Lighting device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a lighting device for a vehicle that is able to improve visibility from an occupant.SOLUTION: A lighting device 1 for a vehicle is schematically configured by including: a first lighting unit 2 that is disposed on a center side of the vehicle 8 at a position lower than a door window of the vehicle 8 and adjacent to a seat 80 and that outputs lines of first illumination light 20 along a fore-aft direction of the vehicle 8; and a second lighting unit 3 that is disposed on a door side of the vehicle 8 at a position lower than the door window and adjacent to the seat 80 and that outputs lines of second illumination light 30 along the fore-aft direction of the vehicle 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art vehicle lighting structure includes a sun visor that is displaceable between a first position that covers part of the vehicle's windshield and a second position that overlaps with the vehicle ceiling, a mirror provided on the surface of the sun visor that is positioned inside the vehicle cabin when in the first position, and a lighting unit that emits light and is provided on the side of the vehicle seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle lighting structure is provided with a reflecting part on the sun visor that is located on the side of the mirror and is capable of reflecting light, and the light emitted from the lighting part is reflected by the reflecting part and illuminates the face of the occupant seated in the seat from the front. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-119351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, advances in autonomous driving have led to an increasing number of occasions where occupants sit in their seats and look down, and lighting devices using conventional vehicle lighting structures are difficult for occupants to see.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lighting device that can improve visibility for occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lighting device comprising: a first lighting unit that is positioned lower than the door window of the vehicle, adjacent to the seat and toward the center of the vehicle, and outputs a first linear illumination light along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle; and a second lighting unit that is positioned lower than the door window, adjacent to the seat and toward the door of the vehicle, and outputs a second linear illumination light along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle lighting device including a first lighting unit that is positioned on the upper surface of a center console adjacent to a seat at a position lower than the vehicle door window and that outputs first illumination light in a line along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, visibility for occupants can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first lighting section and the second lighting section of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the lighting direction of the first lighting light and the second lighting light. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of light-emitting elements of the first lighting section and the second lighting section of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the second lighting section according to a modified example. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing an example of the direction in which the second illumination light is output in the modified example, and Figure 4(d) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit in the modified example. [Figure 5]FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Summary of the embodiment) The vehicle lighting device according to the embodiment is generally configured to include a first lighting unit that is positioned lower than the door window of the vehicle, adjacent to the seat, and toward the center of the vehicle, and outputs a first linear illumination light along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a second lighting unit that is positioned lower than the door window, adjacent to the seat, and toward the door of the vehicle, and outputs a second linear illumination light along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0012] Another embodiment of the vehicle lighting device is generally configured to include a first lighting unit that is positioned on the upper surface of a center console adjacent to a seat at a position lower than the vehicle door window and that outputs first illumination light in a line along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0013] These vehicle lighting devices illuminate from a position that is seen from above by the occupant, and therefore can improve visibility for the occupant compared to when this configuration is not adopted.

[0014] [First embodiment] (Overview of vehicle lighting device 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a first illumination unit and a second illumination unit of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the illumination direction of the first illumination light and the second illumination light. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of light-emitting elements of the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the second illumination unit according to a modified example. Note that in each diagram according to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in FIG. 1(b) and FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b) described later, arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information. Below, an overview of the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 2(a), for example, the vehicle lighting device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 8 and illuminates from below a visual field 90 of an occupant 9 seated in a seat 80 and looking forward, thereby giving the occupant 9 a sense of security. Furthermore, when the occupant 9 looks down, the vehicle lighting device 1 can increase the amount of illumination light entering the visual field 90, thereby improving the visibility of the illumination. Note that the following description will be given as an example of a case where the occupant 9 is seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle 8 with a steering wheel 89 located on the right side, but is not limited to this.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(b), the vehicle lighting device 1 is generally configured to include a first lighting unit 2 that is positioned lower than the door window of the vehicle 8, adjacent to the seat 80, and toward the center of the vehicle 8, and outputs a linear first illumination light 20 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 8, and a second lighting unit 3 that is positioned lower than the door window, adjacent to the seat 80, and toward the door of the vehicle 8, and outputs a linear second illumination light 30 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 8.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 2(b), the first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 are arranged at a position lower than the boundary between the door trim 820 and the door window 821 of the right door 82, or the boundary between the door trim 830 and the door window 831 of the left door 83. The lowest position 823 shown in Figure 2(b) indicates the position of this boundary.

[0018] The first lighting unit 2 is disposed on the upper surface of the center console 84 adjacent to the seat. In this embodiment, the upper surface is a lid 840. The first lighting unit 2 outputs a linear first illumination light 20 from an upper surface 841 of the lid 840.

[0019] 1(a), the second lighting unit 3 is arranged on the right door 82 and the left door 83, which are the left and right doors of the vehicle 8. The first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 may be arranged adjacent to the rear seat 800 of the vehicle 8.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the first lighting unit 2 outputs the first illumination light 20 toward the ceiling of the vehicle 8. This ceiling direction is the direction of arrow A shown in Figure 2(b). The first illumination light 20 is output toward the ceiling 86a of the vehicle 8.

[0021] 2(a) and 2(b), the second illumination unit 3 outputs second illumination light 30 toward the center of the vehicle 8. This center direction is the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2(b). The second illumination light 30 is output toward a center console 84 located between a driver's seat 80 and a passenger seat 81, that is, in the center of the vehicle 8 in the left-right direction.

[0022] 1(b), for example, the vehicle lighting device 1 further includes a communication unit 5 and a control unit 6. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment has second lighting units 3 arranged in the right door 82 and the left door 83. Therefore, the passenger seated in the passenger seat 81 is illuminated in the same way as the passenger seat 80.

[0023] (Configuration of first lighting unit 2) 1(a), the first lighting unit 2 is disposed on a lid 840 of a center console 84. This center console 84 is configured as a console box with an openable and closable lid 840 and an internal storage section, but is not limited to this and may have only the function of an armrest.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the first illumination unit 2 is configured with a plurality of light-emitting elements 10 arranged in a line at equal intervals. The light-emitting elements 10 may be monochromatic or may be configured to output a plurality of colors. In addition, the first illumination unit 2 is not limited to the above, and may have the light-emitting elements 10 arranged in a line at equal intervals, but may also have the light-emitting elements 10 arranged at uneven intervals or in a line in multiple rows.

[0025] The first illumination unit 2 is connected to the control unit 6, and lights up in a lighting pattern based on a lighting signal S2 output from the control unit 6.

[0026] (Configuration of second illumination unit 3) 1(a), the second lighting unit 3 is disposed on a side surface 822b of the right armrest 822 of the right door 82. The second lighting unit 3 is also disposed on a side surface 832b of the left armrest 832 of the left door 83.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the second illumination unit 3 outputs second illumination light 30 from a side surface 822b of the right armrest 822 in a lateral direction, i.e., toward the center of the vehicle 8. Similar to the first illumination unit 2, the second illumination unit 3 is configured with a plurality of light-emitting elements 10 arranged in a line at equal intervals. These light-emitting elements 10 may be of a single color, or may be configured to output a plurality of colors. In addition, the second illumination unit 3 has, as an example, the light-emitting elements 10 arranged in a line at equal intervals, but may also be arranged at unequal intervals or in a line in multiple rows, and is not limited thereto.

[0028] The second illumination unit 3 is connected to the control unit 6, and lights up in a lighting pattern based on a lighting signal S3 output from the control unit 6.

[0029] The first illumination unit 2 and the second illumination unit 3 output the first illumination light 20 and the second illumination light 30 in the directions of arrow A and arrow B, that is, in the directions where the optical axis 22 and the optical axis 32 intersect.

[0030] (Configuration of communication unit 5) The communication unit 5 is configured to exchange signals, information, and the like with the on-board device 7 connected thereto using a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0031] The in-vehicle device 7 is, for example, a switch device, a display device, a vehicle control device, or the like mounted on the vehicle 8. The vehicle lighting device 1 starts and stops lighting and switches lighting patterns based on an operation on the switch device or an operation on an icon displayed on the display device. The vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment starts and stops lighting and switches lighting patterns based on an instruction signal S1 output from the in-vehicle device 7.

[0032] (Configuration of control unit 6) The control unit 6 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for the operation of the control unit 6. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results. The control unit 6 also has a means for generating a clock signal therein and operates based on this clock signal.

[0033] 1(b), the control unit 6 has lighting pattern information 60, which is information about lighting patterns. The control unit 6 performs illumination in a lighting pattern based on the instruction signal S1 and the lighting pattern information 60 acquired via the communication unit 5.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 6 outputs a lighting signal S2 and a lighting signal S3 to control the first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 with a lighting pattern according to the scene, such as manual driving, automatic driving, or when the vehicle is stopped, based on the instruction signal S1. For example, when the occupant 9 is driving manually, the control unit 6 reduces the light intensity of the first illumination light 20 and the second illumination light 30 compared to when the vehicle is driving automatically or when the vehicle is stopped.

[0035] (Regarding the placement of the second illumination unit 3) 2(b), the first illumination unit 2 and the second illumination unit 3 are disposed at the same height. Specifically, the second illumination unit 3 is disposed so that the optical axis 32 of the second illumination light 30 coincides with the exit surface 21 of the first illumination light 20 of the first illumination unit 2. In other words, the height of the center of the exit surface 31 of the second illumination unit 3 coincides with the height of the exit surface 21 of the first illumination unit 2.

[0036] As a modified example, the second lighting unit 3 may be arranged on the left and right steps 860 of the floor 86b of the vehicle 8, as shown in Fig. 3(b), for example. The second lighting unit 3 may also be arranged on the right armrest 822, the left armrest 832, and the left and right steps 860.

[0037] (Regarding variants) 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing an example of the direction in which the second illumination light according to the modified example is output, and FIG. 4(d) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit according to the modified example. In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d), the lowest position 823 of the door window is indicated by a dashed line. While the following description focuses on the second illumination unit 3 arranged on the right door 82, it is assumed that the same configuration is also arranged on the left door 83. Furthermore, the upper surface 822a, side surface 822b, and lower surface 822c of the right armrest 822 described below correspond to the upper surface 832a, side surface 832b, and lower surface 832c of the left armrest 832. Furthermore, when multiple second illumination units 3 are arranged, the same reference numerals are used for each.

[0038] 4(a), the second illumination light 30 is output from the side surface 822b and the bottom surface 822c. The second illumination light 30 is output from the side surface 822b toward the center console 84, and is also output from the bottom surface 822c toward the floor 86b of the vehicle 8.

[0039] 4(b), the second illumination light 30 is output from the side surface 822b and the bottom surface 822c, and the bottom surface 822c is inclined toward the door trim 820. The second illumination light 30 is output from the side surface 822b toward the center console 84, and is also output from the inclined bottom surface 822c toward the door trim 820. The second illumination light 30 reflected by the door trim 820 travels toward the center console 84.

[0040] 4(c), the second illumination light 30 is output from the upper surface 822a, the side surface 822b, and the lower surface 822c. The second illumination light 30 is output from the upper surface 822a toward the ceiling 86a, from the side surface 822b toward the center console 84, and from the lower surface 822c toward the floor 86b.

[0041] 4(d), the first illumination unit 2 is placed at a lower position than the second illumination unit 3. The first illumination unit 2 and the second illumination unit 3 may be at different heights as long as they are placed at positions lower than the lowest position 823. Note that the first illumination unit 2 may be placed at a higher position than the second illumination unit 3 as long as they are placed at positions lower than the lowest position 823.

[0042] An example of the operation of the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0043] (operation) The control unit 6 of the vehicle lighting device 1 outputs a lighting signal S2 and a lighting signal S3 to the first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 based on the instruction signal S1 and lighting pattern information 60 input from the in-vehicle device 7 via the communication unit 5.

[0044] The first illumination unit 2 outputs a first illumination light 20 based on the input lighting signal S2. The second illumination unit 3 outputs a second illumination light 30 based on the input lighting signal S3.

[0045] When the instruction signal S1 instructing to turn off the light is input, the control unit 6 stops outputting the lighting signal S2 and the lighting signal S3.

[0046] The first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 are turned off because the lighting signals S2 and S3 have been stopped.

[0047] (Effects of the first embodiment) The vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can improve visibility for the occupant 9. Specifically, the vehicle lighting device 1 is arranged at a position lower than the lowest position 823 so that the first lighting unit 2 and the second lighting unit 3 are less susceptible to the influence of ambient light from outside the vehicle 8. Therefore, compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted, the amount of light of the first illumination light 20 and the second illumination light 30 that enters the field of view 90 when the occupant 9 looks down can be increased, improving visibility for the occupant 9 and achieving a high lighting effect.

[0048] The vehicle lighting device 1 illuminates from below the field of view 90 of the occupant 9 who is seated in the seat 80 and looking forward, and therefore can give the occupant 9 a sense of security compared to when this configuration is not adopted.

[0049] The vehicle lighting device 1 has the first lighting unit 2 located in the center of the vehicle 8, where it is less susceptible to the influence of ambient light from outside, and outputs the first lighting light 20 in the direction of the ceiling 86a, and the second lighting unit 3 located in the door, which is more susceptible to the influence of ambient light than the first lighting unit 2, and outputs the second lighting light 30 in the direction of the center.Therefore, compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted, it is less susceptible to the influence of ambient light and visibility for the occupant 9 is improved.

[0050] The vehicle lighting device 1 provides illumination using the linear first illumination light 20 and second illumination light 30, and therefore the illuminated area is increased and easier for the occupant 9 to see compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted. Furthermore, the vehicle lighting device 1 allows the occupant 9 to relax as they are enveloped in the linear first illumination light 20 and second illumination light 30.

[0051] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes only the first illumination unit.

[0052] Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 5(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device. In the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted. First, an overview of the vehicle lighting device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0053] 5(a) and 5(b), the vehicle lighting device 1 is generally configured to include a first lighting unit 2 that is disposed on the upper surface of a center console 84 adjacent to a seat at a position lower than the door windows of the vehicle 8, and that outputs a first illumination light 20 in a line along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 8. The first lighting unit 2 outputs the first illumination light 20 toward the ceiling of the vehicle 8.

[0054] Furthermore, the light exit surface 21 of the first lighting unit 2 is formed in the shape of one continuous line at the center in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface 841 of the lid 840 of the center console 84.

[0055] Center console 84 is disposed between driver's seat 80 and passenger seat 81. This center console 84 is configured as a console box with an openable and closable lid 840 as its upper surface and has a storage section inside, but is not limited to this and may have only the function of an armrest.

[0056] 5(b), the vehicle lighting device 1 is generally configured to include a first lighting unit 2, a communication unit 5, and a control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the first lighting unit 2 by outputting or stopping a lighting signal S2 based on an instruction signal S1 acquired from an in-vehicle device 7 via the communication unit 5.

[0057] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the vehicle lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the first lighting unit 2 is arranged in the center console 84, which is less susceptible to the influence of ambient light, and outputs a linear first illumination light 20 in the direction of the ceiling 86a. Compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted, the linear shape increases the area, thereby improving visibility for occupants.

[0058] In the vehicle lighting device 1, the light exit surface 21 is disposed in the center of the vehicle width direction on the upper surface 841, which prevents a decrease in visibility caused by the light exit surface 21 being pushed to the edge of the field of view by one of the occupants seated on either side of the center console 84. Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device 1, the light exit surface 21 is in the form of a single continuous line, which can increase the amount of light entering the field of view more than when the light is intermittent.

[0059] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that it includes a third illumination unit.

[0060] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle lighting device.

[0061] 6(a) and 6(b), the third illumination unit 4 is disposed on the instrument panel 87, which is located lower than the door windows. The third illumination unit 4 outputs a linear third illumination light 40 along the left-right direction of the vehicle 8 toward the rear of the vehicle 8.

[0062] The control unit 6 outputs lighting signals S2 to S4 that control the first lighting unit 2 to the third lighting unit 4 with lighting patterns according to the scene, such as manual driving, automatic driving, and when the vehicle is stopped, based on the instruction signal S1.

[0063] The vehicle lighting device 1 can illuminate the occupant 9 so as to surround him / her with the first lighting section 2 to the third lighting section 4, thereby giving the occupant 9 a sense of security compared to when this configuration is not adopted.

[0064] 6(a), the third lighting unit 4 may be arranged in a line on the right pillar 85a, the ceiling 86a, and the left pillar 85b so as to further surround the front windshield 88. With this configuration, the vehicle lighting device 1 can further illuminate the area surrounding the occupant 9, providing a sense of security.

[0065] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. These novel embodiments and modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...vehicle lighting device, 2 to 4...first lighting unit to third lighting unit, 5...communication unit, 6...control unit, 7...in-vehicle device, 8...vehicle, 9...occupant, 10...light-emitting element, 20...first lighting light, 21...emission surface, 22...optical axis, 30...second lighting light, 31...emission surface, 32...optical axis, 40...third lighting light, 60...lighting pattern information, 80...seat, 81...seat, 82...right door, 83...left door, 84...center console, 85a...right pillar, 85b...left pillar, 86a...ceiling, 86b... Floor, 87...instrument panel, 88...front window, 89...steering wheel, 90...field of view, 800...rear seat, 820...door trim, 821...door window, 822...right armrest, 822a...upper surface, 822b...side, 822c...lower surface, 823...lowest position, 830...door trim, 831...door window, 832...left armrest, 832a...upper surface, 832b...side, 832c...lower surface, 840...lid, 841...upper surface, 860...step

Claims

1. a first illumination unit that is disposed at a position lower than a door window of the vehicle, adjacent to a seat, and toward the center of the vehicle, and that outputs a linear first illumination light along a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a second illumination unit that is disposed on a door side of the vehicle adjacent to the seat at a position lower than the door window and that outputs a line-shaped second illumination light along a front-rear direction of the vehicle; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

2. a first lighting unit that is disposed on an upper surface of a center console adjacent to a seat at a position lower than a door window of the vehicle, and that outputs first illumination light in a line along a front-rear direction of the vehicle; A vehicle lighting device comprising:

3. an emission surface of the first lighting unit is formed in the shape of a single continuous line at the center in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the upper surface portion of the center console; The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2 .

4. The first lighting unit is disposed on an upper surface of a center console adjacent to the seat. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 .

5. the first illumination unit outputs the first illumination light in a direction toward a ceiling of the vehicle; 5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the first illumination unit outputs the first illumination light toward a ceiling of the vehicle. the second illumination unit outputs the second illumination light toward a center direction of the vehicle. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 4.

7. The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit are disposed at the same height. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 6.

8. The second lighting units are arranged on the left and right doors of the vehicle. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 7.

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