Glass roof of a vehicle with lighting

Abstract

A vehicle roof is provided, comprising at least one region serving as a glass roof, wherein the glass roof is designed as a single-layer or multi-layered, and wherein the glass roof is provided with lighting which is formed as a pattern layer of phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials which are arranged as a pattern distributed over the surface of the glass roof, wherein the pattern layer is formed as a separate layer or as part of a layer of the glass roof or as a pattern applied to one of the layers of the glass roof.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an illumination of a transparent area of ​​a vehicle roof.

[0002] The illumination of transparent vehicle roofs has become widespread. For example, DE 10 2019 212 088 A1 discloses a light source located at the edge of a transparent vehicle roof, which couples light into the glass element in a coupling direction extending transversely to the thickness direction.

[0003] In current known designs, the light propagates parallel to the layers, resulting in a color shift toward the center of the vehicle. In most cases, an existing coating changes the perception of the light as it passes horizontally, so that, for example, white coupled light appears greenish. Other effects such as certain material absorption characteristics and dispersion or waveguide effects can also influence this. This color shift negatively impacts the driving experience and comfort of the occupants. Furthermore, despite the use of efficient LEDs, this lighting method is highly dependent on the light sources and requires improvement in terms of energy consumption.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide economical, as uniform as possible lighting for a transparent vehicle roof without the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A vehicle roof is provided, comprising at least one region serving as a glass roof, wherein the glass roof is designed as a single-layer or multi-layered, and wherein the glass roof is provided with lighting which is formed as a pattern layer of phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials which are arranged as a pattern distributed over the surface of the glass roof, wherein the pattern layer is formed as a separate layer or as part of a layer of the glass roof or as a pattern applied to one of the layers of the glass roof.

[0006] Furthermore, it is provided that in a region above or below the pattern layer, a layer is provided which serves as a light guide, and wherein in the region of this layer at least one UV light emitting illumination unit is provided which is arranged such that it distributes UV light emitted into the light guide evenly over the entire pattern layer.

[0007] Furthermore, it is provided that the layer serving as a light guide is a transparent layer of the glass roof into which a phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material is incorporated. Furthermore, it is provided that the layer serving as a light guide is a separate, transparent layer. Furthermore, it is provided that the layer serving as a light guide is an air gap between two layers of the glass roof.

[0008] Furthermore, it is intended that the lighting unit is a UV LED.

[0009] Furthermore, it is provided that the lighting unit is integrated into an edge area of ​​the vehicle roof or the glass roof (1).

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that the pattern layer is arranged on a region of the glass roof facing towards an exterior area or an interior area of ​​the vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that the pattern layer is formed as a film printed with the pattern.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that the vehicle roof is constructed in a sandwich-like manner from several layers, wherein the layer structure comprises: a first transparent layer adjacent to an outer region of the vehicle, an adjoining second layer serving as a reflective layer, an adjoining third layer which provides predetermined functionalities, an adjoining fourth layer which is the pattern layer, an adjoining fifth layer which is designed as a coating with a low emissivity, a sixth layer which is formed as a second transparent layer.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material is selected such that it glows in a predetermined color when illuminated by the lighting unit. Furthermore, it is provided that the lighting unit can be controlled via an in-vehicle control unit such that it emits light continuously or in pulsed mode.

[0014] Furthermore, a vehicle is provided, comprising the vehicle roof.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination in a variant of the invention.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows an example of a pattern provided in a transparent vehicle roof. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a structure of a transparent vehicle roof according to the prior art. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a structure of a transparent vehicle roof according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a structure of a transparent vehicle roof according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] In the following descriptions of the figures, the same elements or functions are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0018] The basic concept of the invention is to illuminate an at least partially transparent vehicle roof with a predetermined pattern. Vehicle roofs can be made entirely of a transparent material, or only partially. The present invention covers all possibilities.

[0019] Transparent or at least partially transparent vehicle roofs are often also referred to as glass roofs 1, even if the material they are made of is not necessarily glass. Rather, a sandwich-like layer structure made of several materials is often provided, which are selected such that the vehicle roof appears transparent. It can certainly be tinted or have one or more layers, e.g., reflecting UV rays or distributing light. In order to provide a pleasant driving experience for an occupant, but also uniform interior lighting, glass roofs 1 are now often illuminated, whereby the lighting is often formed as a pattern, as in Fig. 1 is indicated as an example.

[0020] In a current vehicle, such a transparent vehicle roof, hereinafter referred to as glass roof 1, is constructed from several layers, as shown in Fig. 2. Such a known sandwich structure usually has a transparent layer 10 adjacent to the environment (an exterior area of ​​the vehicle), which can be a glass layer, followed by a reflective layer formed, for example, as a silver coating 2. The reflective layer contributes to improved lighting efficiency, primarily due to the high reflectivity of silver. Below this, the sandwich structure has a functional layer in the form of a PVB film (polyvinyl butyral film) 3, which realizes well-known functions such as UV protection, lighting homogeneity, structural integrity, safety, etc. In the subsequent pattern layer 4, the pattern that is to be visible in the glass roof 1 is defined by formed structures.The second transparent layer 11 facing the interior, which may also be a glass layer, typically contains lighting elements 6 arranged on an outer region, such as LEDs, which couple light into the second transparent layer 11. The light propagates along the layer 11 and illuminates the pattern, ultimately creating the desired appearance in the glass roof 1, as shown, for example, in FIG. Fig. 1. On the interior side (the side of the glass roof 1 facing the vehicle interior), the structure of the glass roof 1 is completed by a low-emissivity coating 5, which also has well-known positive effects on, for example, heat reflection, UV protection, and lighting efficiency.

[0021] As already mentioned at the beginning, in this current design, the light propagates parallel to the layers, resulting in a color shift toward the center of the vehicle. For example, a coating with a low emissivity of 5 usually changes the light's perception as it passes horizontally, so that, for example, white light coupled in appears greenish. Other effects such as certain material absorption characteristics and dispersion or waveguide effects can also influence this. This color shift negatively impacts the occupants' driving experience and comfort. Furthermore, despite the use of efficient LEDs, this lighting method is highly dependent on the light sources and requires improvement in terms of energy consumption.

[0022] In order to achieve economical, as uniform as possible lighting without the disadvantages mentioned above, it is proposed to use phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials to form a pattern, which are distributed over the surface of the glass roof 1. Furthermore, situationally supporting, UV-light-emitting lighting units, preferably UV LEDs, can be provided, which are integrated into a layer of the sandwich structure or are integrated into the sandwich structure during manufacture of the glass roof 1, preferably in an interchangeable manner. The self-luminous phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials, which, due to their distribution in the glass roof 1, radiate with good approximation vertically from the glass roof 1 into the interior, avoid the effects that lead to a color shift of the light.Both passive operation without lighting units and active operation with lighting units are possible. The embodiments are described below with reference to the figures.

[0023] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, an alternative layer structure of a glass roof 1 is proposed compared to known glass roofs. Essentially, the structure of the glass roof 1 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 1 described structure.

[0024] All designs use either phosphorescent or fluorescent materials or a combination of both.

[0025] In a Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, in which a passive illumination of the glass roof 1 is provided, no LEDs 6 are required to provide the illumination. Depending on the material used, the pattern is provided, for example, in the form of a separate pattern layer 4 above the PVB film 3 (between the silver coating 2 and the PVB film 3), as shown in Fig. 3, or as close as possible to the interior area, e.g. on the underside of the second transparent layer 11 facing the interior or even on the low emissivity coating 5. The pattern is formed as a separate pattern layer 4, as in Fig. 3, which is provided with a phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material that forms the pattern. The pattern layer 4 can, for example, be formed as a film printed with a pattern. Alternatively, the pattern can also be applied to one of the other layers, i.e., be part of this layer or be produced together with the layer. The pattern is determined by the arrangement of the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material. The property of afterglow of these materials due to solar radiation, more precisely, irradiation with UV light, is utilized. If a phosphorescent material is used, it will continue to radiate for a longer period of time even in the absence of UV light. If a fluorescent material is used, constant UV radiation is necessary to maintain the luminescence, so that supporting UV illumination may have to be provided, as in the Fig. 4 shown version.

[0026] In a Fig. 4 shown second embodiment, the one in Fig. 3 is modified in order to provide additional active illumination of the glass roof 1. For this purpose, in one embodiment, a light guide 7 is provided below (i.e. on the side of the glass roof 1 facing the interior) the pattern, e.g. the pattern layer 4, which extends over the entire pattern. In addition, a UV LED 8 is provided in the region of the light guide 7. The UV LED 8 shines into the light guide 7, which distributes the emitted light evenly and thus causes the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material to glow evenly. In an alternative embodiment, the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material forming the pattern is introduced directly into one of the transparent layers 10 or 11, which thus simultaneously serves as a light guide. The UV LED 8 is arranged in a suitable region in order to emit light in one of the transparent layers 10 or 11.Particularly when using a fluorescent material, it is useful to arrange the material and the UV LED 8 in the lower transparent layer 11 facing the interior.

[0027] The light guide 7 can be a separate, transparent layer, preferably made of a light-resistant material, i.e., a material that does not yellow, such as glass or acrylic. However, the light guide 7 can also simply be an air gap between the pattern layer 4 and the underlying layer, in this case, the PVB film 3.

[0028] By using a UV LED 8, it is possible to illuminate multiple colors with just one lighting element. For this purpose, the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials forming the pattern are designed accordingly. As in Fig.3, the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material can be provided as a separate layer, or applied to or integrated with the layer above or below it (if present). In this embodiment, the UV LED 8 can be used as a support to illuminate the material. It can be activated whenever illumination of the glass roof 1 is desired or only when specified conditions are met, e.g., when there is insufficient light outside the vehicle.

[0029] In case a phosphorescent material is used, it may be sufficient to activate the UV LED 8 only for a short time to charge the phosphorescent material, since it can glow for a longer period of time even when no UV light is present.

[0030] When using a fluorescent material, it is advantageous for the UV LED 8 to emit light for the entire illumination period. It may be sufficient to emit pulsed UV light rather than constant light.

[0031] The UV-LED 8 is controlled, for example, by an in-vehicle control unit, which serves to control the lighting, either automatically or in response to an operation by a vehicle occupant. For this purpose, the control unit communicates with the corresponding control elements and / or other control units in the vehicle, as well as with the UV-LED 8. The UV-LED 8 can be powered via the control unit or via a separate power supply that can be activated via the control unit.

[0032] The UV LED 8 is advantageously arranged at an edge region of the glass roof 1 or the vehicle roof, which is close to a body element via which the communication connection (and optionally the power supply) can be guided.

[0033] It is advantageous to provide the pattern layer 4 as a separate layer, since this allows for a simplified and significantly more variable production and assembly of the glass roof 1, and also allows for greater flexibility in patterns, since these can be provided independently of other layers.

[0034] The positioning of pattern layer 4 within the layer structure depends on the material used. In the case of passive illumination, i.e., without an additional UV LED 8, it is advisable to position pattern layer 4 as close to the outer area as possible to enable the best possible light output (without shielding by other layers such as the silver coating 2). This is particularly useful if the material is a fluorescent material.

[0035] In the case of active illumination and when the pattern layer 4 consists of a combination of fluorescent and phosphorescent materials, luminous effects can be achieved due to the different duration of illumination of the two types of material by controlling the duration and / or time interval of the illumination accordingly.

[0036] The invention can also be applied to glass roofs which do not consist of a described layer structure, but for example of only one glass layer, by, for example, coating the glass pane, preferably the side thereof facing towards the interior, with a phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material.

[0037] By using fluorescent and / or phosphorescent materials, the currently frequently occurring color shift of the light can be circumvented. This makes the lighting appear more homogeneous, which is beneficial to the user experience and the comfort of the occupants. The enabled passive use saves energy and has a positive impact on sustainability. By providing a light guide 7 in combination with a supporting, switchable active lighting (UV LED 8), it can be ensured that the lighting of the glass roof 1 is available when needed / on demand, the light is evenly distributed, and no color shifts occur. List of reference symbols 1 glass roof 10, 11 transparent layer; glass layer 2 Silver coating 3 PVB film 4 pattern layer 5 Low emissivity coating 6 LED 7 light guides 8 UV LEDs QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 212 088 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle roof comprising at least one area serving as a glass roof (1), wherein the glass roof (1) is single-layered or multi-layered, and wherein the glass roof (1) is provided with lighting which is formed as a pattern layer (4) of phosphorescent and / or fluorescent materials which are arranged as a pattern distributed over the surface of the glass roof (1), wherein the pattern layer (4) is formed as a separate layer or as part of a layer of the glass roof (1) or as a pattern applied to one of the layers of the glass roof (1). [2] Vehicle roof according to claim 1, wherein a layer is provided in an area above or below the pattern layer (4) which serves as a light guide (7), and wherein at least one UV light emitting lighting unit is provided in the area of ​​this layer, which is arranged in such a way that it distributes UV light emitted into the light guide (7) uniformly over the entire pattern layer (4). [3] Vehicle roof according to claim 2, wherein the layer serving as a light guide (7) - a transparent layer of the glass roof (1) in which a phosphorescent and / or a fluorescent material is incorporated, or - a separate, transparent layer, or - an air gap between two layers of the glass roof (1). [4] Vehicle roof according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lighting unit is a UV LED (8). [5] Vehicle roof according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the lighting unit is integrated into an edge area of ​​the vehicle roof or the glass roof (1). [6] Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern layer (4) is arranged in an area of ​​the glass roof (1) pointing towards an exterior or interior of the vehicle. [7] Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern layer (4) is formed as a foil printed with the pattern. [8] Vehicle roof according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle roof is constructed from several layers in a sandwich-like manner, the layer structure comprising: - a first transparent layer adjacent to an exterior area of ​​the vehicle (10), - a subsequent second layer serving as a reflective layer (2), - a subsequent third layer (3) which provides predefined functionalities, - a subsequent fourth layer, which is the pattern layer (4), - a subsequent fifth layer (5), which is designed as a low emissivity coating, - a sixth layer, which is formed as a second transparent layer (11). [9] Vehicle roof according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material is selected such that it glows in a predetermined color when illuminated by the lighting unit, and / or wherein the lighting unit can be controlled via an in-vehicle control unit such that it emits light continuously or in pulses. [10] Vehicle comprising the vehicle roof according to any of the preceding claims.

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