Automobile with body parts and light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising a body part (3) having an exterior (7) and partially forming an outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1). Improved light appearance and at the same time simple manufacturing are achieved in that the outer side (7) is formed by the outer layer (6) of the body part (3), the body part (3) further having an inner layer (9) that conforms to the shape of the outer layer (6) and directs light directed through the light source (10) to the outer layer (6), the outer layer (6) having an emission section (12) for emitting the light directed by the inner layer (9) through the outside (7).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a body part and a light source, the body part having a light-guiding area. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of motor vehicle body parts with light guiding areas for guiding the light of a light source is known, for example from DE 10 200 04 13 56 A1.

[0003] In the document, a body part has a first light-impermeable partial region that forms part of the exterior surface of the automobile. The first partial region is followed along the exterior surface by a second partial region of the body part. The second partial region is designed as a light guide, and light coupled into the light guide via the light source is output separately at a separate location away from the second partial region.

[0004] US Patent No. 5,949,999 describes an automobile body part formed from multiple layers stacked on top of each other to allow the body part to be easily and creatively formed.

[0005] Patent Document 3 shows a vehicle body part 1 having an outer installation and a metal-containing inner layer. The vehicle body part has a light-emitting diode on the side of the inner layer opposite the outer installation.

[0006] From DE 10 2004 010 199 A1 an illumination assembly is known which comprises a part with an aperture, the light source of which is arranged immediately behind the exterior of the illumination assembly. Patent document 5 shows a light-transmitting car body part, where a light source is arranged behind the outer coating of the car body part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] DE102019107062A1 [Patent Document 2] DE202015001340A1 [Patent Document 3] DE102021003615A1 [Patent Document 4] US2014 / 0119038A1 [Patent Document 5] DE102012003200A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least alternative embodiment for motor vehicles with body parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved 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 an automobile body part from at least two stacked layers, an outer layer of which has a light-transmitting section through which light is emitted during operation and reaches the light-transmitting section via a light source in an adjacent inner layer, the outer layer partially forming the automobile's exterior, and the outer and inner layers running parallel to each other. The stacked design of the body part not only allows for compact packaging, but also reduces tolerances and allows for a smooth design of the automobile's exterior. Furthermore, the stacked layers are invisible, or at least only partially visible, from the outside, improving the automobile's appearance. In this way, the body part can also be provided as a module or package that can be easily assembled to the automobile, simplifying automobile manufacturing. At the same time, the flat, continuous shape of the layers provides a flat, uniform light appearance during operation, while the light-transmitting section simultaneously allows for a particularly clear light appearance of patterns.

[0011] According to the concept of the present invention, a vehicle has a body with a body part. The vehicle further comprises a light source, such as an LED or a laser. The body part has an outer layer including an outer surface, which partially forms the outer surface of the vehicle, also known as the "skin." The body part further comprises an inner layer arranged opposite the outer surface of the outer layer. The inner layer has a flat section that conforms to the shape of the outer layer, through which light is separated during operation. In the following, this section is also referred to as the separation section. The outer and inner layers are stacked on top of each other. In this case, at least the separation section of the inner layer is designed as a light guide for light from the light source, so that the inner layer guides light from the light source coupled to the inner layer along the shape of the outer layer via the separation section. The outer layer has at least two spaced apart sections that are transparent to light in the region of the separation section, so that during operation, light guided by the separation section is emitted from the outside through each section. In the following, these sections are also referred to as emission sections.

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

[0013] Advantageously, the inner and outer layers are bonded to one another.

[0014] Preferably, the inner layer rests on the outer layer by a separating section, which on the one hand allows for improved separation of light from the separating section and on the other hand allows for a compact design.

[0015] The outer layer is advantageously opaque to light outside the emission section, or at least less transparent than the emission section.

[0016] By arranging the emission sections at a distance from one another, the light is correspondingly emitted from the outside and thus from the outer surface of the vehicle body at a distance from one another, which makes it possible in particular to create a three-dimensional impression of the light appearance.

[0017] As mentioned above, the inner layer is a light guide, at least in the separate section. In particular, it is conceivable to design the inner layer as a whole as a light guide.

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

[0019] Each emission section can have essentially any shape.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer has at least two such emitting sections spaced apart from one another, each forming a graphic pattern. This means that during operation, light is emitted from each emitting section in the form of a graphic pattern. This further improves the appearance of the light. In particular, this allows for the creation of a vehicle-specific light appearance.

[0021] In that case, it is particularly conceivable that the emission sections each form the same graphic pattern, for example a logo.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the outer side of the outer layer has the color of the exterior of the vehicle. This means that the outer side of the outer layer has the same color as the rest of the exterior or at least the adjacent areas of the exterior. As a result, in the extinguished state, i.e. when the light source is not operating, the body part is substantially indistinguishable from the rest of the body from the outside. A possible exception here is the emission section.

[0023] Preferably, the emission sections are recessed in the paint, i.e. have paint recesses, and are advantageously designed as such recesses. In other words, each emission section has an associated such recess, and preferably is an associated such recess. This allows, in addition to a clear light appearance during operation, the emission sections, and thus possibly the patterns formed by the emission sections, to be recognized even in the off state. Overall, in this way, i.e., in addition to the above-mentioned improvement in light appearance, the appearance in the off state is also improved.

[0024] Improved separation of light from the separation section can be achieved by having the inner layer have a thickened portion in the separation section associated with and oriented toward at least one emission section, preferably each emission section, thereby separating the coupled light through the thickened portion.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the emission sections associated with at least one of the at least one thickened section, preferably each thickened section, have the same shape and overlap. By matching the shapes of the associated emission sections and thickened sections, a correspondingly matched and locally limited light separation is achieved in the emission sections. As a result, the light emission from the emission sections is locally limited. In other words, a clear light output with high contrast is achieved.

[0026] In particular, at least one of the thickened portions, and advantageously each thickened portion, forms the same pattern as the associated emission section.

[0027] The bodywork part advantageously has, on the side of the inner layer opposite the outer layer, another layer, hereinafter also referred to as a backing layer, which at least conforms to the shape of the separation section and is reflective, at least on the side facing the separation section, to the light of the light source and thus to the light guided by the separation section, thus resulting in an improved light visibility with increased intensity during operation.

[0028] The inner layer and the backing layer are preferably stacked together and preferably additionally bonded to each other.

[0029] Advantageously, the backing layer rests on the inner layer, in particular on the side of the separated section opposite the outer layer, which provides a clearer light guidance and therefore a clearer light visibility during operation.

[0030] In addition to the inner layer, the body part may have at least one further component for directing light for emission through the outer layer.

[0031] According to the invention, such a component is designed as a strip arranged adjacent to the separating section and extending longitudinally along the outer layer. The strip is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source, whereby the strip guides the light coupled into the strip, in particular the light of the light source, longitudinally along the outer layer. The outer layer has a section extending along the strip, which is transparent to light and is hereinafter referred to as the transparent section to distinguish it from the emission section. That is, the transparent section extends longitudinally, just like the strip. As a result, during operation, the light guided by the strip is emitted longitudinally out of the outer layer via the transparent section.

[0032] The strip or the transparent section can implement, for example, the brake light function of a car, for which purpose the light coupled to the strip is colored red and / or the transparent section is colored red and / or the strip is colored red.

[0033] Essentially, there can be separate light sources associated with the inner layer and the strip.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, light from the light source is coupled into both the inner layer and the strip.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling section of the inner layer is adjacent to the separation section and extends along the strip, where the light source is disposed between the strip and the coupling section, such that during operation the light source couples to the strip and through the coupling section to the inner layer.

[0036] In operation, the light source can generate and emit any type and / or any color, i.e. can be coupled in particular to the inner layer, and possibly additionally to the strip.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the light source produces white light during operation, which increases the light intensity and correspondingly makes the light appear sharper.

[0038] Essentially, the outer and inner layers, and in particular the separating section, can be uniform and extend flat.

[0039] Likewise, the separation section and the outer layer can extend in a curved and / or bent manner in the area of ​​the separation section, which means that the body part can also be used in corresponding areas of the vehicle that have a curved or bent shape.

[0040] It is particularly conceivable for the body part to be arranged in the region of the rear of a motor vehicle, in which case the body part can, for example, at least partially form the trunk lid of the motor vehicle.

[0041] The strip can be made of plastic or glass and can in particular be designed as a plastic profile or a glass profile.

[0042] The inner layer can be made of plastic or glass and can in particular be designed as a plate, which means that the inner layer can be a plastic plate or a glass plate.

[0043] The outer layer can be made of plastic or glass. In particular, the outer layer can be formed as a film, i.e., the outer layer can be a plastic film or a glass film.

[0044] Naturally, a motor vehicle may 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.

[0045] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings and the corresponding description based on the drawings.

[0046] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above, and those further described below, may not only be used in the combinations shown, but may also be used in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below, where like reference numbers indicate identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0048] Here, the following is generally described in each of the drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional isometric view of an area of ​​an automobile body part. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a vehicle body part. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of the area of ​​the bodywork part of a motor vehicle in an unlit state; [Figure 4] 4 is a view according to FIG. 3 in the lit state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] As exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the motor vehicle 1 has at least one body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 2 has a body part 3 which, by way of example only, is arranged in the region of the rear of the vehicle 4 and which, by way of example only, may partially form a trunk lid 5.

[0051] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body part 3 has an outer layer 6 including an outer side 7. In this case, the outer side 7 partially forms the outer surface 8 or skin 8 of the automobile 1. Furthermore, the body part 2 has an inner layer 9 arranged on the side of the outer layer 6 opposite the outer side 7. The inner layer 9 is used, in particular, to guide light that is generated during operation by a light source 10 (see FIG. 2 ) and coupled into the inner layer 9. The inner layer 9 has a section 11 that is used to separate the coupled light. This section 11 will also be referred to as the separation section 11 hereinafter. In this case, the separated light is emitted from the body part 2 via the outer layer 6. The separation section 11 is formed flat and follows the shape of the outer layer 6. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 6 and the separation section 11 have a curved shape that forms the shape of the vehicle body 2, i.e., here the vehicle rear part 4, in particular the trunk lid 5. The outer layer 6 and the inner layer 9 are stacked on top of each other. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the separation section 11 and the outer layer 6 are stacked on top of each other. In this case, the separation section 11 rests on the outer layer 6. At least the separation section 11, and preferably the entire inner layer 9, is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source 10, so that the inner layer 9 guides the light of the light source 10 coupled to the inner layer 9 along the shape of the outer layer 6 via the separation section 11. To output / emit light, the outer layer 6 has at least two spaced-apart sections 12 that are correspondingly transparent to light; these sections are also referred to below as emission 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 separation section 11 is emitted from the outside 7, and thus from the outer surface 8, via the respective emission sections 12 and is therefore visible from the outside. Figure 3 shows the body part 3 in an unlit state, while Figure 4 shows it in a lit state.

[0052] 2, it can be seen that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the separation section 11 of each emission section 12 has an associated thickened portion 13 directed toward the emission section 12, so that light is separated into the associated emission section 12 via the thickened portion 13. In this case, each thickened portion 13 and the associated emission section 12 have the same shape and overlap each other. This provides a limited separation of the emission sections 12, which results in a clear light image or clear light appearance with high contrast.

[0053] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each emitting section 12 forms a graphic pattern. In that case, the emitting sections 12, and therefore the pattern, are regularly arranged on the outer side 7. Therefore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each thickened portion 13 is also formed as such a pattern. Each pattern corresponds, merely by way of example, to a logo in the illustrated exemplary embodiment.

[0054] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer side 7 of the outer layer 6 is colored the same color as the adjacent areas of the exterior surface 8 of the motor vehicle 1, in particular the remaining exterior surface 8. In that case, each emitting section 12 is recessed into the paint, i.e., formed as a recess 14 in the paint. As a result, the body part 3 in the unlit state shown in FIG. 3 as a whole is indistinguishable, or at least barely distinguishable, from the adjacent areas of the exterior surface 8; only the emitting sections 12 are visible as recesses 14 in the paint. This means that the patterns formed in the emitting sections 12 or recesses 14 are visible even in the unlit state. To illustrate the difference between the unlit and lit states, the emitting sections 12 and therefore the recesses 14 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3.

[0055] 1 and 2, the body part 3 has a backing layer 15 on the side of the inner layer 9 opposite the outer layer 6 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The backing layer 15 follows the shape of the separation section 11. The backing layer 15, the inner layer 9 and the outer layer 6 are stacked on top of each other and, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, are also bonded to each other. The backing layer 15 is reflective to light, i.e. reflects light, at least on the side facing the separation section 11.

[0056] As can be further seen, particularly from FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body part 3 can have a strip 16 arranged adjacent to the separation section 11 and extending longitudinally along the outer layer 6. The strip 16 is designed as a light guide for the light of the light source 10, thereby guiding the light of the light source 10 coupled to the strip longitudinally along the outer layer 6. The outer layer 6 has a section 17, hereinafter also referred to as the transparent section 17, that is transparent to the light due to the strip 16. The transparent section 17 extends along the strip 16, and as shown in FIG. 4 , during operation, the light guided by the strip 16 is emitted outward from the outer surface 6 through the transparent section 17. As shown in FIG. 2 , in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the transparent section 17 is also designed as a paint recess 14. In that case, the light emitted from the transparent section 17 can be used as a brake light. The same applies to the light emitted from the emitting section 12.

[0057] 1 and 2, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the inner layer 9 has a coupling section 18 adjacent to the separation section 11. The coupling section 18 extends along and is spaced apart from the strip 16. The light source 10 is disposed between the strip 16 and the coupling section 18, such that during operation, the light source 10 couples light into the strip 16 and through the coupling section 18 to the inner layer 9. The strip 16 and the coupling section 18 can then be stacked on top of each other.

[0058] 1 , the body part 3 has, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a shell 19, for example made of plastic or metal, in which the strip 16, the light source 10 and the connecting section 18 are arranged. The shell 19 is open towards and closed by the outer layer 6. The shell 19 and the outer layer 6 thus form a housing 20.

[0059] 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiment shown, 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 light on the outside and reflective on the inside.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (1) having a body (2), - said body (2) comprises a body part (3) having an outer layer (6) which has an outer surface (7) and which partially forms the outer surface (8) of said motor vehicle (1); - said body part (3) has an inner layer (9) arranged on the side opposite said outer side (7) of said outer layer (6) and having a flat separation section (11) which follows the shape of said outer layer (6); - said outer layer (6) and said inner layer (9) are stacked on top of each other; - a light source (10), - at least said separated section (11) of said inner layer (9) is designed as a light guide for the light of said light source (10), so that said inner layer (9) guides the light of said light source (10) coupled to said inner layer (9) with said separated section (11) along the shape of said outer layer (6); - in the vehicle (1) in which the outer layer (6) has, in the region of the separation section (11), at least two spaced apart emission sections (12) that are transparent to light, so that during operation, light guided by the separation section (11) is emitted from the outside (7) through each of the emission sections (12), - said body part (3) has a strip (16) arranged adjacent to said separation section (11) and extending longitudinally along said outer layer (6); - said strip (16) is designed in particular as a light guide for the light of said light source (10), whereby said strip (16) guides the light coupled into said strip (16) longitudinally along said outer layer (6); the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the outer layer (6) has a transparent section (17) extending along the strip (16) and transparent to light, so that during operation, light guided by the strip (16) is emitted from the outside (7) through the transparent section (17).

2. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said outer layer (6) has at least two said spaced apart emission sections (12) each forming a graphic pattern.

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

4. 4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer (9) in the separation section (11) for at least one emission section (12) has a thickened portion (13) oriented in the direction of the emission section (12), whereby the coupled light is separated via the thickened portion (13).

5. 5. A vehicle according to claims 3 and 4, wherein at least one of the at least one thickened portion (13) and the associated emission section (12) have the same shape and overlap.

6. - the body part (3) has a backing layer (15) on the side of the inner layer (9) opposite the outer layer (6), the backing layer (15) conforming to the shape of the separation section (11) and being reflective to the light of the light source (10); - A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said backing layer (15), said inner layer (9) and said outer layer (6) are stacked on top of each other.

7. - said inner layer (9) has a bonded section (18) adjacent to said separating section (11), said bonded section (18) extending along and spaced from said strip (16); The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the light source (10) is arranged between the strip (16) and the coupling section (18), whereby the light source (10), during operation, couples light into the strip (16) and, via the coupling section (18), into the inner layer (9).

8. 8. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer side (7) of the outer layer (6) has the colour of the outer surface (8) of the motor vehicle (1), and each of the emission sections (12) has a recess (14) of said colour, in particular formed as such a recess (14).

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

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