Method for controlling lighting in a roof and roller assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof and roller blind assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a roof panel (2a, 2b) provided with a glass lamp (12), a roller blind screen (21) movable between a closed position and an open position, a lamp (36) in a guide; and a control unit (11). The control unit is configured to adjust illumination by decreasing the number of lamps (36) in the guide and increasing the number of the glass lamps (12) when the roller shutter screen (21) is moved to the open position. The control unit may further be configured to adjust illumination by decreasing glass lamps (12) and increasing lamps (36) in the guide when the roller blind screen (21) is moved to the closed position. Wherein adjusting the illumination comprises gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling lighting in a vehicle provided with a sunshade blind and a lighting arrangement, and in particular to such a sunshade blind as part of a roof and roller blind assembly of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a control unit for controlling the lighting arrangement of such an assembly, more particularly to a control unit for controlling the lighting arrangement of a sunshade blind and the lighting of a glass panel of a roof assembly. Background Art

[0002] Such blinds for roof assemblies are known per se, in particular when the roof assemblies are equipped with glass panels. Such sunshade blinds are usually referred to as roller blinds, which derive their name from the movement when closing and / or opening the sunshade blinds, during which the sunshade blinds are rolled in or out parallel to the roof assembly or more specifically along the glass panel of the roof assembly, respectively. Such roller blinds will have a closed position, in which the roller blinds cover the glass panel, thereby blocking light from the outside from entering the vehicle interior, and an open position, in which the roller blinds expose the glass roof panel. The glass roof assembly may in turn comprise fixed panels and / or sliding panels, each of which may comprise a glass panel. Such a glass panel may comprise a switchable glass window, i.e. switchable glass, which may be switched between a transparent state and an opaque (i.e. light-blocking) state, and / or it may comprise a "light in glass", which means a glass panel: light from a light source may be coupled into and out of the glass panel at a predetermined position to provide a glare or lighting effect depending on the illumination of the light source. Summary of the invention

[0003] Since operation of a roller blind between a closed position and an open position affects the interior lighting of a vehicle, there is a need to further enhance its operation.An object of the present invention is to mitigate the effects of the operation of a roller blind.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by providing a method for controlling lighting according to claim 1 .

[0005] According to one aspect, a method for controlling lighting in a roof and roller blind assembly is provided, the roof and roller blind assembly comprising a roof panel provided with a glass lamp, a roller blind screen movable between a closed position and an open position, and a lamp in a guide. The method comprises activating the lamp in the guide, upon receiving an "open blinds" signal, moving the roller blind screen in a first longitudinal direction to an open position, and adjusting the lighting by reducing the lamp in the guide and increasing the glass lamp when moving the roller blind screen to the open position. The method may further comprise upon receiving a "close blinds" signal, moving the roller blind screen in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction to the closed position, and adjusting the lighting by reducing the glass lamp (12) and increasing the lamp in the guide when moving the roller blind screen to the closed position. Wherein adjusting the lighting comprises gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp in the guide and the glass lamp.

[0006] According to another aspect, wherein the roof panel comprises a movable panel, a method is provided, the method further comprising upon receiving an "open roof" signal, moving the movable roof panel to an open position, and upon moving the movable roof panel to the open position, reducing the glass light. In another aspect, the method may further comprise upon receiving a "close roof" signal, moving the movable roof panel to a closed position, and upon moving the movable roof panel to the closed position, increasing the glass light.

[0007] According to another aspect, a control unit for a roof and roller blind assembly of a vehicle is provided, the control unit being configured to perform the disclosed method.

[0008] According to another aspect, a roof and roller blind assembly for a vehicle is provided, comprising a roof panel provided with a glass lamp, a roller blind screen movable between a closed position and an open position, a lamp in a guide, and a control unit. Wherein the control unit is configured to activate the lamp in the guide, upon receiving an "open blinds" signal, move the roller blind screen in a first longitudinal direction to the open position, and when moving the roller blind screen to the open position, adjust the lighting by reducing the lamp in the guide and increasing the glass lamp. And wherein adjusting the lighting comprises gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp in the guide and the glass lamp.

[0009] According to another aspect, a roof and roller blind assembly is provided, wherein the control unit is further configured to move the roller blind screen in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction to the closed position when a "close blinds" signal is received, and to adjust the lighting by reducing glass lights and increasing lights in the guide when the roller blind screen moves to the closed position.

[0010] According to another aspect, the lights in the roof and guide of the roller blind assembly and the glass lights are powered by the same power source.

[0011] Throughout the specification, a glass roof panel or simply a glass panel is described as being able to contain glass lights (more generally referred to as light arrangements), which may refer to lights in the glass as well as switchable glass windows.

[0012] Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0013] Further objects, aspects, effects and details of specific embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description of multiple exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1A A perspective view showing an example of a vehicle roof having an open roof assembly;

[0016] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A An exploded view of the open roof assembly;

[0017] Figure 2A Shown for use with Figure 1A A perspective view of an example of a rolling blind assembly in a closed position for use with a roof assembly of a vehicle;

[0018] Figure 2B Shown in partially open position Figure 2A Roller shutter components;

[0019] Figure 3 Show Figure 2A A cross section of the roller blind assembly along line AA';

[0020] Figure 4A and 4B An example of a method for operating lighting in a vehicle roof and roller blind assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A flow chart showing lighting control in a roof and roller blind assembly according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 A flow chart showing lighting control in a roof and roller blind assembly with lights in the glass according to the present invention; and

[0023] Figure 7 A flow chart showing lighting control in a vehicle roof and roller blind assembly with switchable glass windows according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1A and 1B A vehicle roof having an open roof assembly 1 arranged therein is shown. The open roof assembly 1 includes a movable panel 2a and a fixed panel 2b. The movable panel 2a is also referred to as a closing member because the movable panel 2a is movable over a first roof opening 3a so as to be able to open and close the first roof opening 3a. A wind deflector 4 is arranged at the front side of the first roof opening 3a.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable panel 2a may be in a closed position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a is arranged above the first roof opening 3a and closes the first roof opening 3a, and is therefore generally arranged in the plane of the roof 1. Further, the movable panel 2a may be in an inclined position, which is a position in which the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a is raised compared to the closed position, while the front end FE of the movable panel 2a is still in the closed position. Further, the movable panel 2a may be in an open position, which is a position in which the movable panel 2a slides open and the first roof opening 3a is partially or completely exposed. In the open position, for example, both the rear end RE and the front end FE may be raised compared to the closed position.

[0026] It should be noted that the roof 1 shown corresponds to a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to passenger cars. Any other kind of vehicle that can be provided with a movable panel is also considered.

[0027] Figure 1B Shown as Figure 1A The same roof with panels 2a and 2b is shown in FIG. In particular, although Figure 1A The open roof assembly 1 is shown in the open position, but Figure 1B FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the open roof assembly 1 in the closed position. Figure 1B In this exploded view of the , the presence of a second roof opening 3b is shown. The first and second roof openings 3a, 3b are provided in a frame 5 of the open roof assembly 1. An edge 5a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening 3a.

[0028] The second roof opening 3b is arranged below the fixed panel 2b so that light can enter the vehicle interior space through the fixed panel 2b, assuming that the fixed panel 2b is a glass panel or a similar transparent panel, for example made of plastic material or any other suitable material. The second roof opening 3b and the transparent or translucent fixed panel 2b are optional and can be omitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly 1.

[0029] The wind deflector 4 is generally a flexible material, such as a woven or nonwoven fabric with through holes arranged therein, or a mesh or net. The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4a (e.g. a rod-like or tubular structure) which is hingedly connected to the frame 5 directly or indirectly at a hinge 4b.

[0030] The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3a and accommodates the airflow when the movable panel 2a is in the open position. In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noise caused by the airflow during driving. When the movable panel 2a is in the closed position or in the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is held downwardly below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a.

[0031] Typically, when the movable panel 2a slides to the open position, the wind deflector 4 is raised by the spring force, and when the movable panel 2a slides back into its closed position, the wind deflector 4 is pushed downward by the movable panel 2a. Figure 1A In FIG. 1 , the movable panel 2a is shown in the open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in the raised position. Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the movable panel 2a is shown in a closed position and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in a position in which it is held downwards.

[0032] Figure 1B Further shown is a drive assembly having a first guide assembly 6a, a second guide assembly 6b, a first drive cable 7 and a second drive cable 8, and a drive motor 9. The first and second guide assemblies 6a, 6b are arranged on the respective side ends SE of the movable panel 2a and can each include a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame 5, and the mechanism includes a movable part and can be slidably moved in the guide. The first and second drive cables 7, 8 are arranged between the mechanism of the respective guide assemblies 6a, 6b and the drive motor 9.

[0033] The drive cables 7, 8 connect the drive motor 9 to the mechanism of the corresponding guide assembly 6a, 6b so that when the drive motor 9 is operated, the mechanism starts to move. In particular, the core of the drive cables 7, 8 is moved by the drive motor 9 to push or pull the mechanism of the corresponding guide 6a, 6b. Such drive assemblies are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. However, any other suitable drive assembly may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to move by raising the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a, so that the movable panel 2a is in a tilted position. Then, from the tilted position, the guide assemblies 6a, 6b can start to slide so that the movable panel 2a is in an open position. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the movable panel 2a can be moved to the tilted position by raising the rear end RE, and the open position is reached by first lowering the rear end RE and then sliding the movable panel 2a under the fixed panel 2b or under any other structure or element arranged behind the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a. In other exemplary embodiments, the movable panel 2a can only be movable between the closed position and the tilted position or between the closed position and the open position.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the drive motor 9 is mounted near or below the front end FE of the movable panel 2a in the closed position at the recess 10. In another embodiment, the drive motor 9 can be positioned at any other suitable position or orientation. For example, the drive motor 9 can be arranged near or below the rear end RE of the movable panel 2a in the closed position or below the fixed panel 2b.

[0036] The control unit 11 is schematically shown and is operatively connected to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 may be any kind of processing unit well known to those skilled in the art: a software controlled processing unit or a dedicated processing unit, such as an ASIC. The control unit 11 may be an independent control unit, or it may be operatively connected to another control unit, such as a multi-purpose universal vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 11 may be embedded in such a universal vehicle control unit or be part of such a universal vehicle control unit. In essence, the control unit 11 may be implemented by any control unit that is suitable, capable and configured to perform the operation of the drive motor 9 and thus the movable roof assembly 1.

[0037] refer to Figure 2A and 2B, shows an example of a roller blind assembly 20, which can be used as a sunshade screen or sunshade blind assembly and can be positioned, for example, below a movable roof panel 2a, or, for example, below both a movable roof panel 2a and a fixed roof panel 2b. In addition, it can be connected to Figure 1B The frame 5 of the roof assembly 1 and it can form an integral part of the roof assembly. Figure 2A and 2B , the roller blind assembly 20 is shown in a closed position and a partially opened position, respectively. The roller blind assembly 20 comprises a roller blind screen 21 and a winding shaft 22, which is rotatable about a stationary rotation axis 23. The roller blind screen 21 extends substantially in a first direction D1 and is connected to the winding shaft 22. In an opposite second direction D2, the roller blind screen is connected to a front beam 24. The roller blind assembly 20 further comprises two roller blind guides 25 arranged in parallel and two slides 26, which are connected to the front beam 24 and are arranged to slide movably along one of the roller blind guides 25, respectively. Together with the slides 26, two opposite longitudinal edges 27 of the roller blind screen 21 are arranged in the guides 25 and are used to move through the roller blind guides 25 in unison with the slides 26. The roller blind guides 25 further support the roller blind screen 21 and keep it in a desired position. When moving from the closed position to the partially or fully open position, the roll-up screen 21 is wound on the winding shaft 22 when rotating in a first direction. The front beam 24 is pulled by a slider 26 that slides along the roller blind guide 25 in the first direction D1. When moving from the partially or fully open position to the closed position, the roll-up screen 21 is unwound from the winding shaft 22 when rotating in a second direction. The front beam 24 is pulled by a slider 26 that slides along the roller blind guide 25 in the second direction D2. To further control the movement of the roll-up screen 21, a drive cable 28 may be connected to the slider 26 for pulling or pushing the front beam 24 in the second direction D2 or the first direction D1. The drive cable 28 may be operated by a drive cable motor similar to the drive cable motor of the roof assembly.

[0038] refer to Figure 3 , showing the roller blind assembly 21 along Figure 2A, wherein the cooperation between one of the roller blind guides 25 and the roller blind screen 21 is shown. The roller blind guide 25 comprises a retaining slot 30 having a narrow entrance opening 31 formed by a lower rib 32 and an upper rib 33. The entrance opening 31 is horizontally directed toward the opposite retaining slot of the other roller blind guide 25. The roller blind screen 21 may have an upward fold 34 extending along the longitudinal edge 27, the fold 34 being surrounded by the retaining slot 30. The roller blind assembly 20 further comprises lights in the guides, which in this embodiment are provided by two light guides 35, each of which supports a light string 36, which is respectively arranged adjacent to one of the roller blind guides 25 and extends parallel thereto. In some embodiments, the light guide 35 may be formed as an integral part of one of the respective roller blind guides 25. The light string 36 may be a transparent fiber having a light source coupled at one of its outer ends for coupling light into the light string 36. In other embodiments, the light string 36 may consist of a plurality of LEDs carried on a plastic strip, for example. Thus, adjacent to either longitudinal side 27 of the roll-up screen 21 , a light string 36 is arranged.

[0039] Additionally, depending on the type of roof panel, the roof assembly may also include glass lighting functionality in addition to the lights in the guide provided by the light strip 36 in the light guide 35. For example, referring to Figure 1B , at least one of the roof panels 2a, 2b may be provided with a glass lamp 12. For example, referring to Figure 1B At least one of the roof panels 2a, 2b may be provided with Figure 1B . In one embodiment, the glass lamp 12 may include a Light in Glass panel, wherein light is coupled into the glass panel near at least one side edge of the panel and coupled out at predetermined points distributed over an area of ​​the panel. In another embodiment, the glass lighting function may include a switchable glass window, which means that the roof panel includes glass with changeable transparency, which allows light to pass through when activated (i.e., in an open state) and blocks light when deactivated (i.e., in a closed state). Such a switchable glass window may include, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal PDLC glass panel that can be switched between a transparent and an opaque state.

[0040] As described above, at least one of the roof panels 2a, 2b can be provided with a glass lamp 12, which is a lamp in the glass or a switchable glass window. In addition, the two panels 2a, 2b can be provided with different types of glass lamps. For example, the front movable panel 2a can include a lamp in the glass, and the rear fixed panel 2b can include a switchable glass window. Or vice versa. In order to operate the glass lamp 12, the control unit 11 can be configured to activate and deactivate the glass lamp 12. As in Figure 3 As seen in FIG. 1 , the control unit 11 can be used to activate and deactivate the lights 36 in the guide.

[0041] refer to Figure 4A , an example of a method for controlling the lighting of a roof and roller blind assembly is shown. The exemplary method will be described with reference to the example of a roof and roller blind assembly of FIGS. 1-3 . As disclosed, such a roof and roller blind assembly comprises at least one roof panel 2a, 2b provided with a glass light 12, a roller blind screen 21 movable between a closed position and an open position, and a light 36 in a guide.

[0042] When the driver enters or prepares to enter the vehicle, for example when approaching the vehicle or remotely unlocking the vehicle, the vehicle and the corresponding electronic equipment and interior lighting are activated. Likewise, the light 36 in the guide is activated 401. Depending on the circumstances, the driver may choose to open the roller shutter and press a button, indicate by voice command or other user interface provided by the vehicle. Upon receiving the "open shutter" signal, the method is performed by moving the roller screen 21 in the first longitudinal direction D1 to the open position 402. This can be followed by a lighting adjustment 403, for example in response with a predetermined delay, or this can be performed simultaneously with the lighting adjustment 403, so that when the roller screen 21 is moved to the open position, the lighting can be adjusted 403 by reducing the light 36 in the guide and increasing the glass light 12.

[0043] Thus, when inverted, when the driver or passenger decides to close the roller shutter, the following actions are performed. Upon receiving the "close the shutter" signal, the roller screen 21 is moved 404 in a second longitudinal direction D2, opposite to the first longitudinal direction D1, to a closed position. And while moving the roller screen 21 to the closed position, the lighting is adjusted 405 by reducing the glass lights 12 and increasing the lights 36 in the guide. Again, the latter action can be performed simultaneously with a predetermined delay or in response to the movement of the roller screen 21. Adjusting the lighting 403, 405, whether adjusting the lights when opening the roller shutter or when closing the roller shutter, involves gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lights 36 in the guide and the glass lights 12.

[0044] refer to Figure 4B, another detailed method regarding a roof and roller blind assembly is shown, wherein the roof panel includes a movable panel 2a. In a vehicle equipped with such a roof and roller blind assembly, the driver or passenger may choose to open the roof and command the movable roof panel 2a to move to a partially or fully open position. The method includes moving the movable roof panel 2a to the open position upon receiving an "open roof" signal. And while moving the movable roof panel (2a) to the open position, reducing the glass light (12). As with the above-mentioned actions, this may be performed, for example, in response to a predetermined delay after the movement of the movable roof panel 2a, or simultaneously with the movement of the movable roof panel 2a.

[0045] Thus, when inverted, when the driver or passenger decides to close the roof panel, the following actions are performed. Upon receiving the "close roof" signal, the movable roof panel 2a is moved to the closed position. And upon moving the movable roof panel 2a to the closed position, the glass light 12 is added. Again, the latter action can be performed simultaneously with a predetermined delay or in response to the movement of the movable roof panel 2a.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 , showing that it corresponds to Figure 4A Example of a flow chart of the described method. The interior lighting of a locked or unoccupied vehicle (e.g. when parked) in which the interior lights are turned off is considered to be in a dark state 500. When the driver enters the vehicle or remotely unlocks the car, the general interior lighting can be switched on. In response to this, or at the same time, it can be determined that the lighting of the roof and roller blind assembly will be activated 501 and the lights in the guide will be turned on 502. Therefore, the lighting is considered to be in a dim state 503. While in the dim state, it is determined that a command for opening 506 the sun blinds of the roof and roller blind assembly has been issued, the roller screen 21 will be opened 507, the glass lights 12 will be turned on 508 and the lights in the guide will be turned off 509. Therefore, the vehicle or at least its interior lighting is considered to be in an illuminated state 510. When in the illuminated state 510 , it is determined that a command to close 511 the sunblind has been issued, the roller screen will be closed 512 , the glass light will be turned off and the light in the guide will be switched on 514 , returning the interior lighting device to the dimmed state 503 .

[0047] When switching from the dimmed state 503 to the illuminated state 510, or vice versa, the turning on of one light device and the turning off of the other light device are performed gradually. Such a gradual turning off may include reducing the amount of light in the first longitudinal direction D1, while the gradual turning on may include expanding the amount of light in the second longitudinal direction D2. Thus, the distance at which the light is activated is reduced or correspondingly increased. This may further include reducing or correspondingly increasing the amount of light in terms of intensity.

[0048] For example, if the light in the guide is implemented using a strip containing a plurality of LEDs, which are arranged longitudinally along the strip, the number of activated LEDs is increased or decreased in the direction of travel. Thus, for the passenger it appears that the light is expanding longitudinally along the light in the guide, or vice versa, diminishing in the longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, in which the light in the guide is implemented as a glass fiber, the amount of light coupled in at one end is slowly increased or decreased, respectively, to produce the effect that the light is expanding or diminishing along the guide rail.

[0049] Similarly, when the glass light is implemented as a switchable glass window with multiple segments, where the segments are arranged close to each other along the length of the vehicle, the segments can be activated continuously as in the example of LEDs of LED strips, thereby activating the transparency of the glass segments in such a case. Alternatively, in another embodiment, where the glass light is implemented as a light in the glass, the position and amount of the activated light can be controlled so that it appears that the light flows from one edge of the glass panel to the opposite other edge. Vice versa, the deactivation of the light in the glass can be controlled to provide a similar flow effect perceived due to the attenuation of the light.

[0050] Thus, the lighting arrangement of the roof and the roller blind of the roof and roller blind assembly can be controlled so that the light emitted from the lighting arrangement transitions smoothly. Preferably, this allows the total amount of light emitted to remain constant when one light arrangement reduces the light it emits and another light arrangement increases the light it emits.

[0051] refer to Figure 6 and 7 , showing that it corresponds to Figure 4B An example of a flow chart of the described method. Figure 6 A roof and roller blind assembly having a movable roof panel and a glass light implemented by a light in the glass, and Figure 7 A vehicle roof and roller blind assembly having a movable roof panel and a glass light implemented by a switchable glass window. Figure 6 , from the above about Figure 5 The illustrated illuminated state 510 begins, and upon determining 615 that a command to open the movable roof panel 2a is issued, the movable roof panel is opened 616 and the lights in the glass are turned off 617. The roof and roller blind assembly now provides an open state 618, in which the roller blind screen 21 and the movable roof panel 2a are both in the open position, and all light devices are turned off. The roller blind and the roof can each be partially or fully opened.

[0052] When it is determined 619 that a command for closing the movable roof panel 2a is issued, the movable roof panel is moved 620 toward the closed position and the light in the glass is turned on 621. Thus, the roof and roller blind assembly returns to the illuminated state 510.

[0053] refer to Figure 7 , from the above about Figure 5 The illustrated illuminated state 510 begins, and upon determining 715 that a command for opening the movable roof panel 2a is issued, the movable roof panel is opened 716, and the transparency of the switchable glass window is disabled 717. The roof and roller blind assembly now again provides an open state 718, in which the roller blind screen 21 and the movable roof panel 2a are both in the open position, and all light devices are turned off. The roller blind and the roof can each be partially or fully opened.

[0054] When it is determined 719 that a command for closing the movable roof panel 2a is issued, the movable roof panel is moved toward the closed position 720, and the transparency of the switchable glass window is opened 721. Thus, the roof and roller blind assembly returns to the illuminated state 510.

[0055] As will be understood from the example flow chart, in relation to Figure 4A and 4B In the described method, reducing or increasing the lights 36 in the guide may include respectively reducing the amount of lights in the first longitudinal direction D1 or expanding the amount of lights in the second longitudinal direction D2. Similarly, increasing or reducing the glass lights 12 may further include respectively expanding the amount of lights in the second direction D2 or reducing the amount of lights in the first longitudinal direction D1. In particular, when the glass lights 12 include lights in the glass, increasing or reducing the glass lights 12 includes respectively increasing or reducing the amount of light coupled into the roof panel. And when the glass lights 12 include switchable glass window panels provided with one or more activatable segments, increasing or reducing the glass lights 12 may include respectively increasing or reducing the number of activated segments. That is, increasing or reducing the number of segments that are activated (ie, turned on) and thus provide transparency for illuminating the interior. The more segments there are, the smoother the adjustment of the interior lighting can be. In another embodiment, where the roof panel includes a movable panel and a fixed panel, the activation of the segments can still be operated to produce a lighting flow similar to a single panel including a switchable glass window or lights in the glass.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the lamp in the guide and the glass lamp are connected to the same power source or power supply, which allows for a smooth transfer of power from one lamp device to the other lamp device and vice versa. Thus, gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp in the guide 36 and the glass lamp 12 can include transferring power from the lamp in the guide 36 to the glass lamp 12 or from the glass lamp 12 to the lamp in the guide 36. Furthermore, the transfer of power can include controlling the power supply to gradually change the amount of power supplied to the lamp in the guide 36 and the glass lamp 12.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms set forth herein. On the contrary, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, and within the scope of these appended claims, other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described above are also possible.

[0058] In addition, although exemplary embodiments have been described above in some exemplary combinations of components and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may be provided by different combinations of components and / or functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that specific features described separately or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other separately described features or parts of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for controlling lighting in a roof and roller blind assembly, the roof and roller blind assembly comprising a roof panel (2a, 2b) provided with a glass light (12), a roller blind screen (21) movable between a closed position and an open position, and a light (36) in a guide, the method comprising: activating (401) a light (36) in the guide; When an "open blinds" signal is received, the rolling screen (21) is moved (402) in a first longitudinal direction (D1) to the open position; When the rolling screen (21) is moved to the open position, the lighting (403) is adjusted by reducing the lights (36) in the guide and increasing the glass lights (12); Wherein adjusting the lighting includes gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When a "close the blinds" signal is received, the rolling screen (21) is moved (404) in a second longitudinal direction (D2) opposite to the first longitudinal direction to the closed position; as well as When the rolling screen (21) is moved to the closed position, the lighting (405) is adjusted by reducing the glass lights (12) and increasing the lights (36) in the guide.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Reducing or increasing the lights (36) in the guide includes attenuating the amount of light in the first longitudinal direction (D1) or expanding the amount of light in the second longitudinal direction (D2), respectively.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Increasing or decreasing the glass lamp (12) includes respectively expanding the amount of light in the second direction (D2) or reducing the amount of light in the first longitudinal direction (D1).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The glass lamp (12) comprises a lamp in glass; and Wherein increasing or decreasing the glass light (12) comprises increasing or decreasing, respectively, the amount of light coupled into the roof panel.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The glazing (12) comprises a switchable glazing panel provided with one or more activatable segments; and Increasing or decreasing the glass lamp (12) comprises increasing or decreasing the number of activated segments, respectively.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The roof panel (2a, 2b) comprises a movable panel (2a), and the method further comprises: When an "open roof" signal is received, the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to an open position; When the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to the open position, the glass light (12) is reduced.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The roof panel (2a, 2b) comprises a movable panel (2a), and the method further comprises: When a "close roof" signal is received, the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to a closed position; The glass lamp (12) is added when the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to the closed position.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12) includes: Power is transferred from the lamp (36) in the guide to the glass lamp (12) or from the glass lamp (12) to the lamp (36) in the guide.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Transferring the power includes controlling a power supply device to gradually change the amount of power supplied to the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12).

11. A control unit for a roof and roller blind assembly of a vehicle, the control unit being configured for carrying out the method according to any of the preceding claims.

12. A roof and roller blind assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A roof panel (2a, 2b) provided with a glass lamp (12); A rolling screen (21) movable between a closed position and an open position; a light (36) in the guide; as well as A control unit (11), which is configured to: activating a light (36) in the guide; When receiving an "open blinds" signal, the rolling screen (21) moves in a first longitudinal direction (D1) to the open position; When the rolling screen (21) moves to the open position, the lighting is adjusted by reducing the lights (36) in the guide and increasing the glass lights (12); and Wherein adjusting the lighting includes gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12).

13. A roof and roller blind assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A roof panel (2a, 2b) provided with a glass lamp (12); A rolling screen (21) movable between a closed position and an open position; a light (36) in the guide; as well as A control unit (11), which is configured to: When a "close the blinds" signal is received, the rolling screen (21) is moved in a second longitudinal direction (D2) opposite to the first longitudinal direction to the closed position; When the rolling screen (21) is moved to the closed position, the lighting is adjusted by reducing the glass lamp (12) and increasing the lamp (36) in the guide; and Wherein adjusting the lighting includes gradually changing the amount of light emitted by the lamp (36) in the guide and the glass lamp (12).

14. A roof and roller blind assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The roof panel comprises a movable panel (2a) movable between a closed position and an open position; and The control unit is further configured as follows: When an "open roof" signal is received, the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to the open position; When the movable roof panel (2a) moves to the open position, the glass light (12) is reduced.

15. A roof and roller blind assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The roof panel comprises a movable panel (2a) movable between a closed position and an open position; and The control unit is further configured as follows: When a "close roof" signal is received, the movable roof panel (2a) is moved to the closed position; When the movable roof panel (2a) moves to the closed position, the glass lamp (12) is added.

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