Vehicle interior lighting device

Abstract

The present disclosure improves appearance while suppressing an increase in cost. In a vehicle interior lighting device, a first interior LED and a second interior LED are housed in a housing. A panel of the housing is provided with an interior lighting unit, and light irradiated from the first interior LED and the second interior LED passes through the interior lighting unit to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. Here, the panel is provided with a decorative lighting part having a decorative light-transmitting part through which light can pass, the light from the first inner chamber LED is guided to the back side of the decorative lighting part by a first lens housed in the housing, and the light from the second inner chamber LED is guided to the back side of the decorative lighting part by a second lens housed in the housing. As a result, it is possible to illuminate the decorative illumination unit and decorate the vehicle interior illumination device by using the first interior LED and the second interior LED for illuminating the interior of the vehicle cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle interior lighting device. Background Art

[0002] The overhead console (referred to as OH console) described in the following patent document 1 is provided at the center of the front end of the roof of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The OH console has a spotlight, a switch, a small item storage portion, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. When the passenger operates the switch, the spotlight is used to illuminate the interior of the vehicle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-201221

[0006] Here, in the vehicle interior lighting device such as the above-mentioned OH console, in addition to the lighting portion for lighting the interior of the vehicle, a decorated lighting portion (hereinafter referred to as the decorative lighting portion) is provided, thereby, for example, improving the appearance of the vehicle interior lighting device. However, if a light source for lighting the decorative lighting portion is provided separately, the cost of the vehicle interior lighting device may increase. Therefore, in the vehicle interior lighting device, it is ideal to have a structure that suppresses the cost increase while improving the appearance. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a vehicle interior lighting device capable of improving the appearance while suppressing cost increase.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a vehicle interior lighting device, comprising: a first light source for irradiating light toward the inside of a vehicle compartment; a second light source for irradiating light toward the inside of the vehicle compartment; a housing configured to include an interior lighting portion and a decorative lighting portion, wherein the interior lighting portion accommodates the first light source and the second light source, and light irradiated from the first light source and the second light source passes through the interior lighting portion to illuminate the inside of the vehicle compartment, and the decorative lighting portion has a light-transmitting portion that can transmit light; a first lens accommodated in the housing to guide light irradiated from the first light source toward the back side of the decorative lighting portion; and a second lens accommodated in the housing to guide light irradiated from the second light source toward the back side of the decorative lighting portion.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve the appearance while suppressing cost increase. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1This is a rear view showing the interior of a vehicle cabin to which the vehicle interior lighting device according to the present embodiment is applied, when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The vehicle interior lighting device is shown in a bottom view when viewed from the lower side of the vehicle.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The vehicle interior lighting device shown is a perspective view when viewed from the right rear oblique side of the vehicle.

[0014] Figure 4 is from Figure 3 The vehicle interior lighting device shown is an exploded perspective view with the lower case and the panel removed.

[0015] Figure 5 is from Figure 3 The lower housing shown is an exploded perspective view with the panel removed.

[0016] Figure 6 Yes Figure 4 The bottom view when viewed from the bottom side of the vehicle is used to illustrate the positional relationship between the first lens, the second lens, and the substrate.

[0017] Figure 7 Yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the interior of the vehicle interior lighting device as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle ( Figure 2 7-7 line section view).

[0018] Figure 8 Yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the interior of the vehicle interior lighting device as viewed from the right side of the vehicle ( Figure 2 8-8 line cross-sectional view).

[0019] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the interior of the vehicle interior lighting device as viewed from the right side of the vehicle ( Figure 2 9-9 line cross-sectional view).

[0020] Fig.10 Among them, (A) is an overhead view schematically showing the decorative lighting portion of the vehicle interior lighting device in the downward lighting state, (B) is an overhead view schematically showing the decorative lighting portion of the vehicle interior lighting device in the spotlight lighting state, and (C) is an overhead view schematically showing the decorative lighting portion of the vehicle interior lighting device in the vehicle interior lighting state.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 1: vehicle interior lighting device; 20: housing; 30C: decorative lighting unit; 30C1: first decorative lighting unit; 30C2: second decorative lighting unit; 32: interior lighting unit; 40: radio wave sensor; 50: substrate; 51: control unit; 53: first interior LED (first light source); 54: second interior LED (second light source); 60: first lens; 70: second lens; CA: vehicle compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the vehicle interior lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is provided as a device for lighting the interior of a vehicle (car) V. It should be noted that arrows UP, FR, and RH appropriately shown in the drawings represent the vehicle upper side, the vehicle front side, and the vehicle right side (one side in the vehicle width direction) of the vehicle V, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions are used for description, the vehicle up-down direction, the vehicle front-back direction, and the vehicle left-right direction are represented.

[0024] like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is formed as a whole in a substantially rectangular flat shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction and the horizontal direction as the length direction. The vehicle interior lighting device 1 is provided in the left-right center portion of the front end side portion of the ceiling RF of the vehicle compartment CA (see Figure 1 ), the panel 30 described later is exposed from the ceiling RF to the vehicle compartment CA side. The vehicle interior lighting device 1 is provided to include a frame 10, a housing 20, a substrate 50, a first lens 60, and a second lens 70. The following describes each structure of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.

[0025] (About Framework 10)

[0026] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown, the frame 10 constitutes the skeleton of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the bottom side (inside the vehicle compartment CA). Fixing claws 10A are respectively provided at both ends of the frame 10 in the left-right direction, and the fixing claws 10A are locked to the ceiling RF of the vehicle compartment CA, thereby fixing the vehicle interior lighting device 1 to the ceiling RF.

[0027] A lens housing 10B for housing a first lens 60 and a second lens 70 described later is provided at the rear of the frame 10. The lens housing 10B is formed in a substantially U-shaped cylindrical shape that is open to the front side when viewed from the bottom. A pair of left and right first barrels 10C (see FIG. 1 ) are formed at the outer ends in the left and right directions in the middle of the frame 10 in the front-back direction. Figure 7), the first barrel portion 10C is formed into a roughly rectangular barrel shape with the up-down direction as the axial direction. The inner circumferential surface of the lower portion of the first barrel portion 10C is inclined inwardly as it approaches the upper side, and a step portion protruding inwardly of the first barrel portion 10C is formed at the boundary between the upper and lower portions of the first barrel portion 10C. In addition, the inclination angle of the outer side surface in the left-right direction of the inner circumferential surface of the lower portion of the first barrel portion 10C is set to be larger than the inclination angle of other surfaces. A pair of left and right second barrel portions 10D (refer to Figure 7 ). The second barrel 10D is arranged on the inner side of the first barrel 10C in the left-right direction, and is formed into a substantially bottomed rectangular barrel shape that is open to the upper side. A rectangular light-transmitting hole 10E is formed through the lower wall of the second barrel 10D. The first barrel 10C and the second barrel 10D are arranged on the front side of the outer end of the lens receiving part 10B in the left-right direction, and the first barrel 10C and the second barrel 10D are connected to the lens receiving part 10B.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, a central light guide lens 11 is provided in the middle of the front-to-back direction of the frame 10 and in the center of the left-to-right direction. The central light guide lens 11 is formed into a roughly rectangular plate shape with the up-down direction as the plate thickness direction and the front-to-back direction as the length direction, and the front end of the central light guide lens 11 is bent upward. In the middle of the front-to-back direction of the frame 10, a pair of front and rear side light guide lenses 12 are provided on the outer sides of the central light guide lens 11 in the left-to-right direction. That is, four side light guide lenses 12 are provided in the frame 10. The side light guide lenses 12 are formed into a roughly rectangular block shape. The central light guide lens 11 and the side light guide lenses 12 are formed of a material that can transmit light.

[0029] The indicator lens group 13 is provided at the front end portion of the frame 10. The indicator lens group 13 is composed of a plurality of indicator light guide lenses 14, and the indicator light guide lenses 14 are formed of a material that can transmit light.

[0030] (About the housing 20)

[0031] like Figure 2 to Figure 9 As shown, the housing 20 constitutes the outer contour of the vehicle interior lighting device 1. The housing 20 has a housing body 21 and a panel 30. The housing body 21 is described below, and the panel 30 will be described later. The housing body 21 is composed of a housing member divided into two parts, one above and one below. Specifically, the housing body 21 is configured to include: an upper housing member 22, which constitutes the upper part of the housing body 21; and a lower housing member 23, which constitutes the lower part of the housing 20.

[0032] The upper housing member 22 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open to the bottom, and is assembled to the outer periphery of the frame 10 by claw fitting, covering the frame 10 from the top. A sensor housing portion 22A that bulges downward is formed at the rear of the upper housing member 22. The sensor housing portion 22A is formed in a shape corresponding to the lens housing portion 10B of the frame 10 when viewed from the bottom, and is formed in a concave shape that is open to the top, and is embedded in the lens housing portion 10B.

[0033] The electric wave sensor 40 is accommodated in the left-right center portion of the sensor accommodation portion 22A (see Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 ). The radio wave sensor 40 is a sensor that utilizes radio waves such as ultrasonic waves, millimeter waves, infrared rays, and visible light, and is electrically connected to the control unit 51 described later. In addition, the radio wave sensor 40 is configured as a sensor for detecting the boarding of a passenger into the carriage CA. Specifically, the radio wave sensor 40 has a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, and transmits radio waves from the transmitting unit toward the carriage CA, and receives the reflected waves of the radio waves sent from the transmitting unit through the receiving unit. In addition, the control unit 51 determines whether the passenger has boarded the carriage CA based on the waveform of the reflected wave. In addition, the radio wave sensor 40 can be used for devices with various functions mounted on the vehicle, such as an anti-theft device for detecting illegal entry into the carriage and a forgotten detection device for detecting a child forgotten in the carriage.

[0034] The lower shell member 23 is formed into a rectangular box shape with a relatively shallow bottom that is open to the upper side, and is assembled to the outer periphery of the frame 10 by claw engagement, covering the frame 10 from the lower side. The lower shell member 23 is made of a resin material that does not transmit light. In the lower shell member 23, a first light-transmitting portion 23A on the shell side is provided at a position corresponding to the lens accommodation portion 10B of the frame 10, and the first light-transmitting portion 23A on the shell side is formed into a shape corresponding to the lens accommodation portion 10B when viewed from the lower side. In the lower shell member 23, a shell side recessed portion 23B is formed on the lower side of the central light-guiding lens 11 of the frame 10. The shell side recessed portion 23B is formed into a concave shape that bulges to the upper side and is open to the lower side, and extends in the front-to-back direction. A second light-transmitting portion 23C on the shell side is provided in the shell side recessed portion 23B, and the second light-transmitting portion 23C on the shell side is formed into a roughly rectangular shape with the front-to-back direction as the length direction. The lower shell member 23 is provided with a third light-transmitting portion 23D on the shell side at a position corresponding to the side light-guiding lens 12 of the frame 10, and the third light-transmitting portion 23D on the shell side is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the lower side. The lower shell member 23 is provided with a fourth light-transmitting portion 23E on the shell side at a position corresponding to the indicator light-guiding lens 14 of the frame 10, and the fourth light-transmitting portion 23E on the shell side is formed in a shape corresponding to the indicator light-guiding lens 14 when viewed from the lower side. The first light-transmitting portion 23A on the shell side, the second light-transmitting portion 23C on the shell side, the third light-transmitting portion 23D on the shell side, and the fourth light-transmitting portion 23E on the shell side are formed of a resin material that can transmit light, and these light-transmitting portions are integrally formed with the lower shell member 23 by a method such as two-color molding.

[0035] A housing side raised portion 23F that is raised downward is formed at the front end portion of the lower housing member 23, and the housing side raised portion 23F extends in the left-right direction. The housing side raised portion 23F is formed in a roughly V-shape that is open to the upper side when viewed from the left-right direction, and the aforementioned housing side fourth light-transmitting portion 23E is formed on the rear wall and the lower end portion of the housing side raised portion 23F. In the middle portion in the front-to-back direction of the lower housing member 23, a pair of left and right housing side openings 23G are formed through the outer portion in the left-to-right direction. The housing side openings 23G are formed in a roughly rectangular shape with the left-to-right direction as the length direction. In addition, the size of the housing side openings 23G is set so that the first barrel portion 10C and the second barrel portion 10D of the frame 10 are located inside the housing side openings 23G when viewed from the bottom.

[0036] (Regarding the substrate 50)

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 to Figure 9 As shown, the substrate 50 is formed into a substantially rectangular plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction and the left-right direction as the length direction. The substrate 50 is arranged on the upper side of the front portion of the frame 10, and is clamped in the vertical direction by the frame 10 and the upper housing member 22, and is fixed by screws SC (see Figure 8) is fastened to the frame 10 together with the upper housing member 22. Specifically, the substrate 50 is arranged on the front side of the lens housing 10B. Thus, it is set so that the radio wave sensor 40 and the substrate 50 do not overlap when viewed from the bottom. A control unit 51 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 50 (see Figure 7 A connector 52 is provided at the right end portion of the upper surface of the substrate 50, and the connector 52 is electrically connected to the control unit 51. A connector (not shown) on the vehicle side is inserted into the connector 52, and power is supplied to the substrate 50.

[0038] A pair of first interior LEDs 53 as first light sources are provided at the rear end of the lower surface of the substrate 50 at the outer ends in the left-right direction. The first interior LEDs 53 are located in the first cylinder 10C of the frame 10 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. Figure 7 ), and irradiates the emitted light downward. A pair of second interior LEDs 54 as second light sources are provided at the rear end of the lower surface of the substrate 50. The second interior LEDs 54 are located in the second cylinder 10D of the frame 10 at positions opposite to the light transmission hole 10E when viewed from the bottom (see Figure 7 ), irradiating the emitted light downward.

[0039] A pair of left and right center button LEDs 55 are provided on the lower surface of the substrate 50. The center button LEDs 55 are located above the front end of the center light guide lens 11. The center button LEDs 55 radiate the light emitted downward, and the light incident on the front end of the center light guide lens 11 is guided to the rear side in the center light guide lens 11. On the lower surface of the substrate 50, side button LEDs 56 are provided on the upper sides of the side light guide lenses 12. The side button LEDs 56 radiate the light emitted downward, and the light is guided to the lower surface of the side light guide lens 12 through the side light guide lens 12. On the lower surface of the substrate 50, a plurality of indicator LEDs 57 are provided on the upper side of the indicator light guide lens 14. The indicator LEDs 57 radiate the light emitted downward, and the light is guided to the lower surface of the indicator light guide lens 14 through the indicator light guide lens 14. It should be noted that these LEDs are electrically connected to the control unit 51 and are turned on or off by the control of the control unit 51.

[0040] (About panel 30)

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 9As shown, the panel 30 is formed into a roughly rectangular sheet with the thickness direction in the up-down direction and the length direction in the left-right direction. The panel 30 is formed integrally with the lower shell member 23 in a manner that covers the lower surface and the side of the lower shell member 23. That is, a panel side raised portion 30A corresponding to the shell side raised portion 23F of the lower shell member 23 is formed at the front end of the panel 30. The panel side raised portion 30A is formed into a roughly V-shaped shape open to the upper side when viewed from the left-right direction. In addition, a panel side recessed portion 30B corresponding to the shell side recessed portion 23B of the lower shell member 23 is formed in the central portion of the panel 30 in the left-right direction. The panel side recessed portion 30B is formed into a concave shape that is raised to the upper side and open to the lower side, and extends in the front-back direction. The panel 30 is formed of a material that can transmit light, and a light-shielding coating is applied on the upper surface of the panel 30. As a result, the panel 30 is set to be light-proof.

[0042] At the rear of the panel 30, a decorative lighting portion 30C is provided at a position opposite to the first light-transmitting portion 23A on the shell side of the lower shell member 23, and the decorative lighting portion 30C is formed into a shape corresponding to the first light-transmitting portion 23A on the shell side when viewed from the bottom. That is, the decorative lighting portion 30C extends in the left-right direction, is arranged on the lower side of the electric wave sensor 40, and covers the electric wave sensor 40 from the bottom. The decorative lighting portion 30C has a plurality of decorative light-transmitting portions 30D as light-transmitting portions, and a predetermined pattern is formed in the decorative lighting portion 30C by the plurality of decorative light-transmitting portions 30D. Specifically, the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D is not coated with a light-shielding coating, and the light irradiated from the first lens 60 and the second lens 70 described later passes through the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D, thereby forming a structure in which the decorative lighting portion 30C is illuminated as a predetermined pattern. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, for convenience, only a specific decorative light-transmitting portion 30D is marked with a reference numeral. In addition, the outer portion of the decorative lighting portion 30C in the left-right direction is set as the first decorative lighting portion 30C1, and the middle portion of the decorative lighting portion 30C in the left-right direction is set as the second decorative lighting portion 30C2. The first decorative lighting portion 30C1 and the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 are arranged continuously in the left-right direction (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0043] The portion of the panel side recessed portion 30B of the panel 30 located below the second light-transmitting portion 23C on the shell side of the lower shell member 23 is set as the center touch button portion 30E. The center touch button portion 30E is set as an operating portion for operating a skylight (not shown) provided on the ceiling RF. In addition, the portion of the panel 30 located below the third light-transmitting portion 23D on the shell side of the lower shell member 23 is set as the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4. The side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4 are set as operating portions used when turning on or off the first interior room LED 53 and the second interior room LED 54. A display portion not shown in the figure is formed in the center touch button portion 30E and the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4, and text, graphics, signs, marks, etc. are applied on the display portion. The display portion is provided in the same manner as the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D. That is, the display portion is not coated with a light-shielding coating, and light irradiated downward from the second light-transmitting portion 23C on the housing side and the third light-transmitting portion 23D on the housing side passes through the display portion, thereby illuminating the display portion.

[0044] It should be noted that, on the upper side of the lower housing member 23, detection electrodes (not shown) are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the center touch button portion 30E and the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4. Each detection electrode is connected to the substrate 50 and electrically connected to the control unit 51. Moreover, the detection electrodes detect that the passenger's finger has contacted (approached) the center touch button portion 30E and the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4. Specifically, when the passenger's finger contacts the center touch button portion 30E (side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4), the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode and the passenger's finger increases, and the control unit 51 detects the contact of the passenger's finger to the center touch button portion 30E (side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4) based on the output from the detection electrode. Thus, the center touch button portion 30E and the detection electrode constitute a touch switch, and the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4 and the detection electrode constitute a touch switch.

[0045] The portion of the panel 30 located below the fourth light-transmitting portion 23E on the shell side of the lower shell member 23 is set as the indicator portion 30G. A display portion (not shown) is formed in the indicator portion 30G, and characters, graphics, signs, marks, etc. are applied to the display portion. The display portion is provided in the same manner as the center touch button portion 30E and the side touch button portions 30F1 to 30F4. That is, the display portion is not coated with a light-shielding coating, and the light irradiated from the fourth light-transmitting portion 23E on the shell side to the lower side passes through the display portion, thereby forming a structure for illuminating the display portion in the indicator portion 30G.

[0046] The panel 30 has an opening cover portion 30H formed at a position corresponding to the housing side opening portion 23G of the lower housing member 23 (see Figure 7The opening cover 30H is formed in a frame shape when viewed from the bottom side so as to cover the inner peripheral surface of the housing side opening 23G, and is formed in a substantially crank shape when viewed from the circumference of the housing side opening 23G. Thus, a panel side opening 30J formed by the opening cover 30H is formed through the panel 30 in the up-down direction, and the first cylinder 10C and the second cylinder 10D of the frame 10 are located in the panel side opening 30J when viewed from the bottom side.

[0047] A pair of left and right interior lighting units 32 are provided in the opening cover 30H of the panel 30. The interior lighting units 32 are formed into a substantially rectangular sheet with the vertical direction as the thickness direction and are formed of a material that can transmit light. The interior lighting units 32 are disposed adjacent to the lower sides of the first and second cylindrical portions 10C, 10D of the frame 10.

[0048] (Regarding the First Lens 60)

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 to Figure 9 As shown, the first lens 60 is made of a material that can transmit light. The first lens 60 has a first lens body 60A, which is formed into a roughly long strip plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction and extending in the left-right direction. Specifically, the first lens body 60A is formed into a roughly U-shaped shape open to the front side when viewed from the bottom in a manner that blocks the lens accommodating portion 10B of the frame 10, and is accommodated in the lens accommodating portion 10B. A connecting portion 60B is formed at the front end of the left-right two end portions of the first lens 60, and the connecting portion 60B is bent obliquely upward and forward.

[0050] A lens base 60C is provided at the front side of both ends of the first lens body 60A in the left and right directions. The lens base 60C is formed into a substantially bottomed rectangular cylinder open to the upper side, and is arranged in the upper part of the first barrel 10C of the frame 10. The lens base 60C is arranged at a position higher than the first lens body 60A, and the connecting portion 60B of the first lens body 60A is connected to the lower end of the lens base 60C. In addition, the lens base 60C is clamped by the first barrel 10C and the substrate 50 from top to bottom, and the first inner room LED 53 is located in the opening of the lens base 60C.

[0051] A light incident portion 60D is provided inside the lens base 60C (see Figure 7 The light-entering portion 60D is formed in a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape and protrudes upward from the lower wall of the lens base 60C. The top surface of the light-entering portion 60D is formed along a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. A recessed portion 60E open to the upper side is formed on the top surface of the light-entering portion 60D (see Figure 7), the inner peripheral surface of the recess 60E is inclined inward as it goes downward. Moreover, the first inner room LED 53 is located in the recess 60E when viewed from the bottom. A convex curved surface 60F is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 60E (refer to Figure 7 ), the convex surface 60F is arranged at a position offset to the left and right outer side of the first interior LED 53 when viewed from the rear side. The convex surface 60F is formed into a substantially arc shape convex to the first interior LED 53 side when viewed from the rear side. As a result, the light irradiated from the first interior LED 53 to the lower side is guided to the left and right outer side through the light input portion 60D, passes through the interior lighting portion 32 of the panel 30, and is mainly directed to the vehicle seat SE of the vehicle V located to the left and right outer side of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 (refer to Figure 1 ) for lighting.

[0052] Furthermore, when the first interior room LED 53 is turned on, the light incident on the light incident portion 60D is guided to the first lens body 60A through the connecting portion 60B, and the light guided to the first lens body 60A mainly illuminates the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 of the decorative lighting portion 30C in the panel 30 from the upper side. That is, the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is illuminated by the light from the first lens body 60A, and the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is illuminated in a predetermined pattern.

[0053] (Regarding the Second Lens 70)

[0054] The second lens 70 is made of a material that can transmit light, similarly to the first lens 60. The second lens 70 has a second lens body 70A, which is formed into a substantially long plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the up-down direction and extending in the left-right direction. Specifically, the second lens body 70A is formed into a substantially U-shaped shape open to the front side when viewed from the bottom in a manner that blocks the lens accommodation portion 10B of the frame 10, similarly to the first lens body 60A, and is accommodated in the lens accommodation portion 10B at the lower side of the first lens body 60A.

[0055] The second lens 70 has a second lens light guide portion 70B, which is formed in a substantially long round rod shape and is bent into a substantially U-shape open to the front side when viewed from the bottom. Moreover, the rear end portion of the middle portion in the left-right direction of the second lens 70 is bent upward and connected to the middle portion in the length direction of the second lens light guide portion 70B. Both ends in the length direction of the second lens light guide portion 70B are set as light input portions 70C, which are bent upward and arranged in the second cylinder portion 10D of the frame 10. The end face of the light input portion 70C is formed along a plane orthogonal to the up-down direction and is located on the lower side of the second interior LED 54. As a result, the light irradiated from the second interior LED 54 to the lower side passes through the light input portion 70C and the light transmission hole 10E of the frame 10, and passes through the interior lighting portion 32 of the panel 30 to illuminate the lower side of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 in the vehicle compartment CA.

[0056] Furthermore, when the second interior room LED 54 is turned on, the light incident on the light incident portion 70C is guided to the second lens body 70A through the second lens light guide portion 70B, and the light guided to the second lens body 70A mainly illuminates the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 of the decorative lighting portion 30C in the panel 30 from the upper side. That is, the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is illuminated by the light from the second lens body 70A, and the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is illuminated in a predetermined pattern.

[0057] The details will be described later, but the control unit 51 controls the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 to turn on and off, and controls the brightness of the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 when they are turned on, thereby changing the lighting mode of the decorative lighting unit 30C. In addition, the control unit 51 is electrically connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) that detects and stores information such as the locked and unlocked state of the vehicle door and the vehicle speed. In addition, the control unit 51 is arranged in the vehicle compartment and is electrically connected to an illumination sensor (not shown) that can detect the brightness in the vehicle compartment.

[0058] Furthermore, the side touch button portions 30F1 and 30F2 are provided as operating portions for lighting the peripheries of the left and right vehicle seats SE respectively by the vehicle interior lighting device 1, and the side touch button portion 30F3 is provided as an operating portion for lighting the entire front portion of the vehicle cabin CA by the vehicle interior lighting device 1. Furthermore, the side touch button portion 30F4 is provided as an operating portion for switching the linkage or non-linkage between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the opening and closing action of the vehicle door (not shown) of the vehicle V.

[0059] (Function and Effect)

[0060] Next, the operation of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 will be described, and the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described.

[0061] When the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is not in operation, the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 are off. When the control unit 51 senses that the vehicle is in use and the illumination of the vehicle interior is below a specified value, the control unit 51 lights up the left and right pair of second interior LEDs 54. Thus, the interior lighting portion 32 of the panel 30 is illuminated by the light from the second interior LED 54, and the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 in the decorative lighting portion 30C is illuminated. As a result, the decorative lighting portion 30C is decorated with a specified pattern at the location of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2. In addition, in this case, as Fig.10 As shown in (A), the brightness of the light emitted from the second interior room LED 54 is controlled by the control unit 51 in such a way that the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D in the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is low to avoid glare during operation (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the downward lighting state).

[0062] That is, when the vehicle is in use and the brightness of the vehicle interior is below the specified value, the second interior LED 54 is always on, and the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is in a downward lighting state. In addition, in the downward lighting state, the space below the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is illuminated in a state where the brightness is suppressed by the light from the second interior LED 54 passing through the interior lighting unit 32 of the panel 30. Fig.10 In (A), the decorative lighting portion 30C is hatched, and the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is painted black, and the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is painted gray.

[0063] When the occupant touches the side touch button portion 30F1 (side touch button portion 30F2) in the downward lighting state of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the control portion 51 lights up the first interior LED 53 on the left (right) side while maintaining the lighting state of the second interior LED 54. As a result, the interior lighting portion 32 on the left (right) side of the panel 30 is illuminated by the light from the first interior LED 53, and the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 on the left (right) side of the decorative lighting portion 30C is illuminated. In addition, in this case, as Fig.10As shown in (B), the brightness of the light irradiated from the second interior LED 54 is the same as that in the downward lighting state, and the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is the same as that in the downward lighting state. In addition, the brightness of the light irradiated from the first interior LED 53 is controlled by the control unit 51 in such a manner that the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is higher than the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the spotlight lighting state).

[0064] Thus, in the spotlighting state of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the periphery of the vehicle seat SE is mainly illuminated by the vehicle interior lighting device 1, and the lighting mode of the decorative lighting portion 30C is changed in such a way that the brightness of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is higher than the brightness of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2. It should be noted that Fig.10 The figure (B) shows the state where the first interior room LEDs 53 on the left and right sides are lit. Fig.10 In (B), the decorative lighting portion 30C is shaded, and the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is painted gray, which is brighter than the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2. It should be noted that when the passenger touches the side touch button portion 30F1 (side touch button portion 30F2) again, the control unit 51 turns off the first interior LED 53 on the left (right), and the vehicle interior lighting device 1 returns to the downward lighting state.

[0065] When the occupant touches the side touch button portion 30F3 in the downward lighting state of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the control unit 51 turns on the light of the second interior LED 54 and turns on the first interior LEDs 53 on both sides. Fig.10 As shown in (C), the brightness of the light irradiated from the first interior LED 53 is the same as that in the spotlight state, and the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 is the same as that in the spotlight state. Furthermore, the brightness of the light irradiated from the second interior LED 54 is controlled by the control unit 51 in such a manner that the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is higher than the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the vehicle interior lighting state).

[0066] Thus, in the vehicle interior lighting state of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the entire front portion of the vehicle cabin CA is illuminated by the vehicle interior lighting device 1, and the lighting mode of the decorative lighting portion 30C is changed in such a way that the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is higher than the brightness of the decorative light-transmitting portion 30D of the first decorative lighting portion 30C1. Fig.10 In (C), the decorative lighting portion 30C is shaded, and the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 is painted white. It should be noted that when the passenger touches the side touch button portion 30F3 again, the control unit 51 turns off the left and right first interior LEDs 53, and the control unit 51 controls the brightness of the light emitted from the second interior LED 54 to be the same as that in the downward lighting state. As a result, the vehicle interior lighting device 1 returns to the downward lighting state.

[0067] As described above, in the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 are accommodated in the housing 20. The panel 30 of the housing 20 is provided with the interior lighting portion 32, and the light irradiated downward from the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 passes through the interior lighting portion 32 to illuminate the interior of the vehicle cabin CA. Here, the panel 30 is provided with a decorative lighting portion 30C having a decorative light-transmitting portion 30D that can transmit light. In addition, the first lens 60 and the second lens 70 are accommodated in the housing 20, and the light irradiated from the first interior LED 53 is guided (guided) to the back side (upper side) of the decorative lighting portion 30C through the first lens 60, and the light irradiated from the second interior LED 54 is guided (guided) to the back side of the decorative lighting portion 30C through the second lens 70. Thus, the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 5 for illuminating the interior of the vehicle cabin CA can be used to illuminate the decorative lighting portion 30C, and the vehicle interior lighting device 1 can be decorated. That is, the decorative lighting portion 30C can be illuminated without separately providing a light source for illuminating the decorative lighting portion 30C. Therefore, the appearance of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 can be improved while suppressing cost increases.

[0068] Furthermore, as described above, the light emitted from the first interior LED 53 is guided to the back side of the decorative lighting portion 30C through the first lens 60, and the light emitted from the second interior LED 54 is guided to the back side of the decorative lighting portion 30C through the second lens 70. Therefore, the decorative lighting portion 30C can be easily illuminated by appropriately setting the sizes and shapes of the first lens 60 and the second lens 70 in accordance with the size and shape of the decorative lighting portion 30C.

[0069] Furthermore, the electric wave sensor 40 is accommodated in the sensor accommodation portion 22A of the upper housing member 22, and the decorative lighting portion 30C of the panel 30 is located below the electric wave sensor 40, covering the electric wave sensor 40 from the bottom. Thus, the decorative lighting portion 30C can be provided on the panel 30 by flexibly utilizing the portion of the panel 30 that covers the electric wave sensor 40.

[0070] In addition, the decorative lighting portion 30C includes: a first decorative lighting portion 30C1 illuminated by light from the first lens body 60A of the first lens 60; and a second decorative lighting portion 30C2 illuminated by light from the second lens body 70A of the second lens 70. The decorative lighting portion 30C extends in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the bottom, and the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 and the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 are arranged to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the decorative lighting portion 30C. Therefore, the passengers can easily recognize the lighting / extinguishing state of the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54. Therefore, the convenience for the passengers can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, the first decorative lighting portion 30C1 and the second decorative lighting portion 30C2 are arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction of the panel 30. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is in the vehicle interior lighting state, the decorative lighting portion 30C is entirely illuminated, so that a fascinating decoration can be realized in the decorative lighting portion 30C.

[0072] In addition, the control unit 51 controls the brightness of the light of the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 when they are lit to change the lighting mode of the decorative lighting unit 30C. Specifically, as described above, in the downward lighting state, only the second interior LED 54 is lit, and only the second decorative lighting unit 30C2 is lit. In addition, in the spotlight lighting state, the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 are lit in such a manner that the luminance of the second decorative lighting unit 30C2 is the same as that in the downward lighting state and the luminance of the first decorative lighting unit 30C1 is higher than the luminance of the second decorative lighting unit 30C2. Moreover, in the vehicle interior lighting state, the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 are lit in such a manner that the luminance of the first decorative lighting unit 30C1 is the same as that in the spotlight lighting state and the luminance of the second decorative lighting unit 30C2 is higher than the luminance of the first decorative lighting unit 30C1. Therefore, the lighting mode of the decorative lighting portion 30C can be varied, and the occupant can easily recognize the lighting state of the vehicle interior lighting device 1. Therefore, the appearance of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 can be effectively improved, and the convenience for the occupant can be further improved.

[0073] Furthermore, when viewed from the bottom, the substrate 50 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the electric wave sensor 40, and the first lens 60 and the second lens 70 are disposed between the electric wave sensor 40 and the decorative lighting unit 30C. Thus, the electric wave transmitted from the electric wave sensor 40 to the vehicle compartment CA side is prevented from being blocked by the substrate 50, and the light of the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 provided on the substrate 50 is prevented from being blocked by the electric wave sensor 40, and the light of the first interior LED 53 and the second interior LED 54 can be guided to the back side of the decorative lighting unit 30C through the first lens 60 and the second lens 70.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior lighting device, comprising: A first light source irradiates light toward the interior of the vehicle compartment; a second light source, irradiating light toward the interior of the vehicle compartment; The housing is configured to include an interior lighting unit and a decorative lighting unit, wherein the interior lighting unit accommodates the first light source and the second light source, and light emitted from the first light source and the second light source passes through the interior lighting unit to illuminate the interior of the vehicle, and the decorative lighting unit has a light-transmitting portion that can transmit light. a first lens housed in the housing and guiding the light emitted from the first light source toward the rear side of the decorative lighting unit; and The second lens is accommodated in the housing and guides the light emitted from the second light source toward the rear side of the decorative lighting unit.

2. The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing contains a radio wave sensor for detecting when a passenger enters the vehicle. The decorative lighting unit covers the radio wave sensor from the inside of the vehicle compartment.

3. The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The decorative lighting unit includes: a first decorative lighting unit illuminated by light from the first lens; and a second decorative lighting unit illuminated by light from the second lens. The decorative lighting portion extends in a vehicle width direction when viewed from the interior of the vehicle compartment, and the first decorative lighting portion and the second decorative lighting portion are arranged to be aligned in a longitudinal direction of the decorative lighting portion.

4. The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 3, wherein: The first decorative lighting portion and the second decorative lighting portion are arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction of the decorative lighting portion.

5. The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The first light source and the second light source are controlled to light up and extinguish by a control unit. The control unit controls the brightness of the light of the first light source and the second light source when the light is turned on, thereby changing the lighting mode of the decorative lighting unit.

6. The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing contains a substrate, the first light source and the second light source are disposed on the substrate, When viewed from the inside of the vehicle compartment, the substrate is arranged at a position not overlapping with the radio wave sensor. The first lens and the second lens are arranged between the radio wave sensor and the decorative lighting unit.

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