Boarding device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle having a boarding device of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to a boarding device (1) for a motor vehicle, for a person to board the motor vehicle, wherein - the boarding device (1) comprises at least one tread (3) which is located and designed such that the person can board the motor vehicle by means of the tread (3), wherein - the at least one tread (3) comprises a tread structure (5) and at least one recess (7) associated with the tread structure (5), wherein - a light source (9) is associated with the at least one recess (7) such that, when the light source (9) is switched on, light beams emitted by the light source (9) are radiated from the tread structure (5) at the recess (7). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a boarding device (1) of this type.

Description

[0001] Entry device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with such a

[0002] Entry device

[0003] The invention relates to an entry device for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, and to a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, with such an entry device.

[0004] Such an entry device has at least one - usually several - steps arranged and designed such that a person can enter the motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, via the steps. To increase safety and comfort when entering and exiting the motor vehicle - especially in the dark - the steps can be illuminated. Such an entry device is known, for example, from DE 102004047 546 A1. DE 102006 040717 A1 further discloses an entry device in which the light source is arranged in a housing of the side marker light and / or the indicator light. The steps are illuminated by a light source, usually from above or from the side. The steps are usually dark colors - frequently black.These absorb a large portion of the light emitted by the light source and shining onto the step, which can impair safety and comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark. Furthermore, the light source can distort or impair the appearance of the vehicle's signaling system, particularly the side marker lights of the vehicle.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an entry device for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, as well as a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, with such an entry device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are reduced, preferably not occurring at all. This object is achieved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims and the preferred embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The object is achieved in particular by providing an entry device for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, for a person to enter the motor vehicle, in particular into a driver's cab of the motor vehicle. The entry device has at least one step which is arranged and designed such that the person can enter the motor vehicle via the step. The at least one step has a step structure and at least one recess associated with the step structure. In particular, the recess is arranged in the step structure. A light source, in particular an electric one, is associated with the at least one recess such that light rays emitted by the light source are radiated from the recess by the step structure, in particular illuminate the step structure when the light source is switched on.

[0007] Advantageously, the step structure itself is illuminated by means of the light source. In particular, the step structure is not illuminated by means of a light source whose light rays hit the step structure from above or from the side, are reflected from there and are only then perceived by the person wishing to get in or out of the motor vehicle. The light rays emitted by the light source can be directly detected by the person. Advantageously, it is possible for the person to have a direct view of the light source. In particular, this can advantageously reduce the electrical power of the light source. In particular, the luminance of the light source can also be reduced. Advantageously, the step structure is illuminated independently of any vehicle signaling pattern, in particular independently of any side marker lighting of the motor vehicle.In particular, the light source does not distort or impair the appearance of a vehicle's signaling system, especially the side marker lights of a motor vehicle. In particular, the backlighting of the tread structure creates a novel appearance.

[0008] In the context of the present technical teaching, the fact that the light source is assigned to a recess means, in particular, that the light source is arranged in the recess or behind the recess. An embodiment is also conceivable in which the light source is arranged partially in the recess and partially behind the recess.

[0009] In one embodiment, the recess is formed as an opening extending through the tread structure. In particular, the light source is arranged on a first side of the tread structure, with light rays from the light source passing through the at least one opening to a tread side of the tread structure and radiating from the tread structure, in particular illuminating the tread structure. The tread side is, in particular—when the entry device is installed as intended in the motor vehicle—geodetically at the top.

[0010] In one embodiment, the light source is designed as a Lambertian radiator. In particular, the light source is advantageously invisible to other road users—from their perspective. In another embodiment, the light source is configured to generate divergent, particularly diffuse, light beams.

[0011] The tread structure, in particular, has a structured surface so that the person can enter or exit the motor vehicle safely and without slipping or sliding. The tread structure, in particular, has anti-slip properties. It is possible for the tread structure to have a plurality of protrusions and recesses—also referred to as a profile, in particular as a tread profile. The plurality of protrusions and recesses, in particular, form the structured surface. In particular, the tread structure has a drainage channel designed to drain water, in particular rainwater, away from the tread structure. In this way, slip resistance is advantageously further improved.

[0012] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the at least one step has a step cover covering the step and forming the step structure.

[0013] In particular, the step cover is attached to the step. The step cover has at least one recess. The light source is arranged between the step and the step cover, in particular clamped therebetween. The light source is particularly easy to access, particularly due to this arrangement. The light source can advantageously be maintained or replaced particularly easily.

[0014] In particular, the step cover is attached to the step by means of an adhesive and / or a screw and / or a locking element.

[0015] According to a further development of the invention, a light source frame is arranged between the step and the step cover. In particular, the light source frame is attached to the step and / or to the step cover. The light source is arranged in the light source frame. In particular, the light source is attached to the light source frame. By means of the light source frame, a particularly stable attachment of the light source is possible. In particular, replacement, in particular the installation of a new light source, is made particularly easy.

[0016] In one embodiment, the light source frame is a separate component from the step cover. In another embodiment, the step cover includes the light source frame. In particular, the step cover is partially configured—on the first side—as the light source frame.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the light source is attached to the tread structure, particularly on the first side of the tread structure, by means of an adhesive and / or a screw and / or a locking element. Alternatively or additionally, the light source is attached to the tread by means of an adhesive and / or a screw and / or a locking element.

[0018] According to a development of the invention, it is provided that a depression of the at least one depression is arranged adjacent to the tread structure. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that a depression of the at least one depression has a shape selected from a group consisting of: a polygon, a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a circle and an oval. The tread structure, in particular its position and size, can advantageously be perceived particularly easily by means of the different shapes, in particular when the depression frames the tread structure in regions. The tread structure can advantageously be illuminated with a brand-specific pattern, in particular a manufacturer's logo.

[0019] The fact that a depression is arranged adjacent to the tread structure means in the context of the present technical teaching in particular that the depression delimits the tread structure, in particular delimits it in a planar extent, in particular encloses it in regions, in particular encloses it in a planar extent.

[0020] In particular, a depression of the at least one depression is composed of several of the aforementioned shapes.

[0021] In one embodiment, a first depression of the at least one depression is arranged adjacent to the tread structure, with a second depression of the at least one depression having one or more of the aforementioned shapes. It is possible for the second depression to be arranged adjacent to the at least one tread structure. Conversely, it is also possible for the first depression to additionally have one or more of the aforementioned shapes.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the light source comprises an electroluminescent film or is in particular designed as an electroluminescent film. Alternatively or additionally, the light source comprises a light guide, in particular plate-shaped, in particular flat, or is in particular designed as a plate-shaped, in particular flat, light guide. Alternatively or additionally, the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode element, in particular a multi-color light-emitting diode element. The light-emitting diode element is in particular coupled to the light guide in such a way that light rays from the light-emitting diode element are coupled into the light guide when the light-emitting diode element is switched on. An electroluminescent film advantageously requires little installation space and is particularly energy-saving.An electroluminescent film is advantageously particularly robust and durable and is therefore well suited for use in motor vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, especially trucks.

[0023] In the context of the present technical teaching, an electroluminescent film is understood in particular to mean a film that emits light when an electric field is applied. Such a film can be designed as a luminescent or plasma film, a light film, or a capacitor-luminescent film. In particular, the electroluminescent film is electrically connected to an electrical converter, in particular an inverter.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the entry device comprises a control device. The control device is operatively connected to the light source and configured to activate and deactivate the light source. The control device can be used to control the light source, in particular, in a semi-automatic or automated manner.

[0025] In particular, the control device is integrated into a body control unit of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, it is also possible for the control device to be designed separately from the body control unit.

[0026] According to a further development of the invention, the control device is configured to activate the light source in response to a switch-on signal. The switch-on signal is selected from a group consisting of: the approach of a radio authentication device to the motor vehicle, the unlocking of the motor vehicle, the opening, in particular the unfolding, of a motor vehicle door of the motor vehicle, and a manual switch-on command from the person. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to deactivate the light source in response to a switch-off signal.The switch-off signal is selected from a group consisting of: closing, in particular closing, the motor vehicle door, locking the motor vehicle, removing the radio authentication device from the motor vehicle, a period of time after locking the motor vehicle, a period of time after removing the radio authentication device from the motor vehicle, and a manual switch-off command from the person. Advantageously, the activation and deactivation of the light source can be adapted to various occurring scenarios.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, the entry device has at least two steps as the at least one step. A first light source assigned to a first step of the at least two steps is configured to radiate light from the first step structure assigned to the first step in a first color, in particular to illuminate the first step structure in a first color. A second light source assigned to a second step of the at least two steps is configured to radiate light from the second step structure assigned to the second step in a second color different from the first color, in particular to illuminate the second step structure in a second color. This advantageously enables a novel illumination of the step structure.

[0028] The object is also achieved by providing a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, with an entry device according to the invention or an entry device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments. In connection with the motor vehicle, the advantages already explained in connection with the entry device are particularly evident.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the motor vehicle has an energy supply device, in particular an energy storage device and / or a solar cell element. The energy supply device is connected to the light source in such a way that the light source can be operated, in particular supplied with energy, by means of the energy supply device, in particular while a motor vehicle engine is switched off. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the motor vehicle has a radio receiving device. The radio receiving device is operatively connected to the light source and configured to receive a command, in particular the switch-on command or the switch-off command, from a mobile radio transmitting device, in particular a radio key, in particular a smartphone, and then to switch the light source on or off.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which show:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an entry device, and

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the entry device according to Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an entry device 1 for a motor vehicle (not shown), in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, for a person to enter the motor vehicle.

[0034] The entry device 1 has at least one - here three - step 3, which is arranged and designed such that a person can enter the motor vehicle via the step 3. The step 3 each has a step structure 5 and at least one recess 7 assigned to the step structure 5 - of which only one for each step structure 5 is provided with a reference symbol for the sake of clarity. In particular, the recess 7 is arranged in the step structure 5. A light source 9, in particular an electric one (cf. Figure 2), is assigned to the at least one recess 7 such that light rays emitted by the light source 9 are radiated from the recess 7 by the step structure 5, in particular illuminating the step structure 5 when the light source 9 is switched on.

[0035] In one embodiment, the light source 9 is designed as a Lambertian radiator. In another embodiment, the light source 9 is configured to generate divergent, particularly diffuse, light beams.

[0036] In one embodiment, the at least one step 3 has a step cover 11 covering the step 3 and forming the tread structure 5. In particular, the step cover 11 is attached to the step 3. The step cover 11 has the at least one recess 7. The light source 9 is arranged between the step 3 and the step cover 11, in particular clamped therebetween.

[0037] In one embodiment, it is provided that a recess 7 of the at least one recess 7 has a shape selected from a group consisting of: a polygon, a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a circle, and an oval. In this exemplary embodiment, the recesses 7 have the shape of a quadrilateral or a triangle.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment not shown, it is provided that a depression 7 of the at least one depression 7 is arranged adjacent to the tread structure 5, in particular delimits the tread structure 5, in particular delimits it in a planar extent, in particular encloses it in regions, in particular encloses it in a planar extent.

[0039] In one embodiment, the entry device 1 has at least two - here three - steps 3 as the at least one step 3. A first light source 9.1 assigned to a first step 3.1 of the at least two steps 3 is configured to emit light in a first color from the first step structure 5.1 assigned to the first step 3.1, in particular to illuminate the first step structure 5.1 in a first color. A second light source 9.2 assigned to a second step 3.2 of the at least two steps 3 is configured to emit light from the second step structure 5.2 assigned to the second step 3.2 in a second color different from the first color, in particular to illuminate the second step structure 5.2 in a second color.

[0040] A section along the dashed line A is shown in Figure 2

[0041] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the entry device 1 according to Figure 1 along the dashed line A.

[0042] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0043] In this embodiment, the recess 7 is formed as an opening 13 extending through the step structure 5. In particular, the light source 9 is arranged on a first side 15 of the step structure 5, with light rays from the light source 9 passing through the at least one opening 13 to a step side 17 of the step structure 5 and radiating from the step structure 5, in particular illuminating the step structure 5. The step side 17 is, in particular—when the entry device 1 is installed as intended in the motor vehicle—geodetically at the top.

[0044] The step structure 5 has, in particular, a structured surface 19 so that the person can enter or exit the motor vehicle safely and without slipping or sliding. The step structure 5 has, in particular, anti-slip properties. It is possible for the step structure 5 to have a plurality of protrusions 23 and recesses 25—also referred to as a profile, in particular as a step profile. The plurality of protrusions 23 and recesses 25 form, in particular, the structured surface 19.

[0045] In particular, the step cover 11 is fastened to a locking area 29 of the step 3 by means of a locking element 27.

[0046] In this embodiment, it is provided that the light source 9 has an electroluminescent film 21 or is designed in particular as an electroluminescent film 21.

[0047] In an embodiment not shown, it is provided that the light source 9, in particular on the first side 15 of the tread structure 5, is fastened to the tread structure 5 by means of a locking element.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Entry device (1) for a motor vehicle, for boarding a person into the motor vehicle, wherein - the entry device (1) has at least one step (3) which is arranged and designed such that the person can enter the motor vehicle via the step (3), wherein - the at least one step (3) has a tread structure (5) and at least one recess (7) associated with the tread structure (5), wherein - a light source (9) is assigned to the at least one recess (7) in such a way that light rays emitted by the light source (9) are radiated from the recess (7) by the tread structure (5) when the light source (9) is switched on.

2. Entry device (1) according to claim 1, wherein - the at least one step (3) has a structure covering the step (3) and the step structure (5) forming step cover (11), wherein - the step cover (11) which has at least one recess (7), wherein - the light source (9) is arranged between the step (3) and the step cover (11).

3. Entry device (1) according to claim 2, wherein - a light source frame is arranged between the step (3) and the step cover (11), wherein - the light source (9) is arranged in the light source frame.

4. Entry device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein - the light source (9) is attached to the step structure (5) by means of an adhesive and / or a screw means and / or a locking element, and / or - the light source (9) is attached to the step (3) by means of an adhesive and / or a screw and / or a locking element.

5. Entry device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - a recess (7) of the at least one recess (7) is arranged adjacent to the tread structure (5), and / or - a recess (7) of the at least one recess (7) has a shape selected from a group consisting of: a polygon, a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a circle and an oval.

6. Entry device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the light source (9) comprises an electroluminescent film (21), and / or - the light source (9) has a light guide, and / or - the light source (9) comprises at least one light-emitting diode element.

7. Entry device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a control device operatively connected to the light source (9) and configured to activate and deactivate the light source (9).

8. Entry device (1) according to claim 7, wherein - the control device is configured to activate the light source (9) in response to a switch-on signal, wherein the switch-on signal is selected from a group consisting of: an approach of a radio authentication device to the motor vehicle, an unlocking of the motor vehicle, an opening of a motor vehicle door of the motor vehicle and a manual switch-on command of the person, and / or - to deactivate the light source (9) in response to a switch-off signal, wherein the switch-off signal is selected from a group consisting of: closing the motor vehicle door, locking the motor vehicle, removing the radio authentication device from the motor vehicle, a period of time after locking the motor vehicle, a period of time after removing the Radio authentication device from the motor vehicle and a manual switch-off command from the person.

9. Entry device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the entry device (1) has at least two steps (3) as the at least one step (3), wherein - a first light source (9.1) associated with a first step (3.1) of the at least two steps (3) is arranged to radiate in a first colour from the step structure (5.1) associated with the first step (3.1), wherein - a second light source (9.2) associated with a second step (3.2) of the at least two steps (3) is configured to radiate from the step structure (5.2) associated with the second step (3.2) in a second color different from the first color.

10. Motor vehicle, comprising: - an entry device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Motor vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising: - an energy supply device connected to the light source (9) such that the light source (9) can be operated by means of the energy supply device, and / or - a radio receiving device operatively connected to the light source (9) and configured to receive a command from a mobile radio transmitting device and subsequently switch the light source (9) on or off.

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