the light source and, if appropriate, the use of the light variation means can be deflected and separated. The use of different means for deflecting or varying the light enables a wide variety of displays, whereby several displays with different content can also be displayed or projected using the operating element.Depending on the application, for example an LCD panel in combination with a mirror, different displays can be created and, if different colored light sources are used, colored displays can also be created.

[0020] In order to create an appropriate image depending on the distance of the control element from the outer surface of the motor vehicle, it can be advantageous to use at least one haptic device, in particular an optical device and / or a lens. By adjusting the distance of the control element from the surface when the control element is extended, the size, light intensity and sharpness of the image can be varied using the optical device, so that, depending on the vehicle and type of use of the lighting device, it can be adapted to the area of ​​use, i.e. to the position of the lighting device in the motor vehicle.

[0021] Deflection means in the form of controllable mirrors can also be advantageously employed, with a laser being advantageously used as the light source. Using controllable mirrors and a laser, it is also possible to project various motifs, characters, and / or displays onto, for example, a B-pillar or the outer skin of a door.

[0022] By means of the aforementioned advantageous embodiments of the invention, a multitude of projections and / or images can be generated by means of the lighting device on the motor vehicle. For example, it is possible to generate different images at different locations on the motor vehicle by using two optics, a polarization filter, and a mirror. The light guide used can be designed as a rigid injection-molded part or, for example, as a flexible optical fiber, for example, to arrange the light source at a distance from the light exit point on the control element.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for a polarization filter to be used, for example, behind a light source and an LCD panel and in front of a deflecting mirror. The polarization filter can be switched on synchronously with the panel, so that two different projections can be transmitted to the mirror, so to speak in time-division multiplexing. If, for example, another synchronously clocked polarization filter is used on the mirror, then independently generated images can also be separated, with a first image being transmitted via a first optical system and a further image being transmitted via a further optical system.

[0024] In a further variant, it is also conceivable that the image is logically divided behind the LCD or DLP panel, so that, for example, the right half of the image is intended for a first optical system and the left half of the image is passed on to another optical system. The mirror can be shaped in such a way that only the right part of the mirror reflects the right half of the image and the other part of the mirror passes on and projects the left half of the image. These are merely embodiments that can be realized with the aforementioned technical features of the subject matter of the invention. Essentially, however, the invention disclosure focuses on integrating an imaging means into a lighting device, wherein the lighting device is arranged in a control element that is movably mounted on the motor vehicle.In particular, the mobility of the control element makes it possible to adopt a projection plane in which the lighting device is able to project information onto a motor vehicle surface at a distance from the outer surface of the motor vehicle.

[0025] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the mirror can be not only a conventional mirror, but also a prism, for example. Furthermore, specially mirror-coated plastic parts can be used instead of conventional mirrors.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0027] It shows :

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle in the area of ​​an outside door handle, showing a side door in combination with a B-pillar and a side wall, and Figure 2 is a detailed view of an operating element designed according to the invention with a basic representation of a lighting device integrated into the operating element.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 1, one view of a motor vehicle door 2 and one view of a side wall 3 of the motor vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the side wall 3 also includes the B-pillar 4 of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle side door 1 is shown in a closed position. Starting from the closed position, it is possible for the outside door handle 5 to be moved out of the vehicle, for example by approaching the motor vehicle 1 and / or a command from the vehicle operator. For this purpose, the outside door handle 5 can be pivoted out, for example, about a pivot axis 6, the pivoting movement being indicated by the arrow P. The pivoting movement can preferably take place horizontally, but it is also possible for the pivoting movement of the outside door handle 5 to take place in a vertical direction, upwards or downwards in Figure 1.The outside door handle 5 is assigned a lighting device 7, wherein the lighting device 7 is capable of generating displays 8, 9. The displays 8, 9 can be shown as symbols or text 10, 11 on a surface 12 or an outer skin 13 of the side door 2. In any case, a display 8, 9 can be projected in different directions onto the vehicle surface 12 and / or the outer skin 13 of the side door by means of the lighting device 7. It is advantageous in this case that the operating element 5 moves out of the motor vehicle 1, so that an outer end 14 of the operating element 5 is arranged at a distance from the surface 12, 13 of the motor vehicle 1. Even when the side door 2 is not opened, information is available to the operator in the form of a projection on the vehicle surface 12, 13.

[0030] Figure 2 shows, by way of example, the structure of the lighting device 7 in the control element 5. The dash-dotted lines show the displays 8, 9, which are projected by the lighting device 7 onto the vehicle surface 12 and the outer skin 13 of the side door 2. Figure 2 therefore shows the extended or at least moved control element 5 in a position spaced apart from the vehicle surface 12 and the outer skin 13, so that a projection of the displays 8, 9 is possible.

[0031] A power or control line 15 supplies a circuit board or control unit 16 with a voltage or a control signal so that a light source or illuminant 17 can be controlled or supplied with current. Behind the light source 17 there is arranged, for example, an LCD panel (liquid crystal display), with which variable displays, symbols or characters can be generated. Behind the LCD display 18 there is arranged a polarization filter 19, with which either clocked imaging or variable imaging can be set. Downstream of the polarization filter 19 there is a light guide 20 so that a light 21 generated by the illuminant 17 can be passed on. The light is shown, for example, only as a dash-dotted line in the lighting device 7. A first optics 22 is assigned to the light guide 20, whereby the light guide 20 and the first optics 22 can also be manufactured as a single piece as a rigid plastic injection-molded part.By way of example, a polarization filter 23 is again arranged downstream of the light guide 20. A mirror 24 is arranged behind the polarization filter 23 in the control element 5. By means of the mirror 24 in combination with the polarization filter 23, the light can be reflected and thus the display 9 can be generated. Depending on the interaction of the polarization filter 23 and the mirror 24, the light 21 is forwarded to a second optical system 25, so that the further display 8 can be generated on the motor vehicle 1.

[0032] By means of a clocked interaction of light source, LCD display, polarization filter 19, 23 and mirror 24, images in the displays 8, 9 can be separated and different displays 8, 9 can be shown in different areas of the motor vehicle 1. However, it should be pointed out again here that this exemplary embodiment is not restrictive, but that different displays can be generated from the aforementioned technical features of the invention, wherein it is also pointed out by way of example that a laser, for example, can be used as the light source 17, which in turn can generate displays 8, 9 on the vehicle surface 12 and / or the outer skin 13 via a movable mirror and appropriate control of the movable mirror.

[0033] List of reference symbols

[0034] 1 motor vehicle

[0035] 2 vehicle side doors

[0036] 3 side wall

[0037] 4 B-pillar

[0038] 5 Exterior door handle, control element

[0039] 6 swivel axis

[0040] 7 Lighting equipment

[0041] 8, 9 Display

[0042] 10, 11 Symbol, Text

[0043] 12 Vehicle surface

[0044] 13 Outer skin

[0045] 14 outer end

[0046] 15 Power, control line

[0047] 16 Circuit board, control unit

[0048] 17 light bulbs

[0049] 18 LCD panel

[0050] 19, 23 Polarizing filters

[0051] 20 light guides

[0052] 21 Light

[0053] 22, 25 Optics

[0054] 24 mirrors

[0055] P Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lighting device (7) on a vehicle door (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a lighting means (17), a light guide (20) connectable to the lighting means (17) and an imaging means, wherein a variable display (8, 9) can be generated by means of the lighting device (7), characterized in that the lighting device (7) is arranged at least in regions in an operating element (5) which can be moved out of the vehicle (1).

2. Lighting device (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (17) is arranged at a distance from the operating element (5) in the vehicle type (2).

3. Lighting device (7) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one means for varying the light (21) incident into the light guide (20) is arranged between the lighting means (17) and the light guide (20).

4. Lighting device (7) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light variation means is an LCD or DLP panel (18) and / or a polarization filter (19).

5. Lighting device (7) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a means for deflecting the light (21), in particular a mirror (24) or a prism, can be arranged in the operating element (5).

6. Lighting device (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that the deflection means can be designed as a movably controllable mirror.

7. Lighting device (7) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the deflection means cooperate with a polarization filter (19) so that the display (8, 9) generated by means of the light source (17) and the light variation means are separable.

8. Lighting device (7) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lighting device (7) has at least one optic (22, 25), in particular an optic (22, 25) and a lens.

9. Lighting device (7) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the illuminating means (17) is an LED, in particular a color-changeable LED, or a laser.

10. Lighting device (7) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the light guide can be designed as a rigid or flexible light guide (20).

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