Projection device for an interior space of a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projection device (6) for the interior space (1) of a vehicle, the projection device having: a first layer (7) made of at least one photochromic dye that forms a projection surface (8); a projector (10) by means of which at least electromagnetic radiation (11) having at least one wavelength in the inclusive range from 380 nanometers to 780 nanometers can be provided and the electromagnetic radiation can be radiated onto the projection surface (8) such that a reversible color change of the dye can be caused by the electromagnetic radiation (11) radiated onto the projection surface (8); a light source (12) arranged on a first side (S1) of the first layer (7) facing away from the projection surface (8) by means of which at least ultraviolet light for canceling the color change can be provided and the ultraviolet light can be radiated towards the first layer (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a projection device for the interior space of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle. Furthermore, this invention relates to a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having at least one such projection device. Background Technology

[0002] As known from DE 10 2021 204 499 A1, systems for displaying visual effects are known, comprising a combination of at least two projection surface elements arranged on a glass plate and at least one projection device for projecting visual effects onto at least one projection surface element. Furthermore, US 2019 / 0171008 A1 discloses an optical laminate. Additionally, photochromic dyes are known from the paper "Photo-Chromeleon: Re-Programmable Multi-Color Textures using photochromic dye" presented by Jin Yuhua et al. at the User Interface Software and Technology (UIST) / 19 conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, from October 20-23, 2019. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a projection device for the interior space of a vehicle and a vehicle having at least one such projection device, thereby enabling a particularly high level of comfort.

[0004] According to the present invention, the task is accomplished by a projection device for the interior space of a vehicle according to the present invention and by a vehicle with features according to the present invention.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a projection device for the interior space of a vehicle (also referred to as a passenger compartment or passenger space), the interior space of which is formed, for example, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle by a structure, particularly a self-supporting body. Preferably, the vehicle is constructed as a motor vehicle, particularly as an automobile, and entirely, particularly as a passenger car. During vehicle operation, occupants, such as the driver of the vehicle, can remain in the interior space.

[0006] The projection device has a first layer made of at least one photochromic dye. This means that the first layer is composed of at least one photochromic dye. Preferably, when the first layer is observed alone, the first layer is constructed as a solid. In particular, when the first layer is observed alone, the projection surface is entirely, especially, the surface of the first layer (especially the surface of the outermost layer). The first layer forms at least one projection surface, which is formed by or made of a photochromic dye since the first layer is composed of a photochromic dye.

[0007] Furthermore, the projection device has a projector preferably constructed separately from the first layer and, for example, spaced apart from the first layer by a distance, especially a complete distance. By means of this projector, electromagnetic radiation having at least one wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm (including the endpoint) can be provided, and this electromagnetic radiation can radiate onto the projection surface, thus illuminating the projection surface with the electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector. When electromagnetic radiation is mentioned above and below, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood as electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector. The electromagnetic radiation has the at least one wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm (including the endpoint). Therefore, the electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector, that is, at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation, is light visible to the human eye, because the visible spectrum to the human eye is in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm (including the endpoint). Therefore, the electromagnetic radiation provided or capable of being provided by the projector is also simply referred to as light. Therefore, when light is mentioned above or below, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood as electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector. The light may have a predetermined or pre-defined color, such that it may be, for example, red or green to the human eye, or a color perceptible to the human eye that is different from red and green. Since electromagnetic radiation is radiated onto or can be radiated onto the projection surface, reversible, i.e., non-destructive and non-reversible color changes can be caused by the electromagnetic radiation to the dye and therefore the projection surface. Therefore, for example, in a method for operating a projection device, the projector provides electromagnetic radiation radiated onto the projection surface, such that the projection surface is irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation. This causes a reversible, i.e., non-destructive and non-reversible color change to the photochromic dye and therefore the projection surface. The color change of the photochromic dye and therefore the projection surface should be understood in particular as follows: firstly, the dye and therefore the projection surface have a first color perceptible to the human eye and therefore visible. By changing the color—that is, by inducing a color change—the first color is altered to a second color that is different from the first color and perceptible to the human eye, causing the photochromic dye, and therefore the projection surface, to possess a second color different from the first color due to the color change. The characteristic that the color change is reversible should be understood as meaning that the color change can be reversed without causing damage or destruction to the photochromic dye or the projection surface. The reversal of the color change should be understood as meaning that the second color can be changed back to the first color, causing the photochromic dye, and therefore the projection surface, to possess a first color different from the second color again after the color change is reversed.

[0008] The projection device has at least one light source, particularly attached to the projector assembly. Preferably, the light source is a first component attached to the projector assembly and arranged outside the projector, wherein the projector can be a second component attached to the first component and arranged outside said component. The light source is arranged on a first side of the first layer facing away from the projection surface. By means of the light source, ultraviolet light for canceling color changes can be provided and radiated onto the first layer, that is, radiated toward the first layer, so that the first layer can be illuminated, particularly from its first side, by the ultraviolet light provided by the light source, and thus can be illuminated. When referring to ultraviolet light above and below, unless otherwise stated, it should be understood as ultraviolet light provided or capable of being provided by the light source. Ultraviolet light should be understood as light outside the ultraviolet range, and thus as ultraviolet radiation, also referred to as ultraviolet radiation.

[0009] Furthermore, the projection device has a second layer, particularly attached to the first layer, arranged on a second side of the first layer opposite to the first side and therefore particularly opposite to the light source. Thus, the projection device has a layer structure having at least a first layer and a second layer. Preferably, when the second layer is observed alone, it is constructed as a solid. The light source can constitute a third layer or be part of a third layer, wherein the third layer is arranged on the first side. For example, the first layer is arranged directly on the third layer. Furthermore, for example, the first layer is arranged between the second and third layers. In particular, the layer structure can also include a third layer, so the third layer can be part of the layer structure, that is, one layer of the layer structure. Preferably, when the third layer is observed alone, it is constructed as a solid.

[0010] The first layer is a protective layer, which is permeable at least to a portion of the electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector, allowing the projection surface to be irradiated by electromagnetic radiation through the second layer. In other words, electromagnetic radiation can radiate onto the projection surface through the second layer. However, the second layer, constructed as a protective layer, is impermeable to ultraviolet light provided by the light source. Therefore, the second layer is constructed, for example, as an ultraviolet band-blocking filter, also known as an ultraviolet filter, which blocks and thus filters the ultraviolet light provided by the light source. The projection device according to the invention has several advantages: on the one hand, color changes can be caused by the electromagnetic radiation provided or capable of being provided by the projector, and these color changes can be reversed, in particular, by subjecting the first layer to ultraviolet light for a sufficiently long time, yet persisting until then. Thus, for example, due to the color change, a favorable design of the interior space can be ensured during the period immediately following the color change (during which the projector does not provide electromagnetic radiation), and therefore, a particularly high level of comfort can be ensured for those staying in the interior space. Furthermore, ultraviolet light can be supplied as needed by the light source to selectively reverse color changes, that is, to cancel the color change. Moreover, when the light source provides ultraviolet light to reverse color changes, the unwanted propagation of ultraviolet light from the light source to certain areas can be prevented, thus protecting these areas from the ultraviolet light supplied by the light source by means of a protective layer (second layer). Therefore, particularly reliable and comfortable operation of the projection device can be ensured, thereby achieving a particularly high level of comfort for people staying in the interior space.

[0011] A projector is configured, for example, to radiate electromagnetic radiation onto a projection surface, such that the electromagnetic radiation radiated onto the projection surface forms a pattern on the projection surface. The pattern has at least one sub-region. In particular, the pattern has multiple sub-regions, namely, at least one sub-region as described above and at least one second sub-region, wherein, conceivably, the sub-regions of the pattern are at least partially spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the region of the projection surface corresponding to the sub-region of the pattern (also referred to as the surface region) is illuminated by the sub-region of the pattern, because the sub-region of the pattern is radiated onto the corresponding region of the projection surface. Thus, color changes, such as those of photochromic dyes and therefore of the projection surface, occur in said region of the projection surface, while color changes of photochromic dyes and of the projection surface do not occur in at least one or more of the projection surface, especially in other regions directly adjacent to said regions. Thus, it can be said that a pattern is applied to the projection surface. However, since the color change is reversible, the pattern can be removed from the projection surface by reversing the color change. After the pattern is applied, and thus after the color change is caused, and during periods when, for example, the projector is not providing electromagnetic radiation and especially during periods when the light source is not providing ultraviolet light, the color change, and therefore the pattern, persists for a period of time, that is, for a period of time, which can be, for example, greater than 12 hours, especially greater than 24 hours and, for example, 36 hours. In particular, if sunlight enters the interior space during the day and shines on the projection surface, the color change or pattern also persists during the period of time, because the color change cannot be revoked or can only be revoked very slowly by sunlight. For example, if no light enters the interior space from outside the vehicle, the color change, and therefore the pattern, persists for a long time. The color change, and therefore the pattern, can be quickly and specifically revoked or removed by means of ultraviolet light (provided by means of a light source).

[0012] Because of the color change, and therefore the pattern's advantageously extended duration even when the projector is not radiating electromagnetic radiation onto the projection surface, the pattern remains perceptible and visually apparent to occupants of the interior space even when the projector is off and therefore not providing electromagnetic radiation. Thus, the interior space can be designed with particular advantage and comfort. For example, the color change can be induced at night and when the vehicle is stationary, so that, for instance, the pattern is already applied to the projection surface at the start of subsequent driving, and the driver can visually perceive the pattern upon commencement of travel.

[0013] For example, the light source is or includes at least one photoconductor for providing ultraviolet light. Alternatively or additionally, the light source is, for example, or includes at least one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), thereby enabling particularly efficient operation.

[0014] For example, a projection device has a support structure, particularly attached to a layer structure, and attached to a projector and a light source, on which, for example, a first layer, a second layer, and a light source can be held, thus holding the layer structure and the light source. Therefore, for example, the layer structure, the light source, and the support structure form a module, which can be advantageously operated and therefore advantageously installed.

[0015] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous, and especially comfortable, design for the interior space of the vehicle, one embodiment of the invention specifies that the projection surface is configured to reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation provided by the projector and radiated onto the projection surface. Thus, particularly advantageous lighting of the interior space can be achieved during the period when the projection surface is irradiated by electromagnetic radiation, and therefore during, for example, when a pattern is applied to the projection surface.

[0016] It has been found particularly advantageous that the second layer is permeable at least to a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the projection surface, thereby enabling a favorable and comfortable design for people staying in the interior space, especially by providing favorable lighting for the interior space.

[0017] Another implementation is characterized in that the first layer itself, that is, viewed alone, is composed of photochromic paint. This advantageously induces a color change and maintains the color change for an extended period without the projector radiating electromagnetic radiation onto the projection surface. Therefore, an advantageous and comfortable design for the interior space can be achieved.

[0018] In another design of the invention, the second layer is disposed directly on the first layer, so that no other layers are disposed between the first and second layers. This allows for rapid color change and advantageously blocks ultraviolet light with the aid of the protective layer.

[0019] It has been shown to be particularly advantageous that, when the second layer is observed in isolation, its structure is that of a membrane, especially a plastic membrane. This allows for a particularly advantageous layered structure, which on the one hand effectively blocks ultraviolet light, and on the other hand rapidly induces a color change.

[0020] The second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle preferably constructed as a motor vehicle, particularly as an automobile, and especially as a passenger car, whose interior space (also referred to as the passenger compartment or passenger space) is formed by a structure of the vehicle, for example, a self-supporting body. The vehicle has at least one projection device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the projection device is arranged in the interior space of the vehicle. The advantages and advantageous designs of the first aspect of the invention should be considered as advantages and advantageous designs of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0021] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous and comfortable design for the interior space, in an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the second side faces the interior space and the first side faces away from the interior space. Thus, the unwanted propagation of ultraviolet light into the interior space can be advantageously prevented by means of a protective layer, thereby enabling particularly reliable and comfortable operation.

[0022] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous that at least the first and second layers, especially the layered structure, are arranged at the dashboard within the vehicle's interior space. This allows for an advantageous design of the interior space, enabling a particularly high level of comfort.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least the first and second layers, especially the layered structure, are arranged in the door panels located within the vehicle's interior space. In particular, the door panels are the side door panels of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view partially showing the interior space of a vehicle configured as a passenger car; and

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic, partially sectional side view showing the arrangement of projection devices in the interior space of a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 Partially illustrated in an illustrative passenger vehicle, the interior space 1 of a vehicle currently configured as a passenger vehicle (also referred to as the passenger compartment or passenger space) is shown, formed by a structure 2, for example, a self-supporting body. During vehicle operation, an occupant, such as the driver, can remain in the interior space 1. It can be seen that the vehicle has two seating arrangements 3 and 4 arranged in the interior space 1. The corresponding seating arrangements 3 and 4 are vehicle seats, also referred to as single seats, providing exactly one seat for one occupant in the interior space 1. Figure 1 It can also be seen that the vehicle's dashboard 5 is located in the interior space 1.

[0029] Depend on Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, a projection device 6 for a motor vehicle is arranged in the interior space 1. The projection device 6 has a first layer 7, which is composed of at least one or exactly one photochromic dye. For example, when the first layer 7 is viewed alone, it is composed of a photochromic paint containing a photochromic dye. The first layer 7 forms a projection surface 8, which faces the interior space and thus points towards the interior space 1. As will be explained in more detail below, the first layer 7 is part of a layer structure 9, which is held at the dashboard 5.

[0030] Furthermore, the projection device 6 has a projector 10, by means of which electromagnetic radiation having at least one wavelength in the range of 380 nanometers (inclusive) to 780 nanometers (inclusive) can be provided, and the electromagnetic radiation can be radiated onto the projection surface 8, such that the electromagnetic radiation provided or capable of being provided by the projector 10 and radiated onto the projection surface 8 can cause a reversible color change in the dye. Because in Figure 2The electromagnetic radiation 11, marked with 11, provided by the projector 10, has at least one wavelength in the range of 380 nanometers (inclusive) to 780 nanometers (inclusive). At least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation 11 is visible light to the human eye, that is, light that can be visually perceived, and said light can be visually perceived by persons residing in the interior space 1, that is, can be seen or glimpsed. Therefore, the electromagnetic radiation 11 is also referred to as light. Color change should be understood as the first color of the dye, and therefore the first color of the projection surface 8 composed of said dye, being changed to, or potentially being changed to, a second color different from the first color. For example, the projector 10 is configured to provide light of different colors. In other words, the projector 10 is, for example, configured to provide first light having a first color in a first operating state of the projector 10 and to provide second light having a second color in a second operating state and radiate it onto the projection surface 8, the second color being a color different from the first color. Both the first light and the second light are visible light to the human eye, that is, light that can be visually perceived, such that both the first color and the second color are visible to the human eye. Furthermore, for example, in a third operating state of the projector 10, the projector 10 can provide a third light, which has a third color different from both the first and second light colors, wherein the third light, and therefore the third color, is visible to the human eye. The first color is, for example, red, the second color is, for example, green, and the third color is, for example, blue. The color change described above is also referred to as a first color change. For example, a first color change can be caused by radiating first light having the first color onto the projection surface 8. For example, a second color change can be caused by radiating second light having the second color onto the projection surface 8. For example, a second color change can be caused by radiating third light having the third color onto the projection surface 8, for example, a third color change can be caused by radiating photochromic dyes, and therefore the third color change of the projection surface 8. This will be explained in more detail below. The first color change, or in the case of a first color change, for example, the first color is changed to a second color different from the first color described above. The first color is, for example, black, and the second color is, for example, red. By changing the second color, or in the case of a change in the second color, for example, changing the first color to a third color that is different from both the first and second colors, such as green. By changing the third color, or in the case of a change in the third color, for example, changing the first color to a fourth color that is different from both the second and third colors, such as purple. It is conceivable that the projector 10 can provide corresponding combinations of the aforementioned light or colors in the corresponding operating states.

[0031] For example, if projector 10 provides red light radiated onto projection surface 8, then the initially black color of projection surface 8 is changed to red. For example, if projector 10 provides yellow light radiated onto projection surface 8, then the color of projection surface 8, or its color, changes from black to green. For example, if projector 10 provides blue light radiated onto projection surface 8, then the initially black color of projection surface 8 is changed to purple. For example, if projector 10 provides a combination of blue and yellow light radiated onto projection surface 8, then projection surface 8 is changed from black to blue, that is, its color is changed to blue. For example, if projector 10 provides a combination of red and blue light radiated onto projection surface 8, then projection surface 8 is changed from black to red or pink. For example, if projector 10 provides a combination of red and yellow light radiated onto projection surface 8, then projection surface 8 is changed from black to yellow. For example, if the projector 10 provides a combination of red, yellow and blue light radiated onto the projection surface 8, then the projection surface 8 is changed from black to white.

[0032] The projection device 6 has a light source 12, which is attached to the projector 10. The light source 12 is arranged on a first side S1 of the first layer 12 facing away from the projection surface 8. The light source 12 is configured to provide ultraviolet light for reversing the color change and radiate it onto the first layer 7. For this purpose, the light source 12 has, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes 13, which can provide ultraviolet light and radiate it toward the layer 7. Reversing the corresponding color change should be understood as, by irradiating the layer 7 with the ultraviolet light provided by the light source 12, the photochromic dye, and therefore the projection surface 8, can be restored to the first color (currently black), so that the dye, and therefore the projection surface 8, is black again due to the reversal of the color change. Therefore, the corresponding color change is reversible.

[0033] Furthermore, the projection device 6 has a second layer 14, which is arranged on the second side S2 of the first layer 7, away from the first side S1 and therefore away from the light source 12. Layer 14 is one layer of the layer structure 9, which therefore has layers 7 and 14. For example, the light source 12 is or constitutes the third layer 15 of the layer structure 9. It can be seen that layer 7 is arranged between layer 14 and the light source 12, and in particular between layers 14 and 15. Here, layer 14 is currently arranged directly on layer 7. Furthermore, layer 7 is currently arranged directly on layer 15. Layer 14 is at least permeable to a portion of the electromagnetic radiation 11, so that the electromagnetic radiation 11 can be radiated onto the projection surface 8 via layer 14. However, the second layer 14 is impermeable to ultraviolet light provided or capable of being provided by the light source 12. Therefore, the undesirable propagation of ultraviolet light provided by the light source 12 into the internal space 1 can be avoided.

[0034] As can be seen, the layer structure 9, currently having layers 7, 14, and 15, is held on the carrier 16 (also referred to as the support structure). The layer structure 9 and the carrier 16 form, for example, a pre-assembled module that can be advantageously operated and therefore advantageously installed.

[0035] The projection surface 8 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation 11 provided by the projector 6 and radiated onto the projection surface 8, wherein the second layer 14 is permeable to at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the projection surface 8. Therefore, when the electromagnetic radiation 11 radiates onto the projection surface 8, at least a portion of the radiation reflected by the projection surface 8 can penetrate into the interior space 1 and thus illuminate the interior space 1, thereby achieving a particularly high level of comfort.

[0036] Preferably, when viewing layer 14 alone, layer 14 is constructed as a film, and when viewing the film alone, the film is preferably flexible, that is, shape-unstable. When viewing the first layer 7 alone, the first layer 7 is preferably composed of a photochromic paint with photochromic dyes. For example, the module is held at the dashboard 5 via a carrier 16. It can be seen that, for example, the projector 10 is completely spaced apart from the layer structure 9.

[0037] exist Figure 1 The side door 18 of the vehicle can also be seen. The side door 18 is associated with a lateral door opening of structure 2, and is located at least once relative to structure 2. Figure 1 The structure 18 is movably, and in particular pivotally, held on structure 2 between a closed position and at least one open position. In the open position, the side door 18 opens at least one sub-area of ​​the door opening, allowing occupants of the interior space 1 to exit through the open sub-area, or occupants initially occupant outside the vehicle to enter the interior space 1. In the closed position, the sub-area is closed by the side door 18. The side door 18 has a door trim panel 17, which is arranged in the interior space 1 at least in the closed position, and is therefore also referred to as the inner door trim panel. Contemplated, the layer structure 9 is held on the door trim panel 17. In particular, the module is held at the door trim panel 17 via a carrier 16.

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1. Interior space

[0040] 2 Structure

[0041] 3 Seating Equipment

[0042] 4 Seating Equipment

[0043] 5 dashboards

[0044] 6 projection devices

[0045] 7 First Floor

[0046] 8 projection surfaces

[0047] 9-layer structure

[0048] 10 projectors

[0049] 11 Electromagnetic radiation

[0050] 12 light sources

[0051] 13 LEDs

[0052] 14 Second layer

[0053] 15 Third Floor

[0054] 16 carriers

[0055] 17-door trim

[0056] 18 side doors

[0057] S1 First Side

[0058] S2 Second Side

Claims

1. A projection device (6) for the interior space (1) of a vehicle, the projection device having: - A first layer (7) made of at least one photochromic dye forming at least one projection surface (8); - At least one projector (10) by means of which can provide electromagnetic radiation (11) having at least one wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm including the endpoints and the electromagnetic radiation can be radiated onto the projection surface (8) such that the electromagnetic radiation (11) radiated onto the projection surface (8) can cause a reversible color change of the dye. - At least one light source (12) is arranged on the first side (S1) of the first layer (7) away from the projection surface (8), by means of which at least ultraviolet light for reversing color change is provided and the ultraviolet light is radiated toward the first layer (7). and - A second layer (14) is arranged on the second side (S2) of the first layer (7) away from the first side (S1) and is permeable to at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation (11) provided by the projector (10), the electromagnetic radiation (11) can be radiated to the projection surface (8) through the second layer, and the second layer (14) is impermeable to ultraviolet light provided by the light source (12).

2. The projection device (6) according to claim 1. Its features are, The projection surface (8) is configured to reflect at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation (11) provided by the projector (10) and radiated onto the projection surface (8).

3. The projection device (6) according to claim 2. Its features are, The second layer (14) is permeable at least for a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the projection surface (8).

4. The projection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The first layer (7) is composed of photochromic paint.

5. The projection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The second layer (14) is constructed as a membrane.

6. The projection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The second layer (14) is arranged directly on the first layer (7).

7. A vehicle, wherein at least one projection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is arranged in the interior space (1) of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, Its features are, The second side (S2) faces the interior space (1), and the first side (S1) faces away from the interior space (1).

9. The vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, Its features are, At least the first layer (7) and the second layer (14) are arranged on the dashboard (5) of the vehicle in the interior space (1) or on the door trim (17) of the vehicle in the interior space (1).

Images