Passenger compartment interior lighting system

Abstract

To provide a passenger compartment interior lighting system which can create a certain effect in a space of a passenger compartment while maintaining a safe operation environment.SOLUTION: A passenger compartment interior lighting system 1 includes a lighting device 3 which radiates light for lighting a ceiling 10 in a passenger compartment 2a. The lighting device 3 has, as an outer surface of the lighting device 3, a light emission surface 3a from which light is emitted. The light emission surface 3a is not visible by an occupant seated on a seat 60 in the passenger compartment 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior lighting system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the interior of a vehicle such as an automobile is expected to be an environment that passengers can feel comfortable in. In particular, in the future, automated driving technology will enable passengers, including the driver, to engage in various activities unrelated to driving while the vehicle is in motion, so the interior of the vehicle will need to be a living space that is easier to use and more comfortable.

[0003] Therefore, a technique has been proposed in the past in which a lighting device is installed in the interior of an automobile and the brightness and color of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device are changed to create a space within the interior of the automobile (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-18953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if a lighting device is turned on inside the vehicle while driving, direct light from the lighting device may enter the driver's eyes, making it difficult for the driver to drive safely.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle interior lighting system that can create a space inside the vehicle interior while maintaining a safe driving environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the vehicle interior lighting system of the present invention includes a lighting device that is installed in a vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate the ceiling of the vehicle interior, the lighting device having a light exit surface as an outer surface of the lighting device from which the light exits, and the light exit surface is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat in the vehicle interior. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to create a space inside the vehicle cabin while maintaining a safe driving environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle in a vehicle interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an automobile in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a B-pillar of an automobile in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the first modification taken along the longitudinal direction of the automobile. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the first modification taken along the width direction of the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the second modification taken along the width direction of the vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the third modification taken along the width direction of the vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system according to the fourth modification taken along the width direction of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0011] The drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, the scales of the drawings are not necessarily the same. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote substantially the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0012] In this specification, "forward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving forward, "rearward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving backward, the direction to the right (right side) when the vehicle is moving forward is the "right direction", the direction to the left (left direction) when the vehicle is moving forward is the "left direction", the ceiling side of the vehicle is the "above" or "upper side", and the floor side of the vehicle is the "below" or "lower side". Note that in this specification, the terms "above" and "below" do not refer to the up direction (vertically upward) and down direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition, but may be used as terms defined by relative positional relationships.

[0013] (Embodiment) An interior lighting system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a top view of an automobile 2 in the interior lighting system 1 according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 is a side view of the automobile 2, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a B-pillar 32 of the automobile 2.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 includes an automobile 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the automobile 2.

[0015] The automobile 2 is an example of a moving body and includes a vehicle having a passenger compartment 2a. The passenger compartment 2a of the automobile 2 is composed of a plurality of interior lining members. The passenger compartment 2a has a ceiling 10, a floor 20, a pillar trim 30, and a door trim 40 as the plurality of interior lining members.

[0016] The automobile 2 has a front door 51 and a rear door 52. Passengers can get in and out of the vehicle compartment 2a by opening and closing the front door 51 or the rear door 52. Each of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with a window glass.

[0017] The vehicle interior 2a is provided with seats 60 where passengers sit. Specifically, the vehicle interior 2a is provided with a plurality of seats 60, including a front seat 61 and a rear seat 62. The front seat 61 is a front seat provided in the front of the vehicle interior 2a, and includes a driver's seat 61a where the driver sits, and a passenger seat 61b located next to the driver's seat 61a. In this embodiment, since the steering wheel is provided on the right side, the driver's seat 61a is located on the right side, and the passenger seat 61b is located on the left side. The rear seat 62 is a rear seat provided at the rear of the vehicle interior 2a. The rear seat 62 can accommodate two or three passengers.

[0018] The ceiling 10 is a roof trim. Specifically, the ceiling 10 is a headlining. The ceiling 10 is fixed to the roof 2b of the automobile 2. In this case, the ceiling 10 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the roof 2b, or may be installed by being suspended from the roof 2b.

[0019] The floor 20 is a floor trim. Specifically, the floor 20 is a floor carpet fixed to a frame that constitutes the body framework of the automobile 2. Although not shown, a floor mat is laid on the floor 20.

[0020] The pillar trim 30 is made up of multiple pillars. Specifically, the pillar trim 30 has an A-pillar 31, which is a front pillar provided next to the windshield, and a B-pillar 32, which is a central pillar provided between the front seat 61 and the rear seat 62. The pillar trim 30 may further have a C-pillar and a D-pillar provided diagonally behind the rear seat 62.

[0021] The door trim 40 is a lining member that covers the door panels of the front door 51 and the rear door 52. The door trim 40, which constitutes the inner surface of the front door 51 and the rear door 52, is fabricated with an uneven portion (uneven structure) having an uneven shape. One or more functional parts are provided in the uneven portion of the door trim 40. Specifically, the uneven portion of the door trim 40 is provided with an armrest, an operation switch (operation button), a cup holder, a door handle, and a storage space as the functional parts. The operation switch is, for example, an opening / closing switch for opening and closing the window glass. Note that the front door 51 of the driver's seat 61a is provided with various switches other than the opening / closing switch as operation buttons.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lighting device 3 is an interior lighting device installed in the vehicle interior 2a. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on a pillar trim 30 in the vehicle interior 2a. Specifically, the lighting device 3 is installed on a B-pillar 32. In this case, the lighting device 3 is preferably installed around the ceiling 10 on the B-pillar 32. In other words, the lighting device 3 is preferably installed in an upper portion of the B-pillar 32. The lighting device 3 is installed on each of a pair of opposing B-pillars 32.

[0023] The lighting device 3 is a lighting fixture having a light source (not shown) and emits illumination light. The light source used in the lighting device 3 is, for example, an LED light source configured with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device. The LED light source includes, for example, a mounting substrate such as a PCB substrate and one or more LED elements mounted on the mounting substrate. For example, the lighting device 3 has a housing that houses the LED light source, and light emitted from the LED light source passes through an opening in the housing and is irradiated onto a predetermined illumination area as the illumination light of the lighting device 3. The illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 (LED light source) is white light, but is not limited to this. In addition, the lighting device 3 may have a function to control dimming and color adjustment of the illumination light. This allows the brightness and color temperature of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 to be changed, thereby enabling spatial effects to be created within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0024] The lighting device 3 is turned on when the driver is driving the automobile 2 (during driving). In other words, illumination light is emitted from the lighting device 3 while driving. The lighting device 3 may not only be turned on while driving, but may also be turned on at times other than when driving. For example, the lighting device 3 may also be turned on when a passenger gets into the automobile 2 or when a passenger gets out of the automobile 2. The lighting device 3 may also be turned on during the daytime as well as at night. Turning on the lighting device 3 during the daytime can create an open illuminated space.

[0025] The lighting device 3 has a light exit surface 3a from which light exits. The light exit surface 3a is an exposed outer surface of the lighting device 3. For example, the light exit surface 3a is the outer surface of a translucent panel provided at an opening of a housing that houses a light source. The translucent panel is a transparent panel or a diffusion panel. Note that the light exit surface 3a is not limited to the outer surface of a translucent panel, but may also be the outer surface of a lens. Furthermore, the light exit surface 3a is not limited to the outer surface of an optical member such as a translucent panel or a lens, but may also be a space such as an opening of a housing.

[0026] The illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 serves as light that illuminates the space within the vehicle interior 2a. The lighting device 3 is an indirect light that indirectly illuminates the space within the vehicle interior 2a. Therefore, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 is not emitted directly into the vehicle interior 2a, but is first reflected somewhere and then emitted into the vehicle interior 2a.

[0027] 3, the lighting device 3 in this embodiment emits light that illuminates the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle interior 2a. That is, direct light from the lighting device 3 is emitted onto the ceiling 10. Therefore, the vehicle interior 2a is not illuminated with direct light from the lighting device 3, but rather with indirect light that is emitted from the lighting device 3 and reflected by the ceiling 10.

[0028] The lighting device 3 is installed on the B-pillar 32 with its light emitting surface 3a facing the ceiling 10. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed so that its light emitting surface 3a faces the curved surface 11 at the end of the ceiling 10 in the width direction, and the lighting device 3 emits light toward the curved surface 11 of the ceiling 10. Therefore, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 is reflected by the curved surface 11 of the ceiling 10 and is irradiated into the vehicle interior 2a as indirect light.

[0029] 1 and 2, the illumination light (indirect light) from the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the entire space within the vehicle interior 2a, but illuminates a portion of the space within the vehicle interior 2a. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the area indicated by dotted hatching is the area within the vehicle interior 2a that is illuminated by the illumination light (indirect light) from the lighting device 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, if Wa is the distance along the ceiling 10 from the position of the lighting device 3 to a position where the luminance, including the luminance of the lighting device 3 and the luminance of the area (illumination surface) of the ceiling 10 illuminated by the lighting device 3, is 50% of the maximum luminance, and Wx (see FIG. 1) is the width of the vehicle interior 2a, the relationship Wa / Wx ≧ 2.5% is preferably satisfied. Preferably, Wa / Wx ≧ 4%. Also, Wa / Wx ≦ 22% is preferably satisfied. In this case, if Wb is the distance (width) along the ceiling 10 from the position of the lighting device 3 to a position where the luminance, including the luminance of the lighting device 3 and the luminance of the area (illumination surface) of the ceiling 10 illuminated by the lighting device 3, is 10% of the maximum luminance, the relationship 100 ≦ Wb / Wa ≦ 1000 is more preferably satisfied. More preferably, 200 ≦ Wb / Wa ≦ 300 is satisfied. Wx, Wa, and Wb are, for example, 1000 mm≦Wx≦2000 mm, 50 mm≦Wa≦220 mm, and 100 mm≦Wb≦500 mm. Note that the luminance at Wa and Wb is a value in the daytime inside the vehicle interior 2a.

[0031] The light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat 60 in the vehicle interior 2a. In other words, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to the occupant sitting in the seat 60. In this embodiment, a light-shielding cover 4 is provided to cover the lighting device 3, and at least a portion of the light-shielding cover 4 is positioned between the occupant sitting in the seat 60 and the lighting device 3. This makes the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 not visible to the occupant sitting in the seat 60. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed in an upper portion of the B-pillar 32, and therefore the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is positioned above the eyes of the occupant sitting in the seat 60.

[0032] The light-shielding cover 4 is provided on the B-pillar 32. The light-shielding cover 4 covers the bottom surface and side peripheral surfaces of the lighting device 3, but does not cover the light-emitting surface 3a of the lighting device 3. Light emitted from the light-emitting surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is emitted from the opening of the light-shielding cover 4 toward the ceiling 10.

[0033] The light-shielding cover 4 is made of, for example, a black or dark light-shielding material, but is not limited to this. The color of the light-shielding cover 4 is preferably the same color as the B-pillar 32. This makes it possible to reduce the presence of the light-shielding cover 4 even if it protrudes from the B-pillar 32.

[0034] As described above, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a lighting device 3 that emits light to illuminate the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle interior 2a, and the lighting device 3 has a light exit surface 3a from which light is emitted as the outer surface of the lighting device 3, and the light exit surface 3a is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat 60 inside the vehicle interior 2a.

[0035] As described above, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the light from the lighting device 3 is not directly emitted toward the vehicle interior 2a, but rather illuminates the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle interior 2a. As a result, the light from the lighting device 3 is reflected by the ceiling 10 and is emitted as indirect light toward the vehicle interior 2a. Therefore, the indirect light can create a sense of space inside the vehicle interior 2a. Furthermore, illuminating the ceiling 10 with indirect light can highlight the shapes on the ceiling 10, thereby creating a sense of quality. Furthermore, illuminating the ceiling 10 with the light from the lighting device 3 can reduce reflections of light on the windshield, thereby creating a safe and comfortable illuminated space.

[0036] Furthermore, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is configured so as not to be visible to the occupants, so that direct light from the lighting device 3 does not enter the eyes of the driver, allowing the driver to drive the automobile 2 even more safely.

[0037] As described above, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment can maintain a safe driving environment and create a pleasant interior space for the vehicle interior 2a even when the lighting device 3 is turned on during driving. In other words, a safe and comfortable illuminated space can be realized.

[0038] In addition, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the pillar trim 30, and the lighting device 3 irradiates light onto the curved surface 11 at the end of the ceiling 10 in the width direction.

[0039] In this way, the light from the lighting device 3 is irradiated onto the curved surface 11 at the end of the width direction of the ceiling 10, and the light is reflected by the curved surface 11 and irradiated toward the interior of the vehicle compartment 2a. This allows the light to be irradiated over a wider spatial area within the vehicle compartment 2a, thereby providing an illuminated space that feels bright and open.

[0040] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the B-pillar 32 of the pillar trim 30.

[0041] This configuration can illuminate the central portion of the ceiling 10 in the longitudinal direction of the automobile 2. In other words, the central portion of the longitudinal direction of the passenger compartment 2a can be brightened around the edge of the ceiling 10. This allows for an illuminated space with a more open feel.

[0042] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is located above the eye position of an occupant sitting in the seat 60 in the vehicle interior 2a.

[0043] This configuration allows for a glare-free, more open-feeling illuminated space.

[0044] Furthermore, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance along the ceiling 10 from the position of the lighting device 3 to the position where the luminance, including the luminance of the lighting device 3 and the luminance of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the lighting light from the lighting device 3 on the ceiling 10, is 50% of the maximum luminance is defined as Wa, and the width of the vehicle interior 2a is defined as Wx, so that the relational expression Wa / Wx≧2.5% is satisfied.

[0045] If Wa / Wx<2.5%, the light (indirect light) from the lighting device 3 irradiating the ceiling 10 cannot provide a sense of brightness and openness. In contrast, by making Wa≧Wx×2.5%, the illuminated area can be expanded in the vehicle width direction of the automobile 2, thereby providing a sense of brightness and openness. In particular, by expanding the illuminated area in the vehicle width direction, an illuminated space that provides a sense of brightness and openness can be provided to the passengers seated in the rear seats 62.

[0046] In this case, if Wb is the distance (width) along ceiling 10 from the position of lighting device 3 to the position where the brightness, including the brightness of lighting device 3 and the brightness of the illuminated area (illuminated surface) of lighting device 3 on ceiling 10, is 10% of the maximum brightness, it is further preferable that 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000.

[0047] This configuration can expand the area of ​​the ceiling 10 that appears bright in the vehicle width direction, providing a greater sense of brightness and openness. Furthermore, by setting the ratio Wb / Wa to 200≦Wb / Wa≦300, a greater sense of brightness and openness can be obtained.

[0048] (Variation 1) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1A according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are cross-sectional views of an automobile 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1A according to Modification 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction of the automobile 2, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction of the automobile 2.

[0049] The vehicle interior lighting system 1A of this modification differs from the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of the above embodiment in the installation position of the lighting device 3A. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the pillar trim 30, but in this modification, the lighting device 3A is installed on the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle compartment 2a. More specifically, the lighting device 3A is installed on the ceiling 10 behind the rear seat 62. The lighting device 3A also emits illumination light from the rear of the ceiling 10 in a forward and upward direction.

[0050] In this modification, the lighting device 3A also provides indirect lighting and irradiates illumination light toward the ceiling 10, as in the above embodiment. That is, indirect light obtained by irradiating the lighting device 3A and reflecting it off the ceiling 10 is irradiated into the vehicle interior 2a. Therefore, the indirect light can create a spatial atmosphere within the vehicle interior 2a, and can also reduce reflection of light on the windshield, thereby providing a safe and comfortable illuminated space. Moreover, as in the above embodiment, the light-emitting surface 3a of the lighting device 3A is not visible to the occupants, so direct light from the lighting device 3A does not enter the driver's eyes. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, even if the lighting device 3A is turned on during driving, this modification can also create a spatial atmosphere within the vehicle interior 2a while maintaining a safe driving environment.

[0051] Furthermore, in this modification, as described above, the lighting device 3A emits illumination light from the rear of the ceiling 10 toward the front and upward. This prevents the light from the lighting device 3A from entering the eyes of an occupant sitting in the seat 60 facing forward, thereby providing a comfortable illuminated space. Furthermore, emitting light from the rear of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle may impair visibility in the rearview mirror (room mirror). However, since digital rearview mirrors have been certified as compliant with regulations, the use of a digital rearview mirror can prevent deterioration of visibility even when emitting light from the rear of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle, as in this modification. However, because the lighting device 3A in this modification provides indirect lighting, there is little possibility of deterioration of visibility, even with an existing rearview mirror that is not a digital rearview mirror.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle interior lighting system 1A of this modification also differs from the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of the above-described embodiment in the structure of the lighting device 3A. Specifically, the lighting device 3A of this modification is a line light extending in the width direction of the ceiling 10. This makes it possible to obtain an illuminated space with an illuminated area that is wider in the vehicle width direction, and also an illuminated space that is wider in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) from the rear to the front. Therefore, light can be irradiated onto the ceiling 10 over a wider illuminated area, thereby obtaining an illuminated space that is brighter and feels more spacious. In particular, by irradiating the ceiling 10 with illumination light, it is possible to add gradation to the illuminance on the ceiling 10 (illuminated surface), thereby changing the sense of perspective (direction, sense of distance). This creates a sense of greater spaciousness, thereby obtaining an illuminated space with a sense of spaciousness.

[0053] In this modification, the lighting device 3A, which is a line light, has a light source (not shown) and a light guiding rod 3b into which light emitted from the light source enters. The light guiding rod 3b has a side peripheral surface from which light guided through the light guiding rod 3b exits to the outside. The side peripheral surface of the light guiding rod 3b is the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3A. In other words, the light exit surface 3a, which is the side peripheral surface of the light guiding rod 3b, is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat 60 in the vehicle interior 2a. This makes it possible to realize a comfortable illuminated space.

[0054] The lighting device 3A is covered by a light-shielding cover 4A fixed to the ceiling 10. Specifically, the light-shielding cover 4A covers the side circumferential surface of the light guiding rod 3b on the floor side. The light-shielding cover 4A does not cover the side circumferential surface on the front side of the light guiding rod 3b. This allows light to be emitted from the side circumferential surface on the front side of the light guiding rod 3b.

[0055] In this modified example, too, if Wa is the distance along ceiling 10 from the position of lighting device 3A to the position where the brightness, including the brightness of lighting device 3A and the brightness of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the illumination light from lighting device 3A on ceiling 10, is 50% of the maximum brightness, Wx is the width of vehicle interior 2a, and Wb is the distance (width) along ceiling 10 from the position of lighting device 3A to the position where the brightness, including the brightness of lighting device 3A and the brightness of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the illumination light from lighting device 3A on ceiling 10, is 10% of the maximum brightness, the relationship expressions Wa / Wx≧2.5% and 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000 are satisfied.

[0056] By making Wa / Wx≧2.5%, the illumination area can be expanded in the vehicle width direction of the automobile 2, thereby obtaining a brighter, more open-feeling illuminated space. Also, by making 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000, the sense of brightness and openness can be further enhanced. Furthermore, by making 200≦Wb / Wa≦300, the sense of brightness and openness can be further enhanced.

[0057] (Variation 2) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1B according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system 1B according to Modification 2 in the width direction of the automobile 2.

[0058] The lighting device 3B in the vehicle interior lighting system 1B according to this modification is installed on the ceiling 10, similar to the lighting device 3A in the first modification, but is installed at a different location on the ceiling 10 from the lighting device 3A in the first modification. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the lighting device 3B in this modification is installed in the center of the ceiling 10 in the width direction, and emits light in both the front-rear direction and the width direction of the vehicle. This makes it possible to obtain an illuminated space with an illuminated area that is wider in the vehicle width direction, thereby providing an illuminated space with a sense of openness.

[0059] Furthermore, the lighting device 3B may be a line light extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This not only makes it possible to obtain an illuminated space with an illuminated area expanded in the width direction of the vehicle, but also to obtain an illuminated space with width in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the vehicle. Therefore, light can be irradiated onto the ceiling 10 over a wider illuminated area, thereby obtaining an illuminated space that is brighter and more spacious. Furthermore, since a gradation of illuminance is provided on the ceiling 10 (illuminated surface), as described above, it is possible to obtain an illuminated space with a more spacious feel. As an example, the lighting device 3B, which is a line light, has a light source and a light guiding rod into which light emitted from the light source enters. Furthermore, the lighting device 3B may be covered with a light-shielding cover.

[0060] In this modification, the lighting device 3B also provides indirect lighting and emits illumination light toward the ceiling 10, as in the above embodiment. That is, the interior of the vehicle compartment 2a is illuminated with indirect light that is emitted from the lighting device 3B and reflected by the ceiling 10. Furthermore, the light exit surface of the lighting device 3B is not visible to the occupants. As a result, in this modification as well, even if the lighting device 3B is turned on while driving, a safe driving environment can be maintained and the interior space of the vehicle compartment 2a can be created.

[0061] In this modified example, too, if Wa is the distance along ceiling 10 from the position of lighting device 3B to the position where the luminance, including the luminance of lighting device 3B and the luminance of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the illumination light from lighting device 3B on ceiling 10, is 50% of the maximum luminance, Wx is the width of vehicle interior 2a, and Wb is the distance (width) along ceiling 10 from the position of lighting device 3B to the position where the luminance, including the luminance of lighting device 3A and the luminance of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the illumination light from lighting device 3B on ceiling 10, is 10% of the maximum luminance, then the relationship expressions Wa / Wx≧2.5% and 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000 are satisfied.

[0062] By making Wa / Wx≧2.5%, the illumination area can be expanded in the vehicle width direction of the automobile 2, so that when viewed from the rear to the front, an illumination area with a wide longitudinal direction (vertical direction) can be obtained. This allows for a bright and spacious illuminated space. Furthermore, by making 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000, the sense of brightness and spaciousness can be further enhanced. Furthermore, by making 200≦Wb / Wa≦300, the sense of brightness and spaciousness can be further enhanced.

[0063] (Variation 3) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1C according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting system 1C according to Modification 3 in the width direction of the automobile 2.

[0064] The lighting device 3C in the vehicle interior lighting system 1C according to this modification is installed on the ceiling 10, similar to the lighting device 3B in the modification 2, but is installed at a different location on the ceiling 10 from the lighting device 3B in the modification 2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the lighting device 3C in this modification is installed at an end portion in the width direction of the ceiling 10, and emits light in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle as well as toward the center of the vehicle in the width direction. This makes it possible to obtain an illuminated space in which the illumination area is wide in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle at the end portion in the width direction of the ceiling 10, thereby providing an illuminated space with a sense of openness.

[0065] In this case, it is preferable that the lighting device 3C irradiates light toward the curved surface 11 at the end of the ceiling 10 in the width direction. As a result, the light from the lighting device 3C is reflected by the curved surface 11 and irradiated toward the interior of the vehicle compartment 2a. Therefore, the light can be irradiated over a wider spatial area within the vehicle compartment 2a, thereby providing an illuminated space that feels bright and open.

[0066] Furthermore, the lighting device 3C may be a line light extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This not only makes it possible to obtain an illuminated space with an illuminated area expanding toward the center of the vehicle width direction, but also to obtain an illuminated space that is wide in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the vehicle. Therefore, light can be irradiated onto the ceiling 10 over a wider illuminated area, thereby obtaining an illuminated space that is brighter and more spacious. Furthermore, since a gradation of illuminance is provided on the ceiling 10 (illumination surface), as described above, it is possible to obtain an illuminated space that has a more spacious feel. As an example, the lighting device 3C, which is a line light, has a light source and a light guiding rod into which light emitted from the light source enters. Furthermore, the lighting device 3C may be covered with a light-shielding cover.

[0067] In this modification, the lighting device 3C also provides indirect lighting, and emits illumination light toward the ceiling 10, as in the above embodiment. That is, indirect light emitted from the lighting device 3C and reflected by the ceiling 10 is irradiated into the vehicle interior 2a. Furthermore, the light exit surface of the lighting device 3C is not visible to the occupants. As a result, in this modification, even if the lighting device 3C is turned on while driving, a safe driving environment can be maintained and the space inside the vehicle interior 2a can be created.

[0068] In this modified example, too, if Wa is the distance along the ceiling 10 from the position of the lighting device 3C to the position where the luminance, including the luminance of the lighting device 3C and the luminance of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the lighting device 3C on the ceiling 10, is 50% of the maximum luminance, Wx is the width of the vehicle interior 2a, and Wb is the distance (width) along the ceiling 10 from the position of the lighting device 3C to the position where the luminance, including the luminance of the lighting device 3C and the luminance of the illumination area (illumination surface) of the lighting device 3C on the ceiling 10, is 10% of the maximum luminance, then the relationship expressions Wa / Wx≧2.5% and 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000 are satisfied.

[0069] By making Wa / Wx≧2.5%, the illumination area can be expanded in the vehicle width direction of the automobile 2, so that when viewed from the rear to the front, an illumination area with a wide longitudinal direction (vertical direction) can be obtained. This allows for a bright and spacious illuminated space. Furthermore, by making 100≦Wb / Wa≦1000, the sense of brightness and spaciousness can be further enhanced. Furthermore, by making 200≦Wb / Wa≦300, the sense of brightness and spaciousness can be further enhanced.

[0070] (Other variations) Although the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment and the first to third modifications, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and the first to third modifications.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed on the B-pillar 32 of the pillar trim 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lighting device 3 may be installed on a part of the pillar trim 30 other than the B-pillar 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the lighting device 3 may be installed not only on the B-pillar 32 but also on the A-pillar 31. In this case, too, the lighting device 3 may be installed around the periphery of the ceiling 10 and irradiate light toward the curved surface 11 at the end of the ceiling 10 in the width direction. Note that the lighting device 3 may not be installed on the B-pillar 32, but may be installed only on the A-pillar 31 or only on the C-pillar.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the light source of the lighting device 3 is an LED light source, but this is not limited to this. For example, the light source of the lighting device 3 may be an existing light source such as a fluorescent lamp, a xenon lamp, or a halogen lamp. However, by using an LED light source, it is possible to reduce power consumption and to light the lighting device 3 with a DC power supply.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third modifications, the illumination devices 3A to 3C, which are line illumination devices, use the light guiding rod 3b, but this is not limiting. That is, the illumination devices 3A to 3C may be line illumination devices that do not use the light guiding rod 3b. In this case, the illumination devices 3A to 3C may use an LED module in which multiple LED light sources are mounted in a row on a long mounting substrate. The long mounting substrate may be either a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 3, the illumination light emitted from the lighting devices 3, 3A to 3C is also used as light for creating a spatial atmosphere in the vehicle interior 2a, but this is not limiting. For example, the illumination light emitted from the lighting devices 3, 3A to 3C may be used as light for an occupant in the vehicle interior 2a to perform a task.

[0075] In addition, in the above embodiment, the automobile 2 is used as an example of the moving body, but the moving body is not limited to this. Specifically, the moving body may be a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railroad car, as long as it has a passenger compartment.

[0076] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that a person skilled in the art would conceive of to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above-described embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of one or more components in each of the multiple claims described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, when the dependent claims described in the claims at the time of filing are made into a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite any multiple claims (for example, when a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite all of the parent claims of each claim), all forms obtained by combining all of the claims included in the multiple claim or multiple multiple claim are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Vehicle interior lighting system 2a cabin 3, 3A, 3B, 3C lighting equipment 3a Light exit surface 3b Light guide rod 4, 4A Light-shielding cover 10 Ceiling 11 Curved Surfaces 30 Pillar Trim 32 B-pillar 60 sheets 62 rear seat

Claims

1. a lighting device that is installed in a vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate a ceiling of the vehicle interior; the lighting device has a light exit surface as an outer surface of the lighting device from which the light exits, the light exit surface is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat inside the vehicle compartment; Vehicle interior lighting system.

2. The lighting device is installed on a pillar trim, The lighting device irradiates light toward a curved surface at an end portion in a width direction of the ceiling. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

3. The pillar trim is a B-pillar. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 2 .

4. a light exit surface of the lighting device is located above the eye position of an occupant sitting in a seat in the vehicle interior; The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 2 .

5. the lighting device is installed on the ceiling behind the rear seat, The lighting device irradiates light from the rear of the ceiling toward the front and upward. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

6. The lighting device is a line light extending in the width direction of the ceiling.

6. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 5.

7. The lighting device includes a light source and a light guide rod into which light emitted from the light source is incident, The light guide rod has a side peripheral surface through which light guided through the light guide rod is emitted to the outside, The side peripheral surface of the light guide rod is the light exit surface of the lighting device.

7. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 6.

8. The side peripheral surface of the light guide rod is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat inside the vehicle compartment.

8. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 7.

9. The lighting device is installed at a center portion of the ceiling in a width direction, The lighting device emits light in both the front-rear direction and the width direction of the vehicle. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

10. a light-shielding cover for covering the lighting device; At least a portion of the light-blocking cover is positioned between an occupant seated in a seat in the vehicle interior and the lighting device. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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