Roof panel assembly of vehicle and projector device used in the assembly

Abstract

A roof panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle includes at least one roof panel providing a first interior surface configured to face an interior space of the vehicle and a second interior surface configured to face the interior space of the vehicle. The roof panel assembly further includes a support beam disposed between the first interior surface and the second interior surface and a projector device disposed on the support beam. The projector device is configured to project a light image on at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof panel assembly for a vehicle, wherein static or dynamic images can be projected onto an interior surface of the roof panel assembly. The present invention also relates to a projector device for use in such a roof panel assembly. Background Art

[0002] Roof panel assemblies for vehicles are well known. Such roof panel assemblies can be mounted in the roof of a vehicle. For example, it is known that such roof panel assemblies can include a glass panel to provide a view from the interior of the vehicle to the surrounding environment (particularly the sky) and to allow sunlight to enter the interior. In another known embodiment, the roof panel of the roof panel assembly is movably mounted so that the roof panel can be tilted or slid to provide an opening in the vehicle roof, thereby allowing air to enter the interior of the vehicle. Of course, it is known that the movable roof panel can be a glass panel.

[0003] It is also known to provide lighting features for the roof panel assembly. For example, light-conducting elements can be arranged along the interior perimeter of the roof panel to provide ambient lighting. In another example, light is incorporated into a light-conducting layer of the roof panel and output into the vehicle interior through an appropriate pattern of elements (e.g., reflective elements) in or on the surface of the light-conducting layer.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known to provide a projector device within the interior space of a vehicle for projecting an image onto the interior surface of the vehicle roof. In the prior art, the projector device is disposed in the headrests of the front seats or in the console between the front seats. It is also known to dispose the projector device on a portion of the roof body frame in the front or rear portion of a roof panel assembly, wherein the projector device is configured to project an image onto the roof panel of the roof panel assembly.

[0005] Arranging and projecting an image using a projector device requires careful calibration and setup for orienting the projected image relative to the surface onto which the image is to be projected. In particular, in the case where the projector device is located in an interior space or on a portion of the roof body frame, calibrating and adjusting the projected image relative to the roof panel can be cumbersome and time-consuming. For example, the roof panel assembly may be mounted on the vehicle body frame within a relatively large tolerance range compared to the tolerance range for the position of the projected image. Therefore, in the case where the projector device and the roof panel are mounted separately, the tolerances for mounting the roof panel assembly and the tolerances for mounting the projector device are added together, and thus the vehicle manufacturer will be required to perform a time-consuming and cumbersome calibration and adjustment process, which significantly increases the cost for setting up the projector device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-effective arrangement for a projector device configured to project an image on a roof panel of a vehicle.

[0007] In a first aspect, the object is achieved in a roof panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle as described below. The roof panel assembly according to the invention comprises at least one roof panel, the at least one roof panel providing a first interior surface configured to be directed towards an interior space of the vehicle and a second interior surface configured to be directed towards an interior space of the vehicle. The roof panel assembly according to the invention further comprises a support beam arranged between the first interior surface and the second interior surface; and a projector device arranged on the support beam, wherein the projector device is configured to project a light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface.

[0008] In the roof panel assembly according to the invention, the projector arrangement is mounted on a portion of the roof panel assembly. The relative position of the projector arrangement to one or both of the first and second interior surfaces now depends only on any manufacturing tolerances in the roof panel assembly, which are much smaller tolerances compared to the tolerances of the prior art. Moreover, such tolerances may be so small that any positional deviations may be compensated optically or digitally by the projector arrangement, so that no mechanical adjustments or the like are required. Such minor adjustments do not need to be performed during vehicle manufacture, but can be performed at a later stage, for example by the user, thus reducing the time and costs for vehicle manufacture in general and for mounting the projector arrangement in particular.

[0009] In an embodiment of the roof panel assembly according to the invention, at least one of the roof panels comprises a glass panel provided with a reflective pattern for reflecting the light image into the interior space of the vehicle. The reflective pattern may be a pattern of reflective dots on a surface or a pattern of a number of particles in the glass of the panel. The pattern may be a switchable layer, such as an electrochromic layer or a PDLC layer, or any other suitably reflective layer. In particular, when used herein, the reflective pattern may be a regular or irregular pattern of dots or particles, or may be a completely covering layer. In essence, the reflective pattern is intended to reflect the projected image into the interior space of the vehicle so that the image is visible to the driver or passengers in the vehicle.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the reflective pattern may comprise relatively small dots of reflective material disposed on the surface of the glass panel, the dots having a representative diameter (i.e., a surface area of ​​the dots equal to a circle having the representative diameter) of less than 80 microns, preferably less than 65 microns, and more preferably less than 50 microns, wherein the dots are spaced apart at a distance such that less than approximately 10%, preferably less than 7%, and more preferably less than 5% of the surface area of ​​the glass panel is covered by the dots of reflective material. Such a pattern can be relatively easily and cost-effectively disposed on the glass panel, and such a pattern appears transparent for external viewing under daylight conditions while appearing fully reflective to the projected image.

[0011] In one embodiment, the roof panel assembly includes a winding shaft for holding a flexible sunshade fabric, wherein in the open position, the flexible sunshade fabric is arranged on the winding shaft, and in the closed position, the flexible sunshade fabric is placed in a plane between at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface and the interior space of the vehicle. Such rollable fabric sunshade fabrics are well known in the art and are not further explained herein. In a specific embodiment thereof, the winding shaft is arranged between the support beam and the projector device. The projector device may need to be arranged at a minimum distance from the interior surface on which the image is to be projected. Such a minimum distance can provide a suitable spacing to arrange the winding shaft without affecting the height of the roof panel assembly.

[0012] In another specific embodiment thereof, when the sunshade cloth is in the open position, the projector device projects the light image onto at least one of the interior surface and the second interior surface, and when the sunshade cloth is in the closed position, the projector device projects the light image onto the flexible sunshade cloth. The projector device can be arranged and configured to project onto the glass panel when the flexible sunshade cloth is in the open position, or to project onto the sunshade cloth when the flexible sunshade cloth is in the closed position, so that the projection of the image is independent of the position of the sunshade cloth, thereby allowing the image to be projected at any time.

[0013] It should be noted that, as used herein, projecting onto a surface preferably includes projecting the projected image onto such surface in a focused manner, but if the projected image is only used to illuminate an interior space, then the projected image does not need to be focused, and unfocusing may even be preferred. Furthermore, in a more specific embodiment, the projector device is configured to adapt the projection of the light image onto the flexible sunshade fabric or at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. Adapting the surface onto which the image is projected may therefore include focusing the image on the surface, but may also include adapting the projection direction or angle for positioning the projected image on the surface. Any other adaptation may also be included. Such adaptation may be achieved by optical adaptation, digital adaptation, or adaptation of the position of the projector device. Alternatively or additionally, further adaptations may also be performed as appropriate.

[0014] In an embodiment, the projector device is provided with a storage medium storing a predetermined light pattern for projecting the predetermined light pattern to illuminate the interior of the vehicle, and the projector device is provided with an input port for receiving the light pattern from an external device. Thus, the projector device can be used independently to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. For example, the interior surface can be illuminated over its entire surface area, or only a portion of the edge along the perimeter of the interior surface can be illuminated. If a specific image or movie (i.e., a series of images) is to be displayed on the interior surface, an external device can be connected to the input port to provide data representing the light pattern(s) to be projected and displayed.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a roof panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, wherein the roof panel assembly includes at least one roof panel, the at least one roof panel providing a first interior surface configured to point toward an interior space of the vehicle and a second interior surface configured to point toward the interior space of the vehicle. The roof panel assembly further includes: a support beam arranged between the first interior surface and the second interior surface, and a mounting device arranged on the support beam, the mounting device for mounting a projector device so that the projector device is arranged to project a light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. Therefore, the roof panel assembly can be provided with a mounting device for mounting the projector device so that the projector device can be installed at a stage after the roof panel assembly is manufactured. For example, the projector device can be sold separately as an accessory to the roof panel assembly. Due to the relatively small tolerances and the relatively minor adjustments required for installation, the projector device can be easily installed by the user.

[0016] In a particular embodiment thereof, said mounting means comprises an electrical socket for supplying power to said projector means.Although the data input port may be wireless, it is preferred that the power supply is provided by a permanent wired connection.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a projector device for projecting a light image, the projector device comprising a coupling device configured to couple to a mounting device of a roof panel assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention, such that the projector device is arranged to project the light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. In a specific embodiment, the coupling device comprises an electrical plug, wherein the electrical plug is configured to mate with an electrical receptacle of the roof panel assembly according to the above specific embodiment of the second aspect for receiving electrical power.

[0018] In another special embodiment of the projector device according to the invention, the projector device is provided with a wireless data input port for receiving light image data representing the light image to be projected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that although the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1A A perspective view showing a vehicle roof with an opening roof assembly;

[0021] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Exploded view of the opening roof assembly;

[0022] Figure 2A-2C each showing an artistic conception of a vehicle provided with a first embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3A-3C Shown separately Figure 2A-2C a cross section of a first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4A-4B each showing a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 Showing a bottom view of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6A Shows a bottom view of a third embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6B A bottom view showing a fourth embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6C Show Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment taken along line CC;

[0029] Figure 7A Shows a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7B A bottom view showing a sixth embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 8 A bottom view is shown of an embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the second aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout to identify the same or similar elements.

[0033] Figure 1A A vehicle roof 1 is shown, having an openable roof assembly disposed therein. The openable roof assembly includes a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing member because it can be moved over a first roof opening 3a to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A fairing 4 is disposed in front of the first roof opening 3a.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the movable panel 2a can be in a closed position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a is arranged on the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening, and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the vehicle roof 1. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an inclined position, which is a position in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Furthermore, the movable panel 2a can be in an open position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed.

[0035] It should be noted that the vehicle roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other kind of vehicle that can be provided with a movable panel is also envisaged.

[0036] Figure 1B Shown as Figure 1A The same vehicle roof with panels 2a and 2b is shown in FIG. In particular, although Figure 1A The openable roof assembly is shown in the open position, but Figure 1B FIG is an exploded view of the open roof assembly in the closed position. Figure 1B In this exploded view of the , the presence of the second roof opening 3b is shown. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the openable roof assembly. An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0037] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b (assuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example, made of plastic material or any other suitable material). The second roof opening 3b with a transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b is optional and can be omitted in another embodiment of the openable roof assembly.

[0038] The air deflector 4 is generally made of a flexible material, such as a woven or non-woven fabric with through holes arranged therein, or a cloth or mesh. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (such as a rod-shaped or tubular structure), which is directly or indirectly hingedly connected to the frame 5 at a hinge 4b.

[0039] A deflector 4 is positioned in front of the first roof opening 3a and adjusts the air flow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noise caused by air flow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed or tilted position, the deflector 4 is lowered below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0040] Typically, when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position, the air deflector 4 is raised by the spring force, and when the movable panel 2a slides back to its closed position, the air deflector 4 is pushed downward by the movable panel 2a. Figure 1A In FIG, the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position and the deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the movable panel 2 a is shown in a closed position, and the air deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in a position in which it is depressed.

[0041] Figure 1BFurther shown is a drive assembly having a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable 7, and a second drive cable 8. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b are arranged on the respective side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and can each include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, while the mechanism includes a movable portion and can slideably move within the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are provided between the mechanism of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and the drive motor 9.

[0042] The drive cables 7 and 8 connect the drive motors 9 to the mechanisms of the corresponding guide assemblies 6a and 6b so that when the drive motors 9 are operated, the mechanisms begin to move. In particular, the cores of the drive cables 7 and 8 are moved by the drive motors 9 to push or pull the mechanisms of the corresponding guides 6a and 6b. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in a particular embodiment, the drive motors may be operably arranged between the corresponding guides and the corresponding mechanisms of the guide assemblies 6a and 6b, and in such an embodiment, the drive assembly may be completely omitted.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start moving by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, thereby placing the movable panel 2a in an inclined position. Then, from this inclined position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start sliding so that the movable panel 2a is in an open position. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the inclined position by raising the rear end RE, and the open position can be reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a under the fixed panel 2b or under any other structure or element provided behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In another exemplary embodiment, the movable panel 2a may only be able to move between a closed position and an inclined position or between a closed position and an open position.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the drive motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable place or position. For example, the drive motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0045] A control unit 11 is shown schematically and is operatively coupled to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 may be any type of processing unit, as known to those skilled in the art: a software-controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC. The control unit 11 may be a stand-alone control unit, or it may be operatively coupled to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose universal vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 may be embedded in or part of such a universal vehicle control unit. In essence, the control unit 11 may be embodied by any control unit that is suitable, capable, and configured to operate the drive motor 9 and, therefore, the movable roof assembly.

[0046] Figure 2A-2C A vehicle is shown having a vehicle roof 1 and a vehicle interior space 20. In the vehicle roof 1, a roof panel assembly according to the invention is provided. The roof panel assembly may correspond to the vehicle interior space 20 according to the invention. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An openable roof assembly in which a first roof panel (e.g., a first glass panel) is movably arranged and a second roof panel (e.g., a second glass panel) is fixedly arranged. However, any other configuration may be used. For example, a single fixed glass panel may be used, or two movable panels may be used. The present invention is not limited in any way with respect to the configuration of the roof panel or panels employed. Figure 2A-2C As shown in FIG, a roof panel assembly according to the present invention includes a first interior surface 12 and a second interior surface 14, wherein a support beam 16 is disposed between the first interior surface 12 and the second interior surface 14. As used herein, a support beam 16 is “disposed” between the respective interior surfaces 12, 14 when the support beam 16 visually separates the first and second interior surfaces 12, 14, particularly when viewed from the interior space of the vehicle 20.

[0047] like Figure 2A-2C The roof panel assembly shown in FIG further includes a first flexible sunshade fabric 181 and a second flexible sunshade fabric 182 for covering the glass panels of the interior surfaces 12, 14, for example, to prevent excessive sunlight. Furthermore, the support beam 16 supports a projector assembly 22. The projector assembly 22 shown includes a dual optical system for providing a first light pattern 221 and a second light pattern 222 on the first interior surface 12, wherein the first and second light patterns 221, 222 can be the same or different.

[0048] exist Figure 2A In FIG, the flexible sunshade fabrics 181, 182 are in the closed position so that the projector device 22 projects the corresponding light images 221, 222 onto the interior surfaces 12, 14, respectively. Figure 2B, the sunshade cloths 181, 182 are partially closed, and the projector device 22 is shown as being in a powered-off state. Figure 2C The sunshade cloths 181 , 182 are shown in a closed position, and the projector device 22 is in a switched-on state, wherein respective light images 221 , 222 are projected onto respective inner surfaces of the sunshade cloths 181 , 182 .

[0049] Figure 3A Shown as Figure 2A is a cross-section of a roof panel assembly shown in FIG. As shown, the projector device 22 is positioned adjacent to the interior surfaces 12, 14 and projects corresponding light patterns 221, 222 onto the interior surfaces 12, 14. A first winding shaft 191 holds a flexible shade fabric 181, and a second winding shaft 192 holds a flexible shade fabric 182. Both shade fabrics 181, 182 are in an open position.

[0050] Figure 3B To correspond to Figure 2B The sunshade fabrics 181, 182 are in a partially closed position and the projector device 22 does not project any image. Figure 2A-2C and Figure 3A-3C As will be apparent, the shade fabrics 181, 182 are arranged in a plane between the vehicle's interior surfaces 12, 14 and the interior space 20. Further, it should be noted that the shade fabrics 181, 182 need not have the same open or closed state; for example, the first shade fabric 181 can be in an open state, while the second shade fabric 182 can be in a closed state.

[0051] If corresponding to Figure 2C of Figure 3C As shown in FIG, the projector device 22 projects a first light pattern 221 and a second light pattern 222 onto the inner surfaces of the sunshade fabrics 181 and 182. To enable projection onto the sunshade fabrics 181 and 182, in the first embodiment shown, the projector device 22 is arranged on an extendable, for example, telescopic, support tube 161, which is supported by support beams 161. Therefore, when the sunshade fabrics 181 and 182 are in the closed position, the projector device 22 can be arranged in a lowered position.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A second embodiment is shown in which the projector device 22 is fixedly arranged. The winding shafts 191, 192 of the sunshade fabrics 181, 182 are respectively arranged between the projector device 22 and one or more roof panels of the first and second interior surfaces 12, 14, wherein a fixed support tube 161 connects the support beam 16 and the projector device 22. Figure 4AIn the closed position, the projector device 22 is configured to project light images 221, 222 onto the fabric of the sunshade cloth materials 181, 182, while Figure 4B In the open position, the projector device 22 is configured to project images 221, 222 onto the interior surfaces 12, 14. In this second embodiment, the projector device 22 is provided with an adaptable optical system for compensating the focal length and for positioning the projection of the light images 221, 222.

[0053] Figure 5 A schematic bottom view of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention, such as the first or second embodiment, is shown, viewed from the interior space 20 of a vehicle. In the illustrated configuration, a projector device 22 projects a first image 221 onto the first interior surface 12 and a different second image 222 onto the second interior surface 14. Specifically, the first light image 221 is a static illumination pattern along the perimeter of the first interior surface 12, which can be suitable for providing ambient lighting in the vehicle. The second light image 222 is shown as either a static or dynamic (movie) image. Thus, for example, a calming static light image 221 can be provided to the driver, while a movie can be played for children in the back seat of the vehicle. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a versatile projector device 22 suitable for both static and dynamic images. For example, embodiments of the projector device 22 can range from a relatively simple static light projection device for interior lighting to a high-resolution, high-contrast movie projection device.

[0054] Figure 6A A bottom view of a third embodiment of a roof panel assembly according to the present invention is shown, in which two projector devices 22a and 22b are provided on the support beam 16. Each of the two projectors 22a, 22b can provide a first light pattern 221a, 221b and a second light pattern 222a, 222b on the first interior surface 12 and the second interior surface 14, respectively. Of course, in another embodiment, two projectors 22a, 22b can be provided, with a first projector for projecting an image on the first interior surface 12 and a second projector for projecting an image on the second interior surface 14. Furthermore, it should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, only a single projector 22 can be provided, which is adapted and configured to project an image on only one of the first and second interior surfaces 12, 14.

[0055] Although the first, second and third embodiments include the support beam 16 extending in the width direction of the vehicle, Figure 6B A fourth embodiment is shown in which the support beam 16 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (ie from the front to the rear). Figure 6AAs with the third embodiment, the illustrated fourth embodiment comprises two projector arrangements 22a, 22b for providing four separate light images 221a, 221b, 222a and 222b, but it should be noted that any other configuration or number of projector arrangements is also conceivable.

[0056] Figure 6C Along the way Figure 6B The cross-sectional view along line CC shown in FIG illustrates the fourth embodiment in greater detail. As apparent from this cross-sectional view, the support beams 16 can be arranged below the plane in which the shade fabric 18 is arranged. This arrangement of the support beams 16 and shade fabric 18 allows for the use of a single shade fabric 18 and a single winding shaft (not shown), thereby reducing weight and cost. The shade fabric 18 is supported at its edges and guided in guide rails 24a and 24b. Additional support and guide devices may be provided on or in the support beams 16. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, instead of being arranged lengthwise, the support beams 16 may be arranged widthwise, with the single shade fabric 18 positioned between the support beams 16 and the interior surfaces 12, 14.

[0057] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A fifth and sixth embodiment are shown, respectively, in which two projector devices 22a, 22b are arranged near respective corners of each of the interior surfaces 12, 14. The projector devices 22a, 22b are configured to project light images 221, 222 from the corners of the interior surfaces 12, 14, respectively. In these embodiments, the angle of projection (i.e., the propagation angle of the light beams exiting the projector devices) can be significantly smaller than in the first to fourth embodiments (in which the respective projector devices 22, 22a, 22b require a projection angle as close to 180° as possible), for example, approximately 90°. In the fifth and sixth embodiments shown, the light beams are arranged asymmetrically relative to the projector devices 22a, 22b. In certain embodiments, the optical elements in the projector devices 22a, 22b can be arranged so that the light beams exit symmetrically, thereby reducing the optical requirements placed on the optical elements.

[0058] Although in the first to fifth embodiments, the support beam 16 extends from one side of the roof panel assembly to the opposite second side of the roof panel assembly, in the Figure 7BIn a sixth embodiment, the support beams are embodied as first and second support beams 16a and 16b, each extending from one side of the roof panel assembly to a length sufficient to support projector devices 22a and 22b. Thus, the visible surface area of ​​the roof panel (i.e., the surface area of ​​the roof panel not covered by any other elements) is optimized for both projection of light patterns and visibility of the surrounding environment and sky. This embodiment may be particularly suitable for large, fixed glass roof panels. Figure 8 A bottom view of another embodiment of a roof panel according to the present invention, and in particular, the second aspect of the invention, is shown. In this embodiment, a mounting device 26 is provided on the support beam 16 for mounting a projector device at the projector location 22 ′. The mounting device 26 is configured to receive mating coupling means (not shown) on the projector device to accurately position the projector device relative to the first and second interior surfaces 12 , 14 . The mounting device 26 may include electrical connections, such as a power socket for supplying power to the mounted projector device. Furthermore, a socket for a wired image data connection may also be provided. Thus, in this embodiment of the roof panel assembly, the projector device is optional, with a dedicated mounting device provided. If the projector device is not installed, the mounting device 26 may be covered by a suitable cover panel or, for example, conventional interior lighting, which also utilizes the optional power socket. In the latter embodiment, for example, a user may obtain a suitably constructed and designed projector device as an accessory, remove the cover panel or conventional lighting device, and then install the resulting projector device. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this embodiment can be combined with any of the above-described embodiments by utilizing the mounting device 26 in place of the projector device 22. Furthermore, it is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to select suitable mounting devices and cooperating coupling devices for use in the second and third aspects of the present invention, and therefore, they will not be further illustrated or described herein.

[0059] Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways in any suitable specific structure contemplated. In particular, features set forth and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination, and any advantageous combination of such claims is therefore disclosed.

[0060] Furthermore, it is contemplated that structural elements may be generated by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Thus, any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass any computer-executable instructions that instruct a computer to generate such a structural element via 3D printing technology or similar computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, any such reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass computer-readable media carrying such computer-executable instructions.

[0061] Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not limiting, but rather provide an understandable description of the present invention. When used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more than one. When used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more than two. When used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. When used herein, the terms "including and / or having" are defined as including (i.e., open-ended statements). When used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly connected.

[0062] The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that the invention may be varied in many ways. Such variants should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications that would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A roof panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, the roof panel assembly comprising: At least one roof panel, said at least one roof panel providing a first interior surface configured to point toward an interior space of the vehicle; as well as a second interior surface configured to be directed toward the interior space of the vehicle; a support beam disposed between the first interior surface and the second interior surface; as well as A projector device is disposed on the support beam, wherein the projector device is configured to project a light pattern onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface.

2. The roof panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein The at least one roof panel comprises a glass panel provided with a reflective pattern for reflecting the light pattern into the interior space of the vehicle.

3. The roof panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein The roof panel assembly includes a winding shaft for holding a flexible sunshade fabric, wherein in an open position, the flexible sunshade fabric is arranged on the winding shaft, and in a closed position, the sunshade fabric is arranged in a plane between at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface and the interior space of the vehicle.

4. The roof panel assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The winding shaft is arranged between the support beam and the projector device.

5. The roof panel assembly according to claim 3, wherein: When the sunshade cloth is in the open position, the projector device projects the light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface, and when the sunshade cloth is in the closed position, the projector device projects the light image onto the flexible sunshade cloth.

6. The roof panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The projector device is configured to adapt to project the light pattern onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface or onto the flexible sunshade fabric.

7. The roof panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The projector device is provided with a storage medium storing a predetermined light image for projecting the predetermined light image to illuminate the interior space of the vehicle, and wherein the projector device is provided with an input port for receiving the light image from an external device.

8. A roof panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, the roof panel assembly comprising: At least one roof panel, said at least one roof panel providing a first interior surface configured to point toward an interior space of the vehicle; as well as a second interior surface configured to be directed toward the interior space of the vehicle; a support beam disposed between the first interior surface and the second interior surface; as well as A mounting arrangement is arranged on the support beam, the mounting arrangement being for mounting a projector arrangement such that the projector arrangement is arranged to project a light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface.

9. The roof panel assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The mounting arrangement comprises an electrical socket for supplying electrical power to the projector arrangement.

10. A projector device for projecting a light image, the projector device comprising a connecting device, the connecting device being configured to be connected to the mounting device in the roof panel assembly according to claim 8, so that the projector device is arranged to project the light image onto at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface.

11. The projector device according to claim 10, wherein: The coupling device includes an electrical plug, wherein the electrical plug is configured to mate with the electrical socket in the roof panel assembly of claim 9 to receive electrical power.

12. The projector device according to claim 10, wherein: The projector device is provided with a wireless data input port for receiving light image data representing a light image to be projected.

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