DE102022004072A1 - Lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for operating a lighting arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting arrangement (16) for a motor vehicle (10), with a light source (18) which is arranged behind an outer panel part (14) in relation to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16). The outer panel part (14) comprises a flap region (24) which can be moved about a pivot axis (28) from a closed position, in which the flap region (24) can prevent light from the light source (18) from escaping into the environment (22), into a functional position. In the functional position, a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap region (24) and an enclosing region (26) of the outer panel part (14) surrounding the flap region (24), and via which passage light from the light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22). The flap region (24) formed in one piece with the surround region (26) is connected to the surround region (26) via the pivot axis (28). Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) with such a lighting arrangement (16) and a method for operating the lighting arrangement (16).

Description

The invention relates to a lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, with at least one light source which is arranged behind an outer panel part in relation to the surroundings of the lighting arrangement. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one such lighting arrangement and a method for operating the lighting arrangement.

The EN 10 2012 003 200 B4 describes a translucent body part of the outer skin of a motor vehicle. A light-emitting diode strip is arranged on the inside of the body part. The body part and a layer of paint applied to the outside of the body part are translucent. When light is emitted by the light-emitting diode strip, this light passes through the body part and the layer of paint into the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

With such a technology, in which the light source hidden from the environment emits the light through the body component and the paint layer into the environment, a comparatively large amount of the light source's radiant power is lost. This is because the translucent components in the form of the body component and the translucent paint layer usually have comparatively low light transmission values of less than ten percent. Such losses in terms of the radiant power of the light source are disadvantageous.

The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables light from the light source to escape into the environment with particularly low losses, as well as to provide a motor vehicle with at least one such lighting arrangement and a corresponding method for operating the lighting arrangement.

This object is achieved by a lighting arrangement with the features of patent claim 1, a motor vehicle with the features of patent claim 9 and a method with the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

The lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises at least one light source, which is arranged behind an outer panel part of the lighting arrangement in relation to the surroundings of the lighting arrangement. The outer panel part comprises a flap region, which can be moved from a closed position about a pivot axis into a functional position. In the closed position, the flap region can be used to prevent light from the at least one light source from escaping into the surroundings, in particular to at least largely prevent it. In the functional position, a passage is formed between the flap region and a border region of the outer panel part surrounding the flap region, the passage tapering towards the pivot axis. Light from the at least one light source can be emitted into the surroundings via the passage. The flap region, which is formed in one piece with the border region, is connected to the border region via the pivot axis.

Due to the one-piece design of the flap area with the surround area, the flap area provides a virtually hingeless flap that is part of the outer cladding part. Accordingly, the flap area is not or almost not perceptible to an observer looking at the outer cladding part from the surroundings when the flap area is in the closed position. The flap area can be bent or pivoted relative to the surround area at the pivot axis. This bending occurs when the flap area of the outer cladding part is moved into the functional position. And because the flap area is moved into the functional position, the light provided by the at least one light source can be emitted through the passage into the environment particularly unhindered. Consequently, the lighting arrangement enables the light from the at least one light source to emerge or emit into the environment with particularly low losses.

In contrast, the at least one light source is particularly largely hidden when the flap area is moved to the closed position. This is advantageous. Emitting light into the environment by operating the light source when the flap area is moved to the functional position can take place with particularly high energy efficiency, since the light does not need to pass through the outer cladding part. Instead, the light from the at least one light source is emitted into the environment via the passage. Even a comparatively low luminosity of the at least one light source is therefore sufficient to be able to easily perceive the light.

Furthermore, by releasing the at least one passage, i.e. by moving the flap area into the functional position, a The passage of air from the environment into an area behind the outer panel part can be achieved. This is advantageous, for example, in order to improve the aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the air coming from the environment through the passage or entering the area behind the outer panel part can be used to cool at least one component of the motor vehicle. This is also advantageous.

Emitting the light through the passage into the surroundings advantageously leads to improved visibility of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement. This is particularly advantageous in the dark or at dusk because, for example, road users can easily see the motor vehicle. Consequently, increased safety of the motor vehicle can be achieved when operating the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement.

Preferably, an outer side of the flap area facing the environment is arranged flush with an outer side of the surround area facing the environment in the closed position. This ensures that the flap area in the closed position is not or almost not perceptible in the outer cladding part.

Preferably, the flap area can be moved from the closed position into an interior of the lighting arrangement into the functional position. The interior is delimited by an inner side of the outer cladding part facing away from the outside. Opening the passage inwards in this way by pivoting the flap area into the interior of the lighting arrangement is advantageous in several respects. Firstly, this prevents the flap area from protruding beyond an outer contour of the outer cladding part when the flap area is moved into the functional position. This prevents, for example, the flap area from causing interference in the surrounding area or even unwanted impact on the flap area, for example by a person or object or the like in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, by moving the flap area into the functional position in the interior of the lighting arrangement, a very effective entry of air into the interior can be achieved. This is advantageous with regard to improving the aerodynamic properties of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement and/or with regard to cooling at least one component by means of the air entering the interior.

The outer cladding part can be made of plastic. In particular, when the outer cladding part is manufactured using an injection molding process using polypropylene as the plastic, it is particularly easy to provide the flap area that is hingeless or connected to the edging area via the pivot axis.

For example, a cutout can be formed in the outer panel part using the injection molding tool, which ensures that the edging area is separated from the flap area by means of a very narrow and thus invisible or almost invisible gap. Additionally or alternatively, such a gap can be formed after the production of a blank of the outer panel part, for example by means of a separation process such as laser cutting and/or milling or the like. Consequently, the flap area can be provided particularly easily and with little effort if the outer panel part is made of plastic.

Preferably, a holding device is arranged on an inner side of the outer panel part, by means of which an actuator is held. The actuator is designed to move the flap area from the closed position about the pivot axis into the functional position. In this way, a very direct movement of the flap area can be achieved by operating the actuator. By means of the actuator, the flap area can preferably also be moved from the functional position into the closed position.

The holding device is preferably designed as an air guiding device. This allows the holding device to be used in a particularly wide range of ways. On the one hand, the holding device serves to hold the actuator. On the other hand, the air guiding device can be used to guide a targeted air flow, which enters an area behind the outer panel part via the opening when the flap area is in the functional position.

Preferably, the holding device defines a receiving space into which the flap area can be moved into the functional position. In this case, at least one wall of the holding device can be exposed to light by means of the at least one light source. This makes it possible for an observer looking from the surroundings of the lighting arrangement through the passage into the receiving space to see the at least one wall illuminated and thus particularly is clearly visible. This is particularly beneficial for increasing the visibility of the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement.

Furthermore, decorative elements or the like which are arranged on the wall of the holding device to which the light is applied can be made visible in this way. Consequently, the visibility of such decorative elements is advantageously increased.

Preferably, at least one decorative element and/or at least one light-reflecting element is arranged on the at least one wall that can be exposed to the light. This is because the visibility of the at least one decorative element and/or light-reflecting element can then be increased by exposing the wall of the holding device to the light. Consequently, the visibility of the elements and/or decorative elements can be increased in an advantageous manner. In this way, the conspicuity of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement can be advantageously increased for an observer looking into the recording space from the surroundings.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one light-permeable element can be arranged on the at least one wall of the holding device to which the light is applied.

Accordingly, it can be provided that the element, which can in particular be designed as a decorative element, is illuminated during operation of the light source.

If the element and/or decorative element is designed to be translucent, it can be provided that the at least one element and/or decorative element is illuminated by the light that is emitted by the light source during operation of the at least one light source. This also makes it possible to achieve good visibility of the element, in particular the decorative element.

Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to introduce the light into the receiving space from an upper wall of the holding device in the vertical direction of the lighting arrangement. In this way, it is particularly easy to ensure that the at least one light source is not visible even when the flap area is moved into the functional position and the light can thus exit into the environment via the passage.

The non-visible arrangement of the at least one light source is particularly easily achieved when the upper wall of the holding device is hidden behind an edge section of the enclosure area, which is arranged above the flap area.

The at least one light source can be arranged in particular on a circuit board of the lighting arrangement, which is mounted in the region of the upper wall of the holding device. The provision of the circuit board enables particularly simple control of the at least one light source, and supplying the at least one light source with electrical energy can be implemented very easily.

Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to introduce the light into the receiving space through a scattering device of the lighting arrangement. Such a scattering device or such a diffuser ensures that the receiving space is exposed to the light that is emitted by the at least one light source during operation of the at least one light source in a particularly uniform manner. This is advantageous.

Preferably, the at least one light source is designed to project the light onto an outside of the outer panel part facing the surroundings when the flap area is moved into the functional position. This also contributes to improved visibility of the lighting arrangement and thus of the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting arrangement.

For example, the at least one light source can be designed to project the light onto an outside of the flap area facing the environment when the flap area is moved into the functional position. This makes the flap area moved into the functional position particularly easy to perceive.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source can be designed to project the light onto a surface in the vicinity of the lighting arrangement when the flap area is moved into the functional position. In this way, when the lighting arrangement is installed in the motor vehicle, the floor surrounding the motor vehicle can be used as such a surface or projection surface. This is advantageous with regard to improved visibility of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the lighting arrangement comprises a control device which is designed to cause the light to be emitted by means of the at least one light source as a function of a movement of the flap region into the functional position. Accordingly, the control device can ensure that during of moving the flap area into the functional position and/or when the flap area is moved into the functional position, the at least one light source emits the light. Consequently, the light can then escape into the environment particularly well and unhindered.

Additionally or alternatively, the control device can ensure that the output of light by means of the at least one light source is prevented when the flap area is in the closed position. This reduces the energy consumption associated with the operation of the at least one light source to a particularly large extent.

This is advantageous, in particular if the motor vehicle having the lighting arrangement is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, in which a supply of electrical energy for operating the at least one light source is naturally limited.

The motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one lighting arrangement according to the invention. Consequently, the motor vehicle enables light from the light source to be emitted into the environment with particularly low losses.

Preferably, the outer panel part of the at least one lighting arrangement is designed as a bumper panel. This is because the light from the at least one light source emerging into the environment via the passage is particularly clearly visible to an observer looking at the bumper of the motor vehicle. This is advantageous, in particular with regard to safety when operating the motor vehicle.

Additionally or alternatively, the outer panel part of the at least one lighting arrangement can be designed as a fender of the motor vehicle. Even with such a design of the outer panel part, the improved visibility is advantageous, which can be achieved by operating the at least one light source when the flap area is moved or pivoted into the functional position.

In the method according to the invention for operating a lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle, at least one light source is arranged behind an outer panel part of the lighting arrangement in relation to the surroundings of the lighting arrangement. The outer panel part comprises a flap area which is moved about a pivot axis into a functional position from a closed position, in which the flap area can be used to prevent light from the at least one light source from escaping into the surroundings. In the functional position, a passage tapering towards the pivot axis is formed between the flap area and an enclosing area of the outer panel part surrounding the flap area. Light from the at least one light source can be emitted into the surroundings via the passage. In the method, the flap area, which is formed in one piece with the enclosing area and connected to the enclosing area via the pivot axis, is moved into the functional position. Due to this creation and release of the passage, the method enables light from the at least one light source to be emitted into the surroundings with particularly low losses.

The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the lighting arrangement according to the invention apply analogously to the motor vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing(s). The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

• 1 eine Stoßfängerverkleidung eines Kraftfahrzeugs, wobei die Stoßfängerverkleidung einer Beleuchtungsanordnung des Kraftfahrzeugs zugehörig ist;
• 2 ausschnittsweise Komponenten der Beleuchtungsanordnung in einer Ansicht von außen beziehungsweise von der Umgebung her;
• 3 Komponenten eines Bewegungsmechanismus zum Bewegen eines Klappenbereichs der Stoßfängerverkleidung;
• 4 in einer Perspektivansicht die Komponenten gemäß 3 in einem montierten Zustand der Beleuchtungsanordnung;
• 5 die Beleuchtungsanordnung gemäß 4 in einer weiteren Perspektivansicht;
• 6 eine frontseitige Ansicht einer Halteeinrichtung der Beleuchtungsanordnung sowie eines Klappenbereichs der Beleuchtungsanordnung;
• 7 eine teilweise geschnittene Perspektivansicht der Beleuchtungsanordnung gemäß 5;
• 8 eine weitere teilweise geschnittene Perspektivansicht von Teilen der Beleuchtungsanordnung;
• 9 eine Schnittansicht der Beleuchtungsanordnung;
• 10 die Beleuchtungsanordnung in einer Draufsicht von oben;
• 11 schematisch den in eine Funktionsstellung verschwenkten Klappenbereich der Stoßfängerverkleidung, wobei auf eine Außenseite des Klappenbereichs Licht projiziert wird; und
• 12 in einer schematischen Perspektivansicht die Stoßfängerverkleidung, wobei mittels Lichtquellen der Beleuchtungsanordnung Symbole in einer Umgebung des Kraftfahrzeugs sowie in einem Aufnahmeraum der Beleuchtungsanordnung dargestellt oder angeleuchtet werden.

Showing:

• 1 a bumper cover of a motor vehicle, the bumper cover being associated with a lighting arrangement of the motor vehicle;
• 2 Detail of components of the lighting arrangement in a view from outside or from the surroundings;
• 3 Components of a movement mechanism for moving a flap portion of the bumper fascia;
• 4 in a perspective view the components according to 3 in an assembled state of the lighting arrangement;
• 5 the lighting arrangement according to 4 in another perspective view;
• 6 a front view of a holding device of the lighting arrangement and a flap area of the lighting arrangement;
• 7 a partially sectioned perspective view of the lighting arrangement according to 5 ;
• 8th another partially sectioned perspective view of parts of the lighting arrangement;
• 9 a sectional view of the lighting arrangement;
• 10 the lighting arrangement in a top view;
• 11 schematically shows the flap area of the bumper cover pivoted into a functional position, with light being projected onto an outer side of the flap area; and
• 12 in a schematic perspective view of the bumper cover, wherein symbols in an environment of the motor vehicle and in a receiving space of the lighting arrangement are displayed or illuminated by means of light sources of the lighting arrangement.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

From a motor vehicle 10 are in 1 in a front view a radiator grille cover 12 and an outer panel part 14 are shown, which in the 1 shown exemplary embodiment is designed as a bumper cover of the motor vehicle 10.

The outer panel part 14 is part of a lighting arrangement 16 of the motor vehicle 10, which comprises at least one light source 18. In 1 the light sources 18 are shown in the vertical direction z of the motor vehicle 10 or the lighting arrangement 16 above respective passages 20, via which light emitted by the respective light source 18 can reach an environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 or the motor vehicle 10. In fact, the light sources 18 are hidden behind the outer panel part 14 of the lighting arrangement 16 with respect to the environment 22. Consequently, the light sources 18 are not visible to an observer looking from the environment 22 at the outer panel part 14. Furthermore, in 1 the positions of the light sources 18 are shown only schematically and not realistically.

The outer panel part 14 comprises a flap area 24, which in 1 is shown pivoted into a functional position. According to 1 respective flap regions 24 are arranged at end sections of the outer panel part 14 that are opposite one another in the transverse direction y of the lighting arrangement 16 or of the motor vehicle 10. The functionality when pivoting the respective flap region 24 from the 2 and in 3 shown closed position to the one in 1 However, the open position shown is analogous for the two flap areas 24. Therefore, in the following, only one of the two flap areas 24 will be referred to with regard to the movement mechanism. 1 The flap areas 24 shown will be discussed in more detail.

The flap region 24 provides a hingeless flap in the outer cladding part 14. Accordingly, the flap region 24 or the flap is formed in one piece with a border region 26 of the outer cladding part 14 that runs around the flap region 24 or surrounds the flap region 24. The flap region 24 formed in one piece with the border region 26 is connected to the border region 26 via a pivot axis 28.

The flap area 24 can be rotated about the pivot axis 28 from the 2 shown closed position to the one in 1 shown functional position or open position. If the flap area 24 or the flap is moved about the pivot axis 28 into the position shown in 1 shown functional position, the passage 20 is formed between the flap region 24 and the enclosure region 26, which surrounds the flap region 24. This passage 20 tapers towards the pivot axis 28. In other words, the passage 20 becomes increasingly smaller towards the pivot axis 28.

In the outer cladding part 14 made of plastic in the present case, the hingeless flap in the form of the flap area 24 can be provided particularly easily. For example, a dividing line, which is formed between the border area 26 and the flap area 24 on the sides different from the pivot axis 28, can be produced directly during the production of the outer cladding part 14 in an injection molding process. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to produce the dividing line or joint subsequently, for example by means of laser cutting and/or milling or the like.

Where the passage 20 meets the pivot axis 28 when the flap area 24 is moved into the functional position, passage openings can be formed in the outer cladding part 14 for the purpose of reducing the load, which are not shown in detail here for reasons of clarity. Alternatively (i.e. if no such passage openings are present), it is It is possible that the presently very narrow dividing line or gap between the flap region 24 and the border region 26 has a constant width throughout.

When the flap area 24 is in the 2 or 3 shown closed position, no light would be visible in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 even if the at least one light source 18 were switched on.

In this case, a 7 The control device 30 of the lighting arrangement 16, which is only shown very schematically, ensures that the at least one light source 18 is only put into operation when the flap region 24 is moved into the functional position and/or is in the functional position.

If, on the other hand, the flap region 24 is moved to the closed position and the passage 20 is thus closed, the control device 30 preferably causes the at least one light source 18 to remain switched off. Consequently, the energy expenditure that would have to be applied if light from the at least one light source 18 were to be emitted through the outer cladding part 14 into the environment 22 can be avoided.

However, such illumination of the outer cladding part 14 in the flap area 24 is avoided or not provided for in the present case. Rather, the light from the light source 18 hidden behind the outer cladding part 14 reaches the surroundings unhindered when the flap area 24 is moved about the pivot axis 28 into the functional position and the passage 20 is thus formed between the border area 26 and the flap area 24. In the closed position of the flap area 24, the passage 20, which tapers towards the pivot axis 28, is not present. Consequently, no light can then escape into the surroundings 22 via the passage 20.

Out of 2 it can be seen that in the closed position of the flap region 24, an outer side 32 of the flap region 24 facing the surroundings 22 is arranged flush with an outer side 34 of the edging region 26 facing the surroundings 22. The outer side 32 of the flap region 24 and the outer side 34 of the edging region 26 together form the outer side 32, 34 of the outer cladding part 14.

Out of 1 is in conjunction with 2 It is also clear that the flap area 24 from the closed position (compare 2 or 3 ) into an interior of the lighting arrangement 16 into the functional position. The interior is limited by an inner side 36 of the outer cladding part 14 facing away from the outer side 32, 34 (see 3 ). Accordingly, 3 a view of the inner side 36 of the outer cladding part 14 with the flap area 24 moved about the pivot axis 28 into the closed position. The outer cladding part 14 is thus not permeable to light towards the environment 22 when the flap area 24 is in the closed position.

A possible movement mechanism for moving the flap area 24 from the closed position (compare 2 ) into the functional position (compare 1 ) and back should be with reference to 3 be explained.

Accordingly, the flap area 24 can be moved from the closed position about the pivot axis 28 into the functional position and back by means of an actuator 38, which can be designed to carry out a rotational movement. The actuator 38 is coupled via a bush-shaped connecting piece 40 to pivot arms 42, which are rotatably mounted or hinged to a plate part 44. The articulation of the pivot arms 42 to the plate part 44 is also evident from the sectional view of the lighting arrangement 16 in 9 clearly visible.

The plate part 44 is connected to the inner side 36 of the flap area 24. Furthermore, 3 Fastening parts 46, 48 are shown, which serve to fix the actuator 38 to a holding device 50 which is designed in the manner of an air shaft.

The holding device 50 is in 3 shown in perspective and spaced from the inner side 36 of the edging area 26. From 2 it is clear how the holding device 50 is fixed to the inner side 36 of the edging area 26. For reasons of clarity, however, 2 the plate part 44, to which the pivot arms 42 engage, is not shown.

A rotation of the connecting piece 40 about a rotation axis, which can be effected by means of the actuator 38, ensures the pivoting movement of the flap area 24 from the closed position via the pivot arms 42 which are hinged to the plate part 44 or are connected in an articulated manner to the plate part 44 (see 2 ) into the functional position (compare 1 ) and back. However, other movement mechanisms than the one shown here in 3 The mechanism shown as an example is possible to effect this pivoting movement of the flap area 24.

In 3 strip-shaped sealing elements 52 are also shown, which serve to seal the gap or the joint at the back, which is formed between the edging area 26 and the flap area 24 on the sides different from the pivot axis 28 in the closed position of the flap area 24. The sealing elements 52 are also shown in the sectional view of the lighting arrangement 16 in 9 recognizable.

Out of 3 it is also apparent that the holding device 50, which is designed as an air shaft or air guiding device in the present case, comprises walls in the form of an upper wall 54 in the vertical direction z, a rear wall 56 and a lower wall 58 in the vertical direction z. In particular, those sides of these walls 54, 56, 58 which face the inner side 36 of the outer cladding part 14 can be exposed to light by operating the at least one light source 18. In this way, it is possible for elements arranged on at least one of these walls 54, 56, 58, for example in the form of decorative elements 60, to be illuminated or illuminated.

The decorative elements 60 are shown here as being designed in the manner of trident stars. However, other elements that can be illuminated or transilluminated by means of the light from the at least one light source 18 can also be arranged or designed on at least one of the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding device 50, in particular in the form of the decorative elements 60 shown here as an example.

Also from the perspective view of the lighting arrangement 16 in 5 the decorative elements 60 formed on the lower wall 58 in the vertical direction z are clearly visible. In contrast, 6 the arrangement of the decorative elements 60 on the rear wall 56 of the holding device 50, which in the present case has a U-profile in cross-section, is clearly visible.

In 6 it is shown how the flap region 24 is pivoted into the functional position and thus moved into a receiving space 62 which is delimited by the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding device 50.

In 4 and in 5 Also shown is a circuit board 64 of the lighting arrangement 16, on which the at least one light source 18 can be arranged. Accordingly, the circuit board 64 can be arranged on the upper wall 54 of the holding device 50 in the vertical direction z.

Out of 7 In this regard, it is also clear that the control device 30 can also be arranged on the circuit board 64. Furthermore, 7 It can be seen that the circuit board 64 can be protected at the top by a cover 66, which in 4 and in 5 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

The light emitted by the at least one light source 18 can be scattered towards the receiving space 62 by means of a scattering device 68, for example in the form of a scattering disk or similar diffuser, wherein the scattering device 68 is in 7 shown cut.

Out of 8th It is evident that the light sources 18 can emit the light into the receiving space 62, in particular through passage openings, wherein the passage opening can be formed in particular in the upper wall 54 of the holding device 50. The scattering device 68 arranged below the upper wall 54 is in 8th not shown for reasons of clarity.

From the top view of the lighting arrangement 16 in 10 It can be seen that the cover 66 can also extend over the entire length of the holding device 50.

In the present case, the holding device 50 is designed to taper towards an end region close to the pivot axis 28. Accordingly, the upper wall 54 and the lower wall 58 become narrower towards this end region, in particular tapering to a point. However, other designs of the holding device 50 are also possible in variants of the lighting arrangement 16.

In 11 the outer cladding part 14 is shown schematically and also the at least one light source 18, which (unlike in 11 shown schematically) is hidden behind the outer panel part 14. 11 it can be seen that light emitted by the light source 18 can be projected onto the outer side 32 of the outer cladding part 14, in particular onto the outer side 32 of the flap region 24.

Out of 12 It can be seen that by means of the at least one light source 18, which is designed in particular as a light-emitting diode and/or as a laser, light can be introduced into the receiving space 62, which is delimited by the walls 54, 56, 58 of the holding device 50.

In addition or alternatively, 12 the light emitted by the at least one light source 18 can be projected onto a surface located in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16. For example, light symbols or the like can be generated by operating the at least one light source 18 onto a surface in the form of a floor 70 in the environment 22 of the lighting arrangement 16 or the motor vehicle 10.

As explained above, by moving the flap area 24 into the functional position (compare approximately 1 and 11 ) an ambient lighting function of the motor vehicle 10 is released when required.

And the light emitted by the at least one light source 18 is clearly perceptible without any loss in terms of light transmission when the flap area 24 is moved into the functional position. In the closed position of the flap area 24 (compare 2 ), the lighting function is hidden or not visible from the outside or from the environment 22.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012003200 B4 [0002]

Claims (10)

Lighting arrangement for a motor vehicle (10), with at least one light source (18) which is arranged behind an outer panel part (14) in relation to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16), characterized in that the outer panel part (14) comprises a flap region (24) which can be moved about a pivot axis (28) from a closed position, in which the flap region (24) can be used to prevent light from the at least one light source (18) from escaping into the environment (22), into a functional position in which a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap region (24) and an enclosing region (26) of the outer panel part (14) surrounding the flap region (24), via which passage light from the at least one light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22), wherein the flap region (24) formed in one piece with the enclosing region (26) can be pivoted about the pivot axis (28) is connected to the enclosure area (26). Lighting arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that an outer side (32) of the flap region (24) facing the surroundings (22) is arranged flush with an outer side (34) of the enclosure region (26) facing the surroundings (22) in the closed position. Lighting arrangement according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the flap region (24) can be moved from the closed position into an interior of the lighting arrangement (16), which is delimited by an inner side (36) of the outer cladding part (14) facing away from the outer side (32, 34), into the functional position. Lighting arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that a holding device (50) is arranged on an inner side (36) of the outer cladding part (14), which is made in particular of plastic, by means of which an actuator (38) is held, wherein the actuator (38) is designed to move the flap region (24) from the closed position about the pivot axis (28) into the functional position. Lighting arrangement according to Claim 4 , characterized in that a receiving space (62) is delimited by walls (54, 56, 58) of the holding device (50), which is designed in particular as an air guiding device, into which the flap region (24) can be moved into the functional position, wherein at least one wall (54, 56, 58) of the holding device (50) can be exposed to light by means of the at least one light source (18), and wherein at least one decorative element (60) and/or at least one light-reflecting and/or light-transmitting element is arranged on the at least one wall (54, 56, 58) of the holding device that can be exposed to the light. Lighting arrangement according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the at least one light source (18), arranged in particular on a circuit board (64) of the lighting arrangement (16), is designed to introduce the light into the receiving space (62) from an upper wall (54) of the holding device (50) in the vertical direction (z) of the lighting arrangement (16), in particular through a scattering device (68) of the lighting arrangement (16). Lighting arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the at least one light source (18) is designed to project the light onto an outer side (32, 34) of the outer cladding part (14), in particular the flap region (24), facing the surroundings (22), and/or onto a surface (70) located in the surroundings (22) of the lighting arrangement (16), when the flap region (24) is moved into the functional position. Lighting arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the lighting arrangement (16) comprises a control device (30) which is designed to cause the output of the light by means of the at least one light source (18) as a function of the movement of the flap region (24) into the functional position. Motor vehicle with at least one lighting arrangement (16) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the outer trim part (14) of the at least one lighting arrangement (16) is designed in particular as a bumper cover and/or as a fender of the motor vehicle (10). Method for operating a lighting arrangement (16) for a motor vehicle (10), with at least one light source (18) which is arranged behind an outer panel part (14) of the lighting arrangement (16) in relation to an environment (22) of the lighting arrangement (16), characterized in that the outer panel part (14) comprises a flap region (24) which is moved from a closed position, in which the flap region (24) can be used to prevent light from the at least one light source (18) from escaping into the environment (22), about a pivot axis (28) into a functional position, in which a pivot axis (28) is formed between the flap region (24) and a border region (26) of the outer cladding part (14) surrounding the flap region (24) has a passage (20) tapering towards the pivot axis (28) formed therein, through which passage light from the at least one light source (18) can be emitted into the environment (22), wherein the flap region (24) formed in one piece with the border region (26) and connected to the border region (26) via the pivot axis (28) is moved into the functional position.

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