Vehicle interior lighting system

Abstract

To provide an in-cabin lighting system capable of producing a high-quality space in a cabin while maintaining a safe driving environment.SOLUTION: A vehicular interior lighting system 1 includes a lighting device 3 which is installed in a vehicular interior 2a and irradiates light for illuminating a floor 20 in the vehicular interior 2a, and the lighting device 3 irradiates light so as to fringe at least a part of a contour of a seat part in a seat 60 in the vehicular interior 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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] However, if a lighting device is turned on inside a vehicle while driving, direct light from the lighting device may enter the driver's eyes, making it difficult to drive safely. In addition, in recent years, there has been a demand for creating a high-quality interior space inside a vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior lighting system that can create a high-quality interior space while maintaining a safe driving environment. [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 comprises a lighting device that is installed in the vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate the floor of the vehicle interior, and when the vehicle is viewed from above, the lighting device emits light so as to outline at least a portion of the contour of the seat portion of a seat in the vehicle interior. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to create a high-quality interior space in a vehicle while maintaining a safe driving environment. [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 diagram showing the atmosphere in the vehicle interior when a plurality of lighting devices are turned on in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which passengers are seated in the rear seats of a vehicle in the vehicle interior lighting system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an automobile in a vehicle interior lighting system according to a modified example. 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 denote 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 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a top view of an automobile 2 in the interior lighting system 1 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the automobile 2.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 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 in the automobile 2 is made up 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 the 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 in the rear of the vehicle interior 2a. The rear seat 62 can accommodate two or three passengers. Each seat portion of the plurality of seats 60 has a front end portion located on the vehicle front side and a pair of side ends located in the vehicle width direction.

[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 switches.

[0022] The lighting device 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an interior lighting device installed in the vehicle compartment 2a. In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a floor light that emits light to illuminate the floor 20 in the vehicle compartment 2a, and is installed below the seating portion of the seat 60. Specifically, the lighting device 3 is installed between the seating portion of the seat 60 and the floor 20. The lighting device 3 may be fixed to the seating portion of the seat 60 or may be fixed to the floor 20.

[0023] A plurality of lighting devices 3 are installed in the vehicle interior 2a. Specifically, three lighting devices 3, a first lighting device 3a, a second lighting device 3b, and a third lighting device 3c, are installed in the vehicle interior 2a. The first lighting device 3a is installed below the seat of the rear seat 62. The second lighting device 3b is installed below the seat of the driver's seat 61a of the front seat 61. The third lighting device 3c is installed below the seat of the passenger seat 61b of the front seat 61.

[0024] The lighting device 3 is a lighting fixture having a light source (not shown) and emits illumination light. The light source used in the lighting device 3 is, for example, an LED light source configured with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Therefore, the lighting device 3 is an LED lighting device. The LED light source has, for example, a mounting substrate such as a PCB substrate and one or more LED elements mounted on the mounting substrate. The lighting device 3 has a housing that houses the LED light source, and light emitted from the LED light source passes through an opening in the housing and is irradiated onto a predetermined illumination area as the illumination light of the lighting device 3.

[0025] In this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a line illuminator that emits a line of illumination light. Specifically, the lighting device 3 has an LED light source and a light guiding rod into which the light emitted from the LED light source is incident. The light guiding rod has a side surface from which the light guided through the light guiding rod exits to the outside, and the line of illumination light is emitted from the side surface of the light guiding rod. The light guiding rod is, for example, a long, thin, cylindrical light guide. The light guiding rod is made of, for example, a transparent resin material or a transparent glass material. The transparent resin material that makes up the light guiding rod can be polycarbonate resin, fluororesin, acrylic resin, or the like.

[0026] The illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 serves as light that illuminates the space within the vehicle interior 2a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the 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 this embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the lighting device 3 partially illuminates the floor 20 within the vehicle interior 2a. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the area indicated by dotted hatching is the area within the vehicle interior 2a that is illuminated by the illumination light from the lighting device 3.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the plurality of lighting devices 3 is installed below a seat 60. Specifically, each lighting device 3 is installed below the sitting portion of the seat 60. Each lighting device 3 installed below the seat 60 irradiates illumination light onto a part of the floor 20 below the seat 60. Specifically, a first lighting device 3a installed below the rear seat 62 irradiates illumination light partially onto the floor 20 below the rear seat 62. Furthermore, a second lighting device 3b installed below the driver's seat 61a irradiates illumination light partially onto the floor 20 below the driver's seat 61a. In addition, the third lighting device 3c installed below the passenger seat 61b partially irradiates the floor 20 around the lower part of the passenger seat 61b with light. Compared to the lighting device (ceiling light) installed on the ceiling 10 inside the vehicle compartment 2a, each lighting device 3 has a lower illuminance and a smaller irradiated area on the floor 20, and irradiates light so as to form a light pool in part of the vehicle compartment 2a.

[0028] 1, when the automobile 2 is viewed from above, each lighting device 3 emits light so as to outline at least a part of the outline of the seating portion of the seat 60 in the passenger compartment 2a. Specifically, when the automobile 2 is viewed from above, each lighting device 3 emits light so as to outline the entire outline of the front end portion and the entire outline of the side end portion of the seating portion of the seat 60. In other words, the lighting device 3 can brightly illuminate the floor 20 in the area surrounding the seat 60.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the automobile 2 is viewed from above, the lighting device 3 irradiates light to an area at least 15 cm away from the edge of the seat 60. That is, the lighting device 3 irradiates light to an area at least 15 cm away from each of the front and side edges of the seat 60. As an example, the lighting device 3 irradiates light to a position 23 cm away from the edge of the seat 60, but this is not limited to this. Note that the first lighting device 3a, the second lighting device 3b, and the third lighting device 3c may have different illumination widths from the edge of the seat 60. For example, the illumination width from the seat of the first lighting device 3a installed below the rear seat 62 may be larger than the illumination widths from the seat of the second lighting device 3b and the third lighting device 3c.

[0030] Each of the lighting devices 3 is installed below the seat 60, and therefore does not irradiate light onto the upper surface of the seat 60. The contrast ratio between the maximum illuminance of the seat of the seat 60 and the maximum illuminance of the floor 20 illuminated by the lighting devices 3 is, for example, maximum illuminance of the floor 20:maximum illuminance of the seat of the seat 60=5:1 to 100:1.

[0031] Furthermore, the light exit surface of the lighting device 3 installed below the seat 60 is not visible to the occupant sitting in the seat 60 in the vehicle interior 2a. In other words, the light exit surface of the lighting device 3 is not visible to the occupant sitting in the seat 60. For example, the light exit surface of the first lighting device 3a is not visible to the occupant sitting in the rear seat 62. Furthermore, the light exit surface of the second lighting device 3b is not visible to the occupant sitting in the driver's seat 61a. Furthermore, the light exit surface of the third lighting device 3c is not visible to the occupant sitting in the passenger seat 61b.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows the state inside the vehicle compartment 2a when all of the first lighting device 3a, the second lighting device 3b, and the third lighting device 3c are turned on. As shown in Fig. 3, the floor 20 is illuminated with light emitted from the first lighting device 3a, the second lighting device 3b, and the third lighting device 3c, making it appear as if the seat 60 is floating. This creates a floating sensation. Furthermore, it can also give the occupants a rich and exhilarating feeling.

[0033] 3, the area of ​​the floor 20 around the seat 60 is brightly illuminated, thereby illuminating the feet of the occupant when they get into or out of the vehicle compartment 2a. In other words, the lighting device 3 also functions as a footlight. This improves the ease with which the occupant can get in and out, and also gives the occupant a sense of security. Furthermore, the illumination of the area of ​​the floor 20 around the seat 60 makes it easier to determine the position of the feet, and the silhouette of the seat 60 is visible, making it easier to understand the seating position.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, in a cross-sectional view of the automobile 2, if the straight line connecting the eyes of an occupant sitting in the rear seat 62 and the tip of the seat of the rear seat 62 is line L1, the second lighting device 3b and the third lighting device 3c installed below the seat of the front seat 61 (driver's seat 61a or passenger seat 61b) are installed further forward of the line L1.

[0035] 4, when the line connecting the eyes and toes of an occupant seated in the rear seat 62 in a cross-sectional view of the automobile 2 is defined as line L2, the lighting devices 3 are installed within ±30° of line L2. Specifically, the first lighting device 3a, the second lighting device 3b, and the third lighting device 3c are all installed within ±30° of line L3.

[0036] 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 an occupant gets into the automobile 2 or when an occupant gets out of the automobile 2 (i.e., when getting in and out). The lighting device 3 may not be turned on while driving, but may be turned on only when getting in and out. The lighting device 3 may also be turned on during the daytime as well as at night. By turning on the lighting device 3 during the daytime, an open-air illuminated space can be created.

[0037] In this embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the illumination device 3 (LED light source) 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.

[0038] As described above, the vehicle interior lighting system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a lighting device 3 that emits light to illuminate the floor 20 inside the vehicle interior 2a, and when the automobile 2 is viewed from above, the lighting device 3 emits light so as to outline at least a portion of the contour of the seat portion of the seat 60 inside the vehicle interior 2a.

[0039] This allows the floating sensation to be created as described above. Furthermore, since the light from the lighting device 3 is irradiated onto the floor 20, direct light from the lighting device 3 does not enter the driver's eyes. Therefore, a high-quality space can be created inside the vehicle compartment 2a while maintaining a safe driving environment. Moreover, as described above, it also allows for easier entry and exit for passengers.

[0040] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 does not irradiate the upper surface of the seat portion of the seat 60 with light.

[0041] This increases the contrast ratio between the maximum illuminance of the seat portion of the seat 60 and the maximum illuminance of the floor 20 illuminated by the lighting device 3, further emphasizing the floating feeling. In this case, the contrast ratio should be (maximum illuminance of the floor 20:maximum illuminance of the seat of the seat 60)=5:1 to 100:1.

[0042] Furthermore, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, when the automobile 2 is viewed from above, the lighting device 3 emits light so as to outline the entire contour of the front end and the entire contour of the side end of the seat portion of the seat 60.

[0043] This makes the entire seat 60 appear to be floating, further emphasizing the floating feeling. Also, by shining light along the outline of the side edges of the seat cushion of the seat 60, it is possible to form a pool of light outside the vehicle width, which further improves the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle for occupants.

[0044] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed below the seat portion of the seat 60.

[0045] This allows the lighting device 3 to be hidden by the seat 60, making the light-irradiated surface of the lighting device 3 invisible to the occupants. This eliminates the presence of the lighting device 3 and creates a high-quality illuminated space. Furthermore, with the simple configuration of installing the lighting device 3 below the seat portion of the seat 60, direct light from the lighting device 3 can be prevented from entering the eyes of the driver.

[0046] In addition, in the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the second lighting device 3b and the third lighting device 3c installed under the seat of the front seat 61 are installed further forward in the vehicle than the line L1 connecting the eyes of the occupant seated in the rear seat 62 and the tip of the seat of the rear seat 62.

[0047] This configuration makes it possible to make the second lighting device 3b and the third lighting device 3c installed below the seat portion of the front seat 61 less visible to passengers seated in the rear seat 62. This makes it possible to eliminate the presence of the second lighting device 3b and the third lighting device 3c, thereby creating a high-quality atmosphere in the vehicle interior 2a.

[0048] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is installed within ±30° with respect to a line L2 connecting the eyes and toes of an occupant seated in the rear seat 62.

[0049] This configuration makes it possible to make the lighting devices 3 (particularly the first lighting device 3a installed below the seat portion of the rear seat 62) less visible to passengers seated in the rear seat 62. This makes it possible to eliminate the presence of the lighting devices 3, thereby creating a high-quality atmosphere in the vehicle interior 2a.

[0050] In the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to this embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a line light.

[0051] By configuring the lighting device 3 as a line light, it is possible to easily form illumination light that outlines the contour of the seat portion of the seat 60.

[0052] In this case, the lighting device 3, which is a line light, is composed of a light source and a light guiding rod into which the light emitted from the light source enters.

[0053] This makes it possible to easily realize the lighting device 3 for line lighting.

[0054] Furthermore, by bending the lighting device 3, which is a line light, along the front end and side end of the seat portion of the seat 60, it is possible to emit illumination light that outlines the contours of the front end and side end with a single lighting device 3. For example, if the lighting device 3, which is a line light, uses a light guiding rod, it is possible to easily emit illumination light that outlines the contours of the front end and side end by bending the light guiding rod along the front end and side end.

[0055] (Variation) Although the vehicle interior lighting system 1 according to the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0056] For example, in the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 that emits light to illuminate the floor 20 is installed below the seat portion of the seat 60, but this is not limiting. Specifically, as in the vehicle interior lighting system 1A shown in Fig. 5, the lighting device 3 (fourth lighting device 3d) that emits light to illuminate the floor 20 may be installed below the dashboard board 70. For example, the fourth lighting device 3d is installed below the dashboard board 70 facing the driver's seat 61a (around the pedals) or below the dashboard board 70 facing the passenger seat 61b (below the storage box).

[0057] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a lighting fixture of a light guide type using a light guide rod, but this is not limited to this. For example, the lighting device 3 may be a lighting fixture of a light guide type using a light guide member other than a light guide rod. In this case, a rectangular light guide plate can be used as the light guide member.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the illumination device 3, which is a line illuminator, is a line illuminator that uses a long light guiding rod, but this is not limiting. In other words, the illumination device 3 may be a line illuminator that does not use a light guiding rod.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 3 is a light guide type lighting fixture, but this is not limited to this. For example, the lighting device 3 may be a direct illumination type lighting fixture. In this case, the lighting device 3 may use an LED module in which multiple LED light sources are mounted in a row on a long mounting board.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the light source of the lighting device 3 is an LED light source, 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 an LED light source as the light source of the lighting device 3, power consumption can be reduced and the lighting device 3 can be turned on with a DC power supply.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 1. 1A Vehicle Interior Lighting System 2a cabin 3. Lighting equipment 3a First lighting device 3b Second lighting device 3c Third lighting device 3d Fourth lighting device 20 floors 60 sheets 61 Front seat 61a Driver's seat 61b passenger seat 62 rear seat

Claims

1. a lighting device that is installed in a vehicle interior and emits light to illuminate a floor in the vehicle interior; When the vehicle is viewed from above, the lighting device irradiates light so as to outline at least a part of the contour of a seat portion of a seat in the vehicle compartment. Vehicle interior lighting system.

2. The lighting device does not irradiate light onto the upper surface of the seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

3. The seat has a front end and a side end, When the vehicle is viewed from above, the lighting device irradiates light so as to frame the entire contour of the front end portion and the entire contour of the side end portion. The vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 1 .

4. The lighting device is installed below the seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The seat is a passenger seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The seat is a rear seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. the seat is a front seat, In a cross-sectional view of the vehicle, the lighting device is installed on the vehicle forward side of a line connecting the eyes of an occupant seated in the rear seat and a front end of a seat cushion of the rear seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The lighting device is installed below the seat portion of the front seat.

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

9. In a cross-sectional view of the vehicle, the lighting device is installed within ±20° of a line connecting the eyes and toes of an occupant seated in a rear seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. a contrast ratio between the maximum illuminance of the seat and the maximum illuminance of the floor illuminated by the lighting device, where the maximum illuminance of the floor: the maximum illuminance of the seat is 5:1 to 100:1; The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. When the vehicle is viewed from above, the lighting device irradiates light to at least an area that is 15 cm or more away from the edge of the seat. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The illumination device is a line illumination device. The vehicle interior lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The lighting device includes a light source and a light guide rod into which light emitted from the light source is incident, The light guide rod has a side surface through which light guided through the light guide rod is emitted to the outside.

13. A vehicle interior lighting system according to claim 12.

Images