Lighting unit for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit (1) for a vehicle, comprising a first sub-component (1.1) arranged stationarily on a vehicle body and a second sub-component (1.2), wherein each sub-component (1.1, 1.2) has a number of light sources for emitting light into a surrounding area of the vehicle. According to the invention, the sub-components (1.1, 1.2) are pivotably connected to one another.

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG Arnold Eschbach December 5th, 2025

[0002] Lighting unit for a vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting unit for a vehicle.

[0004] From DE 102022002302 A1, a vehicle light is known comprising a first part and a second part, the two parts being separated by a gap. The first part of the vehicle light is arranged on a stationary component of a vehicle, and the second part of the vehicle light is arranged on a locking component of the vehicle. The first part of the vehicle light has a light source, and the second part has a translucent area. The light source and the translucent area are arranged such that, in a closed position of the locking component, the second part is supplied with light by coupling in light emitted from the light source via the translucent area.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 29510280 U1 discloses a convertible warning device for motor vehicles for installation or attachment at the rear. The convertible warning device comprises a fixed central element and two side elements pivotably connected to its ends. During operation, these side elements are held in an extended normal position, forming a continuation of the central element, by locking elements against a spring action. With elongated reflective or illuminated fields, they form an additional rear reflector or an additional taillight or brake light. When the locking mechanism is released, a spring action causes the side elements to pivot upwards so that they, together with the central element, form a warning triangle.

[0006] German patent DE 9311 504 U1 describes a swiveling rear light which is arranged to rotate or swivel 360 degrees in a housing. US patent 202410278857 A1 describes a tailgate arrangement with two tailgate panels, both of which move between a closed position, several intermediate positions and a fully open position, wherein the tailgate panels can selectively separate and pivot from the rear of the loading area to the sides of the loading area.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a lighting unit for a vehicle.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by a lighting unit which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The lighting unit according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a first component and a second component, both of which are stationary on the vehicle body. Each component has a number of light sources for emitting light into the vehicle's surroundings. According to the invention, the components are pivotably connected to one another.

[0011] A lighting unit designed as a single piece, particularly a rear light, can be relatively wide, allowing it to illuminate a side wall area of ​​the rear of the vehicle without requiring a compromise between the loading dimensions (i.e., the dimensions of a vehicle opening for loading and unloading) and the lighting unit itself. The vehicle opening can be closed by means of a locking element, which is in particular a tailgate or a rear door that closes the vehicle opening, especially as access to a cargo space, such as a trunk.

[0012] The components are arranged in a plane in a driving position and perpendicular to each other in a folding position resulting from the open position of the vehicle's locking element. In particular, the second component can be positioned perpendicular to the first component, allowing the locking element to move freely into its open position and back into its closed position.

[0013] A drive element is arranged or formed on the locking element, which, upon reaching a predetermined intermediate position of the locking element, engages in a recess of the second component to position the second component in the driving position when the vehicle opening is closed by the locking element. The drive element is thus positioned relative to the locking element in such a way that contact can be established to position the second component in the driving position when the locking element closes.

[0014] In one embodiment, a number of guide elements are arranged on the first sub-component and / or the second sub-component, wherein the guide elements can be moved in and out of a guide track in the second sub-component and / or the first sub-component in sections. Thus, the second sub-component of the lighting unit, in particular, performs a guided movement unhindered to assume the folded or traveling position.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, a spring element is provided, one end of which is connected to the first component and the other end of which is connected to the second component, with the spring element being pre-tensioned in the driving position. The spring element forms part of a mechanism for positioning the second component relative to the first component in order to assume the folded or driving position.

[0016] One embodiment of the lighting unit provides that the spring element is designed to use its preload force to position the second component in the folded position when the locking element is in the open position. The second component is thus positioned mechanically in the folded position solely by means of the preload force, with a functional connection between the second component and the locking element such that the spring element is preloaded again when the locking element is positioned in a closed position.In another possible embodiment, a positioning element projecting perpendicularly from the second sub-component is arranged or formed, which is oriented away from the first sub-component when it is in the folded position. The locking element contacts the positioning element in a further intermediate position preceding the predetermined intermediate position in order to position the second sub-component into the travel position when the locking element is moved into its closed position. Based on contact between the positioning element and the locking element, the second sub-component is positioned in the direction of the travel position, whereby the drive element is also positioned with respect to the recess and engages in the recess, thereby locking the second sub-component in the travel position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second component is operatively connected to an actuator, at least for positioning it into the folded position. The actuator electrically positions the second component into the folded position, while repositioning it back into the travel position can be achieved using the positioning element and the drive element and / or the actuator.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the actuator is an electric drive unit operatively connected to the locking mechanism of the closure element, such that the electric drive unit is activated when the locking mechanism is activated, and the second component is positioned in the folding position when the closure element assumes its open position. Alternatively, the electric drive unit can be operatively connected, i.e., coupled, to the locking mechanism in such a way that, when the locking mechanism is activated, the second component is positioned in the travel position by means of the activated electric drive unit, thus enabling the closure element to assume a closed position.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a light source for partially illuminating the vehicle's surroundings is arranged on a side surface of the second component facing the vehicle's surface when the second component is in the folded position. This simplifies the charging process when the locking element is in the open position and the second component is thus in the folded position. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] This shows:

[0021] Fig. 1 schematically shows a lighting unit of a vehicle comprising two sub-components in a driving position and in a folding position; Fig. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of a section of a connection area of ​​the two sub-components.

[0022] Fig. 3 schematically shows a movement sequence of a second sub-component of the lighting unit when a locking element closing a vehicle opening is opened.

[0023] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0024] Figure 1 shows two illustrations A1, A2 of a lighting unit 1, in particular a rear light, for a vehicle not shown in detail.

[0025] In figure A1 the lighting unit 1 is shown in a driving position F and in another figure A2 the lighting unit 1 is shown in a pivoting movement to assume a folding position K shown in figure 3.

[0026] It is generally known that good visibility and a relatively wide variety of design options for the rear of a vehicle necessitate a relatively wide lighting unit 1 in the form of a taillight. Particularly in the case of so-called hatchback vehicles, a relatively wide loading dimension is also desirable; that is, a wide opening for loading and unloading, which can be opened and closed by means of a locking element 2 (shown in a simplified and exemplary manner in Figure 3). This requires either a compromise between the width of the lighting unit 1 and the loading dimension, or a comparatively expensive two-part design for the lighting unit 1, with one part attached to the locking element 2 and another part of the lighting unit 1 mounted on a side wall of the vehicle. The following describes a lighting unit 1 which comprises a first sub-component 1.1 and a second sub-component 1.2, wherein the second sub-component 1.2 is pivotably connected to the first sub-component 1.1.

[0027] For this purpose, a folding mechanism is provided, by means of which the second sub-component 1.2 can be positioned from the driving position F to the folding position K and back again.

[0028] In driving position F, the two components 1.1 and 1.2 are arranged in one plane, with a relatively small gap between them that is therefore inconspicuous to an observer. The first component 1.1 is mounted on the vehicle body and is stationary, whereas the second component 1.2 extends section by section across a side wall in the rear area of ​​the vehicle. A light-emitting surface, i.e., a cover lens, of the lighting unit 1 thus extends section by section across the side wall.

[0029] In the folded position K, the second component 1.2 is arranged perpendicular to the first component 1.1, so that the locking element 2 can be opened without obstruction. Opening and closing the locking element 2, as well as loading and unloading a cargo space, for example a trunk, of the vehicle, is possible without obstruction when the second component 1.2 is positioned in the folded position K.

[0030] In particular, a mechanism (not shown in detail) is provided by means of which it can be ensured that the second component 1.2 is locked in the folding position K, in particular until the locking element 2, for example a tailgate or a rear door, has a closed position, as shown in a first figure A1 in Figure 3.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a section of a connection area of ​​the two subcomponents 1.1, 1.2. It is shown that a virtual pivot point D is arranged relatively close to the cover plate, which is also referred to as the light plate of the lighting unit 1, so that the gap between the two subcomponents 1.1, 1.2 is minimal and therefore inconspicuous in the driving position F. To largely prevent a hinge or similar element from being visible to an observer of the lighting unit 1, guide elements 3 are arranged or formed on the first subcomponent 1.1, as shown in Figure 2. These guide elements can be partially extended and retracted into a guide track 4 in the second subcomponent 1.2.

[0032] In an alternative or additional embodiment, a spring element is provided, one end of which is connected to the first component 1.1 and the other end to the second component 1.2. In the operating position F, the spring element is pre-tensioned so that, when the locking element 2 is positioned in its open position, the second component 1.2 of the lighting unit 1 is moved from the operating position F to the folded position K by means of a pre-tensioning force from the spring element. Because the second component 1.2 can only be positioned in the operating position F by applying force, it can be largely prevented that the second component 1.2 is in the operating position F when the locking element 2 is in the closed position. Such a solution is comparatively inexpensive to implement, and user error can be largely eliminated.

[0033] In an alternative or additional embodiment, a mechanism for positioning the second sub-component 1.2 relative to the first sub-component 1.1 comprises a spring element and a guide cam 4, so that the second sub-component 1.2 can be locked in the driving position F and in the folding position K.

[0034] In a further alternative or additional embodiment, an actuator (not shown in detail), in particular an electric drive unit, is provided for positioning the second sub-component 1.2. This actuator allows the second sub-component 1.2 to be positioned from the travel position F to the folded position K and back to the travel position F. For example, the actuator is operatively connected to a closing mechanism of the locking element 2. When the closing mechanism is activated to position the locking element 2 in its open position, the actuator is automatically activated to position the second sub-component 1.2 in the folded position K. When the closing mechanism of the locking element 2 is activated so that it can be positioned in its closed position, the actuator is automatically activated again, so that the second sub-component 1.2 is positioned from the folded position K back to the travel position F.

[0035] To supply electrical energy to light sources integrated into the second component 1.2 of the lighting unit 1, electrically conductive lines are applied to a carrier film. Such a connection is called a flexible printed circuit board, which is used for the electrical connection of moving components. A suitably designed housing for the second component 1.2 ensures that the carrier film is concealed and protected from damage.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the movement sequence of the second component 1.2 of the lighting unit 1 when a locking element 2 of a vehicle, which closes a vehicle opening, is opened. A spring element, not shown in detail, is provided, as described above, which is pre-tensioned in the driving position F of the second component 1.2.

[0037] In the first illustration A1 in Figure 3, the locking element 2 is closed and the second component 1.2 is positioned in the driving position F and locked by means of a drive element 5 formed on an end face of the locking element 2 facing one of the second component 1.2, which engages in a recess A of the second component 1.2. The recess A is formed in an exposed side region of the second component 1.2.

[0038] When the locking element 2 is opened, as shown in a second figure A2 in Figure 3, the second sub-component 1.2 pivots spring-loaded in the direction of the folding position K, whereby the drive element 5 on the locking element 2 advantageously projects into the recess A, so that the sub-component 1.2 is not catapulted unbraked into the folding position K.

[0039] In a third illustration A3 in Figure 3, contact between the drive element 5 and the recess A is released, whereby a pivoting movement of the second sub-component 1.2 is limited by means of a positioning element 6 projecting perpendicularly from the second sub-component 1.2 in a side region of the second sub-component 1.2 opposite the free side region. In particular, the pivoting movement is limited by the positioning element 6 bearing against the opening closure element 2 section by section or at a point.

[0040] If the locking element 2 is opened further, as shown in a fourth figure A4 in Figure 3, there is no further contact between positioning element 6 and locking element 2, so that the second sub-component 1.2 pivots into the folding position K, so that the locking element 2 can be opened unhindered, as shown in a fifth figure A5 in Figure 3.

[0041] In one possible design, a light source (not shown in detail) is arranged on a side surface of the second sub-component 1.2 facing the vehicle surface, which is activated in the folding position K of the second sub-component 1.2 and emits light in the direction of the vehicle surface.

[0042] To close the locking element 2, the movement sequence is reversed, whereby the locking element 2 contacts the positioning element 6 in an intermediate position during a closing process, causing it to pivot in the opposite direction, thereby re-tensioning the spring element.

[0043] In a subsequent intermediate position of the locking element 2, the drive element 5 initially protrudes partially into the recess A of the second sub-component 1.2, with no further contact between positioning element 6 and locking element 2, as shown in the second figure A2 in Figure 3.

[0044] By means of the drive element 5 projecting into the recess A, the second sub-component 1.2 is carried along during a closing movement until the travel position F of the second sub-component 1.2 is reached and the locking element 2 is in its closed position.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Arnold Eschbach December 5th, 2025 Patent claims 1. Lighting unit (1) for a vehicle comprising a first component (1.1) arranged stationary on a vehicle body and a second component (1.2), wherein - each subcomponent (1.1, 1.2) has a number of light sources for emitting light into an environment of the vehicle, - the subcomponents (1.1, 1.2) are pivotably connected to each other, - the subcomponents (1.1, 1.2) are arranged perpendicular to each other in a driving position (F) in one plane and in a folding position (K) caused by an open position of a closing element (2) of the vehicle that closes a vehicle opening and - a drive element (5) is arranged or formed on the locking element (2), which, upon reaching a predetermined intermediate position of the locking element (2), engages in a recess (A) of the second Subcomponent (1.2) engages to position the second subcomponent (1.2) in the driving position (F) when the vehicle opening is closed by the locking element (2).

2. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a number of guide elements (3) are arranged on the first subcomponent (1.1) and / or on the second subcomponent (1.2), wherein the number of guide elements (3) can be led out of and into a guide track (4) in the second subcomponent (1.2) and / or the first subcomponent (1.1) section by section.

3. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a spring element is provided, one end of which is connected to the first sub-component (1.1) and the other end of which is connected to the second sub-component (1.2), wherein the spring element is pre-tensioned in the driving position (F).

4. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring element is designed to position the second sub-component (1.2) in the folding position (K) by means of its preload force when the locking element (2) is in the open position.

5. Lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning element (6) projecting perpendicularly from the second sub-component (1.2) is arranged or formed, which is oriented away from the first sub-component (1.1) in the folded position (K), wherein the locking element (2) contacts the positioning element (6) in a further intermediate position preceding the predetermined intermediate position in order to position the second sub-component (1.2) in the travel position (F) when the locking element (2) is moved into its closed position.

6. Lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sub-component (1.2) is operatively connected to an actuator at least for positioning in the folded position (K).

7. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator is an electric drive unit which is operatively connected to a closing mechanism of the locking element (2).

8. Lighting unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light source for partial illumination of a vehicle environment is arranged on a side surface of the second component (1.2) facing a vehicle surface in the folded position (K) of the second component (1.2).

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