Lighting arrangement for illuminating a lighting area in the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract

A lighting arrangement for illuminating a lighting surface (4) in the interior of a vehicle is described. The lighting arrangement comprises a housing (3) and a light source (1) arranged in the housing (3) for generating light with a defined emission characteristic. The housing (3) has at least one light emission opening so that the light generated by the light source (1) can exit the housing (3) to illuminate the lighting surface (4). The lighting arrangement further comprises a deflecting mirror (2) for deflecting the light generated by the light source (1), the deflecting mirror (2) being configured to project the deflected light onto the lighting surface (4) in such a way that a desired luminance distribution can be generated on the lighting surface (4). A lighting assembly and a vehicle with the lighting assembly are also described.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a lighting arrangement. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a lighting arrangement for illuminating a lighting surface in the interior of a vehicle.

[0002] Lighting arrangements for illuminating surfaces in vehicle interiors are known. Lighting arrangements for generating light patterns on these surfaces are also known. In these known lighting arrangements, the surfaces used to generate the light pattern are provided with curvatures and raised structural features, which can restrict the usable space in the vehicle or impair the use of the available space.

[0003] One objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an improved lighting arrangement for illuminating a lighting area in the interior of a vehicle, which enables effective use of the interior space of the vehicle.

[0004] To solve this problem, a lighting arrangement for illuminating a surface in the interior of a vehicle is provided, according to a first aspect. The lighting arrangement comprises a housing and a light source arranged in the housing for generating light with a defined beam characteristic, wherein the housing has at least one light exit opening so that the light generated by the light source can exit the housing to illuminate the surface.

[0005] The lighting arrangement further comprises a deflecting mirror for redirecting the light generated by the light source, wherein the deflecting mirror is configured to project the redirected light onto the illumination surface in such a way that a desired luminance distribution can be generated on the illumination surface or projection surface. In particular, the deflecting mirror can be configured, at least partially, based on the emission characteristics of the light source, so that the desired luminance distribution or target luminance distribution is achieved on the illumination surface.

[0006] By incorporating the deflecting mirror, the light can be directed or projected onto the illumination surface in a controlled manner. This lighting arrangement thus allows for better control of the luminance distribution on the projection surface. Using a suitably designed deflecting mirror or mirror optics, light patterns can also be generated on a flat or unstructured illumination surface, thereby enabling better use of installation space within the vehicle.

[0007] The deflecting mirror can comprise one or more planar and / or curved segments. These mirror segments allow for the selective illumination of specific areas of the lighting surface to achieve the desired luminance distribution. By using differently curved segments of the deflecting mirror, light patterns can be created by selectively varying the luminance of the lighting surface at specific points. Focusing the light with the reflector produces clearly perceptible illumination or visible lighting patterns, even when the lighting surface is illuminated by other light sources, such as the sun.

[0008] In some embodiments, the deflecting mirror comprises a number of concave segments. These concave segments can be designed, in particular, to focus the light generated by the light source onto specific areas of the illumination surface in order to achieve a local increase in luminance at the corresponding locations.

[0009] The deflecting mirror can comprise a number of convex segments. These convex segments scatter the light incident from the light source in such a way that local minima of luminance are created on the illuminated or target surface. The luminance can be reduced, in particular, in those areas of the illuminated surface that are exposed to interfering ambient light or where interfering reflections of ambient light, for example caused by sunlight, are likely to be more pronounced.

[0010] The segmented deflecting mirror makes it possible, in particular, to illuminate non-critical areas of the illumination surface, which cause little or no disruptive reflections, more intensely than those areas where disruptive reflections are more pronounced or caused by distracting reflections from the glass. Such contrast lighting can reduce the disruptive effect of ambient light reflections and / or reflections from the glass, or even mitigate the problem of distracting reflections altogether.

[0011] The deflecting mirror can, in particular, be designed at least partially as a freeform reflector. An environmental mirror designed as a freeform reflector can be precisely matched to the emission characteristics of the light source and to the area to be illuminated or the target area in order to achieve the desired luminance distribution with high precision.

[0012] The deflecting mirror can have a principal axis of curvature, which can be vertical, horizontal, or a combination of both. The orientation of the principal axis of curvature allows for targeted control of the illumination or luminance distribution across the illuminated surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lighting arrangement includes a pinhole aperture for creating a lighting pattern on the lighting surface. In particular, the pinhole aperture can have translucent and opaque sections. The pinhole aperture can be used to create additional light superposition effects, additional lighting effects, or lighting patterns. Specifically, a periodic aperture or light window arrangement can be used to create a periodic lighting pattern on the lighting surface.

[0014] A second aspect describes a vehicle lighting assembly. This assembly comprises an interior element with an illuminated surface and a lighting arrangement as described in the first aspect. The housing of the lighting arrangement is positioned or mounted relative to the interior element such that the light deflected by the reflector can be projected onto the illuminated surface to produce a desired luminance distribution. The reflector allows the light to be projected onto the illuminated surface in a controlled manner, enabling more precise adjustment of the desired luminance distribution on the projection surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the illumination area includes one or more critical regions which, when illuminated, can cause disruptive reflections, particularly reflections from the glass. The deflecting mirror can be designed to exclude such regions from illumination by the light source and / or to reduce the light intensity in these regions. Such contrast illumination can prevent disruptive reflections.

[0016] The illuminated area may have one or more areas more exposed to ambient light, such as sunlight or streetlights, where this ambient light can cause disturbing reflections from the vehicle occupant's perspective. The deflecting mirror can be designed to exclude such areas from the light source's illumination and / or reduce the light intensity in these areas. Such contrast lighting can reduce the disruptive effect of ambient light reflections or mitigate the problem altogether.

[0017] The lighting assembly can be designed as a dashboard assembly. The dashboard with the lighting arrangement is characterized by an attractive design and reduced distracting reflections.

[0018] A vehicle is proposed based on a third aspect. The vehicle must have at least one lighting arrangement according to the first aspect and / or at least one lighting assembly according to the second aspect. The vehicle is characterized by high visual ergonomics and high road safety, particularly due to the absence or reduction of distracting reflections.

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning parts. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a lighting assembly of a vehicle with a prior art lighting arrangement. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the formation of a disturbing reflection in the arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through a lighting assembly of a vehicle with a lighting arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 shows a lighting pattern on the lighting surface in the arrangement known from the prior art according to Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 5 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to an embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror and with a pinhole aperture according to another embodiment, and Fig. Figure 9 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to a further embodiment.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a vehicle lighting assembly with a prior art lighting arrangement. The prior art lighting assembly comprises a lighting arrangement (shown enlarged in the detail view on the left). The lighting arrangement includes a light source 1 for generating light with a defined beam characteristic 1a and a housing 3 in which the light source 1 is arranged. The housing 3 is open on one side, downwards in the image, or has a light emission opening, so that the light generated by the light source 1 can exit the housing 3.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 further shows an interior element with a surface to be illuminated, or illumination surface 4, wherein the lighting arrangement is configured to illuminate the illumination surface 4. The illumination surface 4, or projection surface, can in particular be designed as a diffusely light-scattering surface of the interior element, for example with a plastic and / or fabric coating. The light scattered at the illumination surface 4 can be visually perceived, in particular by vehicle occupants, as lights or light patterns.

[0022] In the Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts the windshield 5, the dashboard 6 of the vehicle, and an eye ellipse 7 of a vehicle occupant. The eye ellipse 7 is defined as the area of ​​space within the vehicle in which the driver's eyes can be located with a certain probability, for example, 85%. In the example shown, this is a so-called inclusive eye ellipse, in which the driver's eyes can be located with a very high probability of 95%. In this example, the lighting assembly is designed as a dashboard assembly, with the housing 3 of the lighting arrangement being mounted essentially below the dashboard 6.

[0023] The illumination area includes an invisible region 4a. The invisible region 4a is covered by the dashboard 6 in such a way that it is not accessible to the view of the vehicle occupants, as shown in the Fig. The light beam shown in Figure 1 is visible between the eye ellipse 7 and the illumination surface 4. Vehicle occupants therefore cannot normally see the invisible area 4a.

[0024] In Fig. Furthermore, a first visible area 4b and a second visible area 4c of the illumination surface 4 are visible. Both visible areas 4b and 4c are accessible to the direct view of the vehicle occupant, whereby the second visible area 4c can also be perceived indirectly as a windshield reflection. This is shown in Fig. 1 visualized using a beam reflected 5 from the windshield.

[0025] As can be seen from the schematically represented radiation pattern 1a or the light cone of the light produced by the light source 1, a considerable proportion of the light cone (in Fig. (1 shown in dark gray) the visible areas of the lighting surface to be illuminated are not reached. In particular, some of the LED light is wasted illuminating the invisible area 4a, and another part is emitted beyond the target or does not reach the lighting surface 4 at all.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the formation of a disturbing reflection in the arrangement according to Fig. 1. To illustrate the disturbing reflection, in Fig. 2. A reflection area 5a of the windshield 5 is shown, where disturbing reflections of the second visible area 4c or the critical windshield reflection area of ​​the illumination surface 4 can occur. The reflection area 5a of the windshield 5 can be determined in particular by the two in Fig. The two boundary rays shown in the diagram are determined, which extend from the endpoints of the second visible area 4c via the specular reflection at the windshield 5 to the eye ellipse 7. Light scattered from the second visible area 4c can thus reach the driver's eye via the specular reflection in the reflective area 5a of the windshield 5, which can cause irritation and fatigue.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section through a lighting assembly of a vehicle with a lighting arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. The in Fig. The lighting assembly shown in Figure 3 largely corresponds to the one in Figure 3. Fig. 1 arrangement shown, wherein the lighting arrangement of the Fig. The housing 3 additionally includes a deflecting mirror 2. Furthermore, the light source 1 is mounted on an inner wall of the housing 3 such that the housing, or rather the light cone emitted from the light source 1, is directed obliquely inwards. The housing 3 can be, in particular, essentially opaque, so that the light can only exit the housing 3 through the light outlet opening. This prevents, in particular, the uncontrolled entry of light from the light source 1 into the interior of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 3 is designed in the form of an elongated profile with a longitudinal axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the image. The light source 1 is also elongated and extends along the housing. In this embodiment, an LED light source in the form of an LED strip is used as the light source.

[0028] The deflecting mirror 2 is located in the path of the light generated by the light source 1, so that the light generated by the light source 1 is captured by the deflecting mirror 2 and deflected in a controlled manner towards the illumination surface. The deflected light, or projected light, is then Fig. 3 visualized by straight projection rays 8.

[0029] In some embodiments, the deflecting mirror comprises one or more planar and / or curved segments. In particular, the deflecting mirror can comprise concave and / or convex segments. The deflecting mirror can, in particular, have local curvatures, especially about a longitudinal axis and / or about a vertical axis oriented obliquely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the deflecting mirror is designed as a freeform reflector adapted to the emission characteristics of the light source and to the area to be illuminated. In particular, the appropriate shape of the deflecting mirror can be determined by an optical simulation. The emission characteristics 1a, the geometry of the illumination surface 4, and the target illuminance distribution on the illumination surface 4 can be used as input for determining the shape of the deflecting mirror.

[0030] The design of the deflecting mirror allows for the influence and flexible control of the projected light and, consequently, the luminance distribution on the illuminated surface. In particular, a suitably shaped reflector can be used to create or display light patterns on the illuminated surface without requiring special relief structures. This allows for an increase in the effective usable space inside the vehicle. Specifically, it enables better utilization of interior space for other applications, particularly in the design of storage compartments. Furthermore, it allows for the replacement of disruptive or tactilely bothersome textures in storage areas with pleasantly soft, smooth surfaces (cushioned touch feeling). This lighting arrangement thus provides improved tactile accessibility of illuminated storage compartments compared to textured projection surfaces.

[0031] Furthermore, unstructured or flat projection surfaces are easier to provide. Flat or minimally structured interior elements, for example, can be easily manufactured without demolding angles using an injection molding process.

[0032] By precisely directing the projection light, areas that would be visible as reflections or refractions in the windows from the occupants' perspective can be excluded from the illumination by light source 1. By excluding such areas or by reducing the irradiance in these critical window reflection areas, unwanted and disruptive reflections in the windows can be avoided, especially at night.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the projection rays extend to the boundary between the first visible area 4b and the second visible area 4c, or the critical windshield reflection area, whereby in the second visible area 4c, unlike in Fig. 1 and Fig. In the two examples shown, no projection rays arrive. The light generated by light source 1 therefore cannot produce any unwanted or disturbing reflections on the windshield 5.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lighting arrangement includes a pinhole aperture, in particular in addition to the deflecting mirror 2, for generating a lighting pattern on the lighting surface or for modifying a lighting pattern already generated by the deflecting mirror 2.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows a lighting pattern on the lighting surface in the arrangement known from the prior art according to Fig. 1. In particular, it shows Fig. 4 The illumination surface 4 is shown in a top view or from the perspective of a vehicle occupant, whereby the luminance distribution across the illumination surface 4 is recognizable by light-dark transitions. For orientation, the position of the housing 3 is indicated by an arrow running along the upper edge of the image. The in Fig. The lighting shown in Figure 4 exhibits a wide luminance distribution with low contrast and low light intensity, which is primarily due to the lack of focusing and light waste. In particular, the arrangement shown in Figure 4... Fig. 1 the light produced by the light source 1 is emitted unfocused and uncontrolled, resulting in such diffuse illumination patterns and high power losses.

[0036] The light spot extends essentially over the entire visible area of ​​the illumination surface, encompassing both the first visible area 4b and the second visible area 4c, which can cause disturbing windscreen reflections.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to an embodiment. The in Fig. The lighting shown in Figure 4, or the luminance distribution, is achieved by means of a specially shaped deflecting mirror 2 with an arrangement according to Figure 4. Fig. 3 achieved. The lighting has a higher level compared to Fig. 4. A narrow luminance distribution with high contrast and high light intensity is achieved. The projection light is essentially limited or focused on the first visible area 4b of the illumination surface 4. By controlled deflection or focusing of the light with the deflecting mirror, the second area 4c is essentially completely excluded from the projection light, so that stray light emanating from this critical area cannot cause disturbing reflections from the screen.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to another embodiment. In this example, a segmented deflecting mirror is used such that a striped pattern of alternating light and dark stripes is generated on the illumination surface. In the critical second region 4c, the luminance distribution has a low intensity, so that there is little risk of reflections from the illuminated surface 4.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to a further embodiment. The luminance distribution shown is achieved with a different deflecting mirror. This deflecting mirror has finer segments curved around a longitudinal axis, resulting in a fine longitudinal structure or longitudinal stripe structure in the illumination pattern. Furthermore, the deflecting mirror 4 is designed to capture as much of the LED light as possible, especially from the edge regions of the emission characteristic 1a. In comparison to Fig. In section 5, the luminance distribution exhibits a lower contrast or a flatter distribution. The luminance dependence across the illuminated area in the transverse direction essentially corresponds to a step function.

[0040] At the boundary between the first visible area 4b and the second visible area 4c, a smooth light-dark-light transition is discernible, creating a special visual 3D effect. This allows a volume effect or the impression of a voluminous structure to be created without having to structure the illuminated area 4.

[0041] Fig. Figure 7 can serve as an example of how to selectively illuminate certain areas and selectively exclude others from the illumination. The first visible area, 4b, is illuminated primarily to provide aesthetically pleasing interior lighting. The second visible area, 4c, is illuminated to provide functional lighting, for example, for an interior shelf. The unlit area, 4b', located in the center of the light-dark transition, can be used specifically to avoid disruptive reflections or other negative optical effects.

[0042] Fig. Figure 8 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror and a pinhole aperture according to another embodiment. In this example, a periodic pattern of luminous spots arranged along the longitudinal direction is generated on the illumination surface. The periodic pattern is based on a striped pattern, similar to that in Fig. 7, superimposed. Such a luminance distribution results when a segmented deflecting mirror 2 is used according to Fig. 7 is combined with a pinhole aperture. The pinhole aperture can, in particular, be located downstream of the deflecting mirror, especially at the light exit aperture of the housing 3. The pinhole aperture has a periodic aperture arrangement, whereby the in Fig. The eight periodic patterns shown are created. The variety of light patterns achievable with the lighting arrangement can be further increased using such pinhole apertures, aperture arrangements, and / or diffraction gratings.

[0043] Fig. Figure 9 shows simulation results for an exemplary application with a deflecting mirror according to a further embodiment. In this example, the deflecting mirror is selected or configured to produce a substantially uniform luminance distribution with decreasing intensity towards the bottom.

[0044] The examples shown above are intended to illustrate the possibilities of the lighting arrangement presented here. Compared to lighting arrangements known from the prior art, the lighting arrangement according to Fig. 3. Significantly higher luminance levels are achieved when illuminating projection surfaces. The lighting arrangement allows for further optimization of the luminance distribution and the realization of innovative light pattern displays, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

[0045] The lighting arrangement is also suitable for modular construction. In particular, several such lighting arrangements can be connected in series to illuminate larger or longer projection surfaces. The lighting arrangement also allows for targeted control of the luminance distribution, which can be used for aesthetic purposes.

[0046] If the luminance of conventional systems is sufficient in certain applications, the lighting device described here could achieve the same luminance with fewer LEDs or lower power, which could reduce costs, electricity consumption and heat generation.

[0047] Avoiding or suppressing distracting reflections from the windshield improves visual ergonomics and road safety, particularly due to reduced distraction and fatigue while driving. The projected light patterns eliminate the need for structured lighting surfaces. Furthermore, avoiding highly textured surfaces in interior storage compartments that come into contact with the skin enhances the tactile experience for vehicle occupants. The elimination of undercuts through the surface texturing also enables molding without draft angles, especially in injection molding, and simplifies the production of interior components with illuminated surfaces.

[0048] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the preceding description, various changes and modifications can be made. The embodiments mentioned are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a plan for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby numerous changes can be made to the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Furthermore, according to the principles described herein, several modules or several products can also be combined to obtain additional functions. Reference symbol list 1 light source 1a Light cone 2 deflecting mirrors 3 cases 4 Lighting area 4a invisible area 4b first visible area 4b' unlit area 4c second visible area 5 Windscreen 5a Reflection area 6 Dashboard 7 eye ellipse 8 Projection beam

Claims

[1] Lighting arrangement for illuminating a lighting surface (4) in an interior of a vehicle, comprising: - a housing (3), and - a light source (1) arranged in the housing (3) for generating a light with a defined emission characteristic, wherein the housing (3) has at least one light exit opening so that the light generated by the light source (1) can exit the housing (3) to illuminate the illumination surface (4), wherein the illumination arrangement has a deflecting mirror (2) for deflecting the light generated by the light source (1), and wherein the deflecting mirror (2) is designed to project the deflected light onto the illumination surface (4) such that a desired luminance distribution can be generated on the illumination surface (4). [2] Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the deflecting mirror (2) comprises one or more planar and / or curved segments. [3] Lighting arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflecting mirror (2) comprises a number of concave segments. [4] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the deflecting mirror (2) comprises a number of convex segments. [5] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflecting mirror (2) is designed at least in regions as a free-form reflector. [6] Lighting arrangement according to the preceding claims, the deflecting mirror (2) has a main curvature axis, and wherein the main curvature axis of the deflecting mirror (2) is aligned vertically, horizontally or in a combination of both. [7] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting arrangement comprises a pinhole for generating an illumination pattern on the illumination surface. [8] Lighting assembly of a vehicle, comprising an interior element with an illumination surface (4) to be illuminated, and a lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) of the lighting arrangement is arranged with respect to the interior element such that the light deflected by the deflection mirror (2) can be projected onto the illumination surface (4) to produce a desired luminance distribution. [9] Lighting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the illumination surface (4) comprises one or more critical areas (4c) which can cause disturbing reflections in the illuminated state, and wherein the deflecting mirror (2) is designed such that such areas are excluded from illumination by the light source. [10] Vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one lighting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or at least one lighting assembly according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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