WO2016055467A1

WO2016055467A1 - Exterior add-on part, motor vehicle comprising an exterior add-on part, and method for controlling an exterior add-on part

Info

Publication number: WO2016055467A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/073034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Binder; Ottmar Binder; Markus KREITMEIER
Original assignee: Süddeutsche Aluminium Manufaktur GmbH
Priority date: 2014-10-10
Filing date: 2015-10-06
Publication date: 2016-04-14
Also published as: DE202014011015U1; DE102014220630B4; DE102014220630A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an exterior add-on part (7), in particular an exterior add-on trim part, for a motor vehicle (1) for securing to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (1). According to the invention, a lighting device (13) which is at least partially integrated into the exterior add-on part (7) is provided. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (1) and to a method for controlling an exterior add-on part (7).

Description

Exterior attachment, motor vehicle with an exterior attachment and method for driving an exterior attachment

description

The invention relates to an external attachment, in particular exterior mounting part, for a motor vehicle, for attachment to a body of the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such an exterior attachment and a method for operating an exterior attachment.

Under the outer attachment part is a component of the motor vehicle to understand, which is arranged on the outside of the body of the motor vehicle or can be arranged. This means that the outer attachment part faces or projects into an outer environment of the motor vehicle. For example, the external attachment is attached to the body of the motor vehicle, in particular directly attached. Preferably, the external attachment is at least partially on an outer skin of the body, which may be provided with a protective and / or decorative layer, such as a paint or the like. The external attachment may be present as a functional component or alternatively may be present only for optical reasons and to this extent be designed as Außenanbauzierteil. For example, the external attachment is as a roof rail, roof support, Dachzierleiste, Fensterschachzierleiste, pillar panel, especially as a panel for an A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar of the motor vehicle, as a cowl panel, license plate holder, mirror housing or underrun protection of Motor vehicle before. Insofar as below purely by way of example only addresses the roof rail is of course always analogous to a design as another of the aforementioned components possible. The roof rail is preferably arranged on a roof of the motor vehicle, in particular on the roof skin, which so far represents the outer skin of the body. It is attached to the body, for example, by means of at least one retaining element, which passes through the roof skin. The roof rail serves, for example, as a fastening option or as a support surface for a roof rack of the motor vehicle.

It is an object of the invention to propose an exterior attachment, which is improved over conventional exterior attachment parts in terms of its appearance and / or its function. This is achieved according to the invention with an exterior attachment according to claim 1. In this case, an illumination device integrated at least partially into the exterior attachment is provided. This lighting device is associated with the exterior attachment and so far at least partially integrated in this. By this is meant that the illumination device is at least partially, in particular completely, taken up by the exterior attachment. For example, the entire lighting device is provided in the outer attachment, so that only one supply line from the body is provided in the outer attachment to operate this. The supply line can be designed, for example, as an electrical supply line or alternatively as an optical waveguide or the like. The illumination device is preferably provided for illuminating the exterior attachment, the motor vehicle and / or an external environment of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, for example, at least one light source of the illumination device is aligned accordingly. A lighting area to be illuminated is therefore present, for example, on the exterior attachment, on the motor vehicle and / or in the outside environment. The light source is to be understood as meaning an element of the illumination device from which light emerges from the illumination device in the direction of the exterior attachment, the motor vehicle and / or the outside environment. For example, the light source is at a luminous location, from which the light should go out.

The light source may, for example, be in the form of a point light source or a surface light source, the former being understood to mean, for example, a light source having a light cone which is round or square in cross section. The surface light source is preferably a light source in which the light cone is cuboid in cross section or has a greater extent in at least one direction than in a direction perpendicular thereto.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the illumination device has at least one luminous means and / or at least one optical waveguide. The light source is designed, for example, as a light bulb or as a light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting means can now serve directly as a light source and be arranged correspondingly on the exterior attachment or on the lighting location. The illuminant in this case has particular It prefers an integrated reflector, by means of which light is aligned in the desired direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the optical waveguide is provided. With the aid of the optical waveguide, light from a luminous means, which, however, does not have to be assigned to the illumination device, can be guided to the luminous spot. For example, the light source can be arranged in the body of the motor vehicle, and the light can be transported by the latter by means of the optical waveguide to the lighting location. This has the advantage that no sensitive to environmental influences electronics must be provided in the exterior attachment.

For example, the optical waveguide can be embodied at least in regions as a "light string." For this purpose, the optical waveguide is provided at least in sections, but preferably over its entire length, with a sheathing over which light is emitted from the optical waveguide into the environment The sheathing consists, for example, of a polymer, in particular a fluorocarbon polymer.

Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to arrange the luminous means at a distance from the luminous spot and to guide the light generated by the luminous means by means of at least one reflector or a mirror, a prism and / or a lens in the direction of the luminous spot. In that regard, the light is at least partially guided leadless by the light source in the direction of the illuminated location. It may be provided that the light generated by the luminous means is introduced by means of a mirror and / or the prism and / or a lens in an optical waveguide. For this purpose, the light is directed, for example, to an end face of the optical waveguide, in particular focused by means of a lens, so that the light is guided by means of the optical waveguide, in particular a "light string" in the direction of the illuminated location,

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that a connector is provided on the outer attachment. The connector is designed, for example, as an electrical connector to supply the lighting means, if it is arranged in the outer attachment, with electrical energy. Alternatively, however, the connector may be in the form of an optical waveguide plug connector and may serve for producing a plug connection of the optical waveguide to a light source arranged in the motor vehicle and / or a further optical waveguide arranged in the motor vehicle.

For example, the external accessory associated connector is arranged such that it cooperates with a mounted on the motor vehicle further connector such that a light transmission connection between the arranged in the motor vehicle lamps and / or in the motor vehicle provided further optical waveguide on the one hand and the external attachment associated optical waveguide on the other hand. A further alternative refinement has the illuminant in the motor vehicle and the at least one illuminator in the external attachment, wherein the illuminant is arranged at a distance from an opening in the roof skin of the motor vehicle. The opening is the at least one mirror associated with at least one prism and / or the at least one lens to redirect the light through the opening towards the exterior attachment. In particular, the mirror, the prism and / or the lens serve to introduce the light into an optical waveguide arranged in the outer attachment, in particular "light string." For this purpose, the light is produced by means of the mirror, the prism and / or the lens For example, directed to an opening facing the end face of the optical waveguide or deflected in the direction thereof.

In this case, the opening in the roof skin is preferably associated with a corresponding opening of the exterior attachment part, wherein the openings are aligned with each other at least in regions after the exterior attachment part has been mounted on the motor vehicle. In this respect, the light generated by the light source can pass through the openings into the exterior attachment. There, it preferably enters the optical waveguide or "light string", in particular through the end face of the optical waveguide.

Of course, it may be provided that the light generated by the light source by means of another optical waveguide from the light source at least in sections, in particular over the entire route, is led to the opening of the roof skin. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides at least one recess, in which the illuminant is arranged or in which the optical waveguide opens. The recess is located in the exterior attachment and adjacent, for example, directly to the outside environment. Preferably, however, it is at least visible from this. The lighting location is present in particular in the recess, for which purpose, for example, the light source is arranged in the recess. Alternatively, of course, the optical waveguide with its side facing away from the corresponding light means can open into the recess. The recess may be adapted to the desired light spot shape and to that extent be round, square or cuboid in cross section, so that at the illuminated spot a point light source or a surface light source is realized. A preferred further embodiment of the invention provides that the recess is closed by means of an at least partially transparent cover. This closure is preferably provided in relation to the outside environment, so that the lighting location is protected against environmental influences. Due to the at least partial transparency of the cover, however, the light of the illuminated spot can reach the desired illumination area, which according to the above embodiments is present, for example, on the exterior attachment, the motor vehicle or in the exterior environment of the motor vehicle. In this case, the area of illumination is to be understood as that area which is illuminated with the aid of the at least one lighting location.

Preferably, the cover is completely transparent. However, it can also be provided that the cover, for example, to the Color of the exterior attachment is aligned so that a uniform surface is present as long as the lighting device is not in operation. However, if the lighting device is operated or controlled to illuminate the lighting area, the light can pass from the lighting spot through the partially transparent cover.

For example, the cover is present as a light distributor. For example, light can be supplied to the light distributor at certain points by means of a light source, in particular the luminous means or the optical waveguide. This is then distributed over the surface of the light distributor, preferably evenly distributed, discharged. The light distributor acts insofar as a diffuser, by means of which a particularly uniform visual impression of the exterior attachment can be achieved. Furthermore, it can be provided that the luminous surface of the illumination device extends over a large part of a side surface of the exterior attachment, in particular over the entire side surface. This is especially the case for the roof rails. The luminous area is defined, for example, as the envelope of a plurality of luminous spots arranged next to one another, in particular of all adjacent luminaires of the exterior annex. Due to the extent of the luminous area over the majority of the side surface or the entire side surface, the exterior attachment can be highlighted visually particularly clearly by the operation of the illumination device.

By the side surface is meant, for example, that surface of the external attachment which relates to the longitudinal direction. The direction of travel of the motor vehicle is perpendicular or at least approximately vertical. Preferably, the side surface is also arranged outside in the lateral direction. The illumination area can be assigned a single lighting location, but alternatively it can also be assigned to several lighting locations.

A further development of the invention provides at least one reflector region which can be illuminated by means of the illumination device. This reflector area is characterized by particularly good reflection properties. For example, the material in the reflector region is shiny or polished. Accordingly, the material in the reflector region has a particularly low roughness and correspondingly good reflection properties. Alternatively, however, the material in the reflector region can also be matted or roughened. In this way, a better and larger-scale scattering of the incident on the reflector area light is achieved. The reflector region can be particularly advantageous on the motor vehicle or the exterior attachment.

The reflector region is provided in particular for deflecting the light generated by means of the illumination device. In particular, the light generated by the illumination device is deflected by the reflector region such that it enters the intended illumination region, which is present either on the exterior attachment, the motor vehicle or in the outside environment. The illumination area is particularly preferably different from the reflector area. By means of the reflector area, an indirect illumination of the illumination area is realized. This has the particular advantage that the light source or the optical waveguide is not immediately recognizable, at least as long as the lighting device is not operated.

For example, the reflector region is provided on a cantilever of the outer attachment, which is arranged on a base body of the outer attachment. The main body is particularly preferably attached to the body. At the same time, the main body particularly preferably at least partially, in particular completely, accommodates the luminous means or the optical waveguide. The boom extends, for example, starting from the base body in the outer environment of the motor vehicle, in particular in the lateral direction. In this way, indirect illumination of a lighting area present on the motor vehicle or in the outside environment can be implemented particularly easily.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the outer attachment is at least partially made of aluminum, steel, especially stainless steel, a plastic or a composite material. For example, the roof rail is particularly preferably made of aluminum, which may be extruded. However, the other materials mentioned can also be used. In particular, the external attachment consists largely or even completely of one of the specified materials.

The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with an external attachment, in particular according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the external attachment is attached to a body of the motor vehicle. One is at least partially in the outdoor growing partially integnerte lighting device provided. On the advantages of such an embodiment of the motor vehicle or the external attachment has already been discussed. The motor vehicle or the external attachment can be developed according to the above statements.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for operating an exterior attachment of a motor vehicle, in particular a mounting part according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the exterior attachment is attached to a body of the motor vehicle. It is provided that an at least partially integrated into the exterior accessory lighting device is controlled for at least temporary lighting. Here too, reference should first be made to the above statements, according to which the external attachment or the method can be developed. As already explained, the illumination area should be illuminated with the aid of the illumination device. Accordingly, the lighting device is driven. Of course, the illumination device can be configured such that a plurality of illumination areas can be illuminated independently of one another. In particular, it can be provided that at least two illumination areas are present, wherein in a first operating mode of the illumination device only a first of the illumination areas, but not a second of the illumination areas, and in a second mode only the second of the illumination areas, but not the first of the illumination areas , is illuminated. For this purpose, for example, different illuminating points can be provided, which are correspondingly applied independently of one another. can be controlled. A change in the orientation of the light source or the light sources can be made for this purpose.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the illumination device is used for a direction indicator, side edge lighting or entrance lighting. Under the direction indicator is for example a turn signal of the motor vehicle to understand. The direction indicator thus serves to indicate a planned change in direction of the motor vehicle by illuminating the illumination area, in particular flashing lighting. The direction indicator can be implemented in particular if several roof rails are provided, each having the described illumination device.

Alternatively or additionally, a sidewall illumination of the motor vehicle can be undertaken, in which the illumination area is present, for example, on the motor vehicle or the body of the motor vehicle. Particularly preferably, the lighting device for the side edge lighting is only activated for lighting when the motor vehicle is at a standstill. However, lighting while driving can also be advantageous.

Finally, the lighting device can be used for the entrance lighting. With this, for example, a coming home and / or leaving home functionality is implemented. This means that the lighting device is activated when the driver unlocks or unlocks the motor vehicle. Illuminating is carried out over a certain period of time. guided, for example, until the driver activates the ignition of the motor vehicle. As part of the leaving home functionality, the lighting device is activated for lighting as soon as the driver deactivates the ignition and / or a door of the motor vehicle is opened. Lighting is particularly advantageously set as soon as the motor vehicle is locked or locked and / or as soon as a certain period of time has elapsed.

Finally, it can be provided that the lighting device is controlled by a control unit and / or manually by a user of the motor vehicle. The lighting device can thus be used for automatic lighting. Alternatively, the user, who is, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle, must operate a switch to activate or deactivate the lighting device. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing, without any limitation of the invention. Showing:

1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle with an external attachment in a first embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a side view of the motor vehicle with an external attachment in a second embodiment,

3 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in a first variant

4 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in a second variant Figure 5 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in a third variant and

6 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in a fourth variant,

7 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in a fifth variant,

8 shows an oblique view of an external attachment in a third embodiment, FIG.

9 shows a cross section through the outer attachment in the third embodiment, and

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment.

1 shows a partial side view of a motor vehicle 1, wherein in particular an A-pillar 2 and a B-pillar 3 can be seen. These are assigned to a body 4 of the motor vehicle 1. Part of the body 4 is still a roof 5, which has a roof skin 6. On this is an external attachment 7, in the embodiment shown here over the entire surface over its entire longitudinal extent. The exterior attachment 7 is in particular as a roof rail. The outer attachment 7 is curved, for example, in its end regions 8 and 9 in the direction of the roof 5 or the roof skin 6, so that end faces 10 and 1 1 of the roof rail 7 rest on the roof skin 6. Of course, an alternative embodiment of the Au ßenanbauteils 7 is possible in which only the end portions 8 and 9, in particular the end faces 10 and 1 1, rest against the roof skin 6, but not a central region, which these two end portions 8 and 9 together combines. The central region, which lies between the end regions 8 and 9, is therefore at a distance from the roof skin 6. In the illustration shown here, the exterior attachment 7 is not yet finally mounted on the motor vehicle 1, so that fastening elements 12 used for this purpose can be seen. The exterior attachment 7 is now characterized by an at least partially integrated illumination device 13. In this case, the outer attachment 7 has a recess 14, which extends over a majority of the longitudinal extent of the outer attachment 7, in particular over the entire longitudinal extension of the outer attachment 7. The recess 14 is closed by means of a cover 15 with respect to an external environment of the motor vehicle 1. In this case, the cover 15 preferably ends flush with an outer surface 16 of the outer attachment 7.

On the side of the cover 15 facing away from the outside environment, at least one light source 17 (not visible here) is provided in the recess 14 or in the exterior attachment 7 on at least one lighting location. For example, a plurality of light sources 17 are arranged at uniform intervals over the entire extent of the recess 14 or the cover 15. Particularly preferably, the cover 15 is present as a light distributor or as a diffuser, so that despite only a few or even multiple light sources 17 a uniform illumination is achieved. FIG. 2 likewise shows a partial side view of the motor vehicle 1, so that reference is made in principle to the above explanations. The outer attachment 7 or the roof rails are here in a second embodiment. This differs from that described above only in that there are numerous recesses 14, which are only partially identified here. Each of these recesses 14 is closed to the outside environment, for example, by means of a cover 15 of the type described above. Each recess 14 is particularly preferably associated with a separate light source 17.

The illumination points or light sources 17 define a luminous area of the illumination device 13, the latter being defined as the area enclosed by the envelope of all luminous areas or light sources 17. It becomes clear that the luminous area according to the second embodiment of the illumination device 13 also preferably extends over a major part of the longitudinal extension, in particular the entire longitudinal extension, of the roof rail 7. Of course, however, in both embodiments, only an extension over a smaller part of the longitudinal extension is possible.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through a first variant of the exterior attachment 7, which can be used both in the context of the first embodiment and in the context of the second embodiment. Clearly visible is now the recess 14, which is closed by means of the cover 15. On the side facing away from the external environment of the cover 15, the light source 17 is present. This is realized, for example, by means of a light source, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED) or the like. Siert. Alternatively, the light source 17 can also be formed by means of an optical waveguide, this serving to transport light from a light source 17 arranged away from the light source 17, to the light source 17. FIG. 4 shows a second variant of the exterior attachment 7. Here, the exterior attachment 7 now has a boom 18, which extends from a base body 19. The recess 14 is located, for example, between the boom 18 and the base body 19. In particular, it is in turn closed by means of the cover 15, wherein on the side facing away from the outside of the cover 15, the light source 17 may be arranged according to the above embodiments. The second variant can also be applied both to the first and the second embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a third variant of the exterior attachment 7. Again, reference is made in principle to the above statements regarding the two embodiments, the first variant and the second variant. Again, the boom 18 is provided. However, the recess 14 is now arranged in the base body 19 of the outer component 7. Likewise, the light source 17 is present in this.

An inner surface of the cantilever 18 is designed, for example, as a reflector region 20. There, the material of the exterior attachment 7 or the roof rail is polished, in particular polished high gloss, so that there are particularly good reflection properties. In this way, a particularly effective indirect lighting of a lighting area can be realized, which For example, on the exterior attachment 7, the motor vehicle 1 or in an external environment of the motor vehicle 1 is present.

The recess 21 present between the arm 18 and the main body 19 can be closed by means of a further cover 22 in order to ensure a particularly outstanding visual impression of the roof rail 7. This third variant can also be applied both to the first and to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section through a fourth variant of the outer attachment 7, wherein this can be used both in the context of the first embodiment and in the context of the second embodiment. Here, too, the recess 14 extends over a majority of the longitudinal extension of the outer attachment 7. The light source 17, which is present in the exemplary embodiment shown here as a "light string", is arranged in the recess 14. The light source 17 has an optical waveguide 23 to this extent The jacket 24 is designed in such a way that light is emitted from the optical waveguide 23 into the outside environment The variant shown here has the advantage that the external attachment 7 has a substantially closed contour, at which the recess 14 In this case, the cutout 14 is preferably aligned such that the light from the light source 17 is emitted in the direction of the roof skin 6 (not shown here) .An opening 25 of the cutout 14 into the outside environment is aligned correspondingly. FIG. 7 shows a fifth variant of the exterior attachment 7. In principle, reference is made to the above explanations, in particular with regard to the fourth variant. The difference lies essentially in the cross-sectional shape of the outer attachment part 7 and in the configuration of the recess 14. While in the fourth variant, the recess 14 in the region of its mouth 25 - seen in cross-section - is significantly smaller than the light source 17, this is not the case for the fourth variant. Although the recess 14 or its mouth 25 seen in cross-section also slightly smaller than the illuminated spot 17. In the fifth variant, the external attachment 7, however, designed such that the light source 17, in particular in the form of "light strings" through the mouth 25 in the recess 14 can be clipped and subsequently held in a form-fitting manner in the recess 14.

FIG. 8 shows a view of the exterior attachment 7 in a third embodiment. The outer attachment 7 is configured such that only the end portions 8 and 9 and / or end faces 10 and 1 1 rest against the roof skin 6. For this purpose, the outer attachment part 7 preferably has support elements 26 and 27, which are present on both sides of the outer attachment part 7. The support elements 26 and 27 are fastened to the roof 5 of the motor vehicle 1, for example by means of fastening elements 12, preferably screws or bolts.

At least in the region spaced from the roof skin 6, ie in the region lying between the support elements 26 and 27, the external attachment 7 has the recess 14. In this, the light-emitting means 17 is arranged at least partially. The illuminant 17 or the recess 14 is now aligned, for example, such that the light emitted by the light source 17 is emitted in the direction of the roof skin 6. All the variants described above are applicable to the third embodiment. Also, express reference is made to the description of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the outer attachment 7 in its third embodiment. The illustrated cross-section is in that area of the exterior attachment 7, which is arranged spaced apart from the roof skin 6 after installation on the motor vehicle 1. It becomes clear that here, too, there is a closed outer contour with the recess 14, in which the light source 17, preferably designed as a "light string", is arranged 10 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the exterior attachment 7. In this case, provision is made for a light-emitting means 28 to be arranged in the motor vehicle 1, in particular in such a way that it protrudes from the roof skin 6 In principle, however, the illuminant 28 may be provided at any point of the motor vehicle 1, in particular within the motor vehicle 1. The illuminant emits light in the direction of a mirror 29, which is arranged such that it illuminates the light in the direction of the exterior attachment 7 This is particularly the case hen that the light impinges on the optical waveguide 23, which is arranged in the Au ßenanbauteil 7. The light is preferably directed onto an end face 30 of the optical waveguide 23. The beam path of the light is indicated by the arrow 31.

By means of the optical waveguide 23, the light is transported to the at least one lighting location (not shown here). The optical waveguide 23 itself can serve as the light source at the illuminated location, in particular in the case of an embodiment of the optical waveguide 23. At least one prism and / or one lens can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the mirror 29. The embodiment described is, of course, intended for each the embodiments and variants described above are applicable.

Claims

claims

1 . External attachment (7), in particular exterior trim part, for a motor vehicle (1) for attachment to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by a lighting device (13) integrated at least partially into the exterior attachment (7).

2. Exterior attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the illumination device (13) has at least one light source and / or at least one optical waveguide.

3. Exterior attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one recess (14), in which the illuminant is arranged or in which the optical waveguide opens.

4. Exterior attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (14) by means of an at least partially transparent cover (15) is closed.

5. external attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one by means of the illumination device (13) illuminable reflector region (20).

6. Exterior attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer attachment (7) at least partially made of aluminum, steel, in particular stainless steel, a plastic or a composite material.

7. Motor vehicle (1) with an external attachment (7), in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior attachment (7) is fastened to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by a lighting device (13) integrated at least partially into the exterior attachment (7).

8. A method for driving an exterior attachment (13) of a motor vehicle (1), in particular an exterior attachment (7) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the exterior attachment (7) attached to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (1) is characterized in that an at least partially in the exterior attachment (7) integrated lighting device (13) is controlled for at least temporary lighting.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the illumination device (13) is used for a direction indicator, side edge lighting or entrance lighting.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device (13) by a control unit and / or manually by a user of the motor vehicle (1) is driven.