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 positioning optics, which generates at least part of the light distribution (LV) from the light of the at least one light source (701), wherein each projection optic comprises at least one microlens with a diameter of 2000 micrometers or less.

Description

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

[0002] Ambient lighting devices are known from the prior art, which can generate light distribution and, in particular, light patterns in the area surrounding a motor vehicle. Such an ambient lighting device is disclosed, for example, in the publication 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. There are also exit lights built into the lower edge of the door panel 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 document 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 lens.

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

[0006] Document DE 10 2004 011 660 A1 discloses a lens device intended in particular for motor vehicle headlights. The lens device comprises a plurality of lenses, each of which contains a medium that can be controlled via an electric field to change optical emission properties. The lenses are arranged on an electrode array. The diameter of the lenses can range from a few micrometers to a few millimeters.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle with an ambient lighting device which requires little installation space and generates a clearly recognizable light distribution on the ground in the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

[0008] This object is achieved by the motor vehicle according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in dependent claims.

[0009] 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 surroundings of the motor vehicle. To generate this light distribution, the ambient lighting device comprises one or more projection modules, wherein a respective projection module comprises at least one light source and an array of projection optics, wherein each projection optic in the array of projection optics comprises at least one microlens having a diameter of 2000 µm or less. Furthermore, an array preferably comprises between 100 and 400 projection optics, in particular 200 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 a plurality of ambient lighting devices with corresponding projection modules, in which case each ambient lighting device generates a separate light distribution.

[0010] The invention has the advantage that a sharp light distribution can be easily generated via a projection module using an array of projection optics. The projection module is very compact.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a projection display described in document DE 10 2009 024 894 A1 or in document DE 10 2011 076 083 A1 is used as the projection module. The entire disclosure content of these documents is incorporated by reference into this application. One or more LEDs or, if appropriate, one or more laser diodes are preferably used as the light source in the projection module.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, a respective projection module is configured such that each projection optic of the array of projection optics projects a single image onto the floor that essentially covers the entire light distribution, with the light distribution being an overlay of the individual images of the projection optics. This ensures the generation of the light distribution (with reduced light brightness) even if the light exit of the projection module is partially contaminated. Thus, the light distribution is not obscured or cut off in certain areas.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, 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.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the installation position of the projection module(s) in the vehicle can be adjusted. This means that a corresponding adjustment device is provided. This adjustment device can enable manual and / or automatic adjustment of the installation position, depending on the application. In this way, manufacturing tolerances can be taken into account when integrating the projection module into the vehicle, and the corresponding light distribution can always be sharply reproduced by adjusting the installation position of the projection modules.

[0015] 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 in a predetermined direction on the floor decreases 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.

[0016] 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 in a predetermined direction on the ground decreases with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s) in the motor vehicle. In contrast, the diameter of the dots and / or graphic elements in a predetermined direction on the ground preferably increases with increasing distance of the pattern from the installation position of the projection module(s).

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dots 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 dot spacing can initially be only in the range of approximately 4 to 5 mm and then continuously increasing to 40 mm with increasing distance from the installation position.

[0018] 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 motor vehicle.

[0019] 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. The light distribution is preferably generated when a central locking system in the vehicle is unlocked or an access door in the vehicle is opened. If necessary, the activation of the light distribution can also occur by dimming (i.e., continuously increasing the brightness) of at least one of the light effects of the projection module(s), thereby generating attractive light sources.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the projection module(s) are mounted in the area of ​​an access door of the motor vehicle in such a way that the light distribution is generated in the opening area of ​​the access door, wherein the light distribution is preferably not obscured by the opening of the access door. The access door is preferably a pedestrian entry door. This allows for the generation of lighting effects when unlocking the vehicle or when people enter or exit the vehicle. Furthermore, safety is increased by good illumination of the floor in front of the pedestrian entrances.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the projection module(s) are provided in a door sill of the motor vehicle, in particular at an installation position located in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle from the front to the rear end in front of a passenger entrance door. The light distribution is generated particularly next to this passenger entrance door by the projection module(s) projecting the light rearward next to the passenger entrance door.

[0022] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the projection module(s) generate(s) a light distribution during operation that extends on one side of the motor vehicle essentially along a driver or passenger entrance door and an entrance door for rear passengers located behind it. Ambient lighting devices with corresponding projection modules are preferably provided on both sides of the motor vehicle.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for an ambient lighting system to be installed in the motor vehicle, the projection modules of which, when in operation, generate a light distribution below and / or in the longitudinal direction 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 notchback sedan but also the tailgate of a hatchback, hatchback, or hatchback.

[0024] In a further variant of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the light distribution on the floor indicates the detection field of a wireless sensor. 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 variant, 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.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an ambient lighting device; Fig. 2 a plan view of the motor vehicle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic detailed view of the Fig. 1 shown ambient lighting device; and Fig. 4 a view of the ambient lighting device from Fig. 3 seen in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0027] An embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an ambient lighting device is described below, which is integrated in the door sill of the motor vehicle and serves to illuminate the area next to the passenger entrance doors of the motor vehicle from the side.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a side view of the motor vehicle in the form of the car 1. The car includes on the left side shown a driver's door 2 and a rear door 3. Similarly, on the opposite side of the vehicle ( Fig. 2) a passenger door 2' and a rear door 3' located behind it. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1, 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 specifically generate a predetermined light distribution next to the doors 2 and 3 of the motor vehicle.

[0029] 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 uses a multi-channel optics system with a two-dimensional arrangement of projection optics comprising microlenses to project an image. In the embodiment described here, the projection module comprises an LED as the light source. The projection module is very compact and has 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 superimposition of these individual images. In the embodiment described here, the overall image is a corresponding light distribution projected onto the ground in the surroundings of the motor vehicle. Fig. 1, the propagation direction of the light projected onto the floor by the projection module 7 is designated by reference numeral 8.

[0030] The light distribution LV projected onto the ground next to the vehicle is from the top view of the Fig. 2 and creates the effect of a carpet of light. It should be noted that the light distribution is different from that in Fig. 1 to the right of the vehicle 1 adjacent to the 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 entrance doors. For reasons of clarity, Fig. 2 only shows the light distribution adjacent to the doors 2' and 3'. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, the light distribution LV represents a pattern of parallel stripes that run diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The stripes are shown as dark, but in the actual light distribution, they represent bright bars on the ground next to the vehicle. As can be seen from 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, with this effect being generated by the decreasing brightness of the stripes.

[0031] The stripe pattern shown is merely an example of a generated light distribution, and any other patterns can be created. In particular, the light distribution can also reproduce a dot pattern if necessary. Furthermore, the stripes of the stripe pattern can also run in a different direction, e.g., parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis or perpendicular to it.

[0032] With the projection module 7 installed in the vehicle, any sharp projection of light patterns can be generated via the microlens array while at the same time 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", in which the light projection on the ground in front of the vehicle is generated when the driver or a passenger approaches the vehicle. If necessary the light distribution can also be generated, for example, only in the area of ​​the rear door 3 or 3'. In this case the projection module can be arranged on the front edge of the rear door. In a chauffeur-driven limousine the light distribution can be used to stage the exit of the chauffeured person in the rear by switching on the light distribution when the rear door is opened. In general a suitable light pattern in the area of ​​the person exits of the vehicle makes the ground next to the vehicle more visible and thus curbs or sewer ceilings, for example, can be better recognized by a person getting in or out, thereby increasing safety.In addition, the arrangement of the projection module in the door sill 4 ensures that the light distribution is not obscured when the doors are opened, ie the light distribution is always visible at the floor of the vehicle regardless of the position of the doors.

[0033] By using a projection module with a microlens array, preferably with approximately 200 microlenses, the corresponding light pattern can be projected sharply onto the floor across its entire length. Each lens projects the structure of the entire light pattern. This has the advantage that if the light exit surface of the projection module becomes dirty or obscured, the entire light pattern remains visible, only its brightness is reduced.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the projection module from Fig. 1. The module 7, which is integrated adjacent to the wheel house 5 in the door sill 4, comprises a schematically indicated light source 701, which is designed as an LED. The light source is followed by the multi-channel projection optics in the form of a microlens array 702. The array is again only schematically indicated. According to Fig. 3, the projection module is arranged in a light shaft 9 which runs diagonally to the rear, ensuring that the light source cannot be directly seen, thus complying with legal requirements.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows again a cross-sectional view of the projection module from Fig. 3 seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from front to rear. Fig.4 next to the module 7, the front wheel 6 of the vehicle and the door sill 4. The door sill runs in one section at an angle of approximately 45° to the ground. Opposite this section is the projection module 7, which is only indicated schematically, although the light shaft is not shown for reasons of clarity. The projection module 7 is held on the door sill by a holding device, with the light shaft 9 being part of the holding device. The holding device itself is not shown in detail. The holding device can be removed from the sill so that the projection module can be replaced with a new one in the event of a defect. In order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, an adjusting device is preferably provided with which the position of the projection module relative to the light shaft can be adjusted within predetermined limits manually and, if necessary, automatically using appropriate actuators.This ensures that the light distribution on the floor is always sharply displayed.

[0036] The embodiments of the invention described above have 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 when the vehicle doors are open and closed. This allows different lighting scenarios to be generated when approaching or entering or exiting the vehicle. In addition, the light carpet also serves as functional lighting, as it ensures better recognition of the ground relief. The ground relief is particularly clearly visible when a striped pattern is used. The light carpet only creates one light output in the lower field of vision of the vehicle and, in the described embodiment, radiates backwards in the direction of travel. For example,Further effects can be generated by dimming. In particular, light patterns can spread slowly backwards (creeping 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 projection module's light source becomes dirty or partially obscured. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 2, 2', 3, 3' vehicle doors 4 door sills 5 wheel arch 6 wheel 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 each projection optics comprises at least one microlens with a diameter of 2000 micrometers or less. [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that the array (702) comprises between 100 and 400 projection optics, in particular 200 projection optics. [3] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one light source (701) comprises one or more LEDs and / or laser diodes. [4] 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. [5] Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection module(s) (7) are arranged in a light shaft (9) extending into the body of the motor vehicle (1). [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 bythat 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 by that 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 by that 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.

Images