Passenger compartment internal lighting system

Abstract

To provide a passenger compartment internal lighting system which may present a space in a passenger compartment in an elegant manner.SOLUTION: A passenger compartment internal lighting system 1 is installed within a passenger compartment 2a and includes a lighting device 3 which radiates light for illuminating a center console 70 in the passenger compartment 2a. The lighting device 3 radiates light to the side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the interior of a vehicle such as an automobile is expected to be an environment that passengers can feel comfortable in. In particular, in the future, automated driving technology will enable passengers, including the driver, to engage in various activities unrelated to driving while the vehicle is in motion, so the interior of the vehicle will need to be a living space that is easier to use and more comfortable.

[0003] Therefore, a technique has been proposed in the past in which a lighting device is installed in the interior of an automobile and the brightness and color of the illumination light emitted from the lighting device are changed to create a space within the interior of the automobile (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-18953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for creating a high-quality interior space in a vehicle. For example, there has been a demand for creating a high-quality interior space in a vehicle using an interior lighting device that can give a luxurious and uplifting feeling to the occupants.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior lighting system that can create a high-quality interior space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the vehicle interior lighting system of the present invention includes a lighting device that is installed in the vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate a center console in the vehicle interior, and the lighting device emits the light toward the side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to create a high-quality interior space in the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle in a vehicle interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an automobile in a vehicle interior lighting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the area around the center console of an automobile in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how a console box of an automobile is opened and closed in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the periphery of a console box provided in the center console of an automobile in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the console box when the lighting device according to the embodiment is turned on. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the periphery of the console box when the lighting device according to the embodiment is turned on. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the area around the center console of an automobile in a vehicle interior lighting system according to the first modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the area around the center console of an automobile in a vehicle interior lighting system according to the second modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the area around the center console of an automobile in a vehicle interior lighting system according to the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0011] The drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Therefore, the scales of the drawings are not necessarily the same. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0012] In this specification, "forward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving forward, "rearward" refers to the direction of travel when the vehicle is moving backward, the direction to the right (right side) when the vehicle is moving forward is the "right direction", the direction to the left (left direction) when the vehicle is moving forward is the "left direction", the ceiling side of the vehicle is the "above" or "upper side", and the floor side of the vehicle is the "below" or "lower side". Note that in this specification, the terms "above" and "below" do not refer to the up direction (vertically upward) and down direction (vertically downward) in absolute spatial recognition, but may be used as terms defined by relative positional relationships.

[0013] (Embodiment) An interior lighting system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a top view of an automobile 2 in the interior lighting system 1 according to the embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the automobile 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a center console 70 in the automobile 2.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 includes an automobile 2 and a lighting device 3 installed in the automobile 2.

[0015] The automobile 2 is an example of a moving body and includes a vehicle having a passenger compartment 2a. The passenger compartment 2a of the automobile 2 is composed of a plurality of interior lining members. The passenger compartment 2a has a ceiling 10, a floor 20, a pillar trim 30, and a door trim 40 as the plurality of interior lining members.

[0016] The automobile 2 has a front door 51 and a rear door 52. Passengers can get in and out of the vehicle compartment 2a by opening and closing the front door 51 or the rear door 52. Each of the front door 51 and the rear door 52 is provided with a window glass.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle interior 2a is provided with seats 60 for occupants. Specifically, the vehicle interior 2a is provided with a plurality of seats 60, including a front seat 61 and a rear seat 62. The front seat 61 is a front seat provided in the front of the vehicle interior 2a, and includes a driver's seat 61a where the driver sits, and a passenger seat 61b located next to the driver's seat 61a. In this embodiment, since the steering wheel is provided on the right side, the driver's seat 61a is located on the right side, and the passenger seat 61b is located on the left side. The rear seat 62 is a rear seat provided at the rear of the vehicle interior 2a. The rear seat 62 can accommodate two or three passengers.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the ceiling 10 is a roof trim. Specifically, the ceiling 10 is a headlining. The ceiling 10 is fixed to the roof 2b of the automobile 2. In this case, the ceiling 10 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the roof 2b, or may be installed by being suspended from the roof 2b.

[0019] The floor 20 is a floor trim. Specifically, the floor 20 is a floor carpet fixed to a frame that constitutes the body framework of the automobile (vehicle) 2. Although not shown, a floor mat is laid on the floor 20.

[0020] 1 and 2, the pillar trim 30 is made up of multiple pillars. Specifically, the pillar trim 30 has an A-pillar 31, which is a front pillar provided next to the windshield, and a B-pillar 32, which is a central pillar provided between a front seat 61 and a rear seat 62. The pillar trim 30 may further have a C-pillar and a D-pillar provided diagonally behind the rear seat 62.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the door trim 40 is a lining member that covers the door panels of the front door 51 and the rear door 52. The door trim 40, which forms the inner surface of the front door 51 and the rear door 52, is fabricated with an uneven portion (uneven structure) having an uneven shape. One or more functional parts are provided in the uneven portion of the door trim 40. Specifically, the uneven portion of the door trim 40 is provided with an armrest, an operation switch (operation button), a cup holder, a door handle, and a storage space as the functional parts. The operation switch is, for example, an opening / closing switch for opening and closing the window glass. Note that the front door 51 of the driver's seat 61a is provided with various switches other than the opening / closing switch as operation buttons.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the automobile 2 has a center console 70. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the center console 70 is disposed between the driver's seat 61a and the passenger seat 61b. The center console 70 extends from an instrument panel provided at the front of the vehicle toward the rear of the vehicle. The front end of the center console 70 may be integrally connected to the center of the instrument panel in the left-right direction.

[0023] The center console 70 is provided with the following molded features: a shift lever 71, operation switches 72, and a console box 73. Although not shown, the center console 70 may also be provided with other molded features such as a cup holder, a cigarette lighter socket, a power socket, and a box-shaped recess with an open top. The surface of the center console 70 has an uneven structure formed by these molded features.

[0024] The shift lever 71 (select lever) is a lever that the driver operates to change the transmission while the automobile 2 is moving forward or to move the automobile 2 in reverse. The shift lever 71 protrudes upward from the center console 70.

[0025] The operation switches 72 are provided between the shift lever 71 and the console box 73. The operation switches 72 include a plurality of switches such as buttons to be pressed and dial knobs.

[0026] The operation switches 72 include, for example, a parking button for switching the parking brake (side brake) on and off, a power button for switching the engine of the automobile 2 on and off, a lighting button for switching the lighting device 3 on and off, a car audio operation switch for operating the car audio, and a car navigation system operation switch for operating the car navigation system. The car audio operation switches include, for example, a button for switching the audio on and off, a button for switching the music played on the audio, and a volume knob which is a dial knob for adjusting the volume of the audio. The car audio operation switches include, for example, a commander knob which is a dial knob for operating various commands, and a selection button.

[0027] The operation switches 72 may also include a button for selecting a drive mode for the automobile 2, a button for displaying a 360-degree view image on the center monitor of the instrument panel, etc. The commander knob may also be used for operations other than operating the car navigation system. The operation switches 72 do not have to include all of these switches.

[0028] The console box 73 is a storage box with a lid, and includes a box body 73a and an armrest 73b.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the box body 73a is a storage box having an opening 73a1 that opens upward. The armrest 73b is a lid that covers the opening 73a1 of the box body 73a. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing how the console box 73 is opened and closed. Fig. 4(a) shows the console box 73 with the armrest 73b open, and Fig. 4(b) shows the console box 73 with the armrest 73b closed.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the box body 73a has a bottom surface 73a2 and four side walls 73a3 extending upright from the bottom surface 73a2. The four side walls 73a3 form the four faces of a rectangular parallelepiped. Of the four side walls 73a3, the side wall 73a3 located at the front is the front side wall, the side wall 73a3 located at the rear is the rear side wall, the side wall 73a3 located on the right is the right side wall, and the side wall 73a3 located on the left is the left side wall. These four side walls 73a3 and the bottom surface 73a2 form the storage space (space) of the box body 73a.

[0031] The armrest 73b is rotatably connected to the box body 73a by a hinge mechanism. The armrest 73b can open the opening 73a1 of the box body 73a as shown in FIG. 4(a), or close the opening 73a1 of the box body 73a as shown in FIG. 4(b). As shown by the arrow in FIG. 4(b), pressing a switch 73b1 provided on the armrest 73b releases the engagement between a claw 73b2 (locking portion) provided on the back side of the armrest 73b and a hole 73a4 (locked portion) provided in the box body 73a. This allows the armrest 73b to be opened as shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0032] In this embodiment, the armrest 73b is configured with a pair of lids that are paired in the vehicle width direction and opens like a double door. Therefore, hinges that connect the armrest 73b to the box main body 73a are provided on each of the left and right side wall portions 73a3 of the box main body 73a. The armrest 73b may be configured with a single lid instead of a pair of lids. In this case, the armrest 73b may be configured to open only left or right, or only front or rear, instead of opening like a double door.

[0033] Furthermore, armrest 73b protrudes further forward in the vehicle than the front side wall portion of the four side wall portions 73a3 that make up box body 73a. In other words, the front portion of armrest 73b has an eave-like shape.

[0034] Here, the configuration of the lighting device 3 will be described using Fig. 5 while referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a view of the periphery of a console box 73 provided in the center console 70. In Fig. 5, (a) is a top view of the periphery of the console box 73, (b) is a side view of the periphery of the console box 73, and (c) is a front view of the console box 73.

[0035] The lighting device 3 is an interior lighting device installed in the vehicle interior 2a. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lighting device 3 is installed in a console box 73. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed in a box main body 73a of the console box 73. Specifically, the lighting device 3 is installed in a front side wall portion of the four side wall portions 73a3 of the box main body 73a. As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting device 3 is installed so as to be embedded between a pair of holes 73a4 in the side wall portion 73a3, which is the front side wall portion.

[0036] As shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 5, the illumination device 3 is disposed so as to face a commander knob (one of the dial knobs) included in the operation switches 72.

[0037] The lighting device 3 is a lighting fixture that emits illumination light, and includes a light source 100 and an optical member 200 that transmits the light emitted from the light source 100. As an example, the lighting device 3 emits white light.

[0038] In this embodiment, the light source 100 is an LED light source configured by a light emitting diode (LED), and therefore the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device.

[0039] The light source 100 is, for example, a white LED light source that emits white light. As an example, the light source 100 is a COB (Chip On Board) type LED module that includes a substrate, an LED chip mounted on the substrate, and a sealing member that seals the LED chip.

[0040] The substrate is a mounting substrate for mounting the LED chip, and may be, for example, a ceramic substrate, a resin substrate, or a metal-based substrate. The substrate is provided with a pair of electrode terminals for receiving DC power from an external source to cause the LED chip to emit light, and metal wiring for supplying DC power to the LED chip. The electrode terminals are electrically connected to a power supply circuit by an electric wire. The power supply circuit may be, for example, built into the lighting device 3 or disposed externally to the lighting device 3.

[0041] An LED chip is an example of a semiconductor light-emitting device that emits light using a predetermined DC power, and is a bare chip that emits monochromatic visible light. Specifically, the LED chip is a blue LED chip that emits blue light when powered. One or more LED chips are arranged on a substrate, for example, and are electrically connected to each other by metal wiring formed on the substrate.

[0042] The sealing member is, for example, a translucent resin. The sealing member in this embodiment contains a phosphor as a wavelength conversion material that converts the wavelength of light from the LED chip. The sealing member is, for example, a phosphor-containing resin in which a phosphor is dispersed in a silicone resin. When the LED chip is a blue LED chip, for example, a YAG-based yellow phosphor can be used as the phosphor particles to obtain white light. As a result, the yellow phosphor absorbs a portion of the blue light emitted by the blue LED chip, becomes excited, and emits yellow light. This yellow light then mixes with the blue light not absorbed by the yellow phosphor to become white light, which is then emitted from the sealing member (light-emitting portion).

[0043] In addition, when multiple LED chips are mounted on the substrate, the sealing member may be formed to seal all of the LED chips together, or may seal multiple LED chips in a line by row, or may seal each LED chip individually.

[0044] Furthermore, the light source 100 is not limited to a COB-type LED module. For example, the light source 100 may be an LED module with a surface-mount device (SMD) structure in which one or more SMD-type LED elements are mounted on a substrate. In this case, the LED elements are individually packaged SMD-type LED light sources, and include a white resin or ceramic container (package) with a recess, one or more LED chips primarily mounted on the bottom of the recess, and a sealing member filled in the recess and sealing the LED chips. The sealing member is made of a translucent resin material such as silicone resin. When the LED chip is a blue LED chip, a phosphor-containing resin containing a wavelength conversion material such as a phosphor is used as the sealing member. This allows the LED element to emit white light.

[0045] The lighting device 3 has a housing that houses the LED light source 100, and the LED light source 100 is disposed on the bottom surface or the like of the housing.

[0046] The optical member 200 is a translucent member that transmits light emitted from the LED light source 100. The optical member 200 is formed using a translucent material. Specifically, the optical member 200 is made of a transparent material such as a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or a glass material. In this embodiment, the optical member 200 is a plate-shaped transparent panel.

[0047] The optical member 200 is disposed in front of the LED light source 100. The optical member 200 is also an outer member of the lighting device 3. In this case, the light emitted from the LED light source 100 passes through the optical member 200 and is irradiated onto a predetermined irradiation area. The optical member 200 is disposed so as to cover an opening of a housing that houses the LED light source 100.

[0048] The optical member 200 is not limited to a transparent panel, and may be a member that controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the LED light source 100. For example, the optical member 200 may be a diffusion panel (diffusion cover) that scatters and transmits the light emitted from the LED light source 100. As a result, the light emitted from the LED light source 100 is diffused (scattered) by the optical member 200, which is a diffusion panel, and is irradiated onto a predetermined irradiation area.

[0049] Furthermore, the lighting device 3 has a light emitting surface 3a from which light is emitted as the outer surface of the lighting device 3. The light emitting surface 3a is the outer surface of the lighting device 3 and is exposed. In this embodiment, the light emitting surface 3a is the outer surface of the optical member 200.

[0050] The light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat 60 in the vehicle interior 2a. In other words, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to an occupant sitting in the seat 60. In this embodiment, the armrest 73b is provided to protrude from the box main body 73a in which the lighting device 3 is provided, so that the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to an occupant sitting in the seat 60. Specifically, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to an occupant sitting in the driver's seat 61a and the passenger seat 61b. In other words, the lighting device 3 provides indirect lighting.

[0051] The lighting device 3 is turned on when the driver is driving the automobile 2 (during driving). In other words, illumination light is emitted from the lighting device 3 while driving. The lighting device 3 may not only be turned on while driving, but may also be turned on at times other than when driving. For example, the lighting device 3 may also be turned on when a passenger gets into the automobile 2 or when a passenger gets out of the automobile 2. The lighting device 3 may also be turned on during the daytime as well as at night. Turning on the lighting device 3 during the daytime can create an open illuminated space.

[0052] In this embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the illumination device 3 (LED light source 100) is white light, but is not limited to this. The illumination device 3 may also have a function to control the dimming and color of the illumination light. This allows the brightness and color temperature of the illumination light emitted from the illumination device 3 to be changed, thereby enabling spatial presentation within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0053] Here, the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are diagrams showing a state when the lighting device 3 according to the embodiment is turned on. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the periphery of a console box 73 provided in a center console 70, Fig. 7(a) is a top view of the periphery of the console box 73, and Fig. 7(b) is a side view of the periphery of the console box 73.

[0054] 6 and 7, the light (illumination light) emitted from the lighting device 3 does not illuminate the entire space within the vehicle interior 2a, but illuminates a portion of the space within the vehicle interior 2a. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the area indicated by dotted hatching indicates the area illuminated by the light emitted from the lighting device 3.

[0055] In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 emits light that illuminates the center console 70. Specifically, the lighting device 3 emits light laterally. For example, the lighting device 3 emits light toward the front of the vehicle. As a result, part of the center console 70 is illuminated by the light emitted from the lighting device 3. In this case, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 illuminates operation switches 72 provided on the center console 70. For example, the illumination light from the lighting device 3 illuminates an operation unit for a side brake (parking button), an operation switch for a car audio system, and an operation switch for a car navigation system.

[0056] The illumination light from the illumination device 3 may illuminate not only the operation switches 72 but also other structures provided on the center console 70, such as the shift lever 71 and cup holders.

[0057] As described above, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment includes a lighting device 3 that emits light to illuminate the center console 70 inside the vehicle interior 2a, and the lighting device 3 emits light sideways.

[0058] This configuration makes it easier for shadows to appear on the structures of the center console 70, such as the shift lever 71 and the operation switches 72, which have uneven surfaces. This emphasizes the sense of shadow on the structures of the center console 70. In other words, shining light downward from above the center console 70 does not tend to cast shadows on the structures of the center console 70. However, shining light from the lighting device 3 laterally to illuminate the center console 70 makes it easier for shadows to appear on the structures of the center console 70. As a result, the structures of the center console 70 can be highlighted by the light from the lighting device 3. In particular, if the surface of the resin center console 70 is decorated, the decorative surface (e.g., a glossy surface) of the center console 70 can be highlighted. This allows the occupants of the automobile 2 to experience a rich and uplifting feeling due to the shadows cast by the center console 70. In particular, the driver can experience a sense of excitement (a sense of thrill) due to the cockpit-like feel created.

[0059] Furthermore, the shadow cast on the structure of the center console 70 between the driver's seat 61a and the passenger seat 61b places the center of gravity of the light in the center of the vehicle interior 2a. In other words, the attention of the occupants of the vehicle 2 can be focused on the area around the center console 70. This allows the occupants in the front seat 61 and the rear seat 62 to share the same viewpoint, creating a sense of unity among the occupants in the vehicle 2. In particular, when looking forward from the rear seat 62, the area ahead of the line of sight (from the front to the back) is bright, so the occupants seated in the rear seat 62 can sense distance and perceive the space inside the vehicle interior 2a as being wider. In other words, a sense of openness can be achieved.

[0060] In this way, by casting a shadow on the center console 70 with the lighting device 3, a rich and uplifting feeling can be obtained, and a sense of unity and openness can be obtained within the vehicle interior 2a, thereby creating a high-quality space within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0061] Furthermore, by providing the driver with a sense of elation, the driver's drowsiness can be suppressed and the driver can be kept awake, thereby ensuring a safe driving environment.

[0062] In this way, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment can create a space inside the vehicle interior 2a while ensuring a safe driving environment, thereby realizing a safe and comfortable illuminated space.

[0063] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the center console 70 is provided with operation switches 72, and the operation switches 72 are illuminated by the light from the lighting device 3.

[0064] In this way, by illuminating the operation switches 72 with light from the lighting device 3, the visibility of the operation switches 72 at night can be improved compared to when the operation switches 72 themselves are illuminated by an indicator lamp. This makes it easier for the driver to see the operation switches 72 at night, improving the operability of the operation switches 72 and further ensuring safety.

[0065] When illuminating the operation switches 72, the visibility of the operation switches 72 and the spatial presentation effect inside the vehicle interior 2a can be further improved by changing the brightness (illuminance) and color temperature of the illumination light from the lighting device 3. Also, by changing the color of the illumination light from the lighting device 3 to a color that makes the operation switches 72 more visible, the visibility of the operation switches 72 can be further improved.

[0066] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed in a console box 73 in the center console .

[0067] This configuration allows the light from the lighting device 3 to be easily projected laterally onto the center console 70. In particular, by installing the lighting device 3 on the front side wall of the box body 73a of the console box 73, light can be projected diagonally downward and laterally, which makes it easier to cast shadows on the shaped features of the center console 70. This further enhances the luxurious and uplifting feeling created by the shadows cast by the center console 70, thereby creating an even more refined atmosphere within the vehicle interior 2a.

[0068] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the armrest 73b of the console box 73 protrudes further forward in the vehicle than the front side wall of the box body 73a.

[0069] With this configuration, the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to a passenger (such as a driver) sitting in the seat 60. In other words, the lighting device 3 provides indirect lighting in which the light exit surface 3a is not visible.

[0070] In this way, by using the lighting device 3 as indirect lighting, the space inside the vehicle compartment 2a can be further enhanced in quality. Moreover, since the light emitting surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to the occupants, the light emitted from the lighting device 3 does not directly enter the eyes of the occupants. In particular, since the light from the lighting device 3 does not directly enter the eyes of the driver, the safe driving environment can be further improved.

[0071] (Variation 1) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1A according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the periphery of a center console 70 of an automobile 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1A according to Modification 1. In Fig. 8, the area indicated by dotted hatching indicates the area illuminated by light emitted from the lighting device 3A.

[0072] The vehicle interior lighting system 1A of this modified example is different from the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the optical member 200A of the lighting device 3A. Specifically, in the lighting device 3 of the above-described embodiment, the optical member 200 is present only in a part of the width direction of the console box 73, but in the lighting device 3A of this modified example, the optical member 200A is present across the entire width direction of the console box 73.

[0073] As a result, a part of the light emitted from the light source 100 of the lighting device 3A is guided inside the optical member 200A and spreads, so that a wider area of ​​the center console 70 can be illuminated compared to the first embodiment.

[0074] (Variation 2) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1B according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the periphery of a center console 70 of an automobile 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1B according to Modification 2. In Fig. 9, the area indicated by dotted hatching indicates the area illuminated by light emitted from the lighting device 3B.

[0075] The vehicle interior lighting system 1B of this modification is different from the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of the above embodiment in the configuration of the optical member 200B of the lighting device 3B. Specifically, while the optical member 200 of the lighting device 3 of the above embodiment is a transparent panel, the optical member 200B of the lighting device 3B of this modification has a diffusing lens that increases the light distribution angle of the light emitted from the light source 100. The optical member 200B having a diffusing lens controls the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source 100.

[0076] In this way, by using optical member 200B having a diffusion lens, the light distribution of illumination light emitted from lighting device 3B can be made elliptical. In other words, lighting device 3B in this modification is a direct-type lighting fixture like the above embodiment, but it is a lighting fixture with an elliptical light distribution type. As a result, it can illuminate a wider area of ​​center console 70 than the above embodiment 1.

[0077] (Variation 3) Next, a vehicle interior lighting system 1C according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the periphery of a center console 70 of an automobile 2 in the vehicle interior lighting system 1C according to Modification 3. In Fig. 10, the area indicated by dotted hatching indicates the area illuminated by light emitted from the lighting device 3C.

[0078] The vehicle interior lighting system 1C in this modification is different from the vehicle interior lighting system 1 in the above embodiment in the structure of the lighting device 3C. Specifically, the lighting device 3 in the above embodiment is a direct illumination type lighting fixture, but the lighting device 3C in this modification is a light guide type lighting fixture using a light guide member.

[0079] In this modification, the lighting device 3C includes a light source 100 and an optical member 200C that is a light guide. The optical member 200C that is a light guide has a light incident surface 201 onto which light emitted from the light source 100 is incident, and a light emitting surface 202 (light emitting surface) from which light that enters through the light incident surface 201 and is guided through the optical member 200C exits.

[0080] The optical member 200C, which is a light guide, is a light guide member that guides incident light. The optical member 200C is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the optical member 200C is made of a transparent resin material or a transparent glass material. Examples of the transparent resin material that can be used include polycarbonate resin, fluororesin, and acrylic resin. The optical member 200C may be, for example, a thin, cylindrical light guide rod or a rectangular light guide plate.

[0081] The light incident surface 201 of the optical element 200C is an end surface of the optical element 200C. Therefore, the lighting device 3C is an edge-light type light-guiding lighting device. For example, if the optical element 200C is a light-guiding rod, the light incident surface 201 is an end surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical element 200C. Furthermore, if the optical element 200C is a light-guiding plate, the light incident surface 201 is a side end surface of the optical element 200C. The light source 100 is disposed opposite the light incident surface 201 of the optical element 200C. An optical element such as a lens that collimates the light emitted from the light source 100 may be disposed on the light incident surface 201 of the optical element 200C. This can improve the light incidence efficiency of the light emitted from the light source 100 entering the optical element 200C. The lens may be a part of the optical element 200C or may be provided separately from the optical element 200C.

[0082] The light exit surface 202 of the optical element 200C is a side surface of the optical element 200C. For example, if the optical element 200C is a light guiding rod, the light exit surface 202 is a peripheral side surface (convex curved surface) of the optical element 200C. Furthermore, if the optical element 200C is a light guiding plate, the light exit surface 202 is a planar main surface of the optical element 200C. The light incident surface 201 of the optical element 200C is the light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3, which is an exposed surface exposed to the outside. However, the light exit surface 3a is not visible to the occupants of the automobile 2.

[0083] The width (width in the vehicle width direction) of the light emitting surface 202 of the optical member 200C, which is the light emitting surface, is preferably at least 50 mm or more, and more preferably 70 mm or more.

[0084] In addition, when the optical element 200C is a light guide plate, it is preferable that the perpendicular line to the back surface of the light guide plate (the surface opposite to the light exit surface 202) is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal line, and it is also preferable that the perpendicular line to the surface of the light guide plate (light exit surface 202) is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal line.

[0085] In this way, by using a light-guiding type lighting fixture for the lighting device 3C, the width of the light exit surface 202 of the optical element 200C (light exit surface 3a of the lighting device 3) can be easily increased, so that a wider area of ​​the center console 70 can be easily illuminated compared to a direct-light type lighting fixture.

[0086] In this case, it is preferable that the light from the lighting device 3C includes rays that travel in a direction at an angle of 30° or more, with the normal to the light incident surface 201 of the optical member 200C being 0°. This allows the light to easily reach the back of shaped objects (especially dial knobs with uneven surfaces) such as the operation switches 72 provided near the lighting device 3C, thereby eliminating dark areas and providing a more shading-like and high-quality feel with the soft light.

[0087] A lens (such as a lenticular lens or a prism) that spreads the light emitted from the optical member 200C in the vehicle width direction may be disposed on the light emission surface 202 of the optical member 200C. This allows the light emitted from the lighting device 3C to be further spread in the vehicle width direction, thereby illuminating an even wider range.

[0088] A diffusion plate may be disposed on the light exit surface 202 of the optical member 200C. This allows the light exiting from the optical member 200C to be diffused, and therefore the light exiting from the lighting device 3C can be easily spread in the lateral direction of the vehicle width.

[0089] Furthermore, a reflector may be disposed on the surface of optical element 200C opposite to light exit surface 202 (the surface opposite to light exit surface 3a). This allows light leaking from the surface opposite to light exit surface 202 to be returned to optical element 200C, thereby improving the light utilization efficiency.

[0090] Furthermore, it is preferable that the illumination light of the illumination device 3C has a narrowed spread in the up-down direction (vertical plane). For example, it is preferable that the height from the bottom of the illumination light of the illumination device 3C to the point of 1 / 10 of the maximum illumination intensity at the surface position of the instrument panel (for example, a position about 400 mm away from the illumination device 3C) is 100 mm to 400 mm.

[0091] (Other variations) Although the vehicle interior lighting systems 1 to 1C according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiment and the first to third modifications, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and the first to third modifications.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 that emits light toward the center console 70 is installed in the console box 73. However, this is not limiting. Specifically, the lighting device 3 may be installed in an overhead console provided on the ceiling 10 of the automobile 2. That is, the lighting device 3 may emit light downward from the ceiling 10, rather than emitting light from the side toward the center console 70, thereby emitting light toward the center console 70. In this case, the lighting device 3 may be an indirect light source so that the light emission surface 3a of the lighting device 3 is not visible to passengers seated in the seats 60 in the vehicle interior 2a. For example, the light emission surface 3a of the lighting device 3 may be covered with a light-shielding cover or the like. Furthermore, when the lighting device 3 is installed in the overhead console and emits light downward from the ceiling 10, the light emitted from the lighting device 3 may be a pinhole spot light.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the parking button, which is one of the operation switches 72, is a side brake operation unit that electrically switches the parking brake on and off, but the side brake operation unit provided on the center console 70 is not limited to an electrical switch. For example, the side brake operation unit provided on the center console 70 may be a lever-type side brake.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the light source of the lighting device 3 is the LED light source 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the light source of the lighting device 3 may be an existing light source such as a fluorescent lamp, a xenon lamp, or a halogen lamp. However, by using the LED light source 100 as the light source of the lighting device 3, it is possible to reduce power consumption and to light the lighting device 3 with a DC power supply.

[0095] In addition, in the above embodiment, the automobile 2 is used as an example of the moving body, but the moving body is not limited to this. Specifically, the moving body may be a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railroad car, as long as it has a passenger compartment.

[0096] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that a person skilled in the art would conceive of to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the above-described embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of one or more components in each of the multiple claims described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, when the dependent claims described in the claims at the time of filing are made into a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite any multiple claims (for example, when a multiple claim or multiple multiple claims that cite all of the parent claims of each claim), all forms obtained by combining all of the claims included in the multiple claim or multiple multiple claim are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Vehicle interior lighting system 2a cabin 3, 3A, 3B, 3C lighting equipment 3a Light exit surface 70 Center console 71 Shift lever 72 Operation switches 73 Console box 73a Box body 73a1 opening 73a3 Side wall part 73b Armrest 100 light sources 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Optical Components 201 Light incidence surface 202 Light exit surface

Claims

1. a lighting device that is installed in a vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate a center console in the vehicle interior; The lighting device irradiates the light laterally. Vehicle interior lighting system.

2. The lighting device is installed in a console box. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

3. The console box includes a box body having an opening that opens upward, and an armrest that covers the opening of the box body, The lighting device is installed on the front side wall of the box body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 2 .

4. The armrest protrudes forward of the vehicle beyond the front side wall portion of the box body. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 3 .

5. The lighting device includes a light source and a light guide, The light guide has a light incident surface onto which the light emitted from the light source is incident, and a light exit surface from which the light incident on the light incident surface and guided through the light guide exits. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The lighting device includes a light source and an optical member that controls the distribution of light emitted from the light source. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The optical member has a diffusion lens that increases the light distribution angle of the light emitted from the light source.

7. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 6.

8. The optical member is a diffusion panel that scatters and transmits the light emitted from the light source.

7. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 6.

9. The center console is provided with at least one of a shift lever, a side brake operation unit, a car audio operation switch, a car navigation system operation switch, and a cup holder. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. a lighting device that is installed in a vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate a center console in the vehicle interior; the lighting device irradiates the light downward, the lighting device has a light exit surface as an outer surface of the lighting device from which the light exits, the light exit surface is not visible to an occupant sitting in a seat inside the vehicle compartment; Vehicle interior lighting system.

11. The lighting device is installed in the overhead console.

11. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 10.

12. The light emitted from the illumination device is a pinhole spot light.

12. A vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 10 or 11.

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