motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an ambient lighting device for generating a light distribution (LV) on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1). The motor vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that the ambient lighting device has one or more projection modules (7) for generating the light distribution (LV), wherein each projection module (7) comprises at least one light source (701) and an array (702) of position optics, which generates at least part of the light distribution (LV) from the light of the at least one light source (701), wherein the projection module(s) (7) are arranged in a light shaft (9) extending into the body of the motor vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with an ambient lighting device for generating a light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

[0002] Ambient lighting devices are known from the prior art for generating light distribution and, in particular, light patterns in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. Such an ambient lighting device is disclosed, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2007 050 830 A1. Conventional ambient lighting devices have the disadvantage that they generally require a large amount of installation space in the vehicle.

[0003] It is also known to integrate an ambient lighting device into the exterior door handle of a vehicle, which is activated when the vehicle is unlocked. Similarly, there are exit lights that are installed in the lower edge of the door trim of a motor vehicle. Ambient lighting in the exterior door handle and exit lights have the disadvantage that they are only visible when the door is closed or open, respectively.

[0004] The publication DE 20 2008 016 695 U1 discloses an ambient lighting device for a motor vehicle for projecting a logo into the exterior of the motor vehicle, wherein a projection means is integrated into a vehicle exterior mirror and is installed behind a light lens.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2011 078 288 A1 discloses a vehicle with a projection device that can project light strips onto the roadway. In a preferred embodiment, the projection device is designed as an LED arrangement comprising an array of several LEDs with a projection lens.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a motor vehicle with an ambient lighting device that requires little installation space and generates a clearly visible light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

[0007] This problem is solved by the motor vehicle according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in dependent claims.

[0008] The motor vehicle according to the invention, which is in particular a passenger car, comprises an ambient lighting device for generating a light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. To generate this light distribution, the ambient lighting device comprises one or more projection modules, each projection module comprising at least one light source and an array of projection optics. This array generates at least part of the light distribution from the light of the at least one light source. If the ambient lighting device comprises only one projection module, this module is responsible for generating the entire light distribution. The motor vehicle according to the invention may optionally also comprise several ambient lighting devices with corresponding projection modules, in which case each ambient lighting device generates a separate light distribution.In the motor vehicle according to the invention, the projection module(s) are arranged in a light shaft extending into the body of the motor vehicle, thereby avoiding direct glare from the light source.

[0009] The invention has the advantage that a sharp light distribution can be generated in a simple manner via a projection module using an array of projection optics. The projection module is very compact. The projection modules used in the vehicle according to the invention preferably have dimensions in the centimeter range or of several millimeters. Each projection optic in the array of projection optics preferably comprises at least one microlens, which in particular has a diameter of 2000 µm or less. Furthermore, an array preferably comprises between 100 and 400 projection optics, in particular 200 projection optics.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a projection display is used as the projection module, which is described in document DE 10 2009 024 894 A1 and document DE 10 2011 076 083 A1. The entire disclosure content of these documents is incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, one or more LEDs or, optionally, one or more laser diodes are used as the light source in the projection module.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, each projection module is configured such that each projection optic of the array projects a single image onto the floor, which substantially covers the entire light distribution, the light distribution being a superposition of the individual images from the projection optics. In this way, the generation of the light distribution (with reduced brightness) is ensured even if the light output of the projection module is partially obstructed. Thus, there is no obstruction or cut-off of the light distribution in certain areas.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the installation position of the projection module(s) in the vehicle can be adjusted. This means that a corresponding adjustment mechanism is provided. Depending on the application, this mechanism can allow for manual and / or automatic adjustment of the installation position. In this way, manufacturing tolerances during the integration of the projection module in the vehicle can be taken into account, and the corresponding light distribution can always be sharply projected by adjusting the installation position of the projection module(s).

[0013] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the light distribution is a light pattern, i.e., a structured brightness distribution, which may optionally also be colored. In one variant, the light pattern comprises a striped pattern. Preferably, the density of the stripes decreases in a predetermined direction along the floor with increasing distance of the striped pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s). In this way, appealing effects can be generated with the light distribution.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the light pattern comprises a pattern of dots and / or graphic elements, such as logos. Preferably, the density of the dots and / or graphic elements decreases in a predetermined direction on the ground with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s) in the vehicle. Conversely, the diameter of the dots and / or graphic elements preferably increases in a predetermined direction on the ground with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s).

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the points of the dot pattern adjacent to the installation position of the projection module(s) can initially have a diameter of 3 mm, with this diameter then continuously increasing to 40 mm. Likewise, the point spacing can initially be only in the range of approximately 4 to 5 mm and then continuously increase to 40 mm with increasing distance from the installation position.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the projected light distribution widens along a predetermined direction on the ground with increasing distance of the light distribution from the installation position of the projection module(s) in the vehicle.

[0017] The activation of the light distribution (i.e., the switching on of the light source(s) of the projection module(s)) can be linked to various events. Preferably, the light distribution is generated when a central locking system in the vehicle is unlocked or an access door in the vehicle is opened. Optionally, the activation of the light distribution can also be achieved by dimming up (i.e., continuously increasing the brightness) the at least one light effect of the projection module(s), thereby generating attractive light sources.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the projection module(s) are mounted in the area of ​​an access door of the vehicle such that the light distribution is generated in the opening area of ​​the access door, and preferably the light distribution is not obstructed by the opening of the access door. The access door is preferably a passenger entry door. This allows light displays to be generated when the vehicle is unlocked or when passengers enter or exit. Furthermore, safety is increased by good illumination of the ground in front of the passenger entry points.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the projection module(s) are provided in a door sill of the vehicle, in particular at an installation position located longitudinally from the front to the rear of the vehicle in front of a passenger entry door. The light distribution is generated particularly next to this passenger entry door by the projection module(s) projecting the light towards the rear next to the passenger entry door.

[0020] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the projection module(s) generate a light distribution during operation which extends on one side of the vehicle essentially along a driver's or front passenger's entry door and a rear passenger entry door located behind it. Preferably, ambient lighting devices with corresponding projection modules are provided on both sides of the vehicle.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle may be equipped with an ambient lighting system whose projection modules, when in operation, generate a light distribution below and / or along the length of the vehicle behind a trunk access door. The term "trunk access door" is to be interpreted broadly and can include not only the trunk lid of a sedan but also the tailgate of a hatchback or sloping rear vehicle.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the light distribution on the ground indicates the detection field of a wireless sensor, wherein the detection field is preferably a control panel, so that when body parts and / or objects are brought into the control panel, an operating action in the motor vehicle is automatically triggered. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless sensor is designed such that when a foot is detected in the detection field, the trunk access door is automatically unlocked and / or opened.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1 a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an ambient lighting device; Fig. 2 a top view of the motor vehicle of the Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic detail view of the in Fig. 1 ambient lighting device shown; and Fig. 4 a view of the ambient lighting system Fig. 3 seen in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0025] An embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention is described below, featuring an ambient lighting device integrated into the door sill of the motor vehicle and serving to illuminate the area next to the passenger entry doors of the motor vehicle from the side.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of the motor vehicle in the form of car 1. The car includes a driver's door 2 and a rear door 3 on the left side shown. Similarly, on the opposite side of the vehicle ( Fig. 2) a passenger door 2' and a rear door 3' behind it are provided. In the embodiment of the Fig. In the invention, an ambient lighting device 7 is provided in the door sill 4 below the doors 2 and 3. This lighting device is located at the front end of the door sill in the area of ​​the wheel arch 5, which surrounds the wheel 6. According to the invention, a projection module with an array of microlenses is used for the first time as the ambient lighting device in order to selectively generate a predetermined light distribution next to the doors 2 and 3 of the motor vehicle.

[0027] The projection module used is the projection display described in the aforementioned publications DE 10 2009 024 894 A1 and DE 10 2011 076 083 A1. This projection module utilizes a multi-channel optic with a two-dimensional arrangement of projection optics comprising microlenses for projecting an image. In the embodiment described here, the projection module includes an LED as the light source. The projection module is very compact, with dimensions in the centimeter range. In one variant, the width, height, and length of the projection module are each approximately 15 mm. Each projection optic of the projection module generates the same individual image, and the overall image is composed of the superposition of these individual images. In the embodiment described here, the overall image is a corresponding light distribution that is projected onto the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle. Fig. 1 is the direction of propagation of the light thrown onto the ground by the projection module 7 with reference symbol 8.

[0028] The light distribution LV projected onto the ground next to the vehicle is shown from the top view of the Fig. 2 is evident and creates the effect of a carpet of light. It should be noted that the light distribution differs from that in Fig. 1 to the right of the vehicle 1 adjacent to doors 2' and 3'. This is possible because projection modules 7 are installed symmetrically on the right and left sides of the vehicle. In other words, correspondingly mirrored light distributions are generated on both the left and right sides of the vehicle adjacent to the entry doors. For clarity, in Fig. 2 only the light distribution adjacent to doors 2' and 3' is shown. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. Figure 2 shows the light distribution LV as a pattern of parallel stripes running diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The stripes are shown in dark colors and represent bright bars on the ground next to the vehicle in the actual light distribution. As shown in Figure 2, the light distribution is shown in Figure 2. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the light distribution widens from the front door 2' to the area behind the door 3'. It can also be seen that the striped pattern of the light distribution blurs in the rear area, an effect generated by a decreasing brightness of the stripes.

[0029] The striped pattern shown is merely an example of a generated light distribution, and any other pattern can be created. In particular, the light distribution can also be used to create a dot pattern. Furthermore, the stripes of the pattern can also run in a different direction, for example, parallel to or perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0030] The projection module 7 installed in the vehicle can generate any sharp projection of light patterns via the microlens array, while requiring very little installation space for the projection module. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2. The light distribution can be used as a so-called "welcome element," where the light projection is generated on the ground in front of the vehicle when the driver or a passenger approaches. If necessary, the light distribution can also be generated only in the area of ​​the rear door (3 or 3'). In this case, the projection module can be positioned at the leading edge of the rear door. In a chauffeur-driven limousine, the light distribution can be used to signal the exit of a passenger in the rear by activating the light distribution when the rear door is opened. Generally, a suitable light pattern in the area of ​​the vehicle's passenger exits ensures that the ground next to the vehicle is more visible, thus improving the visibility of obstacles such as curbs or manhole covers for passengers entering or exiting, thereby increasing safety.Furthermore, the arrangement of the projection module in the door sill 4 ensures that the light distribution is not obscured when the doors are opened, i.e., the light distribution is always visible on the floor of the vehicle regardless of the position of the doors.

[0031] By using a projection module with a microlens array, preferably comprising approximately 200 microlenses, the corresponding light pattern can be projected sharply onto the ground along its entire length. Each lens projects the structure of the entire light pattern. This has the advantage that if the light-emitting surface of the projection module becomes dirty or obscured, the entire light pattern remains visible, only its brightness is reduced.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the projection module. Fig. 1. Module 7, which is integrated adjacent to wheel arch 5 in the door sill 4, includes a schematically indicated light source 701, designed as an LED. The multi-channel projection optics in the form of a microlens array 702 are connected to the light source. The array is again only schematically indicated. According to Fig. 3 the projection module is arranged in a slanting rearward light shaft 9, ensuring that the light source cannot be directly viewed, thus complying with legal requirements.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows another cross-sectional view of the projection module. Fig. 3. Viewed lengthwise along the vehicle from front to back. One can see in Fig.4. Next to module 7 are the front wheel 6 of the vehicle and the door sill 4. A section of the door sill runs at an angle of approximately 45° to the ground. Opposite this section is the projection module 7, shown only schematically. For clarity, the light shaft is not shown. The projection module 7 is held in place on the door sill by a mounting device, with the light shaft 9 forming part of this device. The mounting device itself is not shown in detail. The mounting device can be removed from the sill, allowing the projection module to be replaced with a new one if it is defective. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances, an adjustment device is preferably provided, which allows the position of the projection module relative to the light shaft to be adjusted manually and, if necessary, automatically via appropriate actuators within predetermined limits.This ensures that the light distribution on the ground is always sharply focused.

[0034] The embodiments of the invention described above offer a number of advantages. In particular, by using a projection module with a microlens array, a clearly visible light distribution in the form of a light carpet can be generated on the ground in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. A wide variety of patterns can be created, which are visible both with the vehicle doors open and closed. This allows for the creation of various lighting effects when approaching or entering or exiting the vehicle. Furthermore, the light carpet also serves as functional lighting, as it ensures better visibility of the ground surface. The ground surface is particularly well visible when using a striped pattern. The light carpet emits light only in the lower field of vision of the vehicle and, in the described embodiment, shines rearward in the direction of travel. For example,Further effects can be generated by dimming the light. In particular, light patterns can slowly spread backwards (creep effect, dynamic staging). Furthermore, the use of a compact projection module requires little installation space, and the generated light carpet remains visible even if the light source of the projection module is dirty or partially obscured. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2, 2', 3, 3' vehicle doors 4 door sills 5 wheel arch 6 wheels 7 Projection module 8 Light propagation LV light distribution 701 Light source 702 array of projection optics 9 light shaft

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle, comprising an ambient lighting device for generating a light distribution (LV) on the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1), characterized by in that the ambient lighting device has one or more projection modules (7) for generating the light distribution (LV), wherein a respective projection module (7) comprises at least one light source (701) and an array (702) of projection optics which generates at least part of the light distribution (LV) from the light of the at least one light source (701), wherein the projection module(s) (7) are arranged in a light shaft (9) extending into the body of the motor vehicle (1). [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that each projection optics comprises at least one microlens, in particular with a diameter of 2000 micrometers or less. [3] Motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the array (702) comprises between 100 and 400 projection optics, in particular 200 projection optics. [4] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one light source (701) comprises one or more LEDs and / or laser diodes. [5] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a respective projection module (7) is designed such that each projection optics projects an individual image onto the floor which essentially covers the entire light distribution, and the light distribution (LV) is a superposition of the individual images of the projection optics. [6] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the installation position of the projection module(s) (7) in the motor vehicle (1) can be adjusted. [7] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light distribution (LV) is a light pattern. [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized by in that the light pattern (LV) comprises a stripe pattern, wherein preferably the density of the stripes in a predetermined direction on the ground decreases with increasing distance of the stripe pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s) (7) in the motor vehicle (1). [9] Motor vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by in that the light pattern (LV) comprises a pattern of points and / or graphic elements, wherein preferably the density of the points and / or graphic elements in a predetermined direction on the ground decreases with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s) (7) in the motor vehicle (1) and / or the diameter of the points and / or graphic elements in a predetermined direction on the ground increases with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s) (7). [10] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized bythat the light pattern (LV) becomes blurred and / or decreases in brightness at a distant end from the installation position of the projection module(s) (7) in the motor vehicle (1). [11] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light distribution (LV) widens along a predetermined direction on the ground with increasing distance of the light distribution (LV) from the installation position of the projection module(s) in the motor vehicle (1). [12] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the activation of the light distribution (LV) is coupled to an unlocking of a central locking system and / or to an opening of an access door of the motor vehicle (1) and / or that the activation of the light distribution takes place by dimming up the at least one light source (701) of the projection module(s) (7). [13] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the projection module or modules (7) are mounted in the area of an access door (2, 2', 3, 3') of the motor vehicle (1) in such a way that the light distribution (LV) is generated in the opening area of the access door (2), wherein the light distribution (LV) is preferably not shaded by the opening of the access door (2, 2', 3, 3'). [14] Motor vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by that the access door (2, 2', 3, 3') is a passenger entry door. [15] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection module(s) (7) are provided in a door sill (4) of the motor vehicle (1), in particular at an installation position which lies in front of a passenger entry door (2, 2', 3, 3') in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. [16] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the projection module(s) (7) generate(s) a light distribution (LV) during operation which extends on one side of the motor vehicle (1) substantially along a driver's or passenger's entrance door and an entrance door for rear passengers located behind it. [17] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection module(s) (7) generate(s) a light distribution (LV) below and / or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind a trunk access door during operation. [18] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light distribution (LV) on the ground indicates the detection field of a wireless sensor, wherein the detection field is preferably a control panel, so that when body parts and / or objects are brought into the control panel, an operating action on the motor vehicle (1) is automatically triggered. [19] Motor vehicle according to claims 17 and 18, characterized bythat the wireless sensor is designed in such a way that when a foot is detected in its detection field, the trunk access door is automatically unlocked and / or opened.

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