Lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle
By using a combination of translucent covering panels and multi-faceted light-emitting elements in the interior space of a motor vehicle, along with LEDs, OLEDs, and planar light conductors, a highly recognizable and attractive ambient lighting effect is achieved. This solves the problem of existing lighting equipment lacking novel structures and diverse optical characteristics, and enhances the aesthetics and comfort of the interior space of a motor vehicle.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN116472200B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device for the interior space of a motor vehicle and a corresponding motor vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Many different variations of interior lighting for motor vehicles are known from existing technology. In addition to lighting fixtures in the roof ceiling (which illuminate areas in the passenger compartment and, where necessary, include reading lights), there are also ambient interior lighting fixtures, such as light conductors, installed in the interior trim panels of the motor vehicle. Ambient interior lighting fixtures produce indirect light and create a comfortable interior atmosphere for vehicle occupants. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lighting device for the interior space of a motor vehicle, which generates ambient interior light based on a novel structural design.
[0004] The objective is achieved by a lighting device according to the present invention.
[0005] The lighting equipment according to the invention is provided for the interior space (i.e., passenger compartment) of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car, but which may also be a truck if necessary. If the interaction between the lighting equipment and components of the motor vehicle or the interior space of the motor vehicle is described hereinafter and particularly in the claims, this should always be understood as occurring when the lighting equipment is arranged or installed within the interior space of the motor vehicle.
[0006] The lighting device according to the invention includes a housing on which a light-transmitting cover plate is disposed, the cover plate preferably being made of plastic. That is, the cover plate has a transmittance greater than zero for visible light. Different transmittances of the cover plate can be selected depending on the construction configuration, and the transmittance is preferably greater than 50%. If necessary, the cover plate can also be transparent, that is, the cover plate has essentially 100% transmittance.
[0007] The lighting device according to the invention includes a light-emitting device configured to generate light within a housing, the light being emitted from the lighting device via a cover plate to illuminate the interior space. According to the invention, the cover plate has a multifaceted outer surface, that is, the outer surface of the cover plate has a plurality of flat facets. The light-emitting device of the lighting device includes one or more planar light-emitting elements within the housing, wherein a corresponding planar light-emitting element has two planarly extending and opposing side surfaces and an edge located between the side surfaces. Here, the light-emitting device is constructed such that, during operation of the light-emitting device, light is emitted through the two side surfaces of the corresponding planar light-emitting element, the light being emitted from the lighting device or the housing of the lighting device via the cover plate.
[0008] The lighting device according to the invention achieves highly comfortable ambient lighting through a plurality of planar light-emitting elements, which emit light via a cover plate having a multifaceted outer surface. The multifaceted outer surface achieves a highly recognizable, diamond-shaped attractive design for the lighting device; more precisely, this highly recognizable, diamond-shaped attractive design is achieved not only in a cool appearance (i.e., when the lighting device is off) but also in a warm appearance (i.e., when the lighting device is on).
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention, the light-emitting device is configured such that, during operation, light is also emitted at least segmentally through the edges of the respective planar light-emitting elements, the light being emitted from the lighting device via a cover plate. In this way, the effect of providing a fully luminous body to each light-emitting element can be very well achieved.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting device of the lighting apparatus according to the invention comprises a number of light sources (preferably one or more LEDs, such as monochromatic LEDs and / or white LEDs and / or RGB-LEDs and / or RGBW-LEDs) and at least partially comprises one or more planar light-emitting elements comprising planar light conductors. In other words, at least a portion, and if necessary, all of the planar light-emitting elements are configured as corresponding planar light conductors. The planar light conductors are preferably made of plastic. The one or more planar light conductors are arranged such that light from the number of light sources and incident on the coupling section at the edge of the planar light conductor is conducted along opposing side surfaces and emitted at least partially via these side surfaces to exit the lighting apparatus via a cover plate. Preferably, a portion of the light conducted along the opposing side surfaces is also emitted via the coupling section at the edge to also exit the lighting apparatus via the cover plate. Using this embodiment, the corresponding planar light-emitting elements can be realized in a simple manner by means of light sources and planar light conductors.
[0011] In a preferred variation of the above embodiment, one or more of the plurality of light sources directly incident light into the coupling section of one or more planar light conductors. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the plurality of light sources may be arranged such that light from the light sources is reflected and / or scattered before incident into the coupling section of the one or more planar light conductors, thereby achieving indirect light incident. Therefore, flexible light feeding into the one or more planar light conductors can be achieved.
[0012] In another configuration of the lighting device according to the invention, instead of or attached to the planar light conductor described above, one or more self-emissive OLED elements (OLED = Organic Light Emitting Diode) may be used as planar light-emitting elements if necessary. Such OLED elements are familiar to those skilled in the art. When using these OLED elements, a separate light source is not required because these light sources are integrated into the respective OLED elements.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the light-emitting device of the lighting equipment is constructed such that the color of the light radiation can be changed for at least a portion of the planar light-emitting element. This allows for the alteration of the color of the ambient lighting. For the embodiment described above, which has a planar light conductor and an associated light source, this can be achieved by using RGB-LEDs or RGBW-LEDs, wherein the color of the light emitted by the RGB-LEDs or RGBW-LEDs can be changed.
[0014] In another preferred configuration, at least a portion of the planar light-emitting element is constructed as a plate and has flat sides. Preferably, the sides of all the plate-shaped light-emitting elements extend substantially parallel to each other; that is, not only are the sides of individual light-emitting elements parallel to each other, but the sides of different light-emitting elements are also parallel to each other. This achieves particularly attractive ambient lighting. The plate-shaped light-emitting element is preferably configured as a rectangle. In the case where the plate-shaped light-emitting element is a rectangular planar light conductor, one edge of the rectangle is preferably the coupling section described above, while at least one other edge of the rectangle and, if necessary, all other edges preferably represent the coupling out sections defined above.
[0015] In a preferred variation of the embodiment just described, in a top view of the cover plate, the sides of all the plate-shaped light-emitting elements extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the top view (i.e., in the direction of observation of the top view). This allows for a compact structure of a lighting device having multiple light-emitting elements integrated therein.
[0016] As noted above, the cover plate can have different transmittance or optical properties. In particular, the cover plate can be at least partially translucent (i.e., partially transparent) and / or at least partially transparent and / or at least partially light-scattering and / or at least partially colored. Here, different sections of the cover plate may have different optical properties if necessary.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, a projection device is also mounted within the housing of the lighting device, attached to the light-emitting device, to project a light distribution onto the interior space of the vehicle. Here, a projection device known per se can be used, capable of producing static and, if necessary, dynamic (i.e., time-varying) projections. In a variant, the projection device includes a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) known per se, that is, a so-called DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector. Alternatively or additionally, the projection device may also include a perforated projection unit and / or a roller having reflective and non-reflective sections, the roller rotating in operation and illuminated therein by the light-emitting unit of the projection device, wherein the illuminated area of the roller is projected onto the interior space of the vehicle by means of the optics of the projection device. For example, a microlens array known per se can be used as the perforated projection unit. Preferably, a projection display described in documents DE102009024894A1 and DE102011076083A1 is used as the perforated projection unit.
[0018] In another variation of the lighting device according to the invention, one or more lighting fixtures are also installed in the housing, attached to the light-emitting device, each fixture being configured to illuminate a demarcated passenger area. In this way, a reading light function can also be integrated into the lighting device.
[0019] In another configuration, the lighting equipment includes additional light-emitting devices, preferably light conductors, and / or LED strips for indirect lighting of the vehicle's interior space. The light-emitting devices are preferably positioned such that they are not directly visible to occupants when the lighting equipment is installed.
[0020] In another configuration, the lighting equipment is designed for installation in the interior trim of the vehicle, preferably above the door armrests, and particularly preferably in the roof ceiling. In other words, the lighting equipment is configured to be installed in the interior trim of the vehicle; that is, the structural design of the lighting equipment enables installation in the corresponding interior trim.
[0021] In addition to the lighting equipment described above, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle that includes the lighting equipment according to the invention or a preferred variation thereof. Where necessary, multiple such lighting equipment may be installed in the motor vehicle.
[0022] Preferably, the lighting equipment is installed in the trim panel of the vehicle's interior space, particularly above the door armrests, and especially preferably in the roof ceiling of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0024] Figure 1 A strongly schematic view of a motor vehicle, in which a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention is mounted in the roof ceiling;
[0025] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 A three-dimensional detailed view of the lighting equipment installed in the room;
[0026] Figure 3 Showing through Figure 2 A strongly schematic cross-sectional view of the lighting equipment; and
[0027] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A strongly schematic longitudinal sectional view of the lighting equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The following describes a variation of the lighting device according to the invention, which is installed as an interior lighting fixture in the roof ceiling of a motor vehicle. Figure 1 A strongly schematic view of the corresponding motor vehicle 100 is shown, with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle indicated by arrow L. The motor vehicle includes side windows 2 and, schematically, passenger seats 4 with corresponding headrests 3, in a manner known per se. In the motor vehicle 100, a variant of the lighting device according to the invention, indicated by reference numeral 1, is installed in the roof ceiling of the motor vehicle. This is only one possible installation location within the interior space of the motor vehicle. If necessary, the lighting device can also be installed in other locations within the interior space. Preferably, the installation location of the lighting device is in the area above the windowsill of the motor vehicle 100. This area is... Figure 1 It is marked with GH in the attached diagram and is generally also referred to as Greenhouse.
[0029] Figure 2 Show Figure 1A three-dimensional detailed view of the lighting device 1. The lighting device includes a housing 5, which is mounted in the roof ceiling with suitable fasteners (not shown). A translucent (i.e., partially translucent) multifaceted cover 6 made of plastic is located on the front side of the housing 5. That is, the outer surface of the cover includes a plurality of flat facets 601, each facet being adjacent to each other and oriented in a plurality of different planes. For clarity, only a portion of the facets are indicated by reference numeral 601. The multifaceted cover 6 creates an attractive impression of a sculptural element, thereby emphasizing the vehicle interior space in a distinctive manner. Furthermore, a frame or outer baffle 7 is located on the outer surface of the cover 6, which surrounds the cover and emphasizes the sculptural appearance of the lighting device through its corresponding shape.
[0030] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, an array of multiple plate-shaped light-emitting elements 8 exists inside the lighting device 1. These light-emitting elements are in the form of rectangular planar light conductors of different sizes, each extending parallel to the others in different planes along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. Each planar light conductor is made of transparent plastic and is illuminated by a light source (in... Figure 2 The light source is fed (invisible in the center), thereby achieving its illumination, as further explained below. A plate-shaped planar light conductor extends through the inner baffle 9, with the corresponding light source located on the back side of this inner baffle. In addition to the planar light conductor 8, Figure 1 The lighting equipment also includes two light-emitting units 10, which serve as reading lights for rear seat passengers. One of the reading lights illuminates the bounded area for the left rear seat, while the other illuminates the bounded area for the right rear seat.
[0031] Furthermore, the lighting device 1 includes a projection module 11, which in this described embodiment is a porous projection unit in the form of a microlens array to additionally project a light distribution (e.g., a sign) into the interior space of the vehicle when needed or coupled to a specific event. The projection of this light distribution can be triggered, for example, by opening a rear door. Instead of a microlens array, other projection units, such as projection units for projecting dynamically variable images, can also be installed in the lighting device 1, which can be achieved, for example, using a DLP projector. In this way, different projections can be generated, or, if necessary, projections that vary over time and thus create attractive lighting effects.
[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A strongly simplified schematic cross-sectional view of the lighting equipment in a vertical plane that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle and is offset from the projection module 11. Because... Figure 3 sectional view and Figure 4Another sectional view is a strong simplification, with the number, size, and shape of the components being similar to... Figure 2 The view does not correspond. Furthermore, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is not described in Figure 2 The outer baffle 7 is visible in the middle.
[0033] like Figure 3 As can be seen, the housing 5 is installed in a hole in the roof ceiling 14 of the vehicle. In the upper region of the housing, behind the inner baffle 9, a light source 12 in the form of an RGBW-LED is located in the left-hand region. This light source can produce different colors through corresponding drive control. The inner side of the housing 5 is white here to achieve good reflection or scattering of the light from the light source. Light is indirectly fed into the planar light conductors 8 shown in cross-section by means of the left-hand light source 12. That is, the light from the light source is reflected or scattered inside the housing and then enters the individual planar light conductors 8. In a variant embodiment, a separate light source 12 can also be used for each planar light conductor 8, which feeds light directly into the corresponding planar light conductor. This is in Figure 3 The example illustrates two planar light conductors located on the right side, each fed light by a corresponding light source 12.
[0034] A corresponding planar optical conductor 8 includes two parallel extending sides 8a and quadrilateral edges, formed by... Figure 1 The upper edge or upper edge segment 8b and the lower edge or lower edge segment 8c of this edge can be seen. For clarity, the reference numerals 8a, 8b, and 8c refer only to the area shown in the attached figures. Figure 3 One of the planar light conductors 8 shown is provided. The upper edge segment 8b forms a coupling segment to couple reflected or scattered light from inside the housing, or optionally directly light from a light source arranged on the edge segment 8b, into the corresponding planar light conductor. Exemplarily, in Figure 3 The direction of the beam is indicated by the arrow P.
[0035] Light incident on each planar light conductor via edge segment 8b is partially reflected on and partially exited via side segment 8a. This causes a portion of the incident light to exit the planar light conductor via side segment 8a, while another portion exits via lower edge segment 8b and a lateral edge extending between edge segments 8b and 8c, thus forming a coupling segment of the planar light conductor. In this way, each planar light conductor 8 emits light comprehensively when the corresponding light source 12 is in operation. These luminous planar light conductors are visible to vehicle occupants through a multifaceted, semi-transparent cover 6. The luminous planar light conductors provide a very attractive ambient interior lighting in the area of the roof ceiling 14.
[0036] In the embodiment described herein, a surrounding light conductor 13 having a circular cross-section is additionally mounted on the edge of the housing 5, the light conductor being positioned in a side recess between the housing 5 and the roof ceiling 14 and being formed by... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image is shown in cross-section. This results in an additional ambient lighting effect through the scattering of light from the light conductor 13 onto the roof ceiling 14.
[0037] Figure 4 A strongly simplified cross-sectional view is shown again in a vertical plane that extends substantially through the projection module 11 along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. Additionally, Figure 4 The text is a jumbled collection of characters and phrases, seemingly from different sources and lacking coherent sentences. A direct translation wouldn't be meaningful. Figure 2 One of the reading lights 2 shown in the figure, the reading light is located in Figure 4 Outside the cutting plane and offset from the cutting plane. As mentioned above, the lighting device 1 includes a projection module 11 in addition to the planar light conductor 8, and the projection module is arranged according to... Figure 4 It is a microlens array. The corresponding beam of the array is exemplarily indicated by arrow P1. A suitable image can be projected into the interior space of the vehicle, such as the rear seat area, using the projection module 11. Additionally, two reading lights 10 are installed inside the lighting device, one of which... Figure 4 The image is shown schematically. The light emitted by the reading lamp is exemplarily represented by arrow P2.
[0038] In one variant, the projection module 11 may further include a rotatable roller having a reflective section and a light-absorbing section. The roller is illuminated by a light source from the projection module. Furthermore, projection optics are provided in the projection module to project the illuminated area of the roller into the interior space of the vehicle. The reading light 10 and the projection module 11 are optional components of the lighting equipment and may be omitted if necessary.
[0039] from Figure 4 The light conductor 13, which is not directly visible, is again positioned around the edge of the lighting device between the housing 5 and the roof ceiling 14. The light conductor, fed by a light source (not shown), generates indirect ambient light through reflection or scattering of its emitted light on the roof ceiling, as exemplarily... Figure 4 As indicated by the two arrows P3. An LED light strip can be used instead of the light conductor 13 if necessary. The light conductor or the corresponding LED strip is an optional component of the lighting equipment and can be omitted if necessary.
[0040] The embodiments of the present invention described above have a series of advantages. In particular, a lighting device for the interior space of a motor vehicle is realized, which has a very aesthetically pleasing appearance in the form of a sculpted component. Here, the sculptural shape is achieved through a multifaceted cover through which the light from the lighting device enters the interior space of the motor vehicle. This creates an impression of diamond or crystal, which is also conveyed to the vehicle occupants in a cool appearance, i.e., when the lighting device is off. Furthermore, when the lighting device is turned on (i.e., when the light source for feeding light into the planar light conductor is activated), a very comfortable ambient lighting with a comfortable atmosphere, such as that of a lounge or living room, is achieved.
[0041] By employing different plastic implementations for the cover plate (transparent, stained, milky white), other lighting effects and, when necessary, vehicle personalization can be achieved. Additionally, other lighting functions in the form of reading light or light projection can optionally be implemented in the motor vehicle. Furthermore, by using light sources with variable colors, such as RGB-LEDs or RGBW-LEDs, user-specific or dynamic changes in the light produced by the lighting equipment can also be achieved.
[0042] List of reference numerals
[0043] 100 motor vehicles
[0044] GH Greenhouse
[0045] L: Longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle
[0046] 1 Internal lighting fixtures
[0047] 2. Glass
[0048] 3. Headrest
[0049] 4. Occupant Seats
[0050] 5. Housing
[0051] 6. Cover plate
[0052] 601 edge
[0053] 7. Outer baffle
[0054] 8. Planar photoconductor
[0055] 8a Side view
[0056] 8b Coupled-in section
[0057] 8c coupling section
[0058] 9. Inner baffle
[0059] 10 Reading Lights
[0060] 11 Projection Module
[0061] 12 LED
[0062] 13. Optical Conductor
[0063] 14. Car roof ceiling
[0064] Arrows P, P1, P2, P3
Claims
1. A lighting device for the interior space of a motor vehicle (100), the lighting device comprising a housing (5) and a light-emitting device, wherein a light-transmitting cover plate (6) is disposed on the housing, the light-emitting device being disposed for generating light inside the housing (5), the light being emitted from the lighting device (1) through the cover plate (6) for illuminating the interior space, characterized in that, - The cover plate (6) includes a multifaceted outer surface composed of a plurality of flat facets (601); - The light-emitting device includes one or more planar light-emitting elements (8) inside the housing (5), wherein a corresponding planar light-emitting element (8) has two planarly extending and opposing side surfaces (8a) and an edge (8b, 8c) located between the side surfaces. The light-emitting device is configured such that light is emitted through the two side surfaces (8a) of the corresponding planar light-emitting element (8) during operation of the light-emitting device, and the light is emitted from the lighting device (1) via a cover plate (6).
2. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting device is configured such that, during operation, light is emitted at least in sections through the edges (8b, 8c) of the corresponding planar light-emitting elements (8), the light being emitted from the lighting device (1) via the cover plate (6).
3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-emitting device includes a number of light sources (12) and one or more planar light-emitting elements (8) that at least partially include one or more planar light conductors, the one or more planar light conductors being arranged such that light from the number of light sources (12) and incident on the edges (8b, 8c) of the planar light conductor in a corresponding planar light conductor is conducted along the opposite side (8a) and emitted at least partially via the side (8a) so as to be emitted from the lighting device (1) via the cover plate (6).
4. The lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A portion of the light transmitted along the opposite side (8a) is also emitted via the coupling sections of the edges (8b, 8c) so as to be emitted from the lighting device (1) via the cover plate (6).
5. The lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, One or more of the plurality of light sources (12) direct light into the coupling section of one or more planar light conductors, and / or one or more of the plurality of light sources (12) are arranged such that light from the light sources is reflected and / or scattered before entering the coupling section of one or more planar light conductors.
6. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-emitting device, as one or more planar light-emitting elements (8), at least partially includes one or more self-emissive OLED elements.
7. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-emitting device is configured such that the color of the light radiation can be changed for at least a portion of the planar light-emitting element (8).
8. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the planar light-emitting element (8) is configured as a plate and has a flat side (8a).
9. The lighting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sides (8a) of all the plate-shaped and planar light-emitting elements (8) extend substantially parallel to each other.
10. The lighting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the top view of the cover plate (6), the sides (8a) of all the plate-shaped planar light-emitting elements (8) extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the top view.
11. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover plate (6) is at least partially translucent and / or at least partially transparent and / or at least partially light-scattering and / or at least partially colored.
12. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A projection device (11) is also installed in the housing (5) of the lighting device (1) on the light-emitting device so as to project the light distribution into the interior space of the motor vehicle (100).
13. The lighting device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The projection device (11) includes a DMD device and / or a multi-aperture projection unit and / or a roller having reflective and non-reflective sections, the roller rotating in operation and being illuminated by the light-emitting unit of the projection device (11), the illuminated area of the roller being projected into the interior space of the motor vehicle (1) by means of the optics of the projection device (11).
14. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One or more lighting fixtures (10) are also installed on the housing (5) of the lighting device (1) and attached to the light-emitting device, respectively, the lighting fixtures being configured to illuminate the demarcated passenger area.
15. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting device (1) includes an additional light-emitting device (13) for indirect lighting of the interior space of the motor vehicle (100).
16. The lighting device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The additional light-emitting device (13) is a photoconductor and / or an LED strip.
17. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting device (1) is configured to be installed in the trim panel of the interior space of a motor vehicle (100).
18. The lighting device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The lighting device (1) is configured to be installed at a position above the door armrest.
19. The lighting device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The lighting device (1) is configured for installation in the roof ceiling (14) of a motor vehicle (100).
20. A motor vehicle comprising a lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.