Lighting arrangement for the interior of a vehicle, method for controlling the lighting arrangement and vehicle comprising the lighting arrangement

The lighting arrangement for vehicle interiors uses electro-optical elements and light channels to enhance flexibility and efficiency, addressing the limitations of existing designs by creating multiple luminous structures with adjustable brightness and reduced complexity.

DE102024207688A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-02-19STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024207688
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-13
Publication Date
2026-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle interior lighting arrangements have limited flexibility in representing luminous structures and require complex designs with high installation space.

Method used

A lighting arrangement for vehicle interiors that includes a housing with a light-emitting window, diffuser, and optical system using electro-optical elements to create multiple luminous structures with adjustable brightness, utilizing light channels and diffusers to achieve enhanced flexibility and efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for visually appealing, flexible lighting designs with high luminous efficacy, enabling independent control of multiple lighting structures using a single light source, reducing complexity and installation space.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A lighting arrangement (1) for the interior of a vehicle is provided. The lighting arrangement comprises a housing (2) with a light-emitting window and a luminaire (8) for generating a first luminous structure within the housing (2). The lighting arrangement (1) further comprises at least one light source (9) for generating light and illuminating the luminaire (8) with a first part of the light generated by the at least one light source, so that the first luminous structure can be visually perceived through the light-emitting window.The light exit window has a translucent end plate (4) with at least one diffuser (4a) integrated into the end plate (4) for generating at least one second luminous structure, wherein the lighting arrangement (1) comprises an optical system configured to divert a second part of the light generated by the at least one light source (9) for feeding into the end plate (4), wherein the optical system further comprises at least one electro-optical element (14a, 14b) for controlling the intensity of the first and / or the second part of the light generated by the at least one light source. Furthermore, a method for controlling the lighting arrangement (1) and a vehicle comprising the lighting arrangement are provided.
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Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a lighting arrangement. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a lighting arrangement for the interior of a vehicle, as well as a method for controlling the lighting arrangement and a vehicle comprising the lighting arrangement.

[0002] Lighting arrangements and devices for vehicle interiors are known. Lighting arrangements using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as light sources are also known. These devices can be designed, for example, to illuminate vehicle interiors and / or as decorative or accent lights. Lighting arrangements for creating luminous structures are particularly well-known. Such lighting arrangements typically have a complex design and limited flexibility in the representation of luminous structures.

[0003] One objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a visually appealing lighting arrangement with a small installation space, high luminous efficacy and enhanced possibilities for the representation of luminous structures.

[0004] To solve this problem, a lighting arrangement for a vehicle interior is provided, following a first aspect. The lighting arrangement comprises a housing with a light-emitting window and a light source or diffuser to create an initial lighting structure within the housing.

[0005] The lighting arrangement further comprises at least one light source for generating light and for illuminating the luminaire with a first part of the light generated by the at least one light source, so that the first luminous structure can be visually perceived through the light-exit window. In particular, the at least one light source can comprise one or more light sources and be configured to cause the luminaire to glow by illuminating the luminaire or diffuser.

[0006] The light exit window also includes a translucent, in particular essentially transparent, end plate with at least one diffuser or light extraction element integrated in the end plate to generate at least one second luminous structure.

[0007] The lighting arrangement comprises an optical system configured to divert a second portion of the light generated by the at least one light source for feeding into the end plate. The optical system further comprises at least one electro-optical element for controlling the intensity of the first and / or second portion of the light generated by the at least one light source. The at least one electro-optical element can, in particular, be configured to switch between a transparent and an opaque and / or specular state.

[0008] The light introduced into the end plate can be scattered by the at least one diffuser integrated into the end plate, so that the diffuser can be perceived as a luminous body. The lighting arrangement thus makes it possible to generate one or more additional or secondary luminous structures, in addition to the first or primary luminous structure, without the need for additional light sources or complex optics. The intensity or luminous flux of the first or second part of the light can be varied by means of the at least one electro-optical element, so that the brightness of the luminous body or the at least one luminous structure can be varied. Thus, the visually perceptible brightness of the luminous body or the at least one luminous structure can be varied, which allows for additional flexibility in the lighting design of the vehicle interior.

[0009] The at least one electro-optic element can, in particular, comprise an optical body with variable light transmission, such that the optical body can be switched between a first, essentially transparent, state and a second, essentially opaque, state. In particular, the optical body of the at least one electro-optic element can be configured to assume intermediate states between the first and second states, so that the light transmission of the optical body can be changed gradually. By means of such electro-optic elements, the brightness of the first or second luminaire can be electrically controlled in a simple manner, in particular without mechanical components such as apertures or actuators.

[0010] The optical system can comprise at least one first light channel or primary light channel for guiding the first part of the light generated by the at least one light source to the luminaire, and at least one second or secondary light channel or light bypass for guiding the second part of the light generated by the at least one light source to the end plate. The at least one electro-optical element can comprise a first electro-optical element for controlling the luminous flux of the light directed from the first light channel to the luminaire, and a second electro-optical element for controlling the luminous flux of the light directed through the second light channel to the end plate. In particular, the light channels can be used to direct the light generated by the at least one light source to the respective light coupling points of the luminaire.The end plate is guided, thus increasing the overall luminous efficacy of the lighting arrangement. The brightness of the first and second lighting structures can be controlled independently of each other using the two electro-optical elements.

[0011] The first and / or second light channel can be formed at least partially by a light guide and / or by a cavity with an at least partially mirrored inner surface. The use of light guides allows for the realization of particularly robust optical systems, while cavities can help to reduce the overall weight of the lighting arrangement.

[0012] The optical system can, in particular, comprise at least one optical fiber, such that the light generated by the at least one light source can be guided at least partially through the at least one optical fiber to the luminaire and / or the end plate and diffuser. The at least one optical fiber can thus function, at least partially, as a light channel for guiding the light generated by the at least one light source for coupling into the luminaire or the end plate. The optical fiber can also serve as a mounting element for other components of the optical system and contribute to the overall robustness of the optical system or the lighting arrangement.

[0013] The optical system can include a deflecting mirror for redirecting the light generated by the at least one light source to the luminaire, wherein the deflecting mirror can be configured to redirect a portion of the light into the at least one second light channel. The deflecting mirror can thus function as a light splitter or light distributor, so that the light generated by the at least one light source can be split to generate the primary and secondary luminaire structures.

[0014] The optical system can further comprise a second or additional deflecting mirror for redirecting the diverted portion of the light generated by the at least one light source to an edge region of the end plate. Particularly in the case of a second light channel designed as a cavity, the diverted portion of the light can be directed precisely to the end plate by means of the second deflecting mirror, so that it can be coupled into the end plate more effectively and efficiently. The second deflecting mirror can, in particular, be located at the end of the at least one second light channel to introduce or couple the diverted portion of the light generated by the at least one light source laterally into an edge region of the end plate. By coupling the light laterally into the end plate, the coupled light can propagate within the end plate over longer distances with minimal light loss.

[0015] The lighting arrangement can comprise a substantially axially symmetrical structure and a substantially round end plate, wherein the at least one second light channel is substantially ring-shaped, so that the diverted light can be coupled into a circumferential outer edge of the end plate substantially uniformly radially over the entire circumference of the end plate.

[0016] In particular, the housing can have a substantially axially symmetrical side wall and a flat housing base, wherein the at least one light source can be arranged substantially planarly on an inner surface of the flat housing base. In particular, the at least one light source can comprise several light sources with predefined emission characteristics and be configured to emit light radially into the at least one first light channel. The at least one second light channel can be configured substantially in the form of a ring enclosing the end plate.By coupling the light radially into the end plate from all sides, it can be ensured in particular that the end plate is illuminated essentially uniformly and to a sufficient degree to supply the scattering elements, which can be fundamentally different and located at different points on the end plate, with sufficient light, especially regardless of their position.

[0017] The lighting arrangement or optical system can comprise a planar mirror with a mirror surface facing away from the at least one light source and towards the end plate. In some embodiments, the planar mirror is at least partially embedded in the luminaire. In particular, the luminaire can have a recess, especially a through-opening, for receiving the planar mirror. For example, the planar mirror can have a substantially round shape so that it can be inserted snugly or precisely into a through-opening of an annular luminaire. The planar mirror can be designed as a double-sided mirror or with two reflective main surfaces. With a first reflective main surface, the planar mirror can, in particular, function as a reflective inner wall of the first light channel, thereby increasing the luminous efficacy.The luminous efficiency of the lighting arrangement can be increased.

[0018] In some embodiments, the planar mirror is configured such that one side facing the at least one light source rests against the luminaire. In particular, the opaque mirror can be configured such that at least a portion of the luminaire is covered by the opaque mirror, with the uncovered portion appearing as a structured luminaire or light structure. Thus, the opaque mirror can be used both to generate multiple reflections within the mirror arrangement and to create the light structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lighting arrangement includes a partially transparent mirror that is plane-parallel to the planar mirror. The partially transparent mirror can be located, in particular, on the back of the end plate, for example as a mirror coating or mirror film.

[0020] In particular, the end plate can have a partially transparent reflective coating on at least part of its back side, opposite the light emission side or facing the planar mirror. This coating, together with the planar mirror, forms a double mirror arrangement. This double mirror arrangement makes it possible, in particular, for the first luminous structure to appear at different depths within the housing. The appearance of luminous structures at different depths can create not only a volume effect but also a visual infinity effect, specifically an illusion of infinitely repeating structures.

[0021] The semi-transparent mirror can exhibit varying degrees of transparency, in order to enhance or diminish the infinity effect as needed. The at least one semi-transparent mirror can, in particular, possess a specific degree of transparency. Specifically, the semi-transparent mirror can be designed such that a certain portion of the incident light is transmitted. A certain portion of the incident light can be reflected back onto the opaque mirror for further reflection. Thus, a kind of light recycling can occur repeatedly, particularly until the light reaches the outside. The proportion of light reflected by the semi-transparent mirror determines the light recycling efficiency and influences the relative brightness of the luminous structures appearing at different depths.Depending on the design, the semi-transparent mirror can have a transparency between 20% and 80%, particularly between 40% and 60%, and especially between 45% and 55%. The choice of transparency can be based on the design requirements of the lighting arrangement. In some embodiments, the semi-transparent mirror has a transparency of approximately 50%, which allows for a high degree of light recycling, sufficient for many applications, while maintaining a high luminous efficacy.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one diffusing element has a blackened back surface opposite the light-emitting side. Blackening the back surface of a diffusing element prevents the light scattered by the element from being scattered back or into the space between the end plate and the substrate. Blackening the at least one diffusing element can be particularly optional if, for example, one wishes to avoid the infinity or volume effect, or the appearance of multiple diffusing elements.

[0023] According to a second aspect, a method for controlling the lighting arrangement is provided. This method can be used, in particular, to control a lighting arrangement according to the first aspect. According to the method, in one process step, the at least one light source is activated. In another process step, user inputs for controlling the at least one electro-optical element are received via a user interface. In a further process step, the at least one electro-optical element is controlled by means of a control unit, so that the intensity of the first and / or second part of the light generated by the at least one light source can be controlled, at least partially, based on the user inputs. Through this method, the user can control the intensity or luminous flux of the first part or the second part of the light.the second part of the light varies, giving the user additional flexibility in the lighting design of the vehicle interior.

[0024] A vehicle is proposed based on a third aspect. This vehicle has at least one interior with at least one lighting arrangement according to the first aspect regarding the lighting design of the vehicle's interior. By allowing the creation of secondary lighting structures in addition to the primary lighting structures and by varying the luminous intensity of the primary and secondary lighting structures, the vehicle offers its occupants attractive interior lighting with flexible design options.

[0025] 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 perspective view of a lighting arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of the lighting arrangement according to Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3 shows the lighting arrangement in a first operating state, Fig. Figure 4 shows the lighting arrangement in a second operating state, Fig. Figure 5 shows the lighting arrangement in a third operating state, and Fig. Figure 6 shows the lighting arrangement in a fourth operating state.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lighting arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting arrangement 1 comprises a housing 2, a front mask 3 mounted on the front of the housing 2 with an engraved logo 3a in the form of a honeycomb structure, and a cover plate 4 with diffusers 4a in the form of bee-like pictograms. The logo and pictograms are chosen here only as examples to illustrate the design possibilities of the lighting arrangement 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 4 is designed as a clear or transparent polycarbonate substrate with diffuse diffusers 4a integrated therein.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting arrangement 1 also includes an annular adhesive film 3b attached to the end plate 4 for fastening the end plate 4 to the front mask 3 of the lighting arrangement 1. The adhesive film 3b ensures, in particular, that the front mask 3 rests against the end plate 4 in a light-tight manner.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of the lighting arrangement according to Fig. 1. In particular, it shows Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through the optical system lighting arrangement according to Fig. 1, wherein further elements of the lighting arrangement 1 or of the optical system of the lighting arrangement 1 can be seen in the longitudinal section.

[0029] The optical system of the lighting arrangement 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical light guide element 4b, wherein the light guide element 4b and the end plate 4 are formed integrally in the illustrated embodiment. The lighting arrangement 1 further comprises a substantially planar support 5 or support element, which is formed substantially parallel to the end plate 4.

[0030] A solid mirror 6a or non-transparent mirror is formed on one side of the support 5 facing the end plate 4. A partial mirror 6b or semi-transparent mirror or mirror film is formed on another side of the end plate 4 facing the support 5.

[0031] The scattering bodies 4a are integrated, embedded, or engraved into the end plate 4 from the side of the end plate 4 facing away from the carrier 5, as can be clearly seen in the detail view of the end plate 4 in the lower left of the image.

[0032] The lighting arrangement 1 further comprises a light source 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 8 is designed in the form of a diffuser ring that laterally surrounds the support 5. The light source 8 is particularly visible in the detail view at the top left of the image.

[0033] The lighting arrangement 1 comprises light sources 9 in the form of LED light sources, which are arranged in a circle on a carrier plate 10, each with a radially outward-directed main emission direction. The housing 2 is essentially axially symmetrical and has a round or circular cross-section and a round or circularly shaped base. The carrier plate 10 also has a round layout and is positioned centrally on the housing base.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting arrangement 1 comprises a deflecting mirror 11 with a flat section and with an inclined section, in particular one that opens in a funnel shape towards the light source 8. The reflective surface of the deflecting mirror is formed by a reflective film 11a or a reflective coating.

[0035] The space between the mirrored support 5 and the deflecting mirror 11 constitutes a first light channel through which the light generated by the light sources 9 can propagate in a radial direction. Instead of the deflecting mirror 11, the first light channel can be formed by means of an optical fiber.

[0036] The light guide element 4b forms a second light channel through which the light can be directed to the end plate 4.

[0037] The inclined part of the deflecting mirror 11 is designed such that a portion of the light incident on the radial light channel or first light channel is directed by the inclined section of the deflecting mirror 11 into the light guide element 4b or into the second light channel. A further portion of the light is directed via the deflecting mirror 11 into the light source 8.

[0038] The light directed into the second or secondary light channel can spread along the cylindrical light guide element 4b in an axial direction and reach the edge area of ​​the cover plate 4.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting arrangement 1 comprises a substantially annular outer aperture 12, which laterally encloses the lateral surface of the light guide element 4b and the end plate 4. The aperture 12 serves, in particular, to prevent the light from escaping uncontrollably in a lateral direction or from being scattered into the interior of the vehicle.

[0040] The lighting arrangement 1 further comprises an inner aperture 13 for internally blocking the light guide element 4a. By means of the inner aperture 13 or a blackening of the inside of the light guide element 4a, it can in particular be prevented that the light from the second light channel or from the light guide element 4b enters the interior of the lighting arrangement 1 or the space between the support 5 and the end plate 4 and impairs the visual perception of the luminous structures.

[0041] The optical system of the lighting arrangement 1 further comprises a first electro-optic element 14a and a second electro-optic element 14b. In the illustrated embodiment, the electro-optic elements 14a and 14b are designed as switchable apertures, which can be electrically switched between a transparent and an opaque state. In some embodiments, the switchable apertures are formed on the basis of liquid crystal elements, which can be switched between substantially transparent and substantially opaque states by applying an electrical voltage from a voltage source via an electrical circuit. For the sake of clarity, the voltage source and the electrical circuit are not shown in the figures.

[0042] The first electro-optic element 14a is essentially ring-shaped and positioned upstream of the light source 8. In particular, the first electro-optic element 14a is arranged on the light-entry side of the light source 8 such that the light from the first light channel can pass into the light source 8 essentially exclusively or mainly through the first electro-optic element 14a.

[0043] The second electro-optic element 14b is also essentially ring-shaped and is positioned upstream of the light guide element 4b. In particular, the second electro-optic element 14b is arranged on the light-entry side of the light guide element 4b such that the light from the first light channel can pass essentially exclusively or mainly through the second electro-optic element 14b into the light guide element 4b or the second light channel.

[0044] During operation of the lighting arrangement, the outer light coupling area, with the second electro-optical element 14b, feeds the radially circumferential light guide element 4b with the light generated by the at least one light source 9. The light fed into the light guide element 4b enters the circumferential edge region of the end plate 4, which is integrally formed with the light guide element 4b, and spreads essentially radially towards the center of the cover plate 4. The light is scattered by the diffuser 4a, which can be visually perceived by the user as an illuminated pictogram or lettering.

[0045] The internal light coupling point with the first electro-optic element 14a feeds the ring-shaped scattering body 8 or diffuser, which couples diffuse light into the mirror chamber between the cover disk 4 with the inwardly applied partial mirror 6b and the full mirror 6a applied forward on the support element 5. Multiple reflections between the full mirror 6a and the partial mirror 6b can thus create an infinite array of light patterns.

[0046] Thus, the two light effects, namely the luminous pictogram in the end plate 4 and the infinity effect visible behind the end plate 4, can be generated by means of a common light source module with at least one light source 9.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows the lighting arrangement in its first operating state. In particular, it shows Fig. 3. The lighting arrangement 1 is shown in a perspective overall view (right in the image) and in a partial cross-sectional view (left in the image) in a state in which the light sources 9 are in a switched-off state L1. The first electro-optical element 14a and the second electro-optical element 14b are in a transparent state S1. Since no light is emitted by the light sources 9, no light is generated by the light sources 9 to feed into the luminaire 8 or into the end plate 4, so that the end plate 4 or the user-perceivable lighting area 15 of the lighting arrangement 1 appears essentially as a dark surface, possibly with barely or easily recognizable pictograms.

[0048] For the sake of clarity, in Fig. 3 and in the following figures the hatching of the light source 8, the light guide element 4b and the end plate 4 is not shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows the lighting arrangement in a second operating state. In particular, it shows Fig. 4 the lighting arrangement 1 according to Fig. 3 in a state in which the light sources 9 are activated, state L2, and the electro-optical elements 14a, 14b or the switchable apertures are in a transparent state S1.

[0050] The beam guidance is in Fig. 4 is visualized using exemplary light rays. The light rays within the lighting arrangement 1 are represented as solid lines, and the rays exiting the lighting arrangement 1 are represented as dashed lines. A portion of the light generated by the light sources 9, represented as exemplary light ray 16, is directed by the deflecting mirror 11 to the diffuser 8, and a portion of the light generated by the light sources 9, represented as exemplary light ray 17, is directed to the light guide element 4b.

[0051] As shown by the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, multiple reflections occur between the full mirror 6a and the partial mirror 6b. The light source 8, or the ring-shaped diffuser, is visually perceived by the observer 18 as images of the first, second, third, etc. order. The images of the light source 8 appear at different locations or depths, which can lead to the infinity effect; see the dashed light rays emerging from the double mirror arrangement.

[0052] The light coupled into the light guide element 4b via the second electro-optic element 14b, also shown as a solid line, leads to light scattering at the scattering body 4a, so that the scattering body 4a can be visually perceived by the viewer 18 as a luminous pictogram.

[0053] Thus, in this state, both the infinite light pattern arrangements and the diffuser 4a or the light extraction element in the end plate 4 are visually perceptible to the observer 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the diffuser 4a has no back blackening, so that some of the light scattered by the diffuser 4a can be scattered back into the space between the full mirror 6a and the partial mirror 6b. Therefore, both the luminaire 8 and the diffuser 4a or pictogram can appear as a visible reflection 19 or multiple reflection.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows the lighting arrangement in a third operating state. In particular, it shows Fig. 5 The lighting arrangement 1 in a state in which the light sources 9 are activated, wherein the first electro-optic element 14a is in the transparent state S1 and the second electro-optic element 14b is in a substantially opaque state S2. Electro-optic elements in an opaque state S2 are symbolically represented in figures as a black stripe.

[0055] The electro-optical element 14b thus shades the light guide element 4b, so that no light reaches the end plate 4 via the light guide element 4b, and the diffuser 4a does not couple out any light. The infinite light pattern arrangement, however, remains visible.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 shows the lighting arrangement in a fourth state. In which in Fig.In the state shown in Figure 6, the light sources 9 are activated, with the first electro-optic element 14a being in a non-transparent state S2 and the second electro-optic element 14b being in a transparent state S1.

[0057] Thus, the light source 8 or diffuser ring is shaded by the first electro-optical element 14a or by the first switchable aperture, so that essentially no light from the first light chamber enters the diffuser. The infinite light pattern arrangement is therefore switched off.

[0058] The second electro-optical element 14b, or the outer aperture, remains transparent, and thus the light extraction element located in the end plate 4 remains visible.

[0059] The lighting arrangement described here thus enables independent brightness control of individual lighting elements with a common light source. Both lighting elements are supplied with light from a central light source. In the embodiments described above, the central or common light source is formed by several LED light sources, which provide a luminous flux or luminous power for the two lighting effects.

[0060] 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 Lighting arrangement 2 cases 3 Front mask 3a Logo 3b Adhesive film 4 End plate 4a Scattering bodies 4b Light guide element 5 carriers 6a Full mirror 6b Partial mirror 8 light sources 9 Light source 10 Carrier plate 11 Deflection mirrors 11a Mirror coating 12 outer aperture 13 inner aperture 14a first electro-optical element 14b second electro-optical element 15 user-detectable lighting area 16 exemplary light beam 17 exemplary light beam 18 viewers 19 visible reflection S1 first switching state (transparent) S2 second switching state (non-transparent, especially opaque or reflective) L1 first switching state (off) L2 second switching state (on)

Claims

[1] Lighting arrangement (1) for the interior of a vehicle, comprising: - a housing (2) with a light exit window, - a luminaire (8) for generating a first luminous structure within the housing (2), and - at least one light source (9) for generating light and illuminating the luminaire (8) with a first part of the light generated by the at least one light source, so that the first luminaire structure can be visually perceived through the light exit window, wherein the light exit window comprises a translucent end plate (4) with at least one diffuser (4a) integrated in the end plate (4) for generating at least one second luminaire structure, and wherein the illumination arrangement (1) comprises an optical system configured to divert a second part of the light generated by the at least one light source (9) for feeding into the end plate (4), wherein the optical system further comprises at least one electro-optical element (14a, 14b) for controlling the intensity of the first and / or the second part of the light generated by the at least one light source. [2] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electro-optical element (14a, 14b) comprises an optical body with a variable light transmittance, so that it can be switched between a first, substantially transparent, state and a second, substantially opaque, state. [3] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical system comprises at least a first light channel for directing the light generated by the at least one light source to the luminaire (8) and at least a second light channel for directing the light generated by the at least one light source (9) to the end plate (4), and wherein the at least one electro-optic element comprises a first electro-optic element (14b) for controlling the luminous flux of the light directed from the first light channel to the luminaire (8) and a second electro-optic element (14b) for controlling the luminous flux of the light directed through the second light channel to the end plate (4). [4] Lighting arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the first light channel and / or the second light channel is formed at least partially by a light guide and / or by a cavity with an at least partially mirrored inner surface. [5] Lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the optical system comprises at least one light guide (4b) so that the light generated by the at least one light source (9) can be guided at least partially through the at least one light guide (4b) to the light source (8) and / or to the end plate (4) and diffuser (4a). [6] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting arrangement (1) has a substantially axially symmetrical structure and a substantially round end plate (4), and wherein the at least one second light channel is substantially ring-shaped, so that the diverted light can be coupled into a circumferential outer edge of the end plate (4) substantially uniformly radially over the entire circumference of the end plate. [7] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting arrangement (1) comprises a planar mirror (6a) with a planar mirror surface facing away from the at least one light source (9) and towards the end plate (4). [8] Lighting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the end plate (4) has at least in some areas a partially transparent mirror coating (6b) on a rear side opposite the light emission side, which together with the planar mirror (6a) forms a double mirror arrangement. [9] Method for controlling the lighting arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Activating at least one light source (9), - Receiving user input via a user interface to control the at least one electro-optical element (14a, 14b), and - Controlling the at least one electro-optic element (14a, 14b) by means of a control unit, so that the intensity of the first and / or the second part of the light produced by the at least one light source (9) can be controlled at least partially based on user input. [10] vehicle, wherein the vehicle has at least one interior with at least one lighting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims for the lighting design of the interior of the vehicle.