Vehicle lighting

Abstract

A vehicle lighting device is provided, which is disposed in a roof panel portion of a vehicle passenger compartment. The vehicle lighting device includes: a left-column light source unit in which three or more light sources arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are disposed to the left of a center in a width direction of the vehicle; and a right-column light source unit in which three or more light sources arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are disposed to the right of the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The light paths of the light sources are arranged so that illumination areas of the left-column light source unit and illumination areas of the right-column light source unit partially overlap with each other on a floor surface of the vehicle passenger compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lighting device. Background Art

[0002] For example, a vehicle lighting device in JP2011-025870A relates to a technology for reducing costs by turning on a light when a door is opened and turning on the light when a user approaches the vehicle through one lighting operation.

[0003] Specifically, when the onboard unit detects a user's approach, the transistor switch is controlled to open or close at a 60% duty cycle, and the dome bulb is turned on at 60% illumination for welcome lighting. For welcome lighting, when the vehicle door is detected as being open, the transistor switch is continuously turned on (duty cycle: 100%), and the dome bulb is turned on by increasing the illumination to 100%.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for creating easily accessible private spaces within the passenger compartment of vehicles. For example, as autonomous driving technology is being put into practical use, passengers, including the driver, are increasingly likely to engage in various activities unrelated to driving within the passenger compartment even while the vehicle is in motion. In particular, in vehicles such as vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the number of passengers and luggage is increasing, and the types of user activities are also increasing.

[0005] On the other hand, in a dark environment such as in the evening or at night, in order to enable passengers in the vehicle passenger compartment to carry out various lives, the demand for vehicle passenger compartment lighting is increasing.

[0006] Current vehicles are often equipped with dome lights or room lights, as shown in JP2011-025870A, to illuminate the passenger compartment at night. These are single lights that illuminate a relatively large area within the vehicle's passenger compartment. Furthermore, spotlights that illuminate only a very small area may be installed above the seats. Furthermore, lights or illumination lamps may be installed that illuminate only the passenger's feet near the doors that open when passengers enter or exit the vehicle.

[0007] However, in darker environments, such as at night, the vehicle passenger compartment is quite dark, and even with the vehicle compartment lighting on, visibility is difficult, making life within the vehicle's interior living space often inconvenient. For example, when a passenger moves within the vehicle passenger compartment or attempts to retrieve lost items on the floor, the floor surface tends to be dark due to shadows cast by objects such as seats, which may also cast the passenger's shadow. Consequently, it can be difficult for the passenger to move within the vehicle passenger compartment or find lost items.

[0008] Because dedicated lighting devices installed near vehicle door openings illuminate only the areas necessary for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, they cannot be used to illuminate areas of the vehicle's passenger compartment that are essential for daily living. Furthermore, installing such dedicated lighting devices complicates the vehicle's structure, and the wiring harness that supplies power for the lighting also becomes complex. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides a vehicle lighting device that can create a bright environment in which passengers can easily live in a living space inside a vehicle even in a dark environment.

[0010] According to an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle lighting device is provided in a roof panel portion of a vehicle passenger compartment, the vehicle lighting device comprising: a left-column light source unit in which three or more light sources arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are arranged to the left of a center in a width direction of the vehicle; and a right-column light source unit in which three or more light sources arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are arranged to the right of the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The light paths of the light sources are arranged so that illumination areas of the left-column light source unit and the illumination areas of the right-column light source unit partially overlap with each other on a floor surface of the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0011] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. Details of the present disclosure will be further clarified by reading the following modes for implementing the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the arrangement state of light sources and operation switches in the rear side lighting unit.

[0013] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rear lighting unit is shown in a front view of the illumination area of ​​each light source when viewed along its longitudinal direction.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the arrangement of main components inside the vehicle body.

[0015] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C ,and Figure 4D Each shows Figure 1 The rear lighting unit shown is a front view of the illumination area of ​​each light source when viewed in its width direction, wherein: Figure 4A Shows the state when the right door is open. Figure 4B Shows the status of opening the left and right doors. Figure 4C Shows the state when the right door is open, and Figure 4D Shows the state when the left door is open.

[0016] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B ,and Figure 5C A cross-sectional view showing three types of lighting areas of the rear side lighting unit when viewed from a cross section at the center of the vehicle body.

[0017] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B ,and Figure 6C Each shows a cross-sectional view of three types of lighting areas of the rear side lighting unit when viewed from a cross section near the door of the vehicle body.

[0018] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a rear side lighting control unit that controls the rear side lighting unit.

[0019] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the entire in-vehicle lighting system including a rear side lighting unit.

[0020] Figure 9 is a state transition diagram showing state transitions of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the first control mode.

[0021] Figure 10 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the second control mode.

[0022] Figure 11 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the third control mode.

[0023] Figure 12 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the fourth control mode.

[0024] Figure 13 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the fifth control mode.

[0025] Figure 14 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the sixth control mode.

[0026] Figure 15 : is a state transition diagram showing the state transition of the lighting area when the rear side lighting unit is controlled by the seventh control mode.

[0027] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between various types of circuit connection modes and controllable channels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Specific embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 There is shown an arrangement state of light sources and operation switches in the rear side lighting unit 10 which is a main component of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The content in shows the layout outline of the rear side lighting unit 10 installed on the ceiling of the vehicle passenger compartment as viewed from above through the upper surface of the vehicle body. Figure 1 The longitudinal direction AL corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the width direction AW corresponds to the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

[0030] Figure 1 The rear lighting unit 10 shown includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 12 arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction AL. In this example, 16 light-emitting elements 12 arranged in a row at equal intervals on the left side form a left-column light source lamp module 11L, while 16 light-emitting elements 12 arranged in a row at equal intervals on the right side form a right-column light source lamp module 11R. Each light-emitting element 12 is a light-emitting diode (LED). The number of light source lamp modules installed in the rear lighting unit 10 can be increased to three or more rows.

[0031] The light source lamp module 11L includes a plurality of module areas 11La, 11Lb, 11Lc, and 11Ld, each of which includes four light-emitting elements 12. The light source lamp module 11R includes a plurality of module areas 11Ra, 11Rb, 11Rc, and 11Rd, each of which includes four light-emitting elements 12.

[0032] A sufficiently large distance between the light sources WM is formed between the two rows of light source lamp modules 11L and 11R. For example, the distance between the light sources WM is set to approximately 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the width of the vehicle body.

[0033] Each light emitting element 12 of the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R is mounted and held on a circuit board 13. The circuit board 13 is a printed circuit board, and has a circuit pattern that forms a predetermined electronic circuit by combining the light emitting element 12 and other electronic components.

[0034] The full lighting switch 16 is mounted approximately at the center of the rear lighting unit 10. Lighting switches 14L, 14R, 15L, and 15R are mounted near the left front end, right front end, left rear end, and right rear end of the rear lighting unit 10, respectively.

[0035] Each of the lighting switches 14L, 14R, 15L, and 15R and the full lighting switch 16 includes an operation unit such as a button that can be operated by an occupant, and is used to manually operate lighting on / off of the rear side lighting unit 10 .

[0036] Figure 2 When viewed along the longitudinal direction AL Figure 1 The rear side lighting unit 10 shown is a typical example of the lighting area of ​​each light source. Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows the lighting area 17 in a state where all the light emitting elements 12 are turned on. Figure 2 In the example shown, the lower end position of the illumination area 17 corresponds to the position of the floor surface in the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, in this example, the illumination area 17 of the light emitting element 12 on the rear lighting unit 10 gradually expands downward from the light emitting position in a nearly conical state. In addition, the illumination areas 17 of the plurality of light emitting elements 12 adjacent to each other partially overlap each other on the lower side.

[0038] Therefore, in Figure 2 In the example shown, illumination areas 17 of multiple light-emitting elements 12 overlap with each other on and near the floor surface of the vehicle body, thereby achieving bright illumination. Since multiple adjacent illumination areas 17 continuously illuminate an area such as the floor surface, when an occupant moves in the vehicle passenger compartment, shadows are less likely to be cast on the occupant, the seat, etc., and movement is facilitated.

[0039] Figure 3 The configuration of the main components inside the vehicle body 20 is shown. Figure 3 shows the layout of the vehicle's passenger compartment in a plane visible through the roof of the vehicle body, and Figure 3 The left side and the right side in FIG. 1 represent the front side 20 a and the rear side 20 b of the vehicle body 20 , respectively.

[0040] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the rear side lighting unit 10 is mounted to a roof panel of a vehicle body 20 of a pickup truck or a van.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the driver's seat 22R and the passenger seat 22L are installed on the front side relative to the center of the vehicle body 20. In addition, the second row seats 23R and 23L and the third row seat 24 are arranged side by side on the rear side relative to the center of the vehicle body 20.

[0042] Sliding doors 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 20, respectively. Each of these sliding doors 21L and 21R is an electric sliding door equipped with a drive mechanism for electrically opening and closing the sliding doors. As indicated by the dotted lines, the rear portions of the sliding doors 21L and 21R are configured to protrude outward from the vehicle body when open, thereby covering the outer side of the rear portion of the vehicle body.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear lighting unit 10 is installed in the central part of the vehicle body 20 along the width direction, and is arranged to extend from near the center of the vehicle body to a position near the rear side 20b along the front-to-back direction when the front-to-back direction of the vehicle body and the longitudinal direction AL of the rear lighting unit 10 are consistent with each other.

[0044] <Details of lighting area>

[0045] <View from the front of the vehicle body>

[0046] Figures 4A to 4D The illumination area of ​​the light source in the cross section along the line AA when the rear lighting unit 10 is viewed from the front side of the vehicle body 20 is shown. Figure 4A Shows the state when the right door is open. Figure 4B Shows the status of opening the left and right doors. Figure 4C Shows the state when the right door is open, and Figure 4D Shows the state when the left door is open.

[0047] The switch includes Figure 1 In the case of the lighting state of the rear lighting unit 10 in which the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R are arranged in two rows, for example, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The state shown can be obtained by turning on the left and right light source lamp modules 11L and 11R. Figure 4C The state shown can be obtained by turning on only the light source lamp module 11R on the right side. Figure 4D The shown state can be obtained by turning on only the left light source lamp module 11L.

[0048] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, in this example, the illumination areas of the two rows of light source lamp modules 11L and 11R overlap each other near the center of the left and right sides of the vehicle body. Therefore, for example, when the passenger moves near the center of the vehicle body, parts such as the floor surface can be brightly illuminated.

[0049] Furthermore, since the outer sides of the illumination areas illuminated by the light source lamp modules 11L, 11R extend to positions higher than the lower ends of the sliding doors 21L, 21R, the reflected light from the doors can brightly illuminate the vehicle passenger compartment when the doors are closed.

[0050] Furthermore, since the outside of the illumination area illuminated by the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R extends to a position higher than the lower ends of the sliding doors 21L and 21R, Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C ,and Figure 4D In the open vehicle door position shown, the illuminated area extends to the exterior of the vehicle body. Specifically, the rear lighting unit 10 can illuminate an area encompassing both the passenger's feet and the ground, such as the road, when the passenger enters or exits the vehicle. Therefore, there is no need to install a dedicated lighting device on the vehicle to illuminate the passenger's feet when the passenger enters or exits the vehicle.

[0051] <View from the side of the vehicle body>

[0052] Figures 5A to 5C Three types of lighting areas of the rear side lighting unit 10 when viewed from a cross section (a cross section along line BB) at the center of the vehicle body are shown.

[0053] Even if the illumination area 17 of the light emitting element 12 on the rear side lighting unit 10 is quite narrow, e.g. Figure 5A As shown, adjacent illumination areas of the light emitting elements overlap each other in the lower portion of the vehicle passenger compartment. Therefore, brighter illumination can be achieved compared to when only one light emitting element is turned on.

[0054] When the illumination area of ​​the light emitting element 12 is relative to Figure 5A When the state in the embodiment is expanded, the illumination areas 17 of three or more light emitting elements 12 overlap with each other. Therefore, for example, it is possible to obtain Figure 5B and Figure 5C The state shown, and bright lighting with less illuminance unevenness can be achieved.

[0055] <Sliding door open>

[0056] Figures 6A to 6C Three types of lighting areas of the rear side lighting unit 10 when viewed from a cross section near the door of the vehicle body (a cross section along line CC) are shown.

[0057] That is, when the sliding door 21L is Figures 5A to 5C When the sliding door 21L is in the open state, the sliding door 21L is in the open state. Figures 6A to 6C The status shown is illuminated.

[0058] When the rear side lighting unit 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 20, the lighting areas 17 of the plurality of light emitting elements 12 extend to the outside of the vehicle body 20, and the lighting areas 17 of the plurality of adjacent light emitting elements overlap with each other. Figures 6A to 6CAs shown, only the rear lighting unit 10 can brightly illuminate the area of ​​the floor surface of the vehicle passenger compartment, such as the feet of the passenger when getting on and off the vehicle, as well as the steps and ground when the passenger gets on and off the vehicle. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a dedicated foot lighting device.

[0059] <Structure of rear side lighting control unit>

[0060] Figure 7 A configuration example of a rear side lighting control unit 30 that controls the rear side lighting unit 10 is shown.

[0061] Figure 7 The rear side lighting control unit 30 shown can use lighting to achieve a specific demonstration function, thereby providing a welcome for passengers about to get on the vehicle and passengers on the vehicle. That is, instead of simply turning the lighting on and off, a specific demonstration effect can be given by precisely controlling the lighting state.

[0062] Specifically, the lighting mode can be switched sequentially based on the opening / closing speed and amount of the power sliding door. Furthermore, a specific fade-in control can be implemented when the lighting starts turning on, and a specific fade-out control can be implemented when the lighting turns off. Furthermore, front lighting control can be implemented, so that light sources in multiple zones turn on / off sequentially. Furthermore, various controls can be coordinated with each other for presentation purposes.

[0063] Figure 7 The rear side lighting control unit 30 shown includes a switching circuit 31 , a gradual change control unit 32 , a lighting channel switching unit 33 , a front side lighting control unit 34 , and a welcome presentation control unit 35 .

[0064] The switch circuit 31 includes a large number of switch devices that can control the power supply of the light-emitting elements 12 in the rear lighting unit 10, and can perform power on / off control for each lighting channel. In addition, the switch circuit 31 also has the function of adjusting the brightness of the lighting by switching the on / off duty.

[0065] Since the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R of the rear side lighting unit 10 are each mounted with 16 independent light emitting elements 12 , a total of 32 controllable light emitting elements 12 are provided in the rear side lighting unit 10 .

[0066] For example, if the switch circuit 31 has a circuit configuration capable of individually energizing and controlling 32 light-emitting elements 12, a maximum of 32 lighting channels can be formed. That is, with each lighting channel independent, one or more light-emitting elements 12 can be individually turned on and off. Therefore, by switching lighting channels, the location and range of illumination can be appropriately changed.

[0067] In practice, the number of lighting channels may be reduced due to limitations in the simplified configuration of circuits such as the switch circuit 31. For example, a group of two light-emitting elements 12 may be configured as an independent series circuit to reduce the maximum number of lighting channels to 16, or a group of four light-emitting elements 12 may be configured as an independent series circuit to reduce the maximum number of lighting channels to 8.

[0068] When multiple lighting channels are logically combined, the number of controllable lighting channels can be reduced without changing the circuit structure of the switch circuit 31.

[0069] The lighting channel switching unit 33 has a function of appropriately selecting the correspondence between the lighting control mode and the plurality of lighting channels.

[0070] The gradual change control unit 32 may perform fade-in control so that the brightness gradually increases at the start of lighting by controlling the duty cycle such as the energization time of each light emitting element 12. Furthermore, fade-out control may be performed so that the brightness gradually decreases when lighting is turned off.

[0071] The front side lighting control unit 34 can perform control so as to switch and turn on lighting channels sequentially selected in the arrangement order from the light emitting elements 12 of the plurality of lighting channels arranged in a row in a time sequence.

[0072] The welcome demonstration control unit 35 grasps the latest vehicle status based on information such as the status of the sliding doors 21L and 21R detected by the opening / closing amount detection unit 21a and the opening / closing speed detection unit 21b, the status of the smart key 26, and the status of the operation switch 27. It then selects a lighting control mode suitable for the demonstration, thereby providing an appropriate welcome to the passengers. To achieve the selected control mode, the lighting of the rear lighting unit 10 is appropriately controlled using the gradual change control unit 32, the lighting channel switching unit 33, and the front lighting control unit 34.

[0073] <Structure of the entire interior lighting system>

[0074] Figure 8 A configuration example of the entire in-vehicle lighting system including the rear side lighting unit 10 is shown.

[0075] Figure 8 The illustrated lighting system 40 includes a front side lighting unit 41 provided on the front side of the vehicle body 20 and a rear side lighting unit 42 provided on the rear side of the vehicle body 20 . Figure 8 The rear lighting unit 42 corresponds to Figure 1 The rear side lighting unit 10 is shown. The front side lighting unit 41 is configured as an overhead console (OHC).

[0076] The front lighting unit 41 and the rear lighting unit 42 are each connected to a main control unit 43 via a multiplexed communication line 46. The multiplexed communication line 46 supports communication such as a clock expansion peripheral interface (CXPI). The main control unit 43 is an electronic control unit (body control module: BCM) on the master side assigned to control the vehicle's body system and is hierarchically higher than the front lighting unit 41 and the rear lighting unit 42.

[0077] The main control unit 43 can collect information from the front lighting unit 41 and the rear lighting unit 42 via the multiplex communication line 46 to grasp the situation. In addition, the main control unit 43 can issue lighting instructions to the front lighting unit 41 and the rear lighting unit 42 via the multiplex communication line 46.

[0078] The ECUs of the sliding doors 21L and 21R, the meter unit 25, the door switches 44, and the smart key 26 are connected to the main control unit 43 via a CAN communication bus 47. When a predetermined electronic key 45 approaches, the smart key 26 can receive a wireless signal transmitted from the electronic key 45 and perform analysis processing.

[0079] Figure 8 The main control unit 43 in the Figure 7 The main control unit 43 performs the welcome function in the same manner as the welcome demonstration control unit 35 shown in FIG. That is, the main control unit 43 can determine the necessity of welcoming the guest based on the status of the sliding doors 21L and 21R, the status of the smart key 26, and the vehicle information output from the meter unit 25, and issue appropriate welcoming instructions to the front lighting unit 41 and the rear lighting unit 42.

[0080] The front side lighting unit 41 includes a front side control unit 41 a , an operation switch unit 41 b , a door switch unit 41 c , a front side lamp unit 41 d , a front side lighting unit 41 e , and a lighting switch unit 41 f .

[0081] The front side control unit 41 a is a slave control unit that is lower in level than the main control unit 43 , and performs appropriate front side lighting control based on instructions from the main control unit 43 , various detected signals, and various information.

[0082] The operation switch unit 41 b includes a switch for independently operating each of the left and right lights, a switch associated with door opening, and a switch for operating all lights.

[0083] The door switch unit 41 c includes a switch for individually operating “open” and “close” of each of the slide doors 21R and 21L.

[0084] The front side light unit 41d includes three lights provided on the front right side and three lights provided on the front left side.

[0085] The front lighting unit 41e includes lighting lamps provided on both left and right sides of the front.

[0086] The lighting switch unit 41f includes a switch for operating a lighting lamp.

[0087] The rear side lighting unit 42 includes a rear side control unit 42a, an operation switch unit 42b, a door switch unit 42c, a right column lamp unit 42d, a left column lamp unit 42e, a lighting lamp unit 42f, and a lighting switch unit 42g.

[0088] The rear side control unit 42 a is a slave control unit that is lower in level than the main control unit 43 , and performs appropriate rear side lighting control based on instructions from the main control unit 43 , various detected signals, and various information.

[0089] The rear-side control unit 42 a selects a lighting mode for the welcome according to the contents of a pre-stored control table based on an instruction from the main control unit 43 , and executes the selected appropriate welcome control.

[0090] For example, the rear control unit 42a sequentially turns on the lighting of the rear lighting unit 10 according to the opening speed of the sliding door 21L or 21R. When an occupant approaches the vehicle by unlocking the door and holding the key, the rear lighting unit 10 is controlled so that the lighting of the rear lighting unit 10 is slightly turned on, and after the door is opened, the plurality of areas are sequentially illuminated by switching to a state of increasing brightness.

[0091] The operation switch unit 42b includes Figure 1 Illuminated switches 14L, 14R, 15L, and 15R and an all-illuminated switch 16 are shown.

[0092] The door switch unit 42c includes a switch for individually instructing "open" and "close" of each of the sliding doors 21L and 21R.

[0093] The right row lamp unit 42d includes Figure 1 The right column of the light source lamp module 11R shown has 16 light emitting elements 12. Figure 8 In the illustrated configuration example, since a set of two light emitting elements 12 is connected in series, the number of illumination channels of the light source lamp module 11R that can be individually controlled by the rear-side control unit 42 a is approximately eight.

[0094] The left column lamp unit 42e includes Figure 1 The left column of light source modules 11L shown has 16 light emitting elements 12. Figure 8 In the illustrated configuration example, since a set of two light emitting elements 12 is connected in series, the number of illumination channels of the light source lamp module 11L that can be individually controlled by the rear-side control unit 42 a is approximately eight.

[0095] The lighting unit 42f includes a plurality of lighting lamps provided on the left and right sides of the rear.

[0096] The lighting switch unit 42g includes a switch for operating the rear side lights.

[0097] <Dynamic Transition of Lighting Status>

[0098] Figures 9 to 15 shows that it can be done by using Figure 1 The rear side lighting unit 10 and Figure 7 The rear lighting control unit 30 shown in FIG. dynamically switches between seven control modes CP1 through CP7. These control modes can be applied to only one of the two columns of light source modules 11L and 11R, or to both simultaneously. Control modes CP1 through CP7 for controlling the left column of light source module 11L are described below.

[0099] <Control Mode CP1>

[0100] In control mode CP1, switch in sequence Figure 9 The lighting states shown are CP1A, CP1B, CP1C, CP1D, and CP1E.

[0101] In the first lighting state CP1A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0102] Next, in the lighting state CP1B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, on the front side ( Figure 9 The four light emitting elements 12 on the left side in FIG. 11 , that is, all the light emitting elements 12 in the module area 11La are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0103] Next in the lighting state CP1C, as the second lighting adjustment 2, the four (ie, fifth to eighth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side, ie, all the light emitting elements 12 in the module area 11Lb are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0104] Next in the lighting state CP1D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, the four (ie, ninth to twelfth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side, ie, all the light emitting elements 12 in the module area 11Lc are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0105] Next in the lighting state CP1E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, the four (ie, thirteenth to sixteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side, ie, all the light emitting elements 12 in the module area 11Ld are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0106] That is, for example, every time a certain period of time passes from lighting state CP1A, or in a state associated with the opening / closing position and opening / closing speed of the sliding door, by controlling the power supply of the rear lighting control unit 30 and converting to lighting states CP1B, CP1C, CP1D, and CP1E in sequence, a distinctive welcome presentation can be achieved using lighting.

[0107] <Control Mode CP2>

[0108] In control mode CP2, switch Figure 10 The lighting states shown are CP2A, CP2B, CP2C, CP2D, and CP2E.

[0109] In the first lighting state CP2A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0110] Next, in the lighting state CP2B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, only the frontmost light emitting element 12 is switched from the off state to the on state.

[0111] Next, in the lighting state CP2C, as the second lighting adjustment 2, only the second light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the off state to the on state.

[0112] Next, in the lighting state CP2D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, only the third light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the off state to the on state.

[0113] Next, in the lighting state CP2E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, only the fourth light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the off state to the on state.

[0114] <Control Mode CP3>

[0115] In control mode CP3, switch in sequence Figure 11 The lighting states shown are CP3A, CP3B, CP3C, CP3D, CP3E, and CP3F.

[0116] In the first lighting state CP3A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0117] Next, in lighting state CP3B, as first lighting adjustment 1, the four front-side light-emitting assemblies 12, i.e., all light-emitting assemblies 12 in module area 11La, are switched from the off state to a dimly lit on state. For example, each light-emitting element 12 is energized at approximately 50% duty cycle, thereby emitting a faint light.

[0118] Next, in the lighting state CP3C, as the second lighting adjustment 1, only the on state of the first light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the dim state to the state of increased light emission (for example, 100% duty cycle).

[0119] Next, in lighting state CP3D, as third lighting adjustment 3, only the second light-emitting element 12 on the front side switches from a dimmed state to an increased light output state. Simultaneously, as fourth lighting adjustment 4, the four light-emitting elements 12 in module area 11Lb switch from an off state to a dimmed on state.

[0120] Next, in lighting state CP3E, as fifth lighting adjustment 5, only the third light-emitting element 12 on the front side switches from a dimmed state to an increased light output state. Simultaneously, as sixth lighting adjustment 6, the four light-emitting elements 12 in module area 11Lc switch from an off state to a dimmed on state.

[0121] Next, in lighting state CP3F, as seventh lighting adjustment 7, only the fourth light-emitting element 12 on the front side switches from a dimmed state to an increased light output state. Simultaneously, as eighth lighting adjustment 8, the four light-emitting elements 12 in module area 11Ld switch from an off state to a dimmed on state.

[0122] <Control Mode CP4>

[0123] In control mode CP4, switch Figure 12 The lighting states shown are CP4A, CP4B, CP4C, CP4D, CP4E, and CP4F.

[0124] In the first lighting state CP4A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0125] Next, in the lighting state CP4B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, all 16 light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are switched from the off state to the dimly lit on state.

[0126] Next, in the lighting state CP4C, as the second lighting adjustment 2, only the on state of the first light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the dim state to the state of increased light emission (for example, 100% duty).

[0127] Next, in the lighting state CP4D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, only the on state of the second light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the dim state to the state in which the light emission amount is increased.

[0128] Next, in the lighting state CP4E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, only the on state of the third light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the dim state to the state of increased light emission.

[0129] Next, in the lighting state CP4F, as the fifth lighting adjustment 5, only the on state of the fourth light emitting element 12 on the front side is switched from the dim state to the state in which the light emission amount is increased.

[0130] <Control Mode CP5>

[0131] In control mode CP5, switch in sequence as follows Figure 13 The lighting states shown are CP5A, CP5B, CP5C, CP5D, and CP5E.

[0132] In the first lighting state CP5A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0133] Next, in the lighting state CP5B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, the four (ie, first, fifth, ninth, and thirteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0134] Next, in the lighting state CP5C, as the second lighting adjustment 2, the four (ie, the second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0135] Next, in the lighting state CP5D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, the four (ie, the third, seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0136] Next, in the lighting state CP5E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, the four (ie, the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0137] <Control Mode CP6>

[0138] In control mode CP6, switch Figure 14 The lighting states shown are CP6A, CP6B, CP6C, CP6D, CP6E, and CP6F.

[0139] In the first lighting state CP6A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0140] Next, in the lighting state CP6B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, all 16 light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are switched from the off state to the dimly lit on state.

[0141] Next, in lighting state CP6C, as second lighting adjustment 2, the four (ie, first, fifth, ninth, and thirteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the dim state to the state of increased light emission (eg, 100% duty cycle).

[0142] Next, in the lighting state CP6D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, the four (ie, second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the dim state to the state in which the light emission amount is increased.

[0143] Next, in the lighting state CP6E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, the four (ie, the third, seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the dim state to the state in which the light emission amount is increased.

[0144] Next, in the lighting state CP6F, as the fifth lighting adjustment 5, the four (ie, the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the dim state to the state in which the light emission amount is increased.

[0145] <Control Mode CP7>

[0146] In control mode CP7, switch Figure 15 The lighting states shown are CP7A, CP7B, CP7C, CP7D, CP7E, and CP7F.

[0147] In the first lighting state CP7A, all the light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp module 11L are in an off state, that is, in a non-energized state.

[0148] Next, in the lighting state CP7B, as the first lighting adjustment 1, the two (ie, first and second) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0149] Next, in the lighting state CP7C, as the second lighting adjustment 2, the two (ie, third and fourth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0150] Next in the lighting state CP7D, as the third lighting adjustment 3, the four (ie, the fifth to eighth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0151] Next in the lighting state CP7E, as the fourth lighting adjustment 4, the four (ie, the ninth to twelfth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0152] Next in the lighting state CP7F, as the fifth lighting adjustment 5, the four (ie, the thirteenth to sixteenth) light emitting elements 12 on the front side are switched from the off state to the on state.

[0153] <Relationship between circuit connection and lighting channel>

[0154] Figure 16 A list showing the relationship between a plurality of types of circuit connection patterns and controllable channels in the light source lamp module 11L of the rear side lighting unit 10 is shown. Figure 16 The contents in can also be applied to the light source lamp module 11R.

[0155] exist Figure 16 , 16 light emitting elements 12 included in the light source lamp module 11L are represented as “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H”, “I”, “J”, “K”, “L”, “M”, “N”, “O”, and “P”.

[0156] By partially sharing the energization control of these 16 light-emitting elements "A" to "P", the circuit configuration and control contents can be simplified. Figure 8 If, as in the left column lamp unit 42e shown, each light-emitting element is grouped into two groups, with the two light-emitting elements in each group connected in series, the 16 light-emitting elements "A" through "P" can be grouped into eight systems. Standardized power on / off control is then performed for each of the eight systems. In this case, the number of channels of the light source lamp module 11L that can be controlled by the rear lighting control unit 30 is eight.

[0157] As a typical circuit connection pattern PC for grouping 16 light emitting elements "A" to "P", for example, it can be assumed that Figure 16 The 13 circuit connection modes shown are PC1 to PC13. Figure 16 In the diagram, each independently controllable group is represented by a single “○”.

[0158] exist Figure 16 In the example shown, in the circuit connection pattern PC1, the energization control of the 16 light emitting elements "A" to "P" is independent. Therefore, the number of controllable channels Nch in the circuit connection pattern PC1 is 16 (the number of o's is 16).

[0159] In the circuit connection pattern PC2, two adjacent light-emitting elements among the 16 light-emitting elements "A" to "P" belong to the same group. Therefore, there are eight groups that can be independently energized, and the number of channels Nch is 8.

[0160] In the circuit connection mode PC3, Figure 1 The module areas 11La, 11Lb, 11Lc, and 11Ld are similarly divided, and the four light emitting elements belong to the same group. Therefore, there are four groups that can be independently powered, and the number of channels Nch is four.

[0161] In circuit connection mode PC4, in the light source lamp module 11L, the group of eight light-emitting elements "A" to "H" on the front side and the group of eight light-emitting elements "I" to "P" on the rear side are independent of each other. Therefore, the two groups can be independently energized, and the number of channels Nch is two.

[0162] In circuit connection pattern PC5, in the light source lamp module 11L, the eight light-emitting elements "A" through "H" on the front side are independent of each other, and the four light-emitting elements "I" through "L" and the four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" on the rear side form independent groups. Therefore, there are ten groups that can be independently energized, and the number of channels Nch is 10.

[0163] In circuit connection pattern PC6, the four light-emitting elements "A" through "D" are independent of each other, and the two light-emitting elements "E" and "F," the two light-emitting elements "G" and "H," the four light-emitting elements "I" through "L," and the four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" form independent groups. Therefore, there are eight groups whose current can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is eight.

[0164] In circuit connection mode PC7, the two light-emitting elements "A" and "B" are independent of each other, and the two light-emitting elements "C" and "D", the two light-emitting elements "E" and "F", the two light-emitting elements "G" and "H", the four light-emitting elements "I" to "L", and the four light-emitting elements "M" to "P" form independent groups. Therefore, there are seven groups whose energization can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is 7.

[0165] In circuit connection pattern PC8, two light-emitting elements "A" and "B," two light-emitting elements "C" and "D," two light-emitting elements "E" and "F," two light-emitting elements "G" and "H," four light-emitting elements "I" through "L," and four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" form independent groups. Consequently, six groups can be independently energized, and the number of channels Nch is six.

[0166] In circuit connection pattern PC9, two light-emitting elements "A" and "B," two light-emitting elements "C" and "D," two light-emitting elements "E" and "F," two light-emitting elements "G" and "H," and eight light-emitting elements "I" through "P" form independent groups. Consequently, there are five groups whose current flow can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is five.

[0167] In circuit connection mode PC10, the four light-emitting elements "A" through "D" are independent of each other, and the four light-emitting elements "E" through "H," the four light-emitting elements "I" through "L," and the four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" form independent groups. Therefore, there are seven groups whose current can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is seven.

[0168] In circuit connection mode PC11, the two light-emitting elements "A" and "B" are independent of each other, and the two light-emitting elements "C" and "D," the four light-emitting elements "E" through "H," the four light-emitting elements "I" through "L," and the four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" form independent groups. Therefore, there are six groups whose current can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is six.

[0169] In circuit connection mode PC12, two light-emitting elements "A" and "B," two light-emitting elements "C" and "D," four light-emitting elements "E" through "H," four light-emitting elements "I" through "L," and four light-emitting elements "M" through "P" form independent groups. Therefore, there are five groups whose current flow can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is five.

[0170] In circuit connection mode PC13, the first light-emitting element "A" is independent, and the two light-emitting elements "B" and "C," the three light-emitting elements "D" through "F," the four light-emitting elements "G" through "J," and the six light-emitting elements "K" through "P" form independent groups. Thus, there are five groups whose current flow can be independently controlled, and the number of channels Nch is five.

[0171] When the number of controllable channels Nch is large, for example in the circuit connection mode PC1, multiple light emitting elements or multiple groups that can be powered on can be controlled by logically combining them without changing the circuit configuration in the switch circuit 31, and the number of controllable channels Nch can be selected as needed. Figure 16 The circuit shown connects modes PC2 to PC13. Such a function may be included in the lighting channel switching unit 33. However, as the number of channels increases, the number of switching elements required for the switching circuit 31 also increases, and the circuit configuration also becomes complicated.

[0172] Figures 9 to 15 The correspondence between the control modes CP1 to CP7 and the circuit connection modes PC1 to PC13 is shown as follows.

[0173] Circuit connection mode PC1: can realize control modes CP5 and CP6

[0174] Circuit connection mode PC3: control mode CP1 can be realized

[0175] Circuit connection mode PC10: can realize control modes CP2, CP3, and CP4

[0176] Circuit connection mode PC12: control mode CP7 can be realized

[0177] As mentioned above, when Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1 When the rear side lighting unit 10 is arranged in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, it can be used as shown in FIG. Figure 2 5 , the vehicle passenger compartment is brightly illuminated. That is, since the illumination ranges of the left and right light source lamp modules 11L and 11R overlap in a left-right region such as the center floor surface, the illumination brightness of the center aisle can be improved.

[0178] 4, since the left and right light source lamp modules 11L and 11R extend from the lower side of the door to the upper side of the illumination range, it is possible to brightly illuminate the area around the door, and can also illuminate the passenger's feet and the ground area when getting on and off the vehicle.

[0179] Since each of the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R includes a plurality of light emitting elements 12 arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, the illumination areas of adjacent light emitting elements 12 can overlap with each other. This improves the brightness of the illumination and prevents the illumination light from being blocked by occupants moving in the vehicle or seats, thereby preventing shadows from being formed.

[0180] For example, when the plurality of light emitting elements 12 of the light source lamp modules 11L and 11R are divided into a plurality of regions and energization control is selectively performed for each region, for example Figure 16 As with the various circuit connection patterns PC1 to PC13 shown, various lighting patterns and various welcome presentations can be selectively used.

[0181] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, as long as the present invention can be achieved, the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, arrangement positions, etc. of the components in the above embodiments are optional and not limited.

[0182] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle lighting device (rear side lighting unit 10) is provided on a roof panel portion of a vehicle passenger compartment, the vehicle lighting device comprising: a left column light source unit (light source lamp module 11L), wherein three or more light sources (light emitting elements 12) arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are arranged on the left side of the center in the width direction of the vehicle; and a right column light source unit (light source lamp module 11R), wherein three or more light sources (light emitting elements 12) arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are arranged on the right side of the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The light paths of the light sources are arranged to be placed in a state where the illumination areas of the left column light source unit and the illumination areas of the right column light source unit partially overlap with each other on the floor surface of the vehicle passenger compartment (see, for example, Figure 4A )middle.

[0183] According to the vehicle lighting device of the first aspect, the illumination areas of the left and right column light source units overlap with each other on a portion of the floor surface, such as in the center of the vehicle's passenger compartment. This allows the floor surface in an aisle, such as in the center of the vehicle's width, to be brightly illuminated. Furthermore, since three or more light sources are arranged side by side in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction in each of the left and right column light source units, the illumination areas of adjacent light sources can overlap with each other in the vehicle's front-to-rear direction. Therefore, by overlapping multiple illumination areas, the amount of light emitted by the lighting can be increased, and unevenness in the amount of light emitted by the lighting can also be reduced. Furthermore, since the entire lighting is not blocked by seats or the passengers' bodies when they walk along the aisle of the vehicle's passenger compartment, shadows are less likely to form on the floor surface, making it easier for passengers to move around the vehicle's passenger compartment at night.

[0184] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the left column light source unit (light source lamp module 11L) and the right column light source unit (light source lamp module 11R) are supported by a common shell (circuit board 13), and the relative position relationship between the illumination area of ​​the left column light source unit and the illumination area of ​​the right column light source unit is pre-fixed to the common shell.

[0185] According to the vehicle lighting device of the second aspect, the relative positional relationship between the illumination area of ​​the left column light source unit and the illumination area of ​​the right column light source unit is pre-fixed, so it is easy to design the light path so that the lighting distribution within the entire lighting range combining the illumination area of ​​the left column light source unit and the illumination area of ​​the right column light source unit is suitable for the passengers.

[0186] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the outer side of the illumination area of ​​at least one of the left column light source units and the right column light source units spreads to a range higher than the lower end of the vehicle door (sliding doors 21L and 21R).

[0187] According to the vehicle lighting device of the third aspect, the reflected light from the illumination light that hits a portion of the vehicle door can be used even when the door is closed, thereby improving the illumination brightness near the passenger compartment. Furthermore, when the door is open, areas near the feet of passengers getting on and off the vehicle, such as the ground and steps near the door, can be illuminated. Therefore, a dedicated lighting device is not required to illuminate the feet of passengers.

[0188] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle lighting device also includes: a light mode switching unit (lighting channel switching unit 33), which selectively switches the light range and the non-light range among the light sources arranged side by side along the front and rear direction of the vehicle in each of the left column light source units and the right column light source units.

[0189] According to the vehicle lighting device of the fourth aspect, the lighting range can be selected as needed, thereby achieving not only the lighting purpose but also the use of lighting to provide a welcome demonstration for passengers.

[0190] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle lighting device also includes: an automatic control unit (welcome demonstration control unit 35), which detects a predetermined condition of the vehicle, thereby automatically switching the lighting mode in response to changes in the condition, and the lighting mode is a mode selected by the lighting mode switching unit.

[0191] According to the vehicle lighting device of the fifth aspect, the selected lighting mode is automatically switched according to the situation, so that a demonstration can be automatically performed to provide a welcome to the occupants, for example, associated with the operation of the smart key or the door opening / closing operation.

[0192] According to the vehicle lighting device of the present disclosure, a bright environment can be created in which passengers can easily live in the living space inside the vehicle even in a dark environment.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device, disposed on a roof panel of a vehicle passenger compartment, comprising: a left column light source unit in which three or more light sources arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are disposed to the left of the center in the width direction of the vehicle; a right column light source unit, wherein three or more light sources arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are disposed to the right of the center in the width direction of the vehicle; as well as a main control unit configured to give lighting instructions to the left column light source units and the right column light source units to provide a welcome to the occupants of the vehicle by controlling the lighting of the left column light source units and the right column light source units, wherein The light paths of the light sources are arranged to be placed in a state where the illumination areas of the left column light source units and the illumination areas of the right column light source units partially overlap each other on the floor surface of the vehicle passenger compartment, and The main control unit performs welcome control to turn on the light sources of the left column light source units and the right column light source units toward the front-to-rear direction for each of the left column module area and the right column module area, starting from a state in which all the light sources of the left column light source units and the right column light source units are in an off state.

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The left column light source units and the right column light source units are supported by a common housing, and The relative positional relationship between the illumination area of ​​the left column light source units and the illumination area of ​​the right column light source units is fixed to the common housing in advance.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The outer side of the illumination area of ​​at least one of the left column light source units and the right column light source units spreads to a range higher than a lower end of a vehicle door.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A light mode switching unit selectively switches between a light range and a non-light range in the light sources arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in each of the left column light source units and the right column light source units.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 4, further comprising: An automatic control unit detects a predetermined condition of the vehicle and automatically switches a light mode in response to a change in the condition, the light mode being selected by the light mode switching unit.

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