DE102024126470A1 - Vehicle door for a motor vehicle, having a lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (10) for a motor vehicle (100) and a motor vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle door (10). The vehicle door (10) has an inner door panel (12), a lower door edge (14), and a lighting device (16). The lighting device (16) is arranged on the inner door panel (12), wherein the lighting device (16) comprises a light strip (18), preferably an LED strip. The lighting device (16) is configured to emit a light field (20) with a main emission direction (R), wherein the main emission direction (R) is oriented along the inner door panel (12) in the direction of the lower door edge (14).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle door for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle door.

Systems are known for highlighting the contours of interior components and/or for creating a lighting atmosphere in a vehicle interior, which are provided in addition to a central skylight and emit light into the vehicle interior.

However, existing systems have the disadvantage that, particularly while driving, at night, or in tunnels, stray light can be distracting to the driver. This can lead to driver distraction, which can impair driving safety.

One task is therefore to provide an improved technology for illuminating interior components and/or highlighting the contours of a vehicle interior, avoiding the disadvantages of known systems. In particular, one task is to provide a technology that is improved with regard to emitted stray light.

These problems can be solved using the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to one aspect, a vehicle door is provided for a motor vehicle.

The vehicle door has an interior door panel, a lower door edge, and a lighting device.

The lighting device is located on the inner door panel. The lighting device includes a light strip (e.g., an LED strip and/or a light guide). The lighting device is designed to emit a light field with a main emission direction, the main emission direction being oriented along the inner door panel towards the bottom edge of the door.

One advantage is that a contour of the door panel can be highlighted, which can, for example, make it easier for a driver to orient themselves in relatively low-light conditions. This can make it easier to locate an armrest, a window switch, a side storage compartment, a door handle, etc.

Furthermore, a component of the door's interior trim can be illuminated with pinpoint accuracy. This can reduce the need for bright central lighting or replace it entirely.

Stray light and/or light pollution inside the vehicle can be reduced as a result. This can improve driving safety and comfort overall.

Furthermore, the lighting system can be used to create a situationally appropriate lighting atmosphere, e.g. a focus lighting mood to avoid fatigue during night driving or a relaxing lighting mood during rest periods, etc.

The lighting device can be designed to highlight an outer contour of the door interior trim and/or to illuminate a component of the vehicle door and/or to indirectly illuminate a vehicle interior.

The light field can be, for example, a light curtain and/or a flatly illuminated area.

The main emission direction can, for example, indicate a direction in which a predominant proportion of the emitted light is directed.

The main direction of radiation can also be a directional field (e.g., originating from the lighting device, exhibiting several directional vectors oriented essentially parallel to each other along the inner door panel).

The lower edge of the door can be the edge of the door facing the vehicle floor when the door is installed in the motor vehicle.

The lighting system can be an ambient lighting system.

The light strip can be an RGB light strip, meaning it has, for example, light elements that create different colors by additively mixing three primary colors (red, green, and blue). The light strip could be—just as an example—an LED strip (RGB strip) with an operating voltage of 24V.

The motor vehicle is preferably a commercial vehicle. In other words, it can be a motor vehicle whose design and equipment are intended for the transport of persons, the transport of goods, or the towing of loads. It is designed for trailer vehicles. For example, the vehicle could be a truck, a bus, or a semi-trailer truck that is at least partially electrically powered.

In one embodiment, the lighting device can have a light strip cladding part that forms at least a section of a receiving space within which the light strip is arranged.

For example, it is conceivable that the light strip trim part together with the door interior trim forms the receiving space (e.g. by forming an outer contour of the receiving space section by section by a recess of the light strip trim part and section by an outer contour of the door interior trim).

Alternatively, the recording space can be formed solely by the light strip cladding part (e.g., by a recess in the light strip cladding part).

This can, for example, be advantageous if the light strip – viewed from the interior of a vehicle – is arranged behind the light strip trim panel, which can further reduce, for example, the emission of disturbing scattered light towards a driver.

The light strip trim part can be provided as a separate component from the door interior trim, be part of the door interior trim and/or be integrally formed as a single piece with the door interior trim.

In one embodiment, the receiving space can have a light emission opening (e.g., angled) towards the lower edge of the door and/or towards the inner door panel. This allows, for example, even more precise illumination of a component of the vehicle door.

In one embodiment, the light strip trim part can have a visor strip, wherein the visor strip protrudes from the inner door trim transversely to the main direction of emission (e.g. inclined towards the lower edge of the door and/or inclined downwards in a state of the vehicle door being mounted in the motor vehicle).

In general, the terms "below" and "above" should preferably refer to the vehicle's vertical axis. In other words, the term "below" or "under-" can be understood as referring to the vehicle floor (e.g., when the vehicle door is installed), and the term "above" as referring to the vehicle roof.

The term "downwards" can therefore be understood as a direction oriented in the upward direction of the vehicle and/or perpendicular to a ground contact surface of the motor vehicle and/or towards a ground contact surface of the motor vehicle.

Alternatively or additionally, the trim strip can partially cover the light strip (e.g., on the top of the vehicle door when mounted in a motor vehicle).

Alternatively or additionally, the baffle strip can be designed and/or arranged in such a way as to block light emitted perpendicular to the main direction of emission and/or away from the bottom edge of the door.

Alternatively or additionally, the fascia strip can be designed and/or arranged to direct the light field towards the bottom edge of the door.

One advantage, for example, is that stray light emitted towards the driver, which can be disturbing to the driver, is further reduced.

In one embodiment, the light strip cladding part can have a light strip mounting section to which the light strip is attached (e.g. glued by means of an adhesive strip).

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip trim panel can have a door panel mounting section to which the light strip trim panel is attached to the door panel (e.g., glued and/or screwed and/or clipped and/or welded). Optionally, the light strip trim panel can be attached to the door panel by means of several mounting points distributed along one of its main directions of extension. It is conceivable that stops for positioning on the door panel are provided on the door trim panel and/or the door panel.

For example, a drilling template can be used to create several holes in the inner door panel, arranged along a line and corresponding to the mounting points. Screws and/or clips can be used at the mounting points to engage in the holes.

Cables for supplying electrical power may run inside the light strip trim panel. The lighting device and/or the light strip may be electrically connected to the vehicle's ambient lighting.

This allows the lighting system to be designed to be retrofitted and/or makes installation easier.

In one embodiment, the light field can have a decreasing illuminance and/or luminous intensity with increasing distance from the lighting device along the inner door panel, wherein the illuminance decreases along the inner door panel by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or substantially by 100%.

In other words, a higher light intensity can be achieved by using the lighting device closer to the lighting device and/or higher up, and a lower light intensity can be achieved further away from the light source.

Alternatively or additionally, the illuminance can decrease along the interior door panel in such a way that the interior door panel is divided into a light area and a dark area.

Scattered light emitted into the vehicle interior can therefore be further reduced to a greater advantage.

In one embodiment, the light strip and/or the light strip cover can have a principal direction of extension that is aligned (e.g., substantially) parallel to the bottom edge of the door. The principal direction of extension can indicate the direction of the greatest spatial extent.

For example, the light strip trim part can be elongated and/or strip-like.

This allows the interior door paneling to be illuminated over a relatively large area, at least in sections.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip can be positioned closer to a side window opening of the vehicle door than to the bottom edge of the door.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip can extend from a central area of the door's interior trim to a rear edge area of the door.

In other words, when the vehicle door is mounted and closed, the light strip can be positioned offset to the rear of the vehicle, against the direction of travel.

In one embodiment, the vehicle door can have an armrest, with the lighting device arranged between the armrest and the lower edge of the door (e.g. directly below the armrest).

The armrest itself and/or a component located below the armrest can thus be found more easily.

In one embodiment, the vehicle door can have a side storage compartment, the side storage compartment being arranged between the lighting device and the lower edge of the door. Preferably, the main direction of light emission is oriented towards the side storage compartment.

The side storage compartment and/or a component located above the side storage compartment can thus be found more easily.

In one embodiment, the inner door panel can have a (e.g., central) door recess area, wherein the light field extends at least partially along the door recess area. Preferably, the door recess area extends between the armrest and the side storage compartment.

In one embodiment, the door recess area can have a textured and/or granular surface structure.

For example, the door recess area has a leather surface and/or upholstery surface and/or plastic surface.

The door recess area can thus be designed to diffusely refract the light field oriented along the inner door panel. This can advantageously further reduce stray light emitted towards the driver.

In one embodiment, the inner door panel and/or the light strip trim can be made of a plastic material. Optionally, the inner door panel and/or the light strip trim can be made of the plastic material.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip can be integrated into the lighting device (e.g., into the light strip cover part).

This can, for example, reduce the technical effort and/or facilitate the retrofitting of the lighting system.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip trim part can be designed to correspond at least partially in shape to the interior door trim (e.g., the underside of an armrest in the interior door trim).

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip, and preferably the light strip trim part, can have a total length that corresponds to at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25% or at least 30% of the total width of a vehicle door.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip can be positioned closer to the rear edge of the door than to the front edge.

The rear edge of a door can be understood, for example, as the edge of the vehicle door that, in the closed position, is located furthest back relative to the normal forward direction of travel and/or that is located opposite the hinge side of the vehicle door where it is attached to the vehicle. When the vehicle door is open, the rear edge may be further away from the vehicle than other edges (e.g., the front edge of the door), which is why the rear edge of the door can also be referred to as the outer edge of the vehicle and/or the outer edge.

This allows, for example, a relatively large part of the interior door paneling to be illuminated.

Alternatively or additionally, the light strip can be positioned closer to the window opening of the vehicle door than at the bottom edge of the door.

Alternatively or additionally, the light field can extend downwards along the inner door panel in a waterfall-like fashion.

Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle door can be a driver's door or a passenger's door.

According to a second aspect, a motor vehicle (e.g. a commercial vehicle) having at least one vehicle door (e.g. two vehicle doors) as disclosed herein is provided.

The at least one vehicle door preferably comprises a first vehicle door (e.g. a driver's door) as disclosed herein and a second vehicle door (e.g. a passenger door) as disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the motor vehicle can have an operating device or a control device.

User input can be detected via the operating device. Depending on the user input detected on the operating device, the control unit can be configured to adjust several lighting settings of the lighting device (e.g., brightness and/or color and/or luminous intensity of the light field emitted by the lighting device).

It is conceivable that the multiple lighting settings can be adjusted in several stages, e.g. with gradually increasing brightness, gradually increasing light intensity and/or with different light colors.

It is conceivable, merely as an example, that a user might only be able to toggle through a limited number of lighting settings (e.g., light variations) using the control device (e.g., in the sense of a limited range of functions).

For example, the luminous color can include blue, green, red, yellow, orange, violet, etc.

This allows the user to adjust the lighting as needed, which can further increase driving safety.

In one embodiment, the control unit can be configured to operate the lighting device selectively in a normal lighting mode and/or a dimming lighting mode, depending on the operating state of the motor vehicle (e.g., automatically), wherein in the normal lighting mode all of the several lighting settings are adjustable and in the dimming lighting mode only a subset of the several lighting settings (e.g., permitted according to legal requirements and/or the German Road Traffic Regulations) is adjustable.

The subset of multiple lighting settings can, for example, consist of only a portion of the light colors.

It is conceivable, for example, that in normal lighting mode all of the several levels of the respective lighting setting can be set and/or in dimming lighting mode only a subset of the several levels can be set.

It is also conceivable that the subset consists of only a portion of the brightness levels and/or luminous intensity levels available in normal lighting mode. It is preferred that in dimming mode only the lower and/or lowest of the respective levels are adjustable.

This prevents the setting of lighting parameters unsuitable for certain operating conditions of the vehicle. Driving safety can thus be further improved.

In one embodiment, the control device can be configured to operate the lighting device in normal lighting mode when the motor vehicle is in a parked state and/or to operate the lighting device in dimming lighting mode when the vehicle is in a driving mode.

For example, the control unit is configured to detect or receive a switching state (e.g., a switching state signal) of the ignition and/or the parking brake of the motor vehicle. The parking state is preferably defined by a deactivated ignition and/or an engaged parking brake. The driving mode is preferably defined by an activated ignition and/or a released parking brake.

This ensures, for example, that the highest brightness levels can only be adjusted in safe situations. Driving safety can thus be further improved.

In one embodiment, the control device (e.g., exclusively) may have the following control elements (e.g., push buttons) for setting the subset of the multiple lighting settings: an on/off control element, a color selection control element, and/or a brightness control element.

The lighting device can be switched on and off using the on/off control element.

The color of the lighting device can be adjusted using the color selection control.

The brightness control allows the brightness of the lighting device to be adjusted.

A single press of the brightness control button, for example, sets the brightness to 0. Holding the brightness control button down afterwards gradually increases the brightness until the desired brightness is reached.

A user-friendly adjustment option for the driver can be advantageous, allowing, for example, quick changes to lighting settings in difficult driving situations. This minimizes the driver's attention demands, further enhancing driving safety.

In one embodiment, the motor vehicle may have a vehicle door with a trim strip as disclosed herein, wherein, in a closed state, the trim strip projects obliquely downwards from the vehicle door into the vehicle interior to prevent light from being emitted towards a user of the vehicle. The term "obliquely downwards" can be understood to mean that the trim strip slopes downwards in the upward direction of the vehicle with increasing distance from the vehicle door. In other words, a region of the trim strip closer to the vehicle door may be positioned higher than a region of the trim strip further away from the vehicle door.

The term "downwards" can therefore be understood as a direction oriented in the upward direction of the vehicle and/or perpendicular to a ground contact surface of the motor vehicle and/or towards a ground contact surface of the motor vehicle.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Fahrzeugtür gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Fahrzeugtür gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3A eine schematische Darstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugs gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3B eine Vergrößerung einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 3A;
• 4A-E schematische Darstellungen eines Lichtleisten-Verkleidungsteils einer Fahrzeugtür gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 5 ein Kraftfahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 6 eine Bedieneinrichtung eines Kraftfahrzeugs gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel aus 5;
• 7 ein Kraftfahrzeug gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der 5; und
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung einer Fahrzeugtür gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 2 a schematic representation of a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 3A a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 3B an enlargement of a lighting device of the motor vehicle 3A ;
• 4A -E Schematic representations of a light strip trim part of a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 5 a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 6 an operating device of a motor vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment shown 5 ;
• 7 a motor vehicle according to the embodiment of the 5 ; and
• 8 A schematic representation of a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment.

The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other figures for their explanation.

In some of the figures, a vertical direction Z and a longitudinal direction X are indicated. When the vehicle door 10 is mounted in the motor vehicle 100, the vertical direction Z corresponds to a commercial vehicle vertical direction. When the vehicle door 10 is mounted in the motor vehicle 100 and when the vehicle door 10 is closed, the longitudinal direction X corresponds to a commercial vehicle longitudinal direction or a direction of travel F.

1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle door 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, viewed perpendicularly to the vehicle door 10.

The vehicle door 10 has an inner door panel 12 and a lower door edge 14, a rear door edge 36, a front door edge 36 and a top door edge 14a. When the vehicle door 10 is installed in the motor vehicle 100, the lower door edge 14 points downwards, while the front door edge 36 points forwards in the direction of travel F, the rear door edge 36 points backwards when the vehicle door 10 is closed, and the top door edge 14a points upwards.

The vehicle door 10 also has a lighting device 16, by means of which, for example, an outer contour of the inner door panel 12 can be highlighted, a component of the vehicle door 10 can be illuminated and a lighting mood can be created in the vehicle interior.

The lighting device 16 is arranged on the inner door panel 12 (e.g., attached to and/or integrated into the inner door panel 12). The lighting device 16 has a light strip 18 (e.g., an LED strip and/or a light guide) (see 4D ).

The lighting device 16 is designed to emit a light field 20 with a main emission direction R, wherein the main emission direction R is oriented along the inner door panel 12 in the direction of the lower door edge 14.

As seen from, among other things, 1 As can be seen by way of example, the main radiation direction R can have a directional field consisting of several (e.g., essentially parallel to each other) direction vectors, each running along the inner door panel 12.

The light field 20 can be, for example, a light curtain and/or a flatly illuminated area, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle door 10 has an armrest 30, wherein the lighting device 16 is arranged between the armrest 30 and the lower edge of the door 14 (e.g. directly below the armrest 30).

Furthermore, the vehicle door 10 has a side storage compartment 32, which is arranged between the lighting device 16 and the lower edge of the door 14. The main emission direction R points towards the side storage compartment 32.

Between the armrest 30 and the side storage compartment 32, a central door recess area 34 of the door interior trim 12 extends. The light field 20 extends at least partially along this door recess area 34.

The door recess area 34 has a grained and/or textured surface structure. For example, it is intended that the door recess area 34 has a leather surface and/or upholstery surface and/or plastic surface.

The door recess area 34 is thus designed to diffusely refract the light field 20 running along the inner door panel 12 in order to reduce reflections and/or scattered light emitted towards a driver.

Furthermore, the light strip 18 has a main extension direction H which is aligned (e.g. essentially) parallel or slightly inclined to the bottom edge of the door 14.

In addition, the light strip 18 is located closer to a side window opening 28 of the vehicle door 10 than to the lower edge of the door 14 and extends from a central area of the interior door panel 12 to a rear edge area of the door.

In other words, when the vehicle door 10 is mounted and closed, the light strip is positioned offset to the rear in the motor vehicle 100, in the opposite direction of travel F.

2 shows a section of a vehicle door 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As can be seen in the figure with reference to a schematically represented light area 12a and dark area 12b, the illuminance of the lighting device 16 is variable in this embodiment.

For example, the light field 20 can have a decreasing illuminance with increasing distance from the lighting device 16 along the inner door panel 12, wherein - by way of example only - the illuminance along the inner door panel 12 can decrease by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or substantially by 100%.

Thus, the illuminance along the inner door panel 12 can decrease in such a way that the inner door panel 12 is divided into the light area 12a and the dark area 12b.

Between the light area 12a and the dark area 12b, there is - as an example - a light-dark boundary.

In other words, only a door recess area 34 located directly below the lighting device 16 is illuminated by means of the lighting device 16.

The 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle 100.

It is conceivable that the lighting device 16 is provided on both a driver's door and a passenger's door.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle 100 therefore has a first vehicle door 10 as disclosed herein and a second vehicle door 10 as disclosed herein.

Therefore, it shows 3A For example, a passenger door with a lighting device 16 as revealed herein.

The 3B shows an enlargement of the lighting device 16 of the vehicle door 10 of the 3A .

In the 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device 16 has a light strip cladding part 22.

The light strip trim part 22 can serve on the one hand to attach the lighting device 16 to the inner door trim 12 and on the other hand to shield a vehicle interior from stray light.

For example, a light strip cover part 22 can be designed as shown in the 4A -E is shown as an example.

The 4A shows a top view of the light strip cover part 22. The 4B shows a rear view of the light strip cover part 22. 4C shows a bottom view of the light strip cover part 22. The 4D shows a section along line AA from 4B . The 4E shows another view of the light strip trim part 22.

As especially from 4D As can be seen, the light strip cladding part 22 forms at least a section of a receiving space A, within which the light strip 18 is arranged.

It is conceivable that the recording space A is only partially formed by the light strip trim part 22 and partially by the inner door trim 12, if the light strip trim part 22 is attached to the inner door trim 12. 4D is an outer contour of the door interior trim 12 - only indicated by a dotted line as an example.

In principle, the light strip trim part 22 can be provided as a separate component from the door interior trim, be part of the door interior trim 12 or be integrally formed in one piece with the door interior trim 12.

Furthermore, the recording chamber A has a light emission opening 24 (e.g. at an angle) pointing towards the lower edge of the door 14 and/or towards the inner door panel 12.

The light strip trim part 22 also has a cover strip 26, the cover strip 26 projecting from the inner door trim 12 transversely to the main emission direction R (e.g., inclined towards the lower edge of the door 14 and/or inclined downwards when the vehicle door is installed in the vehicle). The cover strip 26 partially covers the upper surface of the light strip 18 when the vehicle door 10 is installed in the vehicle 100.

For example, the trim strip 26 is arranged at an angle downwards into the vehicle interior when the vehicle door 10 is closed, in order to prevent light from being emitted towards a user of the vehicle 100 (see also 3B) .

In other words, the aperture strip 26 is designed and/or arranged to block light emitted perpendicular to the main emission direction R and/or away from the lower edge of the door (14).

To attach the light strip trim part 22 to the door interior trim 12, a door interior trim mounting section 22b is provided on the light strip trim part 22, to which the light strip trim part 22 is attached to the door interior trim 12 (e.g. glued and/or screwed and/or clipped and/or welded).

Double-sided adhesive tape 23 can be used, for example, to attach the light strip trim part 22 to the inner door trim 12.

As an example, the light strip trim part 22 is attached to the inner door trim 12 by means of several fastening points 25a-d distributed over a main extension direction H of the light strip trim part 22, which correspond to holes in the inner door trim.

The light strip 18, on the other hand, can be attached to a separate mounting section, e.g. to a light strip mounting section 22a (e.g. glued by means of a double-sided adhesive tape 23).

In addition, the light strip cover part 22 has a cable guide by means of which cables for the electrical power supply and control of the light strip 18 are supplied.

The 5 Figure 100 shows a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

In order to be able to adjust the lighting as required, the motor vehicle 100 has an operating device 102 and a control device 104.

User input can be detected via the operating device 102. The control device 104 is designed to adjust several lighting settings of the lighting device 16 (e.g., brightness and/or luminous color and/or luminous intensity of the light field 20 emitted by the lighting device 16) depending on the user input detected on the operating device 102.

It is conceivable that the multiple lighting settings can be adjusted in several stages, e.g. by a stepwise increasing brightness, by a stepwise increasing light intensity and/or by different light colors.

For example, the luminous color can include blue, green, red, yellow, orange, violet and other colors and/or color mixtures.

By way of example only, in addition to the lighting device 16, one or more further lighting devices 108a-e may be provided, e.g. a headliner 108a, footwell 108b, trim strip 108c, cigarette lighter 108d and/or cup holder lighting device 108e, which can be controlled by the control device in the same way as the lighting device 16.

The 6 shows a schematic representation of the operating device 102.

The control unit 102 has, by way of example, only the following control elements 106a-c for setting the subset of the multiple lighting settings: an on/off control element 106a, a color selection control element 106b, and a brightness control element 106c. The on/off control element 106a switches one lighting unit 16 on and off. The color selection control element 106b sets the luminous color of the lighting unit 16. The brightness control element 106c sets the luminous intensity (e.g., illuminance) of the lighting unit 16.

All pushbuttons (106a-c) are preferred. However, any other suitable type of control element is also acceptable, e.g., switches, rotary knobs, controls, etc.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 104 releases certain lighting settings only for certain operating conditions of the motor vehicle 100.

For this purpose, the control unit 104 is designed to operate the lighting device 16 optionally in a normal lighting mode and/or a dimming lighting mode depending on an operating state of the motor vehicle 100 (e.g. automatically), wherein in the normal lighting mode all of the several lighting settings are adjustable and in the dimming lighting mode only a subset of the several lighting settings are adjustable.

In dimming mode, fewer lighting settings are available than in normal mode. The subset of available lighting settings might, for example, consist of only a portion of the available light colors. It's also conceivable that in normal mode, all levels of the respective lighting setting are adjustable, while in dimming mode, only a subset of the levels are adjustable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 104 is designed to operate the lighting device 16 in normal lighting mode when the motor vehicle 100 is in a parked state and/or to operate the lighting device 16 in dimming lighting mode when a driving mode is present.

For example, the control unit 104 is designed to detect or receive a switching state (e.g., a switching state signal) of the ignition and/or parking brake of the motor vehicle. The parking state is defined, for example, by a deactivated ignition and an engaged parking brake. The driving mode is defined, for example, by an activated ignition and/or a released parking brake.

The 7 shows a supplementary representation of a motor vehicle 100 (view of the open vehicle door 10 on the passenger side).

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 104 has detected that the ignition is in the deactivated state and the parking brake is in the activated state. Therefore, all lighting settings are available.

For example, a light field 20 can be emitted with a comparatively high luminous intensity and/or brightness. Furthermore, all light colors can be adjusted.

If, however, the control unit 104 detects that the ignition has been activated or the parking brake has been deactivated, the lighting system is switched to a dimming mode in which only some of the lighting settings are available. For example, the highest brightness levels, luminous intensity levels, or certain light colors may no longer be adjustable.

The 8 shows a vehicle door 10 according to an embodiment without a mounted lighting device 16.

The inner door panel 12 has, as an example, several holes 27 evenly spaced along a line, which correspond in position to the fastening points 25a-d of the light strip panel part 22 already described.

For this purpose, for example a drilling template can be used to provide the several holes 27 arranged along a line on the inner door panel 12.

To fasten the light strip cover part 22, the fastening points 25a-d of the light strip cover part 22 can then be attached to the bores 27, e.g. by means of screws and/or clips that engage in the bores.

Preferably, the light strip trim part 22 is additionally attached to the inner door trim 12 in another way, e.g. by means of an adhesive strip.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Furthermore, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, irrespective of the features and claims referenced therein.

Reference symbol list

10

Vehicle door

12

Door interior panel

12a

Bright area

12b

Dark area

14

bottom edge of door

14a

Top of door

16

Lighting equipment

18

light strip

20

Light field

22

Light strip cover part

22a

Light strip mounting section

22b

Door interior panel mounting section

23

tape

24

Light exit aperture

25a-d

Mounting points

26

Fascia bar

27

Drilling

28

Side window opening

30

armrest

32

Side storage compartment

34

Door recess area

36

Door rear edge

38

Door front edge

100

motor vehicle

102

Operating device

104

Control unit

106a-c

Controls

108a-e

other lighting equipment

A

Recording room

B

Total width of vehicle door

F

Direction of travel of the motor vehicle

H

Main direction of extension

R

Main radiation direction

X

Longitudinal direction

Z

Upward direction

Claims (18)

A vehicle door (10) for a motor vehicle (100), preferably for a commercial vehicle, comprising: an inner door panel (12); a lower door edge (14); and a lighting device (16) arranged on the inner door panel (12), wherein the lighting device (16) comprises a light strip (18), preferably an LED strip, and the lighting device (16) is configured to emit a light field (20) with a main emission direction (R), wherein the main emission direction (R) is oriented along the inner door panel (12) in the direction of the lower door edge (14). Vehicle door (10) after Claim 1 , wherein the lighting device (16) has a light bar cladding part (22) which forms at least a section of a receiving space (A) within which the light bar (18) is arranged. Vehicle door (10) after Claim 2 , wherein the receiving space (A) has a light emission opening (24) which is preferably inclined towards the lower edge of the door (14) and/or towards the inner door panel (12). Vehicle door (10) after Claim 2 or 3 , wherein the light strip trim part (22) has a glare strip (26), wherein the glare strip (26): projects transversely to the main emission direction (R) from the inner door trim (12), preferably inclined towards the lower edge of the door (14); and/or covers the light strip (18), preferably in a state mounted in the motor vehicle (100) on the upper side of the vehicle door (10), section by section; and/or is designed and/or arranged to block light emitted transversely to the main emission direction (R) and/or away from the lower edge of the door (14). Vehicle door (10) after one of the Claims 2 until 4 , wherein the light strip trim part (22) comprises: a light strip mounting section (22a) to which the light strip (18) is attached, preferably bonded; and/or a door interior trim mounting section (22b) to which the light strip trim part (22) is attached to the door interior trim (12), preferably bonded and/or screwed and/or clipped and/or welded. Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light field (20) has an illuminance that decreases with increasing distance from the lighting device (16) along the inner door panel (12), wherein the illuminance along the inner door panel (12) decreases by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or substantially by 100%; and/or the illuminance along the inner door panel (12) decreases such that the inner door panel (12) is divided into a light area (12a) and a dark area (12b). Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light strip (18), and preferably the light strip trim part (22), has a principal extension direction (H) that is aligned parallel to the lower edge of the door (14); and/or is arranged closer to a side window opening (28) of the vehicle door (10) than to the lower edge of the door (14); and/or extends from a central area of the inner door trim (12) to a rear edge area of the door. Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an armrest (30), wherein the lighting device (16) is arranged between the armrest (30) and the lower edge of the door (14), preferably directly below the armrest (30). Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a side storage compartment (32), wherein the side storage compartment (32) is arranged between the lighting device (16) and the lower edge of the door (14), wherein the main emission direction (R) is preferably oriented towards the side storage compartment (32). Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner door panel (12) has a, preferably central, door recess area (34), wherein the light field (20) at least partially extends along the door recess area (34), wherein the door recess area (34) preferably extends between the armrest (30) and the side storage compartment (32). Vehicle door (10) after Claim 10 , wherein the door recess area (34) has a textured and/or granular surface structure. Vehicle door (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner door panel (12), and preferably the light strip panel (22), comprises a plastic material, preferably made of the plastic material; and/or the light strip (18) is integrated into the lighting device (16), preferably into the light strip panel (22); and/or the light strip panel (22) is designed to be at least partially form-corresponding to the inner door panel (12); and/or the light strip (18), and preferably the light strip panel (22), has a total length that corresponds to at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, or at least 30% of the total vehicle door width (B); and/or the light strip (18) is arranged closer to a rear door edge (36) than to a front door edge (38); and/or the light strip (18) is positioned closer to the window opening of the vehicle door (10) than to the lower edge of the door (14); and/or the light field (20) extends downwards in a waterfall-like manner along the inner door panel (12); and/or the vehicle door is a driver's door or a passenger's door. Motor vehicle (100), preferably commercial vehicle, comprising at least one vehicle door (10), preferably two vehicle doors (10), according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 13 , comprising an operating device (102) by means of which user input can be detected; and a control device (104) which is configured to adjust several lighting settings of the lighting device (16), preferably a brightness and/or a luminous color and/or a luminous intensity of the light field (20) emitted by the lighting device (16), depending on the user input detected on the operating device (102). Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 14 , wherein the control device (104) is configured to operate the lighting device (16) selectively in a normal lighting mode and a dimming lighting mode depending on an operating state of the motor vehicle (100), wherein in the normal lighting mode all of the several lighting settings are adjustable and in the dimming lighting mode only a subset of the several lighting settings are adjustable. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 15 , wherein the control device (104) is configured to operate the lighting device (16) in normal lighting mode when the motor vehicle (100) is in a parked state and/or to operate the lighting device (16) in dimming lighting mode when a driving mode is present. motor vehicle according to one of the Claims 13 until 16 , wherein the control device (102) preferably exclusively comprises the following control elements (106a-c), preferably pushbuttons, for setting the subset of the multiple lighting settings: an on/off control element (106a) by means of which one lighting device (16) can be switched on and off; and/or a color selection control element (106b) by means of which a luminous color of the lighting device (16) can be set; and/or a brightness control element (106c) by means of which a luminous intensity of the lighting device (16) can be set. Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 13 until 17 , having a vehicle door (10) towards Claim 4 , wherein the trim strip (26) is inclined downwards into a vehicle interior from the door interior trim (12) in a closed state of the vehicle door (10) in order to prevent light from being emitted towards a user of the motor vehicle.