DE102018112814B4 - vehicle lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle lighting device for illuminating a vehicle component (I, K) in the interior of a motor vehicle with - at least one light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), - at least one of the light sources (1, 1'; 11, 12 , 13, 14, 15) downstream light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), - an entry point (2a, 3a) of the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) at which light beams (L1) of the light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) enter the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), and- an exit point (2b, 3b) of the respective light distribution element (2; 31 , 32, 33, 34) at which the light beams (L) emerge from the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), the light beams at the entry point (2a, 3a) and at the exit point (2b, 3b ) are refracted before the light beams (L) hit the vehicle component (I, K) to be illuminated, and the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) has an elongate Fo rm and the entry point (2a, 3a) and the exit point (2b, 3b) each on a longitudinal side of the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), characterized in that the light beams (L) emerging from the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) specifically target a limited partial area (T) of the vehicle component (I, K illuminate and do not illuminate at least one further partial region of the vehicle component (I, K) facing the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle lighting device for illuminating a vehicle component in the interior of a motor vehicle using at least one light source according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a device comprises at least one light source, at least one light distribution element downstream of the light source and an entry point of the respective light distribution element, at which light beams from the light source enter the light distribution element, and an exit point of the respective light distribution element, at which the light beams exit the light distribution element, the light beams be refracted at the point of entry and at the point of exit before the light beams hit the vehicle component to be illuminated.

In order to design the interior of motor vehicles with a feel-good atmosphere, it is customary to direct the lighting to the location where the vehicle interior is to be illuminated using LED and fiber optic technology.

From the DE 10 2004 044 035 B4 a component made of plastic, in particular a trim part for an interior of a motor vehicle, is known which has a light guide as a luminous molded part. the U.S. 2016/0200343 A1 shows the integration of a light element in a steering wheel rim with circuit board and light sources (LEDs) in order to be able to communicate with the driver via optical signals.

From the DE 10 2016 007 945 A1 a device for displaying a projection on a projection surface is known, which relates in particular to the self-adjusting design of the projection surface. the DE 102 61 291 A1 describes a system for projecting an image using a complex arrangement.

Other vehicle lighting devices are in the documents DE 10 2015 122 257 A1 , DE 10 2015 013 669 A1 , DE 16 90 283 A and DE 10 2015 220 853 A1 described.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a simply constructed lighting system for the targeted illumination of a vehicle component.

This problem is solved by a vehicle lighting device having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, it is provided that a respective light distribution element has an elongated shape and the entry point and the exit point of the light distribution element are each arranged on a longitudinal side of the light distribution element and that the light beams exiting from the respective light distribution element specifically illuminate a limited partial area of the vehicle component and at least one additional area, the Do not illuminate the part of the vehicle component facing the light distribution element.

In this case, the entry point and the exit point can be arranged in particular on opposite longitudinal sides of the light distribution element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light distribution element is cylindrical (cylindrical) and is irradiated by the light beams transversely (to its direction of extension, i.e. transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder), so that the entry point and the exit point are on the lateral surface of the light distribution element.

According to a development of the invention, a plurality of elongated light distribution elements are provided for illuminating a vehicle component, onto which the light beams emerging from the at least one light source impinge.

In this case, the plurality of elongate light distribution elements can on the one hand have the same cross-sectional areas and/or on the other hand have different refractive indices. In addition, a single light distribution element can also be formed from at least two different materials with different refractive indices.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the longitudinal axes of a first and a second adjacent light distribution element enclose an angle of less than 180° to one another, so that parallel light beams that impinge on the first and the second light distribution element enter the first or second light distribution element enter.

Specifically, the light distribution elements can form a cross and/or a network structure.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle lighting device has a further element which is arranged downstream of the light distribution element and which is designed to reflect and/or shift and/or deflect light beams, with the further element being arranged in such a way that it is directed towards the the exit point of the light distribution element.

The light distribution element consists, for example, at least partially of a material that contains an indium compound. Furthermore, the light distribution element can consist of a pure material or be mixed with impurities.

The (respective) light source can in particular generate light beams in the form of laser beams. In principle, the light emitted by the light source can be in the visible or non-visible range.

The at least one light source and the at least one light distribution element can be arranged in particular on a control device for controlling the direction of movement of a motor vehicle, ie for example on a steering device or a steering wheel. The at least one light source and the at least one light distribution element can be accommodated in a central area of the steering device/steering wheel, in particular on an airbag module.

The illuminated vehicle component can also form part of a control device for controlling the direction of movement of a motor vehicle, such as a steering device or steering wheel. The illuminated vehicle component can thus be formed by a steering wheel rim.

An arrangement is hereby provided in order to enable an occupant to be warned optically and/or to implement ambient lighting, in particular of a steering wheel.

Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

• 1 eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf ein Kraftfahrzeuglenkrad mit einer im zentralen Lenkradbereich angeordneten Beleuchtungsvorrichtung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus 1;
• 3A eine erste geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 3B eine zweite geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 3C eine dritte geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 3D eine vierte geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 3E eine fünfte geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 3F eine sechste geometrische Anordnung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2;
• 4A eine schematische Darstellung der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und eines Teiles eines hiermit zu beleuchtenden Lenkradkranzes in einer ersten Konfiguration;
• 4B eine schematische Darstellung von Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und eines Teiles eines hiermit zu beleuchtenden Lenkradkranzes in einer zweiten Konfiguration;
• 4C eine schematische Darstellung von Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und eines Teiles eines hiermit zu beleuchtenden Lenkradkranzes in einer dritten Konfiguration;
• 4D eine schematische Darstellung von Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und eines Teiles eines hiermit zu beleuchtenden Lenkradkranzes in einer vierten Konfiguration;
• 4E eine schematische Darstellung von Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und eines Teiles eines hiermit zu beleuchtenden Lenkradkranzes in einer fünften Konfiguration;
• 5A eine erweiterte Lichtverteilungsbaugruppe für Beleuchtungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2 in einer Draufsicht;
• 5B eine Seitenansicht des Lichtverteilungsbaugruppe aus 5A;
• 6 eine Lichtverteilungsbaugruppe gemäß den 5A und 5B mit zugeordneten Leuchtmitteln;
• 7A-C Weiterentwicklungen der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung; und
• 8 eine an einem Lenkrad angeordnete Mikrobaugruppe.

Show it:

• 1 a perspective top view of a motor vehicle steering wheel with a lighting device arranged in the central steering wheel area;
• 2 a schematic representation of the lighting device 1 ;
• 3A a first geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 3B a second geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 3C a third geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 3D a fourth geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 3E a fifth geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 3F a sixth geometric arrangement of the lighting device from the 1 and 2 ;
• 4A a schematic representation of the lighting device and a part of a steering wheel rim to be illuminated with it in a first configuration;
• 4B a schematic representation of the lighting device and a part of a steering wheel rim to be illuminated with it in a second configuration;
• 4C a schematic representation of the lighting device and a part of a steering wheel rim to be illuminated with it in a third configuration;
• 4D a schematic representation of the lighting device and part of a steering wheel rim to be illuminated with it in a fourth configuration;
• 4E a schematic representation of the lighting device and a part of a steering wheel rim to be illuminated with it in a fifth configuration;
• 5A an advanced light distribution assembly for lighting device from the 1 and 2 in a plan view;
• 5B Figure 1 shows a side view of the light distribution assembly 5A ;
• 6 a light distribution assembly according to 5A and 5B with associated illuminants;
• 7A-C Further developments of the lighting device; and
• 8th a microassembly mounted on a steering wheel.

In 1 a control device 1 for a motor vehicle is shown, in particular for setting the direction of movement/travel direction of the motor vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, this is designed as a steering device in the form of a steering wheel det and has a steering wheel rim K for the intended gripping and actuating the steering wheel, which is connected to a central steering wheel area Z (via spokes S). The latter can be equipped with an airbag module, so that the central steering wheel area Z is partially formed by a module housing or a cover cap of the airbag module.

A lighting device 1, 2 (consisting of two spatially spaced lighting units) is arranged in the central steering wheel area Z, by means of which a partial area T of the steering wheel rim K, namely a partial area T of the (opposite) inner side I of the steering wheel rim K facing the lighting device 1, 2 , can be illuminated by that partial area T being irradiated with light beams L emanating from the lighting device (while other areas of the steering wheel rim K--including on the inside I facing the lighting device--are not illuminated, ie are not covered by the light beams).

2 shows schematically one of two lighting units of the lighting device 1 , comprising a light source 1, for example in the form of a laser, which generates and emits light beams L1, and an optical transmission or distribution element (light distribution element 2) arranged downstream of the light source 1. This is designed here as an elongate element, in the form of a cylinder in the exemplary embodiment, the direction of extension of which (cylinder axis 25) runs transversely to the main direction of propagation of the light beams L1. That is, the light beams L1 emitted by the light source 1 strike the lateral surface 20 of the light distribution element 2 transversely to its direction of extension (cylinder axis 25), specifically at an entry point 2a of the light distribution element 2. Opposite this is an exit point 2b of the light distribution element 2, through which the light beams L2, which have irradiated the light distribution element 2 transversely, leave the latter again and propagate as resulting light beams L3 (hereinafter referred to simply as light beams L) in the direction of the vehicle component to be illuminated (inside I of the steering wheel rim K). The (bundled) light beams L1 emitted by the light source 1 are refracted or fanned out at the point of entry 2a of the light distribution element 2 in accordance with the law of refraction and passed on in the light distribution element 2 (as fanned out light beams L2) and refracted again in a targeted manner at the exit point 2b, so that the vehicle component I, K with the resulting light beams L3 and L, a targeted, locally limited lighting effect is achieved.

An advantage of the in 2 The light distribution element 2 shown (optical transmission element or light-scattering element) in relation to a steering wheel rim K as the vehicle component to be illuminated lies in its simple (cylindrical) shape. However, more complex shapes of the light distribution element 2 can also be realized, and further (additional) elements of the lighting device can be added in order to direct the resulting light beam L3 or L specifically to a partial area T of the vehicle component to be illuminated (steering wheel rim K or its inside I). .

Provision can thus be made for additional means to be used inside and/or outside of the light distribution element 2 in order to forward the light beams L1 generated by the light source or to redirect them in a targeted manner. These include, for example, the reflection at the concave mirror (concave mirror) or convex mirror (convex mirror), the total reflection by setting the critical angle, the shifting of the light beam with the help of a plane-parallel plate, the redirection by means of a prism, for example an inverted prism, and the use of lenses. However, (simple) structures introduced into the light distribution element 2, for example with different refractive indices, enable the light beams L generated and emitted by the light source 1 to be deflected in a targeted manner.

In the 3A until 3F is shown as an example of how - depending on the spatial orientation (angular position) of the light distribution element 2 (held here by way of example on a frame 200) and the associated change in the entry angle of the light beams L emitted by the light source 1 in the light distribution element 2 - differently aligned, straight or curved light pattern M, as an illuminated portion of the steering wheel rim K, can be generated. It is also shown that a horizontal or a vertical light pattern M can be generated by rotating the light distribution element 2 by 90°. In addition, forms of a light pattern other than those shown here can also be realized, such as a circle, a point or a planar pattern (rectangle, arrow, etc.). And partially interrupted structures can also be produced. Furthermore, animated luminous structures can be generated. These can be generated as a running light or as a rotating element. For this purpose, the light source 1 and/or the light distribution element 2 can be movably mounted, each individually or in combination.

It may be advantageous to mount one of said components 1, 2 or both components so that they are freely mounted with respect to vehicle vibrations. Furthermore, it can be expedient be able to use the effect of vehicle vibrations, for example by increasing speed. In this way, several light distribution elements mounted close together can be used in order to have a compensating effect in the case of different light beam deflections due to vibration. However, this can also be used in a targeted manner to display a light effect/light pattern (as an indicator of speed, existing vibration warnings in the steering wheel, engine speed, etc.) at another position depending on the vibration.

the 4A until 4E show how depending on the distance d1 or d2 of a respective lighting unit (comprising a light source 1, 1′ and a downstream light distribution element 2 or 2′) from the vehicle component to be illuminated (steering wheel rim K with inside I) and depending on the spatial Position of a respective lighting unit (1, 2; 1', 2') in relation to the vehicle component (I, K) to be illuminated, different partial areas of that vehicle component can be illuminated with differently designed, spatially limited light patterns M, M'. The boundaries B, B' of the individual light patterns M, M' separate the illuminated partial area of the vehicle component from the non-illuminated partial areas. It can also be seen how, through the use of several lighting units (each comprising a light source 1, 1' and a downstream light distribution element 2, 2'), arranged at a distance a, combinations of light patterns M, M' with different (spatially different and geometrically differently designed) boundaries B, B 'can be realized.

According to one embodiment, the light sources 1, 1 'of the two lighting units from the 4C until 4E , e.g. in the form of a laser, emit light of different colors, e.g. red on the one hand and green on the other, so that the two resulting light patterns M, M' (with the boundaries B and B') have different colors (red and green). . Furthermore, the associated light distribution element 2 (optical distribution element) can be attached directly to the respective laser. A cylinder with a diameter of 3 mm, for example, can be used as the associated light distribution element for the laser with red light, and a cylinder with a diameter of 2 mm, for example, can be used for the laser with green light. The colors given are only to be seen as examples; other colors of the emitted light are possible. The color of the emitted light can on the one hand be selected by an appropriate illuminant, but on the other hand it can also be generated by refraction using a prism structure.

A combination of differently colored resulting light beams L and correspondingly differently colored light patterns M, M' (with the delimitation B or B') offers a variety of options for communicating with a driver via a color indication. For example, in 4E a green light pattern M (with boundary B) on the left side for a lane change to the left the indication "OK" and a red light pattern M' (with boundary B') on the right side for a lane change to the right the indication "not OK " represent.

The spatial orientation and curvature of the respective light pattern M, M′ and possibly the number of light patterns generated also opens up the possibility of interacting with the driver, for example in order to implement a turn signal indication.

The exemplary embodiments described show how a vehicle component can be illuminated in a targeted, spatially limited manner using simple means. In addition to the steering wheel rims shown above, other vehicle components can also be illuminated.

Furthermore, light reflections within the light distribution element 2 or also on additional elements outside of the light distribution element 2, by monitoring the light intensity and/or the position of the light scattering, etc., objects within the light beam path and dirt can be detected.

There are many possibilities, especially with regard to the sharpness of the light scattering and in particular the form of the light scattering. If necessary, further optical transmission structures or other elements acting on the light beams can be added for this purpose.

An often desired effect on a steering wheel rim is the glow of a leather cover. The indirect lighting according to the invention via a light distribution element (IndiLum) can also be used advantageously for this purpose, with the lighting being able to take place on a predeterminable surface (partial area on the steering wheel rim K) and with a predeterminable intensity.

Another aspect is that the light source 1 can emit light in a non-visible range. A leather or paint surface on the steering wheel rim K can be partially or completely matched to the light used (in terms of wavelength/frequency) in such a way that an illuminating effect is created (luminescence). Particles can also be provided on the surface in question (possibly in a layer of paint). be, which express the effect advantageously. In this context, micro and/or nano (diffusing) lenses can be used. Reflective elements of different shapes and surfaces, for example convex/concave, can also be used. This also applies to light in the visible range.

In the 5A and 5B an optical light distribution assembly 3 is shown, which comprises four elongate light distribution elements 31, 32, 33 and 34 in the exemplary embodiment. The elongated light distribution elements 31, 32, 33 and 34 form a cross in the exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, these extend in the form of arms (31, 32, 33, 34) from a central crossing area 35 in such a way that the individual arms each have an elongate light distribution element 31, 32, 33, 34 with a cylindrical lateral surface 30 and with an entry and exit point 3a, 3b, with two of the arms (31, 32) running inclined to the central crossing area 35 to form a respective angled, elongated light distribution element 31, 32. The individual arms (31, 32, 33, 34) are each connected to the crossing area 35, for example via (flange-like) connecting means 300.

The light distribution assembly 3 allows in the 4A until 4E to generate the light pattern shown by means of a single structural unit by providing a plurality of spatially differently oriented, elongated light distribution elements 31, 32, 33 and 34 in the form of arms of the light distribution assembly 3. Additional light patterns can be generated by additional cross braces on the individual arms.

In this way, the light distribution assembly can be expanded into a network structure. A cube-like 3D structure is also possible. The material of the individual light distribution elements 31, 32, 33 and 34 and, in particular, the purity of the material, its color and the type and quantity of any impurities introduced in a targeted manner are selected with a view to the desired application.

In the 5B Angle w shown, with which the inclination of certain light distribution elements 31, 32 is fixed, are also freely selectable. In general, the individual light distribution elements 31, 32, 33, 34 can be arranged and spatially oriented in such a way that crosstalk is prevented or occurs only to a desired maximum extent.

Furthermore, the different arms of the light distribution assembly 3 need not all be made of the same material; and in particular they can have different refractive indices. However, areas with different refractive indices can also be provided within a respective arm (and thus within one of the elongate light distribution elements 31, 32, 33, 34), in particular by suitable material selection.

A respective light distribution element 2, 31, 32, 33, 34 or the light distribution assembly 3 can be movably mounted and, on the one hand, be freely movable or, on the other hand, be actively adjustable (e.g. via a servomotor as an actuator), with the movement basically along any axes (translation) or about any axis (rotation). A (partial) deactivation of the light scattering can also be made possible in this way.

6 shows the using the 5A and 5B light distribution group 3 described in more detail together with associated light sources 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26, which can be arranged on a common carrier 200 and each of which (optionally) a converging lens 210, 220, 230, 240, 260 can be assigned. The light sources 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26 are used to generate light beams that are emitted onto the elongated light distribution elements 31, 32, 33 and 34 and the crossing area 35 of the light distribution assembly 3 in order to illuminate (at least) one vehicle component. It is therefore possible to display the scattering effects/light patterns described above simultaneously or individually. Of course, further scattering effects or resulting light patterns can be generated by suitable modification and/or supplementation of the configuration shown. For example - based on the configuration shown - a face could be represented by simply adding two points. The same applies to the display of a time or other information about the vehicle status, about the driver and/or about the environment, such as the outside temperature.

The illuminants used as light sources can be of the most varied types, with the individual light sources 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 all being of the same type or (at least partially) being different. For example, at least one light source can be formed by an LED or RGB LED or a “laser” LED. Furthermore, displays can be used as illuminants. Examples include LC displays, TFT displays, FSC displays, etc., which can be used in combination with focusing optics, for example. But also CCD lines (with bichromatic filter) enable a defined coloring (as well as the detection of reflections, for which "seeing" LED technology can also be used). Finally, optical Ele ments with bichromatic glass can be used as coloring elements.

The light distribution elements 2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 can in particular (at least partially) be produced on the basis of indium. The metal is mainly processed into idium tin oxide. This is used, for example, as a transparent conductor for flat screens and touch screens.

the 7A , 7B and 7C illustrate a further development of the arrangements described above, with a reflecting element 4 (mirror) being arranged between the light source 1 and the light distribution element 2, which reflects the light beams emitted by the light source 1 and thus deflects them before they hit the light distribution element 2 or are targeted to be directed to this. In the exemplary embodiment, the reflective element 4 is part of a microelectromechanical or microoptoelectromechanical assembly (“microelectromechanical system”/MEMS or “microoptoelectromechanical system” MOEMS), referred to simply as (micro)assembly 10 in the following.

7A shows an example of the arrangement of the (micro)assembly 10 in the central steering wheel area Z (eg below an airbag cover or in the steering wheel hub floor), specifically in a clearly oversized representation in order to make the individual components of the assembly visible. In practice, of course, there is a miniaturization of the structure as MEMS. In principle, the (micro)assembly 10 can be arranged at any location inside or outside of a vehicle.

7B shows essential components of that (micro) assembly 10, comprising the light source 1 with a carrier 100 and an associated light distribution element 2 with a carrier 200 and other components arranged in between. The latter includes, in particular, the centrally arranged reflective element 4 with a reflective surface 40 (e.g. freely movable in all directions), accommodated in a housing 400 (round or circular in cross section).

In the exemplary embodiment, sections of the carriers 100, 200 that rest on the housing 400 are also (circular) shaped, so that the carriers 100, 200 can be moved around the housing 400 and thus around the reflective element 4, in particular by means of a rotational movement, and on the one hand together in such a way that the relative position of light source 1 and light distribution element 2 to one another is retained or on the other hand separately with a change in that relative position. The housing 400 with the reflective element 4 can also be rotated.

In general, the (micro)assembly 10 according to FIG 7B embodied in such a way that the light source 1 and the light distribution element 2 can be adjusted, in particular rotated, with respect to the reflective element 4, with the reflective element 4 itself also being able to be movably (rotatably) mounted. This is illustrated in 7B by the movement direction arrows A, B and C. Any combination of the individual movements makes it possible to illuminate almost any location in the vicinity of the assembly 100, in particular on the steering wheel rim K.

The supports 100, 200 and the housing 400 can, for example, have toothed areas on the surfaces that abut one another, in particular also with the generation of defined translations, in order to keep those elements 100, 200, 400 (and thus the light source 1, the light distribution element 2 and the reflecting element 4) to be able to move relative to one another by means of an associated drive (not shown). This is illustrated using 7C , where paths B1, B2 are shown, on which the light source 1 (e.g. on path B1) and the light distribution element 2 (e.g. on path B2) with their respective carrier 100, 200 can move around the centrally arranged light distribution element 4.

8th shows an example of the installation of (micro) assemblies 100 of the type described above on a spoke S of a motor vehicle steering wheel to illuminate a partial area T on the inside I of the steering wheel rim K.

Claims (18)

Vehicle lighting device for illuminating a vehicle component (I, K) in the interior of a motor vehicle, having - at least one light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), - at least one of the light sources (1, 1'; 11, 12 , 13, 14, 15) downstream light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), - an entry point (2a, 3a) of the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) at which light beams (L1) of the light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) enter the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), and - an exit point (2b, 3b) of the respective light distribution element (2; 31 , 32, 33, 34) at which the light beams (L) emerge from the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), the light beams at the entry point (2a, 3a) and at the exit point (2b, 3b ) are refracted before the light rays (L) on the vehicle comm to be illuminated component (I, K), and wherein the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) has an elongated shape and the entry point (2a, 3a) and the exit point (2b, 3b) each on a longitudinal side of the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34), characterized in that the light beams (L) emerging from the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) specifically target a limited partial area (T) of the vehicle component (I , K) and do not illuminate at least one further partial area of the vehicle component (I, K) facing the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34). Vehicle lighting device claim 1 , characterized in that the entry point (2a, 3a) and the exit point (2b, 3b) are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34). Vehicle lighting device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) is cylindrical and is irradiated transversely by the light beams, so that the entry point (2a, 3a) and the exit point (2b, 3b) on the lateral surface (20, 30) of the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34). Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of elongate light distribution elements (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged, onto which the light beams ( L1) strike. Vehicle lighting device claim 4 , characterized in that the individual elongate light distribution elements (31, 32, 33, 34) have the same cross-sectional areas and/or that the individual light distribution elements (31, 32, 33, 34) have different refractive indices. Vehicle lighting device claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the longitudinal axes of a first and an adjacent second light distribution element (31, 32) enclose an angle (w) of less than 180° to one another, so that parallel light beams incident on the first and the second light distribution element (31, 32, 33 , 34) impinge, enter the first and the second light distribution element (31, 32) at the respective entry point (3a) at different angles. Vehicle lighting device according to one of Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that the light distribution elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) form a network structure. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle lighting device has a further element which is arranged downstream of the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) and is designed to reflect and/or shift and/or deflect light beams, the further element being arranged in such a way that it acts on the light beams (L) emerging from the exit point (2b, 3b) of the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34). Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) is formed from at least two different materials with different refractive indices. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) consists at least partially of a material which contains an indium compound. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) generates light beams (L1) in the form of laser beams. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) on a control device for steering a motor vehicle , In particular on a steering wheel are arranged. Vehicle lighting device claim 12 , characterized in that the light source (1, 1'; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and the light distribution element (2; 31, 32, 33, 34) on a central steering wheel area (Z), in particular on an airbag module, are recorded. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illuminated vehicle component (I, K) is part of a control device for steering a motor vehicle, in particular a steering wheel. Vehicle lighting device Claim 14 , characterized in that the illuminated vehicle component (I, K) is a steering wheel rim. Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reflecting element (4) is arranged between the at least one light source (1) and the at least one light distribution element (2), which reflects the light beams (L) emitted by the respective light source (1). reflected and directs to an associated light distribution element (2). Vehicle lighting device Claim 16 , characterized in that the light source (1) and the light distribution element (2) are movable with respect to the reflecting element (4), in particular each on a circular path (B1, B2). Vehicle lighting device Claim 16 or 17 , characterized in that the light source (1), the light distribution element (2) and the reflecting element (4) are components of a micro-electromechanical or micro-opto-electromechanical system.

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