Surface-mounted decorative lighting element with optically activated symbol body

Abstract

Surface light decorative element (1) comprising: - an optically activatable symbolic body (2) which consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable first material (9) and is configured to emit visible light in response to the optically activatable symbolic body (2) being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a specified first frequency range (21), - a luminous element (3) which consists of a transparent material, wherein the optically activatable symbolic body (2) is arranged in the luminous element (3), - a touch-sensitive surface (4) arranged in a first area (5) of a surface of the luminous element (3) above the optically activatable symbol body (2) to detect a touch by a user in the first area (5), and - a lighting unit (6) which is configured to emit visible light in a specified visible frequency range (22) into the luminaire (3) and to emit electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range (21) into the luminaire (3) together with the visible light, - characterized in that the specified first frequency range (21) lies in the non-visible range.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a surface lighting decorative element. Decorative surfaces in vehicles can be illuminated, for example, by contour lighting, indirect lighting, or integrated surface lighting.

[0002] Decorative surfaces are also increasingly being equipped with operating functions. These operating functions must be identifiable via symbols.

[0003] The symbols used to identify operating positions for activating functions on illuminated decorative surfaces are currently only static. This means that the symbols themselves are not illuminated. However, symbols that illuminate depending on the ambient light would be advantageous. A combination of surface-illuminated decorative surfaces with touch controls and situationally illuminated symbols is not yet feasible.

[0004] From DE 10 2013 006 147 A1, a decorative element is known in which a luminaire comprises a plurality of luminaire elements that can be excited to emit light by electromagnetic radiation. The luminaire is designed as a purely decorative element.

[0005] From DE 10 2017 124 365 A1, a vehicle switch is known which includes a luminescent structure to display symbols on the switch. However, such a switch is not suitable as a surface lighting decorative element, since only the symbols are illuminated.

[0006] From DE 10 2017 126 795 A1 a lighting system is known by which, for example, a luminescent structure in a window of a vehicle is stimulated to glow by a strip of light.

[0007] DE 10 2014 209 470 A1 discloses a display element with 3D depth effect, which is made to glow by irradiation with light in the optical frequency range, by scattering the optical light.

[0008] US 9982780B2 discloses an illuminated indicator element in a gear selector switch. A light source is provided to illuminate a photoluminescent structure beneath a multitude of symbols.

[0009] Surface-mounted decorative lighting elements are preferably arranged in a vehicle to accentuate or evenly illuminate the interior. To achieve this, it is advantageous to position the surface-mounted decorative lighting element at specific locations within the vehicle. This can lead to conflicts, as vehicle controls are often located in similar areas. When surface-mounted decorative lighting elements are combined with switches or touch-sensitive sensors, it is still necessary to mark the touchable area to enable user operation. Since the surface-mounted decorative lighting element itself emits light, this is usually achieved by marking a touch-sensitive area by either not emitting any light or by emitting less light in that area, for example, by using a touchscreen.This can be achieved by shading the decorative element with appropriate symbolism.

[0010] According to the invention, it is possible to emit both light required for illuminating the vehicle interior and light for marking specific areas on a touch-sensitive surface. Thus, no dark areas are created on the surface lighting decorative element. Furthermore, the surface lighting decorative element according to the invention makes it possible to create decorative illumination of surfaces in a vehicle interior and to use these surfaces to activate or deactivate vehicle functions.

[0011] A surface light decorative element according to the invention comprises an optically activatable symbolic body, which consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable first material and is configured to emit visible light in response to the optically activatable symbolic body being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined first frequency range; a luminaire element, which consists of a transparent material, wherein the optically activatable symbolic body is arranged in the luminaire element; a touch-sensitive surface, which is arranged in a first area on a surface of the luminaire element above the optically activatable symbolic body in order to select a user's touch in the first area; and a lighting unit, which is configured toto emit visible light in a specified visible frequency range into the luminaire and, together with the visible light, also electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range into the luminaire.

[0012] A surface lighting decorative element is a component that is arranged in the interior of a vehicle and makes it possible to illuminate the interior of the vehicle or at least an area in the interior of the vehicle.

[0013] The surface-mounted decorative element is preferably arranged in a trim strip in the vicinity of a vehicle occupant or is itself a trim strip. The surface-mounted decorative element is preferably arranged on the inside of a vehicle door or in a cockpit area of ​​the vehicle in front of the driver or front passenger. More preferably, the surface-mounted decorative element is arranged on the vehicle's headliner, particularly directly above the windshield or above the side windows. The surface-mounted decorative element is particularly suitable for adapting the interior lighting of the vehicle to a desired setting, for example, to create a specific atmosphere in the vehicle's interior by illuminating a surface of the surface-mounted decorative element.

[0014] The optically activatable symbolic body is, in particular, a three-dimensional body that consists at least partially of the first material, which is a transparent, optically activatable material. Optically activatable means that the first material emits visible light in response to being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predefined first frequency range. This predefined first frequency range is different from the frequency range of the visible light emitted by the activatable symbolic body.

[0015] The illuminating element is an element which, at least in the area where the symbolic body is located, consists of a transparent material, allowing a view of the symbolic body when it emits visible light. The illuminating element serves as a carrier element for the activatable symbolic body. This symbolic body is preferably cast into the illuminating element, for example, by injection molding, and manufactured together with the illuminating element. The activatable symbolic body preferably extends over a portion of the illuminating element's base surface. The illuminating element may also include areas made of non-transparent material, for example, to embed associated electronics within the surface-lit decorative element.

[0016] On the light element, a touch-sensitive surface is arranged in a first area above the optically activatable symbol body to detect a user's touch in this first area. The fact that the first area of ​​the light element's surface is arranged above the optically activatable symbol body means that, from the user's perspective, this first area is located in front of the symbol body on a surface of the light element.

[0017] The touch-sensitive surface located in the first area enables user input. The decorative surface lighting element reacts to touch input when it occurs within this first area. In other words, the touch-sensitive surface recognizes input when a user touches the decorative surface lighting element within the area of ​​the optically activated symbol, and thus within the first area. The optically activated symbol marks the first area for the user. The touch-sensitive surface therefore creates a button function, and this button and its functions are indicated by the optically activated symbol. Optionally, the first area can also extend over a surface area of ​​the lighting element that is not located above the optically activated symbol.In this case, the first area encompasses the surface of the luminous element above the optically activatable symbolic body.

[0018] The lighting unit is designed to emit visible light. Visible light lies within a visible frequency range. This visible light can be either white light or exhibit different colors, i.e., different visible frequency ranges. Visible light enables the illumination or accentuation of the vehicle's interior. The visible light is emitted into the light element. It can spread through the transparent material of the light element, and thus, to an observer, it is perceived that the entire light element is illuminated.

[0019] Furthermore, the lighting unit is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range into the luminaire along with the visible light. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation propagates within the luminaire when it is emitted from the lighting unit into the luminaire. Since the optically activatable symbol is located within the transparent material of the luminaire, the material is stimulated to emit visible light when the electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range is emitted from the lighting unit into the luminaire.

[0020] According to the invention, the lighting unit is configured to emit visible light in a visible frequency range and electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined first frequency range into the luminaire. A distinction is thus made between visible light and electromagnetic radiation. However, it should be noted that visible light is also electromagnetic radiation and that, according to the invention, the electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined first frequency range is a form of light invisible to humans. Preferably, a further frequency range lies between the visible frequency range and the first frequency range.

[0021] The visible light emitted by the symbol preferably has a frequency range that is not identical to the visible frequency range in which the visible light is emitted from the lighting unit into the luminaire. In this case, the symbol becomes visible to a user because its color differs from the illumination of the luminaire. Alternatively, the visible light emitted by the symbol has the same frequency range as the visible frequency range in which the visible light is emitted from the lighting unit into the luminaire. In this case, the symbol becomes visible to a user because its brightness differs from the illumination of the luminaire.

[0022] It follows that the luminaire as a whole emits visible light in the specified visible frequency range and, in the areas where the optically activatable symbol is located, also emits the light emitted by the optically activatable symbol when the electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range is emitted from the lighting unit into the luminaire. The lighting unit is specifically designed to selectively emit either only visible light in the specified visible frequency range or only electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range into the luminaire.

[0023] In particular, it allows the brightness of the decorative surface lighting element for illuminating or accentuating the vehicle interior to be freely adjusted by regulating the emission of visible light in the specified visible frequency range from the lighting unit into the light element. Simultaneously, the visibility of the optically activated symbol can be adjusted independently, making it, for example, optionally visible only when the function activated via the touch-sensitive surface is required. This is achieved by regulating the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range from the lighting unit into the light element.The brightness of the light emitted by the optically activatable symbolic body can therefore be adjusted together with the brightness of the visible light emitted by the surface decorative element.

[0024] It is advantageous if the lighting unit is further configured to start, stop, or vary the intensity of the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range in response to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface in that first area. By emitting visible light through the optically activatable symbol, an indicator is thus created that shows whether a touch between a user and the first area of ​​the surface of the lighting element has been successfully detected.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the lighting unit is further configured to increase or decrease the intensity of the emitted visible light in the specified visible frequency range together with the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range, whereby a ratio between the intensities is predefined. This means that the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range, and thus the luminance of the optically activatable symbol, changes along with the intensity of the visible light emitted into the luminaire in the visible frequency range. Thus, for example, a contrast ratio between the activatable symbol and the visible light emitted by it can be maintained in relation to the visible light emitted by the lighting unit into the luminaire.The ratio between the intensities is predefined. This means that the ratio is determined based on a predefined rule. The ratio can be predefined either as a fixed numerical value or, for example, as a curve that defines the ratio of intensities for different intensities of visible light within the specified visible frequency range. This ensures that the position and function of the first area are effectively and clearly displayed to the user at all times by the light emitted from the optically activated symbol, and that the light emitted by the optically activated symbol is not overpowered by the visible light emitted into the luminaire by the lighting unit within the specified visible frequency range.

[0026] According to the invention, the specified first frequency range lies in the non-visible range, in particular in the infrared or ultraviolet range. This ensures that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lighting unit into the luminaire element does not affect the light used to illuminate the vehicle interior. Thus, only the visible frequency range of visible light is relevant for the light intended for illuminating or accentuating the vehicle interior. The electromagnetic radiation necessary for activating the optically activatable symbol remains invisible to the user.

[0027] It is also advantageous if the lighting unit includes at least one OLED, and if the lighting unit is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range and / or visible light in the visible frequency range by means of at least one OLED. By using an OLED, both the visible light in the specified visible frequency range and the electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range can be emitted into the luminaire particularly efficiently, since an OLED allows for a greater degree of freedom in the design of the transitions between the lighting unit and the luminaire.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the lighting unit is configured to adjust the intensity of the emitted visible light in the visible frequency range and / or the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range depending on the intensity of the ambient light. For this purpose, the lighting unit includes, for example, a brightness sensor or is configured to receive a signal describing the intensity of the ambient light. For instance, it is advantageous if the decorative surface lighting element emits less light in a dark environment, such as at night, than in a bright environment, such as during the day. This prevents the driver of the vehicle from being dazzled.Simultaneously, a contrast should be maintained between the visible light emitted by the optically activated symbol and the visible light emitted by the lighting unit into the luminaire element within the specified visible frequency range. In this case, it is advantageous if the intensity of the emitted visible light in the visible frequency range and the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range are both adjusted depending on the intensity of the ambient light. Optionally, only the intensity of either the emitted light in the visible frequency range or the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range, and thus the intensity of the light emitted by the optically activated symbol, is adjusted. This can, for example, lead to a smoother display of an indicator for the first frequency range.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the optically activated symbol is partially made of a non-transparent second material. Such an area is always visible to a user within the illuminated element and is particularly clearly visible when visible light is emitted into the illuminated element within the specified visible frequency range. This is advantageous for meeting safety requirements, for example, if a warning flashing function is to be activated by the first area of ​​the touch-sensitive surface. If the optically activated symbol is partially made of a non-transparent material, the first area remains clearly visible even if the lighting unit malfunctions.

[0030] It is also advantageous if the optically activatable symbolic body consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable third material and is configured to emit visible light in response to being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined second frequency range, and the illumination unit is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined second frequency range into the luminaire. The third material is preferably selected such that, when excited by electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined second frequency range, it emits light of a different color than when excited by electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined first frequency range.This means that the optically activated symbolic element can emit light in different colors, depending on which electromagnetic radiation is used to excite it, i.e., in the specified first or second frequency range. The optically activated symbolic element can therefore appear as a multicolored or color-changing indicator within the surface lighting decorative element.

[0031] It is also advantageous if the lighting unit is configured to operate in either a first or a second mode. In the first mode, the lighting unit emits only visible light within the specified visible frequency range into the light source. In the second mode, the visible light within the specified visible frequency range is emitted into the decorative surface light element together with electromagnetic radiation within the specified first frequency range. Thus, in the first mode, the electromagnetic radiation within the specified first frequency range is not emitted into the light source. This allows the decorative surface light element to be used purely as a decorative element in the first mode. In the second mode, the decorative surface light element is also used as a switching element.This allows the surface light decorative element to be used both as a purely decorative element and as an interface for user input.

[0032] It is also advantageous if the surface-illuminated decorative element further comprises another optically activatable symbolic body, which consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable fourth material and is configured to emit visible light in response to being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined third frequency range, wherein the further optically activatable symbolic body is arranged in the luminaire element, and wherein the touch-sensitive surface is further arranged in a second area of ​​the surface of the luminaire element above the further optically activatable symbolic body in order to detect a user's touch in the second area. Preferably, a touch of the first area can be distinguished from a touch of the second area.The specified third frequency range is preferably the same as the specified first frequency range. In this case, the lighting unit can excite both the optically activatable symbol and the other optically activatable symbol to emit visible light, with two different optically activatable symbols being excited by the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range, since the first frequency range is the same as the third frequency range. Alternatively, it is advantageous if the specified third frequency range differs from the specified first frequency range. In this case, the lighting unit is preferably configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the specified third frequency range into the illuminating element along with the visible light in the specified visible frequency range.The optically activated symbol and the other optically activated symbol can preferably be triggered to emit light independently of each other. Thus, different switching functions can be selectively indicated on the surface lighting decorative element by the optically activated symbols.

[0033] Preferably, the first material and / or the third material and / or the fourth material is a material comprising a fluorescent, transparent dye, in particular C 23 H 12 OS, contains. This material can be easily incorporated into the lighting element to accommodate the optically activated symbolic body within it. Simultaneously, this material possesses favorable characteristics for being easily stimulated by the lighting unit to emit visible light.

[0034] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a surface light decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the surface light decorative element according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 3 a diagram which represents the intensity of the visible light emitted by the lighting unit and of electromagnetic radiation specified by the lighting unit over a frequency range.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a surface-lit decorative element 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The surface-lit decorative element 1 comprises an optically activatable symbol 2, a light source 3, a touch-sensitive surface 4, and a lighting unit 6. The surface-lit decorative element further comprises another optically activatable symbol 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the surface-lit decorative element 1 is a strip that can be inserted into a driver's side door of a vehicle. For this purpose, the light source 3 is shaped accordingly so that it fits into a door panel. Fastening elements are also arranged on the rear side of the surface-lit decorative element 1 to attach it to the door.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the in Fig. 1 of the surface light decorative element shown.

[0037] The lighting element 3 is made of a transparent material. In this embodiment, for example, the lighting element 3 is an injection-molded element made of a transparent plastic. The transparent plastic, i.e., the transparent material, is either clear or opaque. The transparent material can also be colored, which can color the illumination of a vehicle provided by the surface-mounted decorative element 1. In the embodiment described here, the lighting element 3 is clear and uncolored. The optically activatable symbol 2 is arranged within the lighting element 3. The optically activatable symbol 2 is cast into the lighting element 3.

[0038] The optically activatable symbolic body 2 consists at least partially of a transparent and optically activatable first material. The first material is, for example, C. 23H 12 OS. The first material is thus a transparent, fluorescent dye. This first material has the property of emitting visible light in response to being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined first frequency range 21. The first frequency range 21 is selected to lie outside the range of visible light. In particular, the first frequency range 21 lies in the infrared or ultraviolet range. In the aforementioned exemplary first material, the first frequency range 21 lies in the ultraviolet range. The optically activatable symbol 2 is transparent and clear in this embodiment. Therefore, it is not visible in the luminaire 3 unless it is excited by electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined first frequency range 21.

[0039] From the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the optically activatable symbol 2 has the shape of a triangle. The optically activatable symbol 2 is arranged in the light element 3 to indicate a switch function of the surface light decorative element 1. This function is, for example, activating the hazard warning lights of the vehicle in which the surface light decorative element 1 is located. It should be noted that the information in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The form of the optically activatable symbolic body shown in Figure 2 is merely an example. Any form can be chosen for the design of the optically activatable symbolic body 2.

[0040] To enable a switching function via the surface-mounted decorative light element 1, the surface-mounted decorative light element 1 has a touch-sensitive surface 4. The touch-sensitive surface 4 is, for example, a layer applied to the light element 3, which allows capacitive detection of touch by a user. The touch-sensitive surface 4 is transparent. The touch-sensitive surface 4 is arranged at least in a first area 5 on the surface of the light element 3, which is positioned above the optically activatable symbol body 2.The fact that the first area is located above the optically activatable symbol body 2 means that, when the surface-mounted decorative element 1 is arranged with the light element 3 in a vehicle, the touch-sensitive surface 4 of the light element 3 is a user-facing surface, and the first area, from the user's perspective, is the part of the light element 3's surface that covers the optically activatable symbol body 2. In other words, this means that a user can attempt to press the optically activatable symbol body 2 to activate an associated function, such as the hazard warning lights. It is understood that the user does not come into direct contact with the optically activatable symbol body 2, but merely touches the touch-sensitive surface 4 of the light element 3 in the first area.The touch-sensitive surface 4 is thus configured to detect a user's touch in the first area. The touch-sensitive surface 4 is therefore suitable for detecting whether a user is attempting to press on the optically activatable symbol body 2.

[0041] The surface-lit decorative element 1 further comprises the lighting unit 6. The lighting unit 6 generates visible light within a predefined visible frequency range 22 and emits it into the luminaire 3. The predefined visible frequency range 22 can encompass only a specific color of light or generate the entire spectrum, i.e., white light. In this exemplary embodiment, the visible light is white light. The visible frequency range 22 is thus the entire frequency range of visible light, whereby the intensity of the individual frequencies can be distributed differently, as can be seen, for example, from the characteristics of a light source in the lighting unit 6. In this case, the light source for the visible light within the predefined visible frequency range 22 is an OLED.The visible light emitted by the lighting unit 6 into the lighting element 3, within the specified visible frequency range 22, spreads within the lighting element 3 and is emitted from it into the interior of the vehicle. This emitted light is also referred to as surface light 12, since it is emitted by the surface light decorative element 1 across its entire surface of the lighting element 3.

[0042] The lighting unit 6 is further configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 into the luminaire 3, along with visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is ultraviolet light. The electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range also propagates within the luminaire 3 and strikes the optically activatable symbol body 2. This is excited by the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range to emit visible light. This light passes through the transparent luminaire 3 and emerges at the user-facing touch-sensitive surface 4 of the luminaire 3. The light emitted by the optically activatable symbol body 2 is also referred to as symbol light 13.The electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 is generated by an LED, in particular an OLED, in the lighting unit 6 and modulated onto the visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22. The visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22 and the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 are thus emitted together from the lighting unit 6 into the luminaire 3.

[0043] The lighting unit 6 is configured to start, stop, or vary the intensity of the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 in response to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface in the first area 5. For example, the surface light decorative element 1 includes corresponding electronics that change the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lighting unit 6 in the specified first frequency range 21 in response to a user touching the first area 5. For example, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 is increased when a user touches the first area 5 in order to activate a specific function.Accordingly, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lighting unit in the first frequency range is reduced when a user touches the first area 5 to deactivate a corresponding function. This results, for example, in the optically activatable symbol 2 illuminating more brightly when a function is activated and emitting light at a lower brightness when the corresponding function is not active, thus continuing to indicate the area that forms the first area 5.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lighting unit 6 can also vary in the specified first frequency range 21, thereby creating, for example, the impression that the optically activatable symbolic body 2 is flashing. This results from the fact that the optically activatable symbolic body 2 emits alternately more and less visible light, as it is excited at different intensities.

[0045] The lighting unit 6 is configured to adjust the intensity of the emitted visible light in the visible frequency range 22 and the intensity of the electrical radiation in the specified first frequency range 21, depending on the intensity of the ambient light. The intensity of the ambient light is detected either by a brightness sensor in the surface light decorative element 1 or is provided to the surface light decorative element via a data signal. The lighting unit 6 includes electronics that control the lighting unit 6 to increase or decrease the intensity of the emitted visible light in the visible frequency range 22 in accordance with the intensity of the ambient light. Therefore, the surface light decorative element 1 illuminates with lower brightness in a dark environment than in a bright environment.The surface lighting decorative element thus creates a visual accent in the interior of the vehicle, which is clearly visible under different lighting conditions.

[0046] The lighting unit 6 is configured to increase or decrease the intensity of the emitted visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22 together with the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21, whereby a ratio between the intensities is predefined. For example, each possible intensity of the emitted light in the specified visible frequency range 22 is assigned an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21. The ratio between the intensities can be defined for two different states, for example, for a state in which the optically activatable symbol body 2 indicates that a function is active and another state in which the optically activatable symbol body 2 indicates that a function is inactive.This ensures that the illumination provided by the surface light decorative element 1, which is generated by the visible light shining into the light element 3 in the specified visible frequency range 22, is in a defined ratio to the brightness of the light emitted by the optically activatable symbol body 2. This guarantees that, regardless of the ambient light intensity, both adequate illumination of the vehicle interior is achieved and the first area 5 and its function are clearly marked for the user.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the optically activatable symbol body 2 also consists partially of a transparent, optically activatable third material 11, which is configured to emit visible light in response to the optically activatable symbol body 2 being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined second frequency range 23. The predetermined second frequency range 23 is, for example, a frequency range that lies in the non-visible range, here in the infrared range. The optically activatable symbol body 2 is thus made of two different materials, which can be excited independently of each other to emit light. For this purpose, the illumination unit 6 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined second frequency range 23 into the luminaire element 3.The intensity of the radiation in the specified second frequency range 23 is either coupled to the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21, or it can be controlled independently of it. For example, it can be indicated whether a function is active by stimulating only the optically activatable first material 9 or the optically activatable third material 11 to emit light. The other material can be continuously stimulated to emit light, regardless of whether the corresponding function is active, thus indicating the position of the first range 5 to the user at any given time.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the optically activatable symbol body 2 is partially made of a non-transparent second material 10. Since this material is not transparent, or at least not completely transparent, it is visible in the light element 3. This ensures that certain areas can still be located, for example, that the first area 5 is always recognizable, even if there is a malfunction in the lighting unit 6 or if, for example, the ambient light is so bright that the optically activatable symbol body 2 can no longer be recognized even when emitting visible light.

[0049] In Fig. 2 represents the non-transparent second material 10 and the transparent, optically activated third material 11, which are to be understood as alternatives. This means that the edge of the in Fig. The triangular, optically activatable symbolic body 2 shown in Figure 2 is either not transparent or emits visible light in response to electromagnetic radiation in the specified second frequency range 23. In further embodiments, the optically activatable symbolic body 2 comprises several areas, wherein one area is made of the optically activatable first material 9, one area is made of the non-transparent second material 10, and another area is made of the optically activatable third material 11.

[0050] The lighting unit 6 is designed to operate in either a first or a second mode. A control signal provided to the surface light decorative element 1 determines whether the lighting unit 6 operates in the first or second mode.

[0051] In the first mode, only visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22 is emitted into the luminaire 3. This means that neither electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 nor electromagnetic radiation in the specified second frequency range 23 is emitted into the luminaire 3. The surface-lit decorative element 1 is therefore purely decorative, since the first area 5 is not identifiable to the user because there is no indication of it. Only in embodiments where the optically activatable symbolic body 2 consists partially of a non-transparent second material 10 can the first area be identified. Because the first area 5 is no longer indicated in the first mode, a particularly visually appealing appearance of the surface-lit decorative element 1 is created.For example, it is advantageous if the first mode is always activated when the functions indicated by the visually activatable symbol body 2 are not required. This is the case, for instance, when the vehicle is parked and not in operation, or when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous driving mode in which certain functions do not need to be activated by a user.

[0052] In the second mode, visible light in the specified visible frequency range 22 is emitted together with electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range 21 into the surface light decorative element 1, i.e., into the lighting element 3. The first range 5 is indicated by the fact that the first material 9 of the optically activatable symbol body 2 emits light in this second mode. The vehicle functions corresponding to the first range can now be selected by the user.

[0053] The surface lighting decorative element 1 preferably includes the further optically activatable symbolic body 7. This is also exemplified in Fig. Figure 1 shows the further optically activatable symbolic body 7, which is constructed according to the optically activatable symbolic body 2. The further optically activatable symbolic body 7 preferably has a different geometric shape so that it can be distinguished from the optically activatable symbolic body 2 by a user. The further optically activatable symbolic body 7 consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable fourth material. The optically activatable fourth material is a material that emits visible light in response to the further optically activatable symbolic body 7 being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predefined third frequency range. In the figure shown in Fig. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the fourth material is identical to the first material 9, and the specified third frequency range is therefore identical to the specified first frequency range 21. This means that both the optically activatable symbolic body 2 and the further optically activatable symbolic body 7 emit light when electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range is emitted into the luminaire 3 by the illumination unit 6. The illumination unit 6 can be configured either such that the optically activatable symbolic body 2 and the optically activatable symbolic body 7 are always stimulated to emit light together, or such that they can be stimulated to emit light separately by two separate sources of electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range.It is preferred if the optically activatable symbolic body 2 and the further optically activatable symbolic body 7 can be excited to emit light independently of one another. If the first material 9 and the fourth material are different materials, which are selected such that the first frequency range and the third frequency range are non-overlapping frequency ranges, then the emission of visible light by the two activatable symbolic bodies 2, 7 can be achieved independently of one another by the lighting unit 6 by emitting the electromagnetic radiation in the corresponding frequency range into the luminaire element 3.

[0054] The additional optically activatable symbolic body 7 is arranged together with the optically activatable symbolic body 2 in the luminaire element 3, for example, encapsulated together in the luminaire element 3. The two optically activatable symbolic bodies 2 and 7 are arranged side by side so that they do not obscure each other from the user's perspective. The touch-sensitive surface 4 on the luminaire element 3 has a second area 8, which is arranged above the additional optically activatable symbolic body 7. The touch-sensitive surface 4 is designed to detect a user touch in the second area 8. This is how it is in the Fig. The surface-lit decorative element 1 shown in Figure 1 allows a user to activate or deactivate different vehicle functions by pressing the optically activatable symbol body 2 or the further optically activatable symbol body 7. The user does not come into direct contact with the respective optically activatable symbol body 2, 7, but only with the area of ​​the touch-sensitive surface 4 above it, i.e., with the first area 5 or the second area 8.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating the frequency ranges that can be emitted by the lighting unit 6. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation is light in the ultraviolet or infrared range. It can be seen that the lighting unit 6 can provide light in the ultraviolet range, for example in the 320 nm range, which corresponds, for example, to the first frequency range 21. Furthermore, the lighting unit 6 is suitable for emitting light in the visible range and thus in the specified visible frequency range 22, which is in Fig. 3 is represented as a peak in the range of 640 nm wavelength. Furthermore, the lighting unit 6 is configured to emit light in the infrared range, which lies in the range of 920 nm wavelength, corresponding, for example, to the second frequency range 23. The specified visible frequency range 22 is selected such that illumination in a desired color occurs in the interior of the vehicle. The light in the ultraviolet or infrared frequency ranges can either activate individual parts of a single optically activatable symbolic body 2, 7 and thus stimulate them to emit light, or different optically activatable symbolic bodies 2, 7 in the lighting element 3 can be stimulated independently of one another to emit light.

[0056] The surface light decorative element according to the invention Fig. 1 thus consists of a touch-sensitive lighting element 3 into which a symbol is applied by means of the symbolic body 2, which is stimulated to emit light by optical excitation. This creates a situationally illuminated symbol that can be controlled, for example, depending on the ambient light.

[0057] The optical excitation of the applied symbolism occurs at a specific wavelength of the coupled light, preferably in the non-visible range (e.g., UV or IR range). The luminaire element 3 is used for coupling the light, whereby the activation light required for the symbolism is modulated onto the (visible) surface light. This modulation enables targeted, high-contrast, and adjustable activation of the symbolism within the context of the surface illumination.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary arrangement of an applied symbolism 2 in a surface light decorative element 1, wherein the coupled light, the coupled surface light 12 and the coupled symbolism light 13 are shown.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary schematic representation of the spectrum of the modulation of UV and / or IR radiation into the spectrum of visible area light 12. The invisible UV and / or IR radiation is used to activate the visible symbol illumination, i.e., the symbol light 13, within the context of the area illumination. This activation can be triggered via an integrated touch sensor.

[0060] Preferably, transparent, fluorescent, UV- or IR-activated substances such as C are used as materials for the optically situationally activatable symbolism. 23 H 12OS to be used, which are applied to the surface light decorative element 1 by means of an injection molding process.

[0061] An advantageous embodiment of the surface light decorative element 1 according to the invention consists in the use of OLED technology for the realization of the surface light decorative element 1.

[0062] In the inactive state of the symbolism, the transparency of the material used means that the symbolism is preferably not recognizable to the viewer (so-called disappearance effect).

[0063] In addition to optical activation of the symbolism, magnetic or inductive activation is also possible through the use of suitable materials.

[0064] The arrangement according to the invention enables a monolithic combination of situationally illuminated symbols in surface-lit decorative elements. This creates an integrated approach that allows for high-contrast, luminous symbols within a lighting context. In the deactivated state, the surface-lit decorative element can be designed so that no significant feature of the applied symbolism is visually discernible. Advantages include high contrast of the symbolism in a lighting environment, new degrees of freedom in design, a homogeneous appearance, and a reduction in the complexity of the structure, thereby reducing system costs and improving quality characteristics.

[0065] In addition to the above written revelation, explicit reference is made to the revelation of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 referred. Reference symbol list: 1 surface light decorative element 2 optically activatable symbolic bodies 3 lighting elements 4 touch-sensitive surfaces 5 first area 6 lighting units 7 additional optically activatable symbolic bodies 8 second area 9 first material 10 second material 11 third material 12 surface lights 13 Symbolism - Light 21 first frequency range 22 visible frequency range 23 second frequency range

Claims

Surface light decorative element (1) comprising: - an optically activatable symbolic body (2), which consists at least partially of a transparent, optically activatable first material (9) and is configured to emit visible light in response to the optically activatable symbolic body (2) being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a specified first frequency range (21), - a luminaire element (3), which consists of a transparent material, wherein the optically activatable symbolic body (2) is arranged in the luminaire element (3), - a touch-sensitive surface (4), which is arranged in a first area (5) of a surface of the luminaire element (3) above the optically activatable symbolic body (2) in order to detect a user's touch in the first area (5), and - a lighting unit (6), which is configured toto emit visible light in a specified visible frequency range (22) into the luminaire element (3) and, together with the visible light, also electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range (21) into the luminaire element (3), characterized in that the specified first frequency range (21) lies in the non-visible range. Surface light decorative element according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit (6) is further configured to start, stop or vary the intensity of the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined first frequency range (21) in response to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface (4) in the first area (5). Surface light decorative element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (6) is further configured to increase or decrease an intensity of the emitted visible light in the specified visible frequency range (22) together with an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range (21), wherein a ratio between the intensities is predefined. Surface light decorative element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the specified first frequency range (21) is in the infrared range or in the ultraviolet range. Surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (6) comprises at least one OLED, wherein the lighting unit is configured to generate the electromagnetic radiation in the first frequency range (21) and / or the visible light in the visible frequency range (22) by means of the at least one OLED. Surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (6) is further configured to adjust an intensity of the emitted visible light in the visible frequency range (22) and / or an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range (21) depending on an intensity of an ambient light. Surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optically activatable symbolic body (2) further consists partly of a non-transparent second material (10). Surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optically activatable symbolic body (2) further consists at least partially of a transparent optically activatable third material (11) and is configured to emit visible light in response to the optically activatable symbolic body (2) being excited with electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined second frequency range (23), and the lighting unit (6) is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined second frequency range (23) into the luminaire element (3). Surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (6) is configured to be operated selectively in a first or in a second mode, wherein the lighting unit - in the first mode emits exclusively the visible light in the specified visible frequency range (22) into the illuminating element (3), and - in the second mode emits the visible light in the specified visible frequency range (22) together with the electromagnetic radiation in the specified first frequency range (21) into the surface light decorative element. A surface light decorative element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a further optically activatable symbolic body (7), which consists at least partially of a transparent optically activatable fourth material and is configured to emit visible light in response to the further optically activatable symbolic body (7) being excited by electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined third frequency range, - wherein the further optically activatable symbolic body (7) is arranged in the luminaire element (3), and - wherein the touch-sensitive surface (4) is further arranged in a second area (8) of the surface (4) of the luminaire element (3) above the further optically activatable symbolic body (7) in order to detect a touch by a user in the second area (8).

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