Motor vehicle with ambient lighting

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, which includes an ambient lighting device having a plurality of projection modules for generating a light distribution on the ground in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle. The plurality of projection modules include a first projection module and a second projection module, and the first and second projection modules are constructed and arranged so that when the first and second projection modules are in operation, the first projection module generates a first light distribution on the ground in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle, and the second projection module generates a second light distribution on the ground in the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle that overlaps with the first light distribution, wherein the second light distribution covers a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution, and the average illumination intensity of the second light distribution on the ground is 200% or more of the average illumination intensity of the first light distribution on the ground, wherein the first projection module is a DMD projection module, or a multi-channel projection unit having a projection lens array, and the first light distribution is a preset pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an ambient lighting device. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to install an ambient lighting device in a motor vehicle, which consists of one or more projection modules, and which respectively generate a predetermined light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. For example, document DE 10 2013 211 877 A1 shows a motor vehicle in which a separate light distribution is generated laterally next to the motor vehicle via projection modules in the door sills on both sides of the motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle having an ambient lighting system with which a novel light distribution can be generated in the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0004] This task is solved by a motor vehicle according to the present invention, and therefore a motor vehicle is proposed, the motor vehicle comprising an ambient lighting device having a plurality of projection modules for generating a light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, characterized in that the plurality of projection modules comprise a first projection module and a second projection module, the first and second projection modules being constructed and arranged so that when the first and second projection modules are in operation, the first projection module generates a first light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, and the second projection module generates a second light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle that overlaps with the first light distribution, wherein the second light distribution covers a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution, and the second light distribution has a higher average illumination intensity on the ground than the first light distribution, and the average illumination intensity of the second light distribution on the ground is 200% or more of the average illumination intensity of the first light distribution on the ground, wherein the first projection module is a DMD projection module, or a multi-channel projection unit having a projection lens array, and the first light distribution is a preset pattern.

[0005] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an ambient lighting device having a plurality of projection modules for generating a light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a passenger car, but can also be a truck if necessary.

[0006] The plurality of projection modules comprises two separate projection modules in the form of a first projection module and a second projection module, the two separate projection modules being constructed and arranged such that, when the two separate projection modules are in operation, the first projection module generates a first light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, and the second projection module generates a second light distribution on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle that overlaps with the first light distribution. The term "overlap" is understood here and hereinafter to mean that at least one partial region of the one light distribution coincides with at least one partial region of the other light distribution.

[0007] According to the invention, the second light distribution generated by the second projection module covers a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution. In addition, the second light distribution has a higher average illumination intensity on the ground than the first light distribution. The term "average illumination intensity" is understood below to mean that the illumination intensity on the surface covered by the light distribution on the ground is averaged.

[0008] According to the invention, an overall light distribution is provided which consists of a background in the form of a first light distribution with a lower illumination intensity and a foreground in the form of a second light distribution with a higher illumination intensity but a smaller size. Thus, by using a plurality of individual projection modules, attractive projections can be produced on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the average illumination intensity of the second light distribution on the ground is 200% or more of the average illumination intensity of the first light distribution on the ground. Alternatively or additionally, the area of ​​the second light distribution on the ground is 50% or less of the area of ​​the first light distribution on the ground. In this way, it can be achieved that the second light distribution, i.e., the light distribution of the foreground, stands out clearly compared to the first light distribution, i.e., the light distribution of the background.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the second light distribution includes a symbol mark. Preferably, the symbol mark includes one or more graphic and / or text elements. In particular, the symbol mark can be one or more logos.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the second light distribution is completely within the first light distribution. However, this is not absolutely necessary, but the second light distribution can also be partially outside the first light distribution. However, it is important that the two light distributions have overlapping areas so that a human observer perceives them as part of the total light distribution.

[0012] Depending on the embodiment, the first light distribution may be configured differently. In one variant, the first light distribution is a uniformly illuminated surface, but the first light distribution may also be a predetermined pattern, such as a stripe pattern, if necessary.

[0013] In another preferred design, the first projection module and / or the second projection module are respectively configured to generate white light or colored light. Preferably, the first projection module generates white light and the second projection module generates colored light. Likewise, the first projection module can generate colored light and the second projection module can generate white light. In this way, it can be achieved that the foreground and background of the total light distribution clearly stand out from each other.

[0014] The first projection module and the second projection module can be implemented using known technologies. In a preferred design, the first projection module and / or the second projection module respectively include one or more laser diodes and / or LEDs as one or more light sources, thereby ensuring a compact structure of the corresponding projection module.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the first projection module and / or the second projection module are respectively DMD projection modules. The DMD projection module itself is known from the prior art and includes a so-called DMD device (DMD=Digital Mirror Device). Here, it is a micromirror array composed of a large number of flippable individual mirrors, each of which reflects light from one or more light sources. Different projections can be caused by appropriately manipulating the micromirrors. Alternatively, other technologies can also be used for the first or second projection module. In particular, the first or second projection module can be a multi-channel projection unit with a projection lens array. Such a projection unit is described in the above-mentioned publication DE 10 2013 211 877 A1.

[0016] In another preferred variant of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the plurality of projection modules includes, in addition to the first and second projection modules, one or more further projection modules, which are designed and arranged such that the further projection modules generate a light distribution when in operation, the light distribution of the further projection modules overlapping the first light distribution and covering a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution, and the light distribution of the further projection modules having a higher average illumination intensity on the ground than the first light distribution. In this way, a foreground can be generated in the total light distribution generated by the plurality of light distributions.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illumination intensity of the light distribution of at least one of the additional projection modules and preferably the illumination intensity of the light distribution of each additional projection module is selected so that the illumination intensity is 200% or more of the average illumination intensity of the first light distribution on the ground. Preferably, moreover, the area of ​​the light distribution of at least one of the additional projection modules and preferably the area of ​​the light distribution of each additional projection module is selected so that the area is 50% or less of the area of ​​the first light distribution on the ground.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the light distribution of at least one of the further projection modules and preferably the light distribution of each further projection module contains a symbolic identification, for example in the form of one or more graphic and / or textual elements. In another preferred variant, the light distribution of at least one of the further projection modules and preferably the light distribution of each further projection module is located completely within the first light distribution.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the additional projection modules and preferably each additional projection module is configured such that it generates white light or colored light, and / or such that it includes one or more laser diodes and / or LEDs as one or more light sources, and / or such that it is a DMD projection module or a multi-channel projection unit with a projection lens array.

[0020] In another variant, the first projection module is designed to change the first light distribution. Alternatively or additionally, the second projection module is designed to change the second light distribution. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the further projection modules and preferably each further projection module is designed to change the light distribution generated by the further projection module. In particular, the shape and / or size and / or display content and / or position and / or color and / or contrast of the corresponding light distribution can be changed.

[0021] In another embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the first projection module and the second projection module are constructed and arranged so that when the first and second projection modules are in operation, a first light distribution and a second light distribution are generated on the ground in front of the front part of the motor vehicle. In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the first projection module is installed in one headlight of the motor vehicle and the second projection module is installed in another headlight of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the construction space for the motor vehicle headlight can also be used for the projection modules without having to provide a separate installation location. If necessary, at least one of the other projection modules and in particular each other projection module can also be constructed and arranged so that when the other projection modules are in operation, they generate a light distribution on the ground in front of the front part of the motor vehicle.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the light distribution of the first and second projection modules and, if necessary, the light distribution of at least one of the further projection modules and, in particular, the light distribution of each further projection module is generated at another location than in front of the front part of the motor vehicle. In particular, the light distribution can also be generated on the ground laterally beside the motor vehicle or behind the rear part of the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with the help of the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention; and

[0025] Figure 2 A further specific embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention is shown in a plan view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A variant of the invention is described below using an ambient lighting device installed in the front part of a motor vehicle. Figure 1 A first embodiment of a corresponding motor vehicle 100 is shown in a top view. The motor vehicle is a sedan and comprises an ambient lighting device in the form of two projection modules 1 and 2, which are only schematically shown by rectangles. Projection module 1 is installed in the right headlight of the motor vehicle and projection module 2 is installed in the left headlight of the motor vehicle. Both projection modules are based on known technology. Preferably, it is a DMD projector, which projects light from a light source onto the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle by means of an array of movable micromirrors. With such a projector, a changeable light distribution can be generated. In particular, the shape and / or size and / or display content and / or position and / or color and / or contrast of the corresponding light distribution can be appropriately adjusted via a digital control device.

[0027] according to Figure 1 In an embodiment, a total light distribution is generated on the ground in front of the motor vehicle 100 using the two projection modules 1 and 2, which total light distribution consists of a light distribution LV1 for the background and a light distribution LV2 for the foreground. The light distributions LV1 and LV2 are shown only schematically, wherein the surface of the light distribution LV1 is shown by a dotted rectangle and the surface of the light distribution LV2 is shown by an obliquely shaded rectangle. The light distribution LV1 is generated by projection module 1 and the light distribution LV2 is generated by projection module 2. It is of inventive value here that the two light distributions overlap each other, wherein in Figure 1 In the embodiment of , light distribution LV2 is completely located in light distribution LV1. Since light distribution LV1 forms the background of the total light distribution, its illumination intensity on the ground is less than that of light distribution LV2 on the ground, and light distribution LV2 forms the foreground of the total light distribution and therefore must stand out relative to light distribution LV1.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, light distribution LV1 is a uniformly illuminated surface, while light distribution LV2 is used to display a symbol having a meaningful content for a human observer. In a variant, the symbol is a logo, for example a logo of a manufacturer of motor vehicle 100 .

[0029] By using two separate projection modules 1 and 2, a very flexible and attractive light distribution can be generated from the foreground and the background. The generation of the light distribution can be linked to a specific event, such as unlocking the door of the motor vehicle with the remote control key. This can generate an attractive welcome scene for the driver.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the preferred area is indicated by the double arrows P1 and P2, in which the light distributions LV1 and LV2 are positioned in front of the motor vehicle, said double arrows P1 and P2 being not components of the generated light distribution. The double arrow P1 extends in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The double arrow P1 is two meters long and its center is located on the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, which extends centrally through the motor vehicle. The double arrow P2 extends in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and covers a distance of five meters in front of the motor vehicle. In a preferred variant of the invention, the generated light distributions LV1 and LV2 are located in the area sandwiched by the arrows P1 and P2, i.e. at a distance of up to five meters from the front of the motor vehicle in the longitudinal direction and at a distance of up to one meter from the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction. Preferably, in Figure 2 The light distributions LV1, LV2 and LV3 shown in FIG. 1 are also located in this area. In order to ensure good perception for people inside and outside the motor vehicle, in another preferred variant, Figure 1 The individual light distributions LV1 and LV2 and Figure 2 The light distributions LV1, LV2 and LV3 of the respective 2 Preferably, each light distribution has an area of ​​2 m 2 Up to 8 m 2 The area between.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the content of the light distribution LV1 and / or the light distribution LV2 can be freely selected over its entire surface. For example, the projection at each point on the ground can be adjusted to be clear. It is also possible to display a blurred outline and only vaguely see the content of the projection. Such a projection is used in particular for the light distribution LV1 used as a background, while the light distribution LV2 is preferably clearly shown, so that, for example, a symbol can be clearly shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A second specific embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 1 Similar to motor vehicles, Figure 2The motor vehicle also contains the two projection modules 1 and 2, wherein projection module 1 is installed in the right headlight and projection module 2 is installed in the left headlight. Projection module 1 generates a light distribution LV1 in the form of a uniformly illuminated surface, which serves as a background and is only schematically shown by a dotted rectangle. The light distribution LV2, which is schematically shown by an obliquely shaded surface, is generated by projection module 2 and contains a symbol. Light distribution LV2 forms the foreground of the overall light distribution. Figure 1 The light distribution of LV2 is similar, Figure 2 Light distribution LV2 has a higher average illuminance than light distribution LV1 and covers a smaller area on the ground in front of the motor vehicle than light distribution LV1. Figure 1 different, Figure 2 The light distribution LV2 is not completely located within the light distribution LV1, but only a portion of the light distribution LV2 overlaps with the light distribution LV1.

[0033] Figure 2 The motor vehicle 100 also comprises a further projection module 3, which is mounted centrally in the region of the kidney of the motor vehicle. With this projection module 3, a third light distribution LV3 is generated, which, similar to the light distribution LV2, has a higher illumination intensity than the light distribution LV1 and is therefore also used to generate a foreground in the overall light distribution. The light distribution LV3 is only schematically shown by a horizontally shaded area. Similar to the light distribution LV2, the light distribution LV3 contains a symbol identifier and it partially overlaps with the light distribution LV1. The projection modules 1 and 2 and the further projection module 3 are preferably again implemented as DMD projectors and are therefore able to generate a variable light distribution.

[0034] Two embodiments have been described above, in which a total light distribution is generated in front of the front of the motor vehicle by means of an ambient lighting device consisting of two or three individual projection modules. The total light distribution is composed of the light distributions of the individual projection modules. In alternative embodiments, more than three projection modules can also be used to generate the light distribution. It is of creative value here that at least one light distribution with a lower illumination intensity is generated on the ground, which forms the background of the total light distribution, and in addition at least one light distribution with a higher illumination intensity is generated, which forms the foreground of the total light distribution and overlaps with the light distribution of the background. In another alternative embodiment, the light distributions of the individual projection modules can also be generated at other locations in the surroundings of the motor vehicle instead of in front of its front, for example laterally beside the motor vehicle or also behind the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The above-described embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. In particular, a motor vehicle with an ambient lighting device is provided for the first time, which generates a total light distribution with a plurality of projection modules, the total light distribution consisting of a light distribution for the background and a light distribution for the foreground. In this way, attractive light scenes can be achieved and the total light distribution can be flexibly adjusted by using a plurality of light projections.

[0036] Reference numerals list

[0037] 100 Motor Vehicles

[0038] 1, 2, 3 Projection Module

[0039] LV1, LV2, LV3 light distribution

[0040] P1, P2 double arrow

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising an ambient lighting device having a plurality of projection modules for generating a light distribution on a ground surface in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (100), characterized in that: The plurality of projection modules include a first projection module (1) and a second projection module (2), wherein the first projection module and the second projection module are constructed and arranged such that when the first projection module and the second projection module are operated, the first projection module (1) generates a first light distribution (LV1) on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (100), and the second projection module (2) generates a second light distribution (LV2) on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (100) that overlaps with the first light distribution (LV1), wherein the second light distribution (LV2) covers a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution (LV1), and the second light distribution has a higher average illumination intensity on the ground than the first light distribution (LV1), and the average illumination intensity of the second light distribution (LV2) on the ground is 200% or more of the average illumination intensity of the first light distribution (LV1) on the ground, wherein , the first projection module (1) is a DMD projection module, or a multi-channel projection unit with a projection lens array, and the first light distribution (LV1) is a preset pattern, wherein the multiple projection modules include one or more additional projection modules (3), and the additional projection modules are constructed and arranged so that the additional projection modules generate additional light distributions (LV3) accordingly during operation, the additional light distribution of the additional projection modules overlaps with the first light distribution (LV1) and covers a smaller area on the ground than the first light distribution (LV1), and the additional light distribution of the additional projection modules has a higher average illumination intensity on the ground than the first light distribution (LV1), wherein the first projection module (1) is installed in a headlamp of a motor vehicle (100), and the second projection module (2) is installed in another headlamp of the motor vehicle (100).

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of ​​the second light distribution (LV2) on the ground is 50% or less of the area of ​​the first light distribution (LV1) on the ground.

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second light distribution (LV2) comprises a symbol identifier.

4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second light distribution (LV2) is located completely within the first light distribution (LV1).

5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first projection module (1) and / or the second projection module (2) are respectively configured to generate white light or colored light.

6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first projection module (1) and / or the second projection module (2) respectively include one or more laser diodes and / or LEDs as one or more light sources.

7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second projection module (2) is a DMD projection module, or a multi-channel projection unit with a projection lens array.

8. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first projection module (1) is designed such that a first light distribution (LV1) can be changed, and / or the second projection module (2) is designed such that a second light distribution (LV2) can be changed.

9. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first projection module (1) and the second projection module (2) are constructed and arranged so that when the first projection module and the second projection module are operated, a first light distribution (LV1) and a second light distribution (LV2) are generated on the ground in front of the front part of the motor vehicle (100).

Images