LIGHTING MODULE FOR A VEHICLE COMPONENT AND VEHICLE COMPONENT WITH A LIGHTING MODULE

Abstract

An illumination module (1) for highlighting a region of a vehicle component, such as a charging or tank recess (20) or a handle assembly, includes a light source support (2) having at least one light source (3) and a housing (4), in which the light source support with the at least one light source is received. The housing includes a light outlet region (5), via which light can be decoupled from the housing (4). The illumination module (1) further includes a light diffuser (6) optically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing , which diffuser includes a first light outlet region (7), via which light can be decoupled for direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the vehicle component and which includes a second light outlet region (8), which is spatially separated from the first light outlet region (7) via which signal light can be decoupled.

Claims

1. An illumination module for illuminating a region of a vehicle component, wherein the illumination module comprises: a light source support, in the form of a printed circuit board, having at least one light source; housing in which the light source support having the at least one light source is received at least regionally, wherein the housing comprises at least one light outlet region, via which light emitted by the at least one light source can be decoupled from the housing; and a light diffuser optically coupled or couplable to the light outlet region of the housing, wherein the light diffuser comprises a first light outlet region, via which light can be decoupled for direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the vehicle component and which comprises a second light outlet region, spatially separated from the first light outlet region, via which signal light can be decoupled, for indicating a state or for indicating a situation.

2. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the first light outlet region and/or the second light outlet region of the light diffuser is/are formed at least regionally by a transparent or translucent element, wherein a material surface quality, in particular roughness, of an at least regionally transparent or translucent element associated with the first light outlet region is different from a material surface quality, in particular roughness, of an at least regionally transparent or translucent element associated with the second light outlet region; and/or wherein, in view of a density and/or number of light-diverting impurities, an at least regionally transparent or translucent element associated with the first light outlet region is different from an at least regionally transparent or translucent element associated with the second light outlet region; and/or wherein the first light outlet region and/or the second light outlet region of the light diffuser is/are formed at least regionally by a closed wall and/or by a two-component transition; and/or wherein the first light outlet region and/or the second light outlet region of the light diffuser comprise(s) at least regionally a black translucent surface and/or coating.

3. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser is or can be optically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing in such a way that the light emitted by the at least one light source can be decoupled via the at least one light outlet region from the housing as scattered light on at least one interior wall region of the housing and coupled in the light diffuser, wherein the at least one interior wall region of the housing preferably has a degree of remission of at least 75%; and/or wherein the light outlet region of the housing is arranged and/or configured in such a way that the light emitted by the at least one light source can be decoupled via the at least one light outlet region from the housing as scattered light on at least one interior wall region of the housing and coupled in the light diffuser, wherein the at least one interior wall region of the housing has a degree of remission of at least 75%; and/or wherein the at least one light source is arranged with respect to the light outlet region of the housing in such a way that the light emitted by the at least one light source can be decoupled via the light outlet region from the housing as scattered light on at least one interior wall region of the housing, wherein the at least one interior wall region of the housing has a degree of remission of at least 75%.

4. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser comprises an optical diffusion or deflection device, in the form of at least one wall region or having at least one wall region, wherein the optical diffusion or deflection device is configured in order to decouple a first portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled to the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser via the first light outlet region of the light diffuser as illumination light for the region of the vehicle component, and to decouple a second portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled at the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser via the second light outlet region of the light diffuser as signal light.

5. The illumination module according to claim 1 wherein the light diffuser is configured in order to decouple a first portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled to the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser via the first light outlet region of the light diffuser as illumination light for the region of the vehicle component, and to decouple a second portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled at the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser via the second light outlet region of the light diffuser as signal light; and wherein the first portion and the second portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled at the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser can be determined in advance, and wherein the first portion corresponds to a luminous flux, which is greater than the luminous flux corresponding to the second portion; and/or wherein the first portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled at the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser is in particular of a radiometric radiation power emitted with the at least one light source in a first solid angle range, and the second portion of the light emitted by the at least one light source and coupled at the light outlet region of the housing into the light diffuser is a function of a radiometric radiation power emitted by the at least one light source in a second solid angle range, wherein the first solid angle range at least partially coincides with the radiating angle of the at least one light source, and wherein the second solid angle range is at least partially outside of the radiating angle of the at least one light source.

6. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser comprises a body formed at least regionally from a transparent or translucent material, which comprises a material-free passageway through which the light is conducted through the light diffuser for direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the vehicle component and which comprises at least one side wall region via which the signal light, for indicating a state or for indicating a situation is decoupled, wherein the passageway of the body of the light diffuser is configured in order to conduct a main part of the light emitted from the at least one light source to a light outlet region of the light diffuser body.

7. The illumination module according to claim 6, wherein the light source support comprises at least a first light source in the form of an LED and at least one second light source in the form of an LED, wherein the at least one first and the at least one second light source are actuable independently of one another, wherein the at least one first light source is arranged and/or aligned with respect to the light outlet region of the housing such that at least a significant part of the light emitted by the at least one first light source is coupled or can be coupled into the passageway of the body of the light diffuser at the light outlet region of the housing, and/or wherein the at least one second light source is arranged and/or aligned with respect to the light outlet region of the housing such that at least a significant part of the light emitted by the at least one second light source is coupled or can be coupled to an edge or wall region of the body of the light diffuser at the light outlet region of the housing.

8. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the illumination module comprises a fiber optic assembly, which has a light inlet region, which is or can be optically, also mechanically, coupled to the light outlet region of the housing of the illumination module for coupling at least a part of the light emitted by the at least one light source, and which further comprises a light outlet region, which is or can be optically, also mechanically, coupled to the light diffuser for coupling in particular a part of the light coupled into the fiber optic assembly and emitted by the at least one light source into the light diffuser.

9. Illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser directly or indirectly, is releasably or interchangeably connected or connectable to the light outlet region of the housing of the illumination module, wherein a seal is provided for sealing the light outlet region of the housing against the light diffuser and/or against the fiber optic assembly, wherein the seal is part of the housing, the light diffuser, and/or the fiber optic assembly.

10. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser comprises a segmented arcuate or segmented circular body having a first side region and a second side region, which is spatially separated from the former, wherein the first side region at least regionally forms the first light outlet region of the light diffuser, and the second side region at least regionally forms the second light outlet region of the light diffuser, wherein the segmented arcuate or segmented circular body is configured and/or aligned in view of the region of the vehicle component to be illuminated or highlighted such that the light can be decoupled via the first side region of the segmented arcuate or segmented circular body for direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the vehicle component, and that the signal light can be decoupled via the second side region of the segmented arcuate or segmented circular body, for indicating a state or for indicating a situation.

11. Illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light diffuser comprises a light diffuser body formed at least partially or regionally from a transparent or translucent material, which body is connected or connectable to the housing via a catch or clip connection, in a releasable or interchangeable manner or via an adhesive or weld connection, such that, in a connected state, the housing and the light diffuser body form a unit that is overall encapsulated and sealed against dust and liquid, wherein the light diffuser body comprises a segmentation for dividing at least one region or a surface of the light diffuser body into individual light-permeable window regions, wherein a dedicated light source can be associated with each window region in order to illuminate or highlight the individual window regions independently of one another, wherein the light diffuser is preferably constructed from a plurality of regions and/or components, which are interconnected in order to form the light diffuser, in particular with the aid of a catch or clip connection, or which are connected to one another in a material-locking manner in order to form the light diffuser.

12. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the illumination module can be inserted into an edge region of the vehicle component and is fixable there via a catch and/or clip connection; and/or wherein the light diffuser is fixable via a catch and/or clip connection to the housing and to the light outlet region of the housing, wherein at least one seal is provided, which is configured in order to form an overall sealed unit after fixing of the light diffuser to the housing; and/or wherein the housing comprises a soft component connected to the housing in a multi-component injection molding process, which, when the illumination module is used as intended, serves to seal the housing of the illumination module against a bearing structure of the vehicle component and/or against the light diffuser.

13. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein the light source support comprises a plurality of light sources, each in the form of an LED, wherein the individual light sources are independently actuable, and wherein the individual light sources comprise a common main radiating direction, and wherein a segmentation is associated with the light source support and/or the light diffuser for variable illumination.

14. The illumination module according to claim 1, wherein a control device is associated with the illumination module for actuating the at least one light source in such a way that the region of the vehicle component is illuminated or highlighted with the illumination module, and/or signal light can be output by the illumination module, for indicating a state or for indicating a situation, wherein the control device is configured in order to adjust the color, the intensity, and/or the luminous intensity of the at least one light source, as a function of whether illumination light for the region of the vehicle component or signal light is to be decoupled from the corresponding light outlet regions of the light diffuser; and/or wherein a switching device, in the form of a microswitch, can be associated with the illumination module and is indirectly actuable via a flexible region of the housing, which device is arranged on the light source support of the illumination module or connected thereto, and which is further configured in order to indicate, change, or at least influence an operational state of a charging system, when the switching device is actuated.

15. A vehicle component, in the form of a charging or tank recess or in the form of a handle assembly, wherein the vehicle component comprises an illumination module according to claim 1 releasably or interchangeably connected to a bearing structure of the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is associated with a switching device, in the form of a microswitch, which is arranged on the light source support of the illumination module or connected thereto, and which is further configured in order to change or at least influence an operational state of a charging system, when the switching device is actuated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] Exemplary embodiments of the solution according to the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] The following are shown:

[0089] FIG. 1 shows schematically and in an isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle component according to the invention (here: charging or tank recess) in a top plan view, wherein an exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention is integrated in the charging or tank recess;

[0090] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in an isometric view, a light source support of an exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention having a total of three light sources, each in the form of an LED, as well as a microswitch;

[0091] FIG. 3 shows schematically, and in an isometric view, the light source support according to FIG. 2 in a state having been received at least regionally in the housing of the illumination module;

[0092] FIG. 4 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the light source support according to FIG. 3, wherein a soft component for sealing the housing against a bearing structure of the vehicle component is integrally formed on the housing of the illumination module;

[0093] FIG. 5 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the housing of the illumination module having the light source support according to FIG. 4 received at least regionally in the housing, wherein the soft component formed on the housing is hinged to the edge region of the housing that bounds the light outlet region;

[0094] FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention consisting of the housing having the light source support according to FIG. 5 as well as a light diffuser optically and mechanically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing;

[0095] FIG. 7 shows schematically and in an isometric view, a second exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention consisting of the housing having the light source support according to FIG. 5 as well as a light diffuser optically and mechanically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing;

[0096] FIG. 8 shows schematically and in an isometric view, a third exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention consisting of the housing having the light source support according to FIG. 5 and a light diffuser optically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing of the illumination module via a fiber optic assembly;

[0097] FIG. 9 shows schematically and in an isometric view, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention consisting of a housing having a light source support according to FIG. 5 and an arc-shaped or circular light diffuser optically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing;

[0098] FIG. 10 shows schematically and in an isometric view, a fifth exemplary embodiment of the illumination module according to the invention consisting of the housing having a light source support as well as a light diffuser optically and mechanically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing;

[0099] FIG. 11 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the light diffuser of the illumination module according to FIG. 10;

[0100] FIG. 12 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the segmentation of the light diffuser according to FIG. 11; and

[0101] FIG. 13 shows schematically and in an isometric view, the light diffuser of FIG. 11 without the segmentation according to FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] Unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals in the figures refer to the same objects.

[0103] The charging or tank recess 20 shown in FIG. 1 is preferably made of plastic and is formed as a whole in a bowl-like shape. The charging or tank recess 20 comprises an outer edge 22, which is specified by a recess body 21, by means of which the charging or tank recess 20 can be inserted into a body opening of a motor vehicle, for example clipped into place. Corresponding snaps (clips) can thus preferably be integrally formed on the recess body 21 in order to secure the charging or tank recess 20 to the body opening, in particular a body deep-draw.

[0104] A sealing region is preferably provided on the outer edge 22 of the recess body 21, which can comprise a circumferential sealing lip formed on the outer edge 22. Instead of such a sealing lip, however, it is also conceivable to design a plurality of sealing blades on the outer edge 22, which are respectively separated from one another at regular circumferential distances by a slot.

[0105] In the inner recess region of the charging or tank recess 20, a passage opening is formed in which a charging connector 23 is inserted for charging a battery of the motor vehicle or a tank opening or tank filling tube for fueling a fuel tank.

[0106] A closure flap 24 is hinged to the outer recess body 21, via which the charging or tank recess 20 can be optionally closed or released. The closure flap 24 is in particular a charging or tank flap arranged with a hinge arm 25 on the outer recess body 21, such that the charging or tank flap is movable, in particular hinged or foldable, relative to the charging or tank recess 20.

[0107] On the side of the charging or tank recess 20 opposite the hinge arm 25, an opening and closing mechanism can be arranged, which can have a push-push kinematics acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the charging or tank recess 20, i.e. the direction of actuation of the push-push kinematics occurs the direction of the longitudinal axis. By a force exerted on the opening and closing mechanism in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the mechanism can be unlocked and the charging or tank flap can be opened or unfolded, or the folded charging or tank flap can be locked.

[0108] In the charging or tank recess 20 shown in FIG. 1, an illumination device is provided, which is formed by an illumination module 1. In the top plan view of the (opened) charging or tank recess 20 selected in FIG. 1, only a region of the light diffuser 6 of the illumination module 1 can be discernible.

[0109] Details of the illumination module 1 used in the charging or tank recess 20 as shown in FIG. 1 are described in further detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 9.

[0110] The illumination module 1 serves in particular for optional or as-needed illumination and in particular highlighting of a region of the charging or tank recess 20 and simultaneously for in particular optional or as-needed output of optical signals for the operator or user.

[0111] As can be seen in the illustrations in particular in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the illumination module 1 substantially comprises a light source support 2, for example in the form of a printed circuit board. At least one light source 3 (in the embodiment shown in the drawings, a total of three light sources 3) is preferably arranged on the light source support 2 in the form of an LED.

[0112] Furthermore, a switching device in the form of a microswitch 14 can be arranged on the light source support 2.

[0113] The light source support 2 preferably additionally comprises a control device, for example in the form of a microchip, for example in order to actuate the light source 3 appropriately and in particular to also react accordingly to a particularly manual actuation of the switching device 14.

[0114] The illumination module 1 further comprises a housing 4, as can be seen from the schematic illustration in FIG. 3. In the housing 4, the light source support 2 with the light sources 3 is at least regionally received.

[0115] It can further be seen in the illustration in FIG. 3 that the housing 4 comprises a light outlet region 5 via which light emitted by the light sources 3 can be decoupled from the housing 4.

[0116] On side walls of the housing 4, corresponding latch tabs 13 can be configured so that the housing 4 of the illumination module 1 can be connected to the charging or tank recess 20. In particular, it can be provided in this context that the housing 4 of the illumination module 1 can be inserted in particular into an edge region of the charging or tank recess 20 and can preferably be fixed there with a catch and/or clip connection.

[0117] The housing 4 of the illumination module 1 is preferably formed from a plastic material. In particular, it lends itself here to form the housing 4 as part of an injection molding process.

[0118] Preferably, the housing 4 is formed in a multi-component injection molding process in order to simultaneously connect a soft component 15 to the housing 4, as indicated in FIG. 4. This soft component 15 can then be pivoted by 180° to the edge region of the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 (cf. FIG. 5) and, when the illumination module 1 is used as intended, serves to seal the housing 4 against a bearing structure of the charging or tank recess 20.

[0119] A first exemplary embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, wherein this illumination module 1 comprises the housing 4 having the light source support 2 and the light sources 3 previously described with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

[0120] As can be seen from FIG. 6, in this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a light diffuser 6 is optically coupled to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4. The light diffuser 6 is preferably arranged interchangeably with the housing 4 of the illumination module 1 at the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4.

[0121] The light diffuser 6 is characterized in that it has a first light outlet region 7, which is aligned in the direction of the region of the charging or tank recess 20 to be illuminated or highlighted. Via this first light outlet region 7, light can be decoupled for preferably direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the charging or tank recess 20.

[0122] In addition to the first light outlet region 7, the light diffuser 6 also comprises a second light outlet region 8, which is in particular spatially separated from the former. The second light outlet region 8 serves to decouple signal light, in particular in order to indicate a state, preferably an operating state, of the charging or tank recess 20, or to indicate a situation, for example a hazardous or warning situation.

[0123] The light diffuser 6 preferably comprises an optical diffusion or deflection device, which is configured in order to decouple a first portion of the light emitted by the light source 3 and coupled at the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 into the light diffuser 6 via the first light outlet region 7 of the light diffuser 6 as illumination light for the region of the charging or tank recess 20, and to decouple a second portion of the light emitted by the light sources 3 and coupled to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 into the light diffuser 6 via the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6 as corresponding signal light.

[0124] Various solutions come into question for the dividing of the light emitted by the light sources 3 and coupled to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 into the light diffuser 6.

[0125] It is conceivable, for example, that the light sources 3 are arranged in particular separate from one another, such that at least a first light source 3 emits light such that it is coupled into a central region of the light diffuser 6 and is decoupled via the first light outlet region 7 of the light diffuser 6 as illumination light for the region of the charging or tank recess 20, while at least one second light source 3 emits light such that it is at least partially coupled to an edge region of the light diffuser 6 and then decoupled as signal light via the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6.

[0126] By using the control device to suitably actuate the at least one first light source 3 and/or the at least one second light source 3, light can be selectively decoupled as illumination light via the first light outlet region 7 of the light diffuser 6 and/or as signal light over the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6.

[0127] Because, for the illumination or highlighting of the region of the charging or tank recess 20, the light intensity to be decoupled via the first light outlet region 7 of the light diffuser 6 should be higher than the light intensity of the light to be decoupled via the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6 as signal light, the first portion and the second portion of the light emitted by the light sources 3 and coupled at the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 into the diffuser 6 should be accordingly determined or determinable in advance.

[0128] In the first exemplary embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 6, it is provided that the light diffuser 6 comprises a body 9 formed in particular of a transparent or translucent material, at least regionally, which comprises a particularly material-free passageway 10. Through this particularly material-free passageway 10, the light is conducted for preferably direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the charging or tank recess 20.

[0129] As indicated in FIG. 6, the body 9 formed in particular from a transparent or translucent material, at least regionally, comprises a corresponding side wall 11, wherein a region of the side wall 11 serves as a second light outlet region 8 for decoupling signal light.

[0130] In this context, it is particularly conceivable to design the body 9, which is particularly formed from a transparent or translucent material, such that the light coupled to the wall region 11 of the body 9 is transported by Total Internal Reflection (TIR).

[0131] Corresponding impurities can be generated in the region forming the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6 for the signal light to be decoupled, wherein the TIR condition is prevented at these impurities or by these impurities, and the light coupled to the wall region 11 of the body 9 is at least partially decoupled as signal light. Various methods are considered for generating such impurities, for example a storage of optical scattering centers or a roughening of the surface of the side wall 11, for example by sandblasting.

[0132] The light diffuser 6 is preferably releasably and in particular interchangeably connectable to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4.

[0133] In FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the invention is shown. This illumination module 1 substantially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, wherein, however, the light diffuser 6 optically coupled to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 is slightly changed.

[0134] Specifically, the light diffuser 6 used in the illumination module 1 according to FIG. 7 has a different configuration and orientation of the first and second light outlet regions 7, 8.

[0135] In particular, however, the light diffuser 6 used in the illumination module 1 according to FIG. 7 differs from the light diffuser 6 of the embodiment according to FIG. 6 in that the wall region 11 of the light diffuser 6 is designed to be longer. In this way, the path of the light in the light diffuser 6 is extended, which leads to a stronger homogenization of the light emitted in particular via the second light region 8.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, it is also provided that the light diffuser 6 is formed from a solid body 9. This body 9 consists of a transparent material and is configured in order to conduct light via the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 to the first light outlet region 7 by Total Internal Reflection (TIR) and to decouple it there.

[0137] As the material for the body 9 of the light diffuser 6, transparent PMMA or polycarbonate is considered, in particular.

[0138] By regionally activating the side wall 11 of the light diffuser body 9, for example by roughening of the side wall 11, the TIR condition is prevented and the light previously coupled via the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 is at least partially decoupled as signal light.

[0139] In FIG. 8, a third exemplary embodiment of then illumination module 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0140] Like the first and second embodiment of the illumination module 1, in the third embodiment, the housing 4 having the light source support 2 according to FIG. 5, for example, is used. However, by contrast to the first and second embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to FIG. 6 and according to FIG. 7, in the third embodiment of the module 1, it is provided that the light diffuser 6 is not directly connected to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4.

[0141] Rather, in the third embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the invention, the light diffuser 6 is optically and mechanically connected to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 via a fiber optic assembly 12. The light decoupled at the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 is conveyed to the light inlet region of the light diffuser 6 via the fiber optic assembly 12.

[0142] In FIG. 9, a further (fourth) exemplary embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a housing 4 having a corresponding light source support 2 is again used, as has been described above, in particular with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5.

[0143] In the fourth exemplary embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 9, a light diffuser 6 is connected to the light outlet region 5 of the housing 4 and has an arcuate or circular body. The arcuate or circular body comprises a first side region, which at least regionally forms the first light outlet region 7 of the light diffuser 6, and a second side region, which at least regionally forms the second light outlet region 8 of the light diffuser 6.

[0144] As indicated in FIG. 8, it is also conceivable in this context that a plurality of housings 4 having corresponding light source supports 2 can be connected to the arcuate or circular body.

[0145] The control device associated with the illumination module 1 is in particular configured in order to actuate the light sources 3 of the illumination module 1 such that the lighting parameters of the light sources 3 can be changed, in particular as a function of a state of charge of the motor vehicle battery and/or as a function of a state of the charging connector or tank filler tube and/or as a function of a tank fill level.

[0146] The lighting parameters, which can be changed with the aid of the control device associated with the illumination module 1, are in particular a wavelength (color) of the light emitted by the light source 3, an intensity (brightness) of the light emitted by the light source 3, a flashing frequency of the light emitted by the light source 3, and/or a pulse shape and/or pulse frequency of the light emitted by the light sources 3.

[0147] For example, it is conceivable that, in a state when a closure member (such as a closure flap 24) associated with the charging or tank recess 20 is opened, the control device actuates the light sources 3 of the illumination module 1 in such a way that white light is emitted from the light sources 3 and preferably as illumination light, so as to permit a particularly optimal highlighting of at least one region of the inner recess region of the charging or tank recess 20.

[0148] It is further conceivable that the control device actuates the light sources 3 of the illumination module 1 such that at least one light source 3 emits the light at a particular flashing frequency when, with the aid of a suitable sensor system, it is detected that a charging connector 23 or a tank filling tube is not or not properly accommodated in the passage opening or in a charging port or tank opening of the charging or tank recess 20 received in the passage opening.

[0149] It is further conceivable that the control device changes the wavelength (color) of the light emitted by the light sources 3 as a function of a charging state of the battery sensed with the aid of a corresponding sensor system or as a function of a filling level of a (fuel) tank sensed with the aid of a corresponding sensor system.

[0150] Of course, other display options are also conceivable. It is significant in this context that the illumination module 1 not only serves to highlight a region of the vehicle component, such as the inner recess region of the charging or tank recess 20, but can simultaneously function as a charging indicator light, status indicator light, tank level indicator light, etc.

[0151] In this way, the illumination module 1 takes on a plurality of additional functions so that separate display devices, in particular separate charging or tank level indicator lights, can be omitted.

[0152] In FIG. 10, schematically and in an isometric view, a further exemplary embodiment of the illumination module 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the illumination module 1 comprises a housing 4 having a light source support not seen in FIG. 10 and a plurality of light sources.

[0153] As can be seen from FIG. 10, in this exemplary embodiment, it is also provided that a light diffuser 6 is optically coupled to the light outlet region of the housing 4. The light diffuser 6 is preferably interchangeably fixed to the housing 4 of the illumination module 1 at the light outlet region of the housing 4 via a catch or clip connection, so that a sealed (encapsulated) unit is formed overall. For this purpose, corresponding seals are preferably provided or arranged on the housing 4 and/or on the light diffuser 6, in particular integrally formed in the course of a multi-component injection molding process.

[0154] The light diffuser 6 of this design variant is shown separately in FIG. 11 and is characterized by having a first light outlet region 7, which is aligned in the direction of the region of the charging or tank recess 20 to be illuminated or highlighted. Via this first light outlet region 7, light can be decoupled for preferably direct illumination or highlighting of the region of the charging or tank recess 20.

[0155] The light diffuser 6 preferably comprises a segmentation 16, via which the light emitted by the light sources is spatially separated. The segmentation 16 and the illumination body or light diffuser body 9 of the light diffuser 6 are shown separately in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.

[0156] Overall, the illumination module 1 is thus characterized by its compact design, wherein several additional functions can nevertheless be implemented.

[0157] It should be noted at this point that the present invention is not limited to the use of the illumination module 1 in charging or tank recesses 20. Rather, the illumination module 1 according to the invention is suitable for different vehicle components, for example also for optional illumination of a handle arrangement or for displaying optical information for such a handle arrangement.

[0158] In particular, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results when all of the features disclosed herein are considered together.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0159] 1 Illumination module

[0160] 2 Light source support

[0161] 3 Light source

[0162] 4 Housing

[0163] 5 Light outlet region of the housing

[0164] 6 Light diffuser

[0165] 7 First light outlet region of the light diffuser

[0166] 8 Second light outlet region of the light diffuser

[0167] 9 Light diffuser body

[0168] 10 Passageway in the light diffuser body

[0169] 11 Side wall of the light diffuser body

[0170] 12 Fiber optic assembly

[0171] 13 Catch/clip connection or catch/clip connecting means

[0172] 14 Microswitch

[0173] 15 Soft component

[0174] 16 Segmentation

[0175] 20 Charging or tank recess

[0176] 21 Recess body

[0177] 22 Outer edge of the recess body

[0178] 23 Charging connector

[0179] 24 Closure flap

[0180] 25 Hinge arm