Vehicle interior lighting system

Abstract

[Task] A vehicle interior lighting device is to be provided in which only a slight reduction in light intensity occurs and which can be built cost-effectively. [Solution] This is provided with a light source 610 and a translucent cover 300, wherein a light entry section 310, onto which illumination light from the light source 610 is emitted, and reflection sections 320 are provided on the cover 300, which are formed on the surface facing away from the vehicle interior and reflect illumination light that has entered the cover 300 towards the vehicle interior, and wherein the light entry section 310 has a translucent section 311, which allows part of the illumination light from the light source 610 to pass towards the vehicle interior, and incidence sections 312, which allow part of the illumination light from the light source 610 to enter the interior of the cover 300.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior lighting device. [Technical background]

[0002] Generally, a lighting device that illuminates the vehicle interior is provided with direct lighting that illuminates a predetermined location in the interior and indirect lighting that improves the atmosphere in the interior.

[0003] As such a lighting device, one is disclosed which is provided with an LED serving as a light source, a light diffusing element that diffuses light of the LED, an optical film subjected to hologram processing or the like and reflecting diffused light from the light diffusing element toward the vehicle interior side, and a light-transmitting transparent cover having a first light transmitting portion (direct illumination portion) that directly radiates diffused light traveling toward the vehicle interior side toward the vehicle interior side, and a second light transmitting portion (indirect illumination portion) that radiates light reflected by the optical film toward the vehicle interior side, thereby achieving a structure in which the LED, the light diffusing element, and the optical film are covered by the transparent cover from the vehicle interior side (see, for example,Patent Document 1). [Prior art document][Patent document]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-214677 A [Summary of the invention][Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in addition to a light diffusing element that diffuses light from a light source, an optical film that diffuses diffused light for indirect illumination and a transparent cover must also be provided. Another objective was to allow light from the light source to pass through the light diffusing element and further transmit it through the transparent cover, thus potentially attenuating the luminous intensity of the illumination light radiated onto the vehicle interior.

[0006] Here, the present invention, which has been created in view of the above-mentioned object, provides a vehicle interior lighting device in which only a small attenuation of the luminous intensity occurs and which can be constructed inexpensively. [Means of solving the problem]

[0007] Form 1; One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a vehicle interior lighting device provided with a light source and a light-transmitting cover arranged on the vehicle interior side and covering the light source, wherein a light entrance portion onto which illumination light from the light source is irradiated and reflection portions formed on a surface facing away from the vehicle interior side and reflecting illumination light that has entered the cover toward the vehicle interior side are provided on the cover, and wherein the light entrance portion is provided with a light-transmitting portion that allows a part of the illumination light from the light source to pass toward the vehicle interior side and incidence portions that allow a part of the illumination light from the light source to enter the interior of the cover. [Advantages of the invention]

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle interior lighting device which exhibits little attenuation of light intensity and which can be constructed at low cost can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings] [ Fig. 1] is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a vehicle interior lighting device according to the first embodiment. [ Fig. 2] are views that have a Fig. 1, wherein (a) is a perspective view viewed from the front side, and (b) is a perspective view viewed from the rear upper side. [ Fig. 3] is a sectional view showing the Fig. 1 shows the vehicle interior lighting device according to the first embodiment (sectional view of the position of a line AA in Fig. 1). [ Fig. 4] is a sectional view showing a Fig. 3 section IL1 is enlarged (sectional view of the position of line AA in Fig. 1). [ Fig. 5] is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a vehicle interior lighting device according to the second embodiment. [ Fig. 6] is a sectional view showing the Fig. 5 shows the vehicle interior lighting device according to the second embodiment (sectional view of the position of a line BB in Fig. 5). [ Fig. 7] is a sectional view showing a Fig. 6 section IL2 is enlarged (sectional view of the position of line BB in Fig. 5). [ Fig. 8] is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a vehicle interior lighting device according to the third embodiment. [ Fig. 9] is a sectional view showing the Fig. 8 shows the vehicle interior lighting device according to the third embodiment (sectional view of the position of a line CC in Fig. 8). [ Fig. 10] is a sectional view showing a Fig. 8 section IL3 is enlarged (sectional view of the position of line CC in Fig. 8). [ Fig. 11] are front views showing display examples (a) and (b) of the vehicle interior lighting device according to the third embodiment. [Embodiments of the invention]<Erste Ausführungsform>

[0009] Based on the Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, a vehicle interior lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is explained. The vehicle interior lighting device 10 of the present embodiment is a lighting device that is placed on the ceiling, etc., in the vehicle interior. The arrow FR shown in the drawings according to the circumstances indicates the front side (front view direction) of the vehicle interior lighting device 10 shown in Fig. 1, the arrow UP indicates the upper side, and the arrow RH indicates the right side. Furthermore, in the following explanation, references to the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction refer to the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction of the vehicle interior lighting device 10, unless otherwise specified. <Aufbau der Fahrzeuginnenraum-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung 10>

[0010] The vehicle interior lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is mounted and arranged on the ceiling portion, etc., in the vehicle interior as, for example, a room lamp, a reading lamp, etc. The vehicle interior lighting device 10 is supplied with power, etc., by connecting a wire harness (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle interior lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is constructed to include a bezel 100, a switch knob 200, a cover 300, a housing 400, a light-guiding lens 500, a circuit board 600, a light source 610, light sources 620, and a cover 700, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1 is shown. (Regarding the frame 100)

[0012] The bezel 100 is a frame installed on the vehicle interior side. The bezel 100 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the front and is formed of an impermeable resin or the like. The bezel 100 has an opening portion in its center, into which the switch knob 200 and the cover 300 are installed. Furthermore, the bezel 100 is configured as a light-shielding wall that prevents illumination light from leaking from locations other than the opening portion. (Regarding switch button 200)

[0013] The switch knob 200 is an input device for performing an operation such as turning on lights, etc. The switch knob 200 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the front and is integrally formed from a resin or the like. In the present embodiment, for example, four types of function switches are provided on the switch knob 200, each of which performs an independent function operation when the push operation is performed on one of the function switches. Push rods 210 are formed behind the switch knob 200, extending rearward and having an approximately round-tube and rod shape. Push switches (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 600 and the end portions of the push rods 210 are arranged to approach each other. Furthermore, a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) symbol characters indicating the operation position are provided on the top surface of the switch knob 200. (Regarding the coverage 300)

[0014] The cover 300 radiates illumination onto the vehicle interior as direct illumination (spot illumination) when illumination light is emitted from the light source 610, and as indirect illumination when the entire cover 300 is illuminated. Furthermore, the cover 300 protects the light sources 610 and 620 by preventing contact with the exterior.

[0015] By installing the cover 300 into the casing 100, the front surface of the cover 300 is arranged on the vehicle interior side, and the rear surface is arranged to cover the light sources 610 and 620. The cover 300 has a bottomed box shape that is open to the rear and is formed of a permeable resin or the like. On the front surface of the cover 300 facing the vehicle interior side, a plane without unevenness is formed, as shown in Fig. 2(a). On the other hand, the rear surface of the cover 300 has a light entrance portion 310, which is indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 2(b), and reflection portions 320, shown by a dashed line, with a concave portion RF1 formed at the light entrance portion 310. The front surface of the cover 300 may also be a curved surface.

[0016] Radiant light from the light source 610 is radiated onto the light entrance portion 310. The light entrance portion 310 is formed opposite the front side of the light source 610 such that the center of the light entrance portion 310 is positioned on a light axis AL of the light source 610. The light entrance portion 310 has a forwardly concave shape in the central part of the rear surface of the cover 300 and forms the concave portion RF1, which has a light-transmitting portion 311 as a bottom surface and incident portions 312 as surrounding wall surfaces.

[0017] The translucent portion 311 transmits a portion of the illumination light from the light source 610 to the vehicle interior side. Illumination light from the translucent portion 311 is radiated as direct illumination (spot illumination). The translucent portion 311 is formed as an approximately rectangular plane, with the light axis AL of the light source 610 positioned at its center and extending in front of the light source 610 parallel to the circuit board 600. The incident portions 312 are formed adjacently on the periphery of the translucent portion 311. The thickness of the translucent portion 311 in the front-rear direction is smaller than the thickness of a portion of the cover 300 in which the later-mentioned reflection portions 320 are formed.

[0018] The incident sections 312 allow a portion of the illumination light from the light source 610 to enter the interior of the cover 300. The incident sections 312 are approximately rectangular planes provided to surround the periphery of the light-transmitting section 311. A plurality of incident sections 312 are provided on the periphery of the light-transmitting section 311. An inclination in a direction approaching the circuit board 600 is provided at the incident sections 312, starting from the central part of the light axis AL of the light source 610 toward the radially outer side of the light axis AL.

[0019] The reflection sections 320 are formed on the surface of the cover 300 facing away from the vehicle interior side. Each reflection section 320, which reflects illumination light that has entered the cover 300 toward the vehicle interior side, is formed on the rear surface of the cover 300, for example, as a collection of microscopic projections having an inclination shape such as an approximately tetrahedral shape or the like. Specifically, the reflection section 320 is formed such that projections with a microscopic inclination shape are arranged in an approximately rectangular or rectangular frame shape, which is indicated by a thick dashed line in Fig. 2(b). The reflection section 320 diffusely reflects the emitted radiation light forward. (Regarding the case 400)

[0020] The housing 400 is a light-conducting channel arranged between the cover 300 and the circuit board 600 and guides radiant light from the light sources 610 and 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 to the cover 300, as shown in Fig. 3. The housing 400 has a bottomed box shape that is open at the rear and is formed of an impermeable resin or the like. The light-guiding channel is formed to surround the light source 610 and the light sources 620. This light-guiding channel is arranged approximately near the circuit board 600. The housing 400 includes a light-guiding tube portion 410 as a light-guiding channel provided in front of the light source 610, and light-guiding tube portions 420 as light-guiding channels for the light sources 620, which are provided on both sides of the light-guiding tube portion 410 in the left-right direction.

[0021] The light-guiding tube section 410 guides illumination light from the light source 610 to the light entrance section 310. The light-guiding tube section 410 has an approximately rectangular opening section in a front view and is formed as an approximately cuboid-shaped, continuous space extending in the front-rear direction. The light-guiding tube sections 420 guide illumination light from the light sources 620 to the vehicle interior side. Each light-guiding tube section 420 has an approximately circular opening section in a front view and is formed as an approximately conical, continuous space extending in the front-rear direction such that the diameter of the circle becomes larger toward the front. (Regarding the light-guiding lens 500)

[0022] The light-guiding lens 500 is arranged in the light-guiding tube section 410 of the housing 400 and guides illumination light emitted from the light source 610 to the light entrance section 310. Furthermore, the end of the light-guiding lens 500 extends into the concave section RF1 provided on the cover 300.

[0023] The light-guiding lens 500 forms a rod-shaped cuboid, approximately rectangular in front view, extending in the front-to-back direction, and is made of a light-transmitting resin or the like. The rear end of the light-guiding lens 500, at which a rectangular plane parallel to the circuit board 600 is formed, faces the light source 610. At the front end of the light-guiding lens 500, however, a plane opposite the concave portion RF1 of the cover 300 is formed. Specifically, a transmission surface 510, which is a plane parallel to the light-transmitting portion 311, is formed opposite the light-transmitting portion 311 and at the end piece.In addition, opposite the incident portions 312 and on the side surfaces of the end piece, reflection surfaces 520 are formed. These reflection surfaces are planes with an inclination oriented such that the further the reflection surface approaches the circuit board side from the flat side of the end piece toward the outer periphery. The transmission surface 510 and the reflection surfaces 520, which are the end of the light-guiding lens 500, are arranged in a state where they protrude into the concave portion RF1 of the cover 300. (Regarding circuit board 600)

[0024] The light source 610 and the light sources 620 are mounted on the circuit board 600. The circuit board 600 is formed in an approximately rectangular plate shape in front view and is arranged such that its long sides extend in the left-right direction. The circuit board 600 is placed so that it is parallel to the cover 300. The light source 610 is mounted approximately in the center of the circuit board 600, and the light sources 620 are mounted in the left-right direction of the circuit board 600. Furthermore, the circuit board 600 is connected to an unillustrated wire harness to receive power from the vehicle, etc. Unillustrated push switches are mounted on the circuit board 600 and are operated by the switch knob 200. The push switches are mounted so that they oppose and approach the ends of the push pins 210 extending from the switch knob 200. (Regarding the cover 700)

[0025] The cover 700 is positioned at the rearmost side of the vehicle interior lighting device 10 and is fitted into the bezel 100 to form an outer shape, while the switch knob 200, the cover 300, the housing 400, the light-guiding lens 500, and the circuit board 600 are sandwiched between the cover 700 and the bezel 100 to cover them. Furthermore, the cover 700 secures the circuit board 600 by means of set screws or the like. <Wirkungen und Effekte>

[0026] In the vehicle interior lighting device 10 constructed as above, when the light-on switch button 200 is pressed by a current supplied from a connected wire harness of the vehicle, the light source 610 and the light sources 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 are turned on.

[0027] Illumination light emitted from the light sources 620 provided on the left and right parts of the circuit board 600 is transmitted through the cover 300 via the light-conducting tube sections 420 provided on the housing 400 and is emitted as direct illumination toward the vehicle interior, as shown in Fig. 3. Strong illumination light is emitted over a predetermined area without being reflected or scattered before being emitted to the vehicle interior.

[0028] In addition, illumination light emitted from the light source 610 provided in the central part of the circuit board 600 passes through the interior of the light-guiding lens 500 accommodated in the light-guiding tube portion 410 and reaches the transmission surface 510 and the reflection surfaces 520 provided on side surfaces of the end portion of the light-guiding lens, as shown by the dashed arrow AA in Fig. 4. Illumination light that has reached the transmission surface 510 is transmitted through the translucent portion 311 of the cover 300 and radiated as direct illumination toward the vehicle interior. In this case, strong illumination light is radiated over a narrow area without being reflected and scattered before being radiated toward the vehicle interior.

[0029] On the other hand, illumination light that has reached the reflection surfaces 520 is reflected by an inclination of the reflection surfaces 520 and guided towards the interior of the cover 300, as shown by the dashed line arrow BB in Fig. 4. Illumination light reflected by the reflection surfaces 520 is transmitted through the reflection surfaces 520 provided on the side opposite to the reflection surfaces 520 at which reflection occurred, and reaches the interior of the cover 300 through the incident portions 312 provided at the light entrance portion of the cover 300. At this time, radiant light reaches the interior of the cover 300 without attenuation because a plane having an inclination opposite to the incident portions 312 is formed on the reflection surfaces 520.

[0030] Radiant light that has reached the interior of the cover 300 reaches the reflecting portions 320 formed on the surface of the cover 300 facing away from the vehicle interior. Each reflecting portion 320 is formed, for example, as a collection of microscopic protrusions having a slope shape such as an approximate tetrahedral shape or the like. Radiant light radiated onto the reflecting portion 320 is diffusely reflected forward by a microscopic plane formed on the reflecting portion 320. Furthermore, since the reflecting portions 320 are formed over a large area of ​​the cover 300, radiant light is radiated from the entire vehicle interior plane of the cover 300. Furthermore, radiant light is radiated from the entire vehicle interior-facing surface of the cover 300 as indirect illumination.

[0031] As explained above, the vehicle interior lighting device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with the light source 610 and the light sources 620 provided on a circuit board, and the light-transmitting cover 300 arranged on the vehicle interior side and covering the light source 610 and the light sources 620. The cover 300 is provided with the light-input portion 310 onto which illumination light from the light source 610 is irradiated, and the reflection portions 320 formed on the surface facing away from the vehicle interior side and reflecting illumination light that has entered the cover 300 toward the vehicle interior side. The light-input portion 310 has the light-transmitting portion 311 that allows a part of the illumination light from the light source 610 to pass toward the vehicle interior side, and the incidence portions 312.which allow a portion of the illumination light from the light source 610 to enter the interior of the cover 300. Therefore, by covering the light source 610 and the light sources 620 to prevent contact with the outside, while simultaneously dispersing the radiated light from the light source 610 by means of the light-transmitting portion 311 and the incident portions 312, the cover 300 can radiate direct and indirect illumination from a single light source 610. Furthermore, the light-input portion 310 is provided with the concave portion RF1, which has a bottom surface as the light-transmitting portion 311 and side walls as the incident portions 312. An inclination in a direction approaching the circuit board 600 is provided at the incident portions 312, starting from the central part of a light axis of the light source 610 toward the radially outer side of this light axis. Therefore, at the light-input portion 310,At the point onto which the radiant light from the light source 610 is radiated, the incident sections 312 are provided with an inclination, allowing the radiant light used for indirect illumination to be dispersed with a simple structure and with minimal attenuation. Furthermore, the light-guiding tube section 410 is provided between the cover 300 and the circuit board 600 as a light-guiding channel from the light source 610 to the light entrance section 310, and the light-transmitting section 311 and the incident sections 312 of the concave section RF1 are positioned opposite the interior of the light-guiding tube section 410 and the light axis of the light source 610. Furthermore, the light-guiding lens 500 is positioned in the light-guiding tube section 410 as a light-guiding channel, which guides the light from the light sources 620 to the light entrance section 310.while the end of the light-guiding lens 500 extends into the concave portion RF1. Therefore, radiant light emitted from the light source 610 is guided to the light entrance portion 310 in a state surrounded by the light-guiding tube portion 410, and the transmitting surface 510 and the reflecting surfaces 520 provided at the end of the light-guiding lens 500 extend into the concave portion RF1 where the light entrance portion 310 is provided, whereby radiant light can reach the light entrance portion 310 in a state in which only a slight attenuation of the radiant light occurs. In addition, illumination light radiated from the incident portions 312 is guided through the interior of the cover 300 to the reflecting portions 320, so that functional components of the light-guiding,The reflection and protective cover can be constructed solely by the cover 300, and a compact design is also possible. Consequently, a simple design with a small number of components can be achieved, and a cost-effective vehicle interior lighting device with only a slight attenuation of the luminous intensity can be provided. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0032] Next, the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, a vehicle interior lighting device 10A according to the present embodiment is explained. In Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, components constructed in the same manner as the vehicle interior lighting device 10 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. <Aufbau der Fahrzeuginnenraum-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung 10A>

[0033] The vehicle interior lighting device 10A according to the present embodiment is constructed to include a bezel 100, a switch knob 200, a cover 300A, a housing 400A, a circuit board 600, a light source 610, light sources 620, and a cover 700, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown. (Regarding the 300A coverage)

[0034] The cover 300A has a bottomed box shape that is open to the rear and is formed of a permeable resin or the like. The cover 300A has a light entrance portion 310A and reflection portions 320 on its rear surface, and a concave portion RF2 that is hollowed forward is formed on the light entrance portion 310A, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is shown.

[0035] Radiant light from the light source 610 is irradiated onto the light incident portion 310A. The light incident portion 310A is formed opposite the front side of the light source 610 such that the center of the light incident portion 310A is positioned on the light axis AL of the light source 610. The light incident portion 310A forms a forward-concave shape in the central part of the rear surface of the cover 300 and forms the concave portion RF2, which has a light-transmitting portion 311A ​​as a bottom surface and incident portions 312A radially outside the light axis AL as surrounding wall surfaces. In the concave portion RF2, a convex portion is formed in the central part of the bottom surface of the concave portion RF2, in which an approximately rectangular plane protrudes toward the circuit board 600 and whose cross section forms an approximately trapezoidal shape.The translucent portion 311A, the incident portions 312A and reflection surfaces 313 are formed on the concave portion RF2.

[0036] The light-transmitting portion 311A ​​is an approximately rectangular plane formed on the top surface of the convex portion in the concave portion RF2. The plane formed on the top surface of the convex portion is formed as a plane in which the light axis AL of the light source 610 is positioned at the center of the top surface of the convex portion and which extends in front of the light source 610 parallel to the circuit board 600.

[0037] The incident sections 312A are approximately rectangular planes formed by wall surface sections of the concave section RF2 located radially outside the light axis AL. A plurality of incident sections 312A are provided so as to surround the periphery of the concave section RF2. The incident sections 312A are formed approximately parallel to the light axis AL.

[0038] The reflection surfaces 313 are formed by wall surfaces of the convex portion of the central part of the concave portion RF2 and approximately rectangular planes formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion RF2. A plurality of wall surfaces of the convex portion of the central part of the concave portion RF2 are formed to surround the periphery of this convex portion. On the wall surfaces of the convex portion of the central part of the concave portion RF2, an inclination in a direction approaching the vehicle interior is provided from the central part of the light axis AL of the light source 610 toward the radially outer side of the light axis AL. In addition, approximately rectangular planes formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion RF2 are formed to surround the periphery of this convex portion and are formed as planes extending in front of the light source 610 parallel to the circuit board 600.The reflection surfaces 313 are formed in a mirror-like manner by means of evaporation or similar. (Regarding the 400A housing)

[0039] The housing 400A is a light-conducting channel arranged between the cover 300A and the circuit board 600 and guides radiant light from the light sources 610 and 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 to the cover 300A.

[0040] A light-guiding tube portion 410A formed in the housing 400A guides illumination light from the light source 610 to the light entrance portion 310A, as shown in Fig. 7. The light-guiding tube portion 410A has an approximately rectangular opening portion in front view and is formed as an approximately cuboid-shaped continuous space extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the end of the light-guiding tube portion 410A located on the side closer to the vehicle interior is widened to be inclined toward the radially outer side of the light axis AL, so that illumination light from the light source 610 is radiated onto the outer light-transmitting portion 311A. <Wirkungen und Effekte>

[0041] In the vehicle interior lighting device 10A constructed as above, when the light-on switch button 200 is pressed, the light source 610 and the light sources 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 are turned on by a current supplied from a connected wire harness of the vehicle.

[0042] Illumination light emitted from the light source 610 provided in the central part of the circuit board 600 passes through the inside of the light-conducting tube portion 410A, is transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 311A ​​of the cover 300A, and is radiated as direct illumination toward the vehicle interior as shown by the dashed line arrow AA in Fig. 7. In this case, strong illumination light is emitted over a narrow area without being reflected and scattered before being emitted to the vehicle interior.

[0043] On the other hand, illumination light that has reached the reflection surfaces 313 is reflected by an inclination of the reflection surfaces 313 and passes through the incidence sections 312A to the inside of the cover 300A, as shown by the dashed line arrow BB in Fig. 7. Radiation light reaches the interior of the cover 300A without attenuation, since a plane with an inclination opposite to the incident portions 312A onto which illumination light is irradiated is formed on the reflection surfaces 313.

[0044] Radiant light that has reached the interior of the cover 300A reaches the reflection portions 320 formed on the surface of the cover 300A facing away from the vehicle interior and is diffusely reflected forward. Furthermore, radiant light is emitted from the entire surface of the cover 300A facing the vehicle interior as indirect illumination.

[0045] As explained above, in the vehicle interior lighting device 10A according to the present embodiment, the light incident portion 310A of the cover 300A is provided with the concave portion RF2 having side walls as the incident portions 312A, the light transmitting portion 311A ​​protruding from the bottom surface of the concave portion RF2 toward the circuit board 600 and having a top surface facing the light source 610, and the reflecting surfaces 313 formed by inclining the outer peripheral surface of the light transmitting portion 311A ​​in the radial direction and reflecting light from the light source 610 toward the incident portions 312A. That is, at the light entrance portion 310A onto which radiation light from the light source 610 is radiated, the light-transmitting portion 311A, the incident portions 312A, and the reflection surfaces 313 are provided.Furthermore, by irradiating a single light source 610 onto a single light entrance portion 310A, irradiation light can be separated into one used for direct illumination passing through the light-transmitting portion 311A ​​and one used for indirect illumination passing through the incident portions 312A. Furthermore, illuminating light irradiated from the incident portion 312A is guided through the interior of the cover 300A to the reflection portions 320, so that functional components of the light separation, light guidance, reflection, and protection cover can be constructed only through the cover 300A, and a compact structure is also enabled. Therefore, a simple structure with a small number of components can be achieved, and a low-cost vehicle interior lighting device with little attenuation of luminous intensity can be provided. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0046] Next, the Fig. 8 to Fig. 10, a vehicle interior lighting device 10B according to the present embodiment is explained. In Fig. 8 to Fig. 10, components constructed in the same manner as the vehicle interior lighting device 10 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. <Aufbau der Fahrzeuginnenraum-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung 10B>

[0047] The vehicle interior lighting device 10B according to the present embodiment is constructed to include a bezel 100B, a cover 300B, a housing 400B, a circuit board 600, a light source 610, light sources 620, a cover 700, and an operation detecting portion 800, as shown in Fig. 8 is shown. (Regarding frame 100B)

[0048] The bezel 100B has, for example, opening portions on the left and right side portions into which the cover 300B is installed. The bezel 100B has an approximately rectangular opening portion in its center portion, from which radiant light is emitted as direct illumination and which is continuous in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the bezel 100B is constructed as a light-shielding wall that prevents illumination light from escaping from locations other than the opening portions. The opening portions of the bezel 100B can also be formed such that the left and right opening portions are contiguous with each other. (Regarding the cover 300B)

[0049] The cover 300B has a bottomed box shape that is open to the rear and is formed of a permeable resin or the like. The cover 300B has a light entrance portion 310B on its rear surface, on which a concave portion RF3 is formed that is hollowed to the front, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0050] Radiant light from the light source 610 is radiated onto the light entrance portion 310B. The light entrance portion 310B is formed opposite the front side of the light source 610 such that the center of the light entrance portion 310B is positioned on a light axis AL of the light source 610. The light entrance portion 310B forms the concave portion RF3 in the central part of the rear surface of the cover 300. The concave portion RF3 has a light-transmitting portion 311B, which is formed as an approximately rectangular plane in front view, as a bottom surface and incident portions 312B radially outside the light axis AL as surrounding wall surfaces. Furthermore, the light-transmitting portion 311B and the incident portions 312B are formed in the concave portion RF3.

[0051] The light-transmitting portion 311B is formed by an approximately rectangular plane formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion RF3. The plane of the light-transmitting portion 311B is formed as a plane with the light axis AL of the light source 610 positioned at its center and extending parallel to the circuit board 600 in front of the light source 610. The incident portions 312B are approximately rectangular planes formed on the wall surface portions of the concave portion RF3 located radially outside the light axis AL. A plurality of incident portions 312B are provided so as to surround the periphery of the concave portion RF3. An inclination in a direction approaching the circuit board 600 is provided at the incident portions 312B from the central part of the light axis AL of the light source 610 toward the radially outer side of the light axis AL.

[0052] Reflection portions 320B are placed near the operation detection portion 800 mentioned below so as to be collected to form a shape indicating the operation position of the operation detection portion 800. Otherwise, the reflection portions 320B are placed so as to be collected to form a figure, number, or lettering shape. The reflection portions 320B display a symbol character or logo, etc., indicating the operation position through illumination light by varying the angle, height, shape, etc. of each reflection portion. (Regarding the 400B case)

[0053] The housing 400B is a light-guiding channel arranged between the cover 300B and the circuit board 600 and guides radiant light from the light sources 610 and 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 to the light entrance section 310B.

[0054] A light-guiding tube portion 410B formed in the housing 400B guides illumination light from the light source 610 to the light entrance portion 310B, as shown in Fig. 9. The light-conducting tube portion 410B has an approximately rectangular opening portion in front view and is formed as an approximately cuboid-shaped, continuous space extending in the front-rear direction. (Regarding the operation detection section 800)

[0055] The operation detection section 800 is, for example, a capacitance sensor that detects a user's operation. The operation detection section 800 is formed on a transmissive film that transmits radiant light from behind. The operation detection section 800 is arranged between the cover 300B and the housing 400B and in a position corresponding to the opening portions of the bezel 100B, and is connected to the circuit board 600 through a flexible printed circuit board or the like (not shown). The operation of the operation detection section 800 is detected by a control circuit (not shown) of the circuit board 600, and the control circuit performs lighting, etc. The operation detection section 800 may be formed on the circuit board 600 instead of on a transmissive film. <Wirkungen und Effekte>

[0056] In the vehicle interior lighting device 10B constructed as above, when the light-on operation detecting section 800 detects a user's operation by a current supplied from a connected wire harness of the vehicle, the light source 610 and the light sources 620 mounted on the circuit board 600 are turned on.

[0057] Illumination light emitted from the light source 610 provided in the central part of the circuit board 600 passes through the inside of the light-conducting tube portion 410B, is transmitted through the light-transmitting portion 311B of the cover 300B, and is radiated from the opening portion drilled in the central part of the bezel 100B as direct illumination toward the vehicle interior, as shown by the dashed line arrow AA in Fig. 10. Strong illumination light is emitted over a narrow area without being reflected and scattered before being emitted to the vehicle interior.

[0058] On the other hand, illumination light that has reached the incident sections 312B passes through the incident sections 312B without attenuation to the inside of the cover 300A, as shown by the dashed line arrow BB in Fig. 10 is shown.

[0059] Radiation light that has reached the interior of the cover 300B reaches the reflection sections 320B formed on the surface of the cover 300B facing away from the vehicle interior side and is diffusely reflected forward. The reflection sections 320B are formed near the operation detection section 800 and are positioned such that illumination light is radiated to a targeted position by varying the angle, height, shape, etc. of the individual reflection sections, as shown in Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b). Therefore, the emitted illumination light may have a shape indicating the actuation position. Otherwise, the emitted illumination light may have a figure, number, or lettering shape.

[0060] As explained above, the vehicle interior lighting device 10B according to the present embodiment is provided with the operation detection section 800 for detecting an operation. Reflection sections 320B are placed near the operation detection section 800 to be collected to form a shape indicating the operation position of the operation detection section 800. Otherwise, in the vehicle interior lighting device 10B according to the present embodiment, the reflection sections 320B are placed to be collected to form a figure, number, and character shape. Therefore, illumination light irradiated from a single light source 610 to a single light entrance section 310A is reflected to the reflection sections 320B whose angle, height, shape, etc., are adjusted.of the individual reflection sections are formed in various shapes, whereby a shape such as a symbol mark or the like or a design such as a logo or the like indicating the operation position can be displayed by illumination light. Furthermore, illumination light irradiated from the incident sections 312B is guided through the interior of the cover 300A to the reflection sections 320, so that functional components of the light splitting, light guiding, reflecting, and protecting covers can be constructed only by the cover 300B, and a compact structure is also enabled. Consequently, a simple structure can be achieved with a small number of components, so that added value can be increased, and at the same time, a low-cost vehicle interior lighting device with little attenuation of luminous intensity can be provided.

[0061] In the first to third embodiments, examples were shown in which the reflecting portions 320 and the reflecting portions 320B are formed toward the inside (front side) of the rear surface of the cover 300 to 300B. However, they may also be formed to protrude outward (rearward) from the rear surface of the cover 300 to 300B.

[0062] In the first to third embodiments, the light sources 610 and 620 are configured to be turned on simultaneously. However, they may also be configured to be turned on separately.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the light source 610 is configured to be turned on depending on the operation of the switch button 200. However, it may also be configured to be turned on and off in cooperation with the headlight of the vehicle.

[0064] In the foregoing, the embodiments of this invention have been explained in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments and may also include structures or the like within a scope that does not deviate from the gist of this invention. [List of reference symbols] 10 Actuating input device 100 border 100B bezel 200 switch button 300 Cover 300A cover 300B cover 311 Translucent section 311A Translucent section 311B Translucent section 312 approach sections 312A Inbound Sections 312B Ingress Sections 313 reflective surfaces 320 reflection sections 400 housings 400A housing 400B case 410 Light-conducting pipe section 500 Light-guiding lens 600 circuit boards 610 light source 700 lids 800 actuation detection section AL light axis RF1 Concave Section RF2 Concave Section RF3 Concave Section QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2009-214677 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Vehicle interior lighting device, comprehensive a light source and a translucent cover arranged on the vehicle interior side and covering the light source, characterized by , that a light entry section onto which illumination light is radiated from the light source and reflection sections formed on the surface facing away from the vehicle interior side and reflecting illumination light that has entered the cover toward the vehicle interior side are provided on the cover, and that the light entrance portion has a light-transmitting portion that allows a part of the illumination light from the light source to pass to the vehicle interior side, and incident portions that allow a part of the illumination light from the light source to enter the interior of the cover. [2] Vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light entrance section is provided with a concave section having a bottom surface as the light-transmitting section and side walls as the incident sections, and that an inclination in a direction approaching a printed circuit board is provided at the incidence sections, starting from the central part of a light axis of the light source towards the radially outer side of the light axis. [3] Vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 2, characterized by that between the cover and the light source, a light-guiding tube section is provided as a light-guiding channel from the light source to the light entrance section, wherein the light-transmitting section and the incident sections of the concave section are placed opposite to the interior of the light-guiding tube section and the light axis direction. [4] Vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 3, characterized by that a light-guiding lens which guides light from the light source to the light entry section is arranged in the light-guiding channel, the end of the light-guiding lens extending into the concave section. [5] Vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, characterized by that the light entry section with a concave portion having side walls as the incident portions, the light-transmitting portion projecting from the bottom surface of the concave portion toward a circuit board and having a top surface facing the light source, and Reflecting surfaces formed by inclining the outer peripheral surface of the light-transmitting portion in the radial direction and reflecting light from the light source toward the incident portions. [6] A vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, comprising an operation detecting section for detecting an operation, characterized by that in the vicinity of the operation detecting portion, the reflection portions are placed so as to be collected to form a shape showing the operation position of the operation detecting portion. [7] Vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, characterized by that the reflection sections are placed in such a way that they are collected to form a figure, number or written form.

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