Lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (100) for the interior of a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising a projection module (1) having an image generator (2) for generating an image (IM) on an image surface (F) from the light of a lighting source (6), the projection module (1) being designed to generate light radiation from the image (IM) in order to project the image (IM) onto a surface (O). The lighting device (100) also comprises a deflection means (8) which deflects the light radiation originating from the projection module (1) in such a manner that a plurality of separate image projections (BP1, BP2) are generated on the surface (O). The projection module (1) of the lighting device (100) is designed such that a plurality of separate partial images (TB1, TB2) are generated on the image surface (F) and associated partial light radiation (TL1, TL2) is generated for each partial image (TB1, TB2), the deflection means (8) being designed to generate a separate image projection (BP1, BP2) for each partial image (TB1, TB2) from the associated partial light radiation (TL1, TL2).

Description

[0001] LIGHTING DEVICE FOR THE INTERIOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

[0002] The invention relates to a lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Lighting devices are known from the prior art which generate image projections at different locations in the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0004] The publication DE 102022 118 315 A1 describes a projection device on board a motor vehicle, comprising several projection modules for generating different image projections in the vehicle interior. A separate projection module is therefore required for each image projection.

[0005] Document WO 2023 / 237308 A1 describes a projection system for a vehicle that splits the light radiation from a projection module using beam splitters, thereby generating multiple image projections at different locations within the vehicle. All image projections display the same content.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle which can generate different image projections in the interior using a projection module.

[0007] This problem is solved by the lighting device according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] The lighting device according to the invention is intended for the interior of a motor vehicle, i.e., it is a lighting device for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a passenger car, but may also be a truck. Where interactions between the lighting device and components of the motor vehicle or its interior are described below, and in particular in the claims, this is always to be understood as meaning that the interaction occurs when the lighting device is arranged or installed in the motor vehicle. The components of the lighting device that have a corresponding interaction with the motor vehicle or its components are therefore designed such that the interaction is caused when the lighting device is arranged or installed in the motor vehicle or in its interior.

[0009] The lighting device according to the invention comprises a projection module with an image generator for producing an image on a surface from the light of a light source. The light source can, for example, comprise one or more LEDs and / or laser diodes. Optionally, the LEDs and / or laser diodes can also produce light of different colors, which are mixed together on the surface. The projection module of the lighting device according to the invention is configured to generate light radiation from the image on the surface in order to project the image onto a surface. The surface is any surface in the interior of the motor vehicle. The surface can, for example, be a surface of the vehicle cockpit or a surface on one or more door panels and / or on one or more backrests of vehicle seats.

[0010] The lighting device according to the invention further comprises a deflecting means which deflects the light radiation originating from the projection module in such a way that several separate image projections are generated on the surface. Preferably, the projection module comprises one or more lenses through which the light radiation exits the projection module and which contain suitable optics for generating the corresponding image projection.

[0011] The projection module of the lighting device according to the invention is designed such that several separate partial images and preferably two partial images are generated on the image surface and an associated partial light radiation is generated for each partial image, wherein the deflection means is arranged to generate a separate image projection for each partial image from the associated partial light radiation.

[0012] The lighting device according to the invention has the advantage that several partial images, and thus different image projections with varying image content, can be generated using a single projection module. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to use multiple fully functional projection modules to generate different image projections. Rather, a single projection module is sufficient, resulting in cost savings. In a preferred embodiment, the image transmitter of the projection module in the lighting device according to the invention is a known DMD device (DMD = Digital Mirror Device) with a micromirror array that forms the image surface. The use of a DMD device ensures a compact design of the projection module.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the projection module includes a deflection device that differs from the deflection means described above. This deflection device is designed to spatially separate the partial light beams by beam deflection. This ensures that the partial light beams fall on spatially separated areas of the deflection means, thus eliminating the need to consider positional tolerances in the deflection means. Such positional tolerances typically necessitate that the partial images be spaced apart on the image surface to prevent overlapping of the corresponding image projections. This results in an unusable image area on the image surface.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the deflection device that effects the spatial separation of the partial beams comprises a transparent beam splitter onto which light radiation originating from the image surface falls. After passing through the transparent beam splitter, at least some, and in particular all, of the spatially separated partial beams are produced from this light radiation.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the deflection device comprises a beam-splitting lens, which is provided in an objective lens at the light exit of the projection module. Light radiation originating from the image surface falls onto the beam-splitting lens, from which, after passing through the beam-splitting lens, at least a portion and, in particular, all of the spatially separated partial light beams are generated. The deflection device can thus be easily and compactly integrated into a corresponding objective lens of the projection module.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the deflection device comprises a plurality of deflecting mirrors by which beam deflection is effected such that at least two, and preferably all, of the partial light beams exit the projection module at different locations. A separate lens of the projection module is preferably provided at each of the corresponding locations. In a further preferred embodiment, the deflection device described above, which generates a separate image projection for each partial image, comprises a plurality of mirrors arranged at an angle to one another, such that each mirror deflects a different partial light beam. Such a deflection device has a simple and cost-effective design.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the deflection means comprises at least one beam limiter to mask out predetermined areas in at least one image projection. This allows precise definition of which image areas from the partial images are actually to be reproduced as image projections. Preferably, the at least one beam limiter masks out predetermined areas in each existing image projection, with several beam limiters preferably being provided for the respective image projections.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one beam limiter comprises a light-absorbing aperture, which is arranged behind the deflecting means in the viewing direction from the projection module to the deflecting means. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one beam limiter can also comprise a light-absorbing coating on the deflecting means. If the deflecting means, according to an embodiment described above, contains a plurality of mirrors, the light-absorbing coating is preferably provided on at least one of the mirrors and preferably on each mirror.

[0019] In another variant, at least one beam limiter includes a light-absorbing mask, which is arranged in front of the deflection device in the direction of view from the projection module to the deflection device.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the deflection device comprises an adjustment device for adapting the position of at least one image projection on the surface. The adjustment device allows for suitable consideration of individual conditions in the vehicle with regard to the surface used for projection.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, each partial image is preprocessed in such a way that distortion and brightness variations in the image projection of the respective partial image, caused by the shape and position of the surface area with which the image projection of the respective partial image is carried out, are compensated. This allows the respective partial images to be displayed on the corresponding surface without distortion and with uniform brightness. Such preprocessing of the respective partial images is known from the prior art or is within the scope of skilled craftsmanship. For example, the aforementioned publication DE 102022 118 315 A1 describes a preprocessing method that compensates for image distortion in advance.

[0022] In addition to the lighting device described above, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising one or more of the lighting devices according to the invention or one or more preferred variants of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view, which depicts a first variant of a beam limiter in an embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0030] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view, which depicts a second variant of a beam limiter in an embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a third variant of a beam limiter in an embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a variant of an adjustment means in an embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0032] The following describes embodiments of a lighting device according to the invention, each of which is installed centrally in a vehicle cockpit, for example behind a display in the cockpit. The lighting device serves to project two different partial images onto separate areas on the surface of the vehicle cockpit. However, the lighting device can also be installed at other locations in the interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lighting device can optionally project more than two partial images.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the lighting device. The lighting device is designated by reference numeral 100 and comprises a projection module 1, which has an image sensor 2 integrated in a housing 3 of the projection module 1. The image sensor 2 comprises a DMD device 4 known per se, on the top of which a micromirror array 401 is arranged. The individual micromirrors of the micromirror array 401 can be tilted, and in the tilted state they do not reflect light. The duration of the tilting of the micromirrors is controlled by pulse-width modulation, thereby regulating the light intensity of the radiation reflected by the respective micromirror.

[0034] The image generator 2 further comprises a light source in the form of two differently colored LEDs 6, although a larger number of LEDs may optionally be provided. The light from the LEDs is directed via a reflector 5 towards the micromirror array 401. There, an image IM is generated by controlling the micromirrors. The micromirror array 401 thus represents an image surface F on which an image IM is generated, which is then projected, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0035] The lighting device 100 of Fig. 1 and also of the further embodiments is characterized in that the image IM generated on the image surface F is composed of two separate partial images TB1 and TB2. In Fig. 1, the line L indicates a plane perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, with partial image TB1 located on the left side of the plane and partial image TB2 on the right side of the plane. A lens 7 is provided on the projection module 1, through which the light rays of the respective partial images TB1 and TB2 exit the projection module 1. This produces a partial light emission TL1, indicated by dashed lines, and a partial light emission TL2, indicated by dashed lines. The partial light emission TL1 results from light rays of partial image TB1, and the partial light emission TL2 from light rays of partial image TB2.

[0036] The partial light rays TL1 and TL2 are deflected by a deflecting device 8 above the projection module 1. For this purpose, the deflecting device 8 comprises two mutually inclined mirrors 801, with only the partial light ray TL1 falling on the left mirror 801 and only the partial light ray TL2 falling on the right mirror 801. In order to reliably separate the partial light rays TL1 and TL2, taking into account tolerances in the position of the mirrors 801, the two partial images TB1 and TB2 are spaced apart on the image surface F, creating an unusable area on the image surface, which is indicated by the distance d between the two mirrors 801.

[0037] The two partial light beams TL1 and TL2, after being deflected by the corresponding mirrors 801, strike a surface O of the vehicle cockpit at a shallow angle α, generating respective image projections BP1 and BP2 at different positions on the surface O. In other words, partial light beam TL1 generates image projection BP1, and partial light beam TL2 generates image projection BP2. These image projections are not visible in Fig. 1 or in Figures 2 to 4. Since both image projections BP1 and BP2 result from different partial images TB1 and TB2, respectively, different image content can be displayed by the image projections.

[0038] Figures 2 to 4 show variations of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Since the structure of these variations largely corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, only the relevant differences are described. All variations shown in Figures 2 to 4 have in common that the unusable image area, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is caused by tolerances in the position of the mirrors 801, is reduced or completely avoided. This is achieved by spatially separating the partial light beams TL1 and TL2 by means of beam deflection within the projection module 1.

[0039] In the second embodiment according to Fig. 2, a transparent steel beam splitter 9 is installed inside the housing 3 of the projection module 1, positioned above the image surface F or the micromirror array 401. This beam splitter has the shape of a prism and thus causes the partial light beams TL1 and TL2 to be oblique to each other after passing through the beam splitter 9. Consequently, the mirrors 801 can be spaced apart to accommodate tolerances without creating an unusable image area between the partial images TB1 and TB2 on the image surface F. In other words, the entire image surface F can be used to generate the corresponding image projections BP1 and BP2.

[0040] The third embodiment according to Fig. 3 uses a split lens 9' for the spatial separation of the partial light beams. This lens is installed in the objective 7 of the projection module 1. For illustration, the split lens 9' is also shown again in a top view in Fig. 3. As can be seen, the lens 9' has a discontinuity or kink K where the right curvature of the lens meets the left curvature of the lens. This kink arises because the right and left curvatures are oriented slightly differently compared to a non-beam-splitting lens, thus producing the beam splitting.

[0041] In the fourth embodiment according to Fig. 4, the spatial separation of the partial light beams TL1 and TL2 is achieved by two deflecting mirrors 9". These deflecting mirrors redirect the radiation originating from the partial image TB1 such that the partial light beam TL1 of partial image TB1 exits the projection module 1 at a different location than the partial light beam TL2 of partial image TB2. Accordingly, the projection module 1 contains two separate lenses 7, namely one lens for the partial light beam TL1 and one lens for the partial light beam TL2.

[0042] Figures 5 to 7 show further embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention, with which a partial light emission can be limited by a beam limiter (reference numerals 9, 9', and 9"), so that the projection area on the surface O can be precisely defined and unwanted projection areas are masked. In Figures 5 to 7, the beam limiter is shown by way of example for the partial light emission TL1. However, it can be used analogously for the partial light emission TL2. The beam limiter in the variants shown in Figures 5 to 7 can be installed in any of the embodiments described above.

[0043] According to the variant shown in Fig. 5, the beam limiter comprises a light-absorbing aperture 10, which is arranged behind the left mirror 801 of the deflecting device 8. The mirror 801 has precisely the shape of the image projection BP1 to be reproduced, which represents a logo. The aperture 10 ensures that unwanted reflections not originating from the mirror 801 are not projected onto the surface O. The area outside the image projection BP1 thus remains dark, as indicated by the hatching in Fig. 5. In the variant shown in Fig. 6, a light-absorbing layer 10' is used as a beam limiter instead of an aperture 10. This layer is applied to the mirror 801 of the deflecting device 8 and again ensures that only the image projection BP1 is reproduced. According to the variant shown in Fig.7 The beam limitation is achieved by placing a light-absorbing mask 10" between lens 7 and mirror 801, which defines the projection area and thus only the desired image projection BP1 is reproduced on the surface O.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows an example of an adjustment device 11, which, in the preceding embodiments, can enable the adjustment of one of the mirrors 801 of the deflection device 8. A corresponding adjustment device 11 is preferably provided for each of the two mirrors 801 of the deflection device 8. The adjustment device 11 comprises, firstly, a ball joint 12, which ensures the mobility of the mirror 801. Secondly, two adjusting screws 13 are provided on one side of the mirror 801. By turning these screws, the movement of the mirror 801 in the ball joint 12 is enabled, thereby achieving an adjustment of the mirror 801's position. The adjustment device 11 makes it possible to adjust the position of the image projection caused by the mirror 801 appropriately, depending on the conditions in the interior of the vehicle.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention, the respective partial images TB1 and TB2 are preprocessed in such a way that in the image projection BP1 or BP2 of the respective partial image TB1 or TB2, both distortion and brightness variations caused by the shape and position of the surface area with the image projection displayed therein are compensated. In this way, it is ensured that an undistorted image with uniform brightness is displayed on the corresponding surface area.

[0046] The embodiments of the invention described above offer a number of advantages. In particular, a lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle is provided, which enables the display of different image projections and thus different image content at various locations within the vehicle. This is achieved by generating partial images on a single image surface. In preferred embodiments, it is further ensured that the entire available image surface can be used for the corresponding partial images. In addition, in further specific embodiments, a beam limiter ensures that unwanted projection areas are masked out. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the position of the corresponding image projections can be adjusted.Furthermore, appropriate preprocessing of the partial images can ensure that they are projected onto the corresponding surface area without distortion and with uniform brightness.

[0047] Reference symbol list

[0048] 100 lighting device

[0049] 1 projection module

[0050] 2 image sensors

[0051] 3 cases

[0052] 4 DMD device

[0053] 401 Micromirror Array

[0054] 5 Reflector

[0055] 6 light sources

[0056] 7 Lens

[0057] 8 distractions

[0058] 801 mirrors

[0059] 9 transparent beam splitters

[0060] 9' beam-splitting lens

[0061] 9" deflecting mirror

[0062] 10 light-absorbing aperture

[0063] 10' light-absorbing coating

[0064] 10" light-absorbing mask

[0065] 11 Adjustment tools

[0066] 12 ball joint

[0067] 13 adjusting screws

[0068] O surface

[0069] F Image area

[0070] IN the picture

[0071] TB1. TB2 Partial images

[0072] TL1. TL2 Partial light radiations

[0073] BP1, BP2 Image projections

[0074] K kink d distance

[0075] L line

Claims

Claims 1. Lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a projection module (1) with an image transmitter (2) for generating an image (IM) on an image surface (F) from the light of a light source (6), wherein the projection module (1) is configured to generate light radiation from the image (IM) in order to project the image (IM) onto a surface (O), wherein the lighting device (100) comprises a deflecting means (8) which deflects the light radiation originating from the projection module (1) such that several separate image projections (BP1, BP2) are generated on the surface (O), characterized in that the projection module (1) is configured such that several separate partial images (TB1, TB2) are generated on the image surface (F) and an associated partial light radiation (TL1, TL2) is generated for each partial image (TB1, TB2), wherein the deflecting means (8) is configured to generate a separate Image projection (BP1 ,BP2) for each partial image (TB1 , TB2) from the corresponding partial light radiation (TL1 , TL2).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the image transmitter (2) comprises a DMD device (4) with a micromirror array (401) forming the image area (F).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projection module (1) comprises a deflection device (9, 9, 9") to spatially separate the partial light beams (TL1 , TL2) by beam deflection.

4. Lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the deflection device (9, 9', 9") comprises a transparent beam splitter (9) onto which light radiation originating from the image surface (F) falls, from which, after passing through the transparent beam splitter (9), at least a part of the spatially separated partial light radiations (TL1 , TL2) are generated.

5. Lighting device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the deflecting device (9, 9', 9") comprises a beam-splitting lens (9') which is provided in a lens (7) at the light exit of the projection module (1), wherein light radiation originating from the image surface (F) falls onto the beam-splitting lens (9'), from which After passing through the beam-splitting lens (9') at least a part of the spatially separated partial light radiations (TL1 , TL2) is created.

6. Lighting device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the deflection device (9, 9', 9") comprises a plurality of deflection mirrors (9"), via which a beam deflection is effected such that at least two of the partial light beams (TL1 , TL2) exit the projection module (1) at different locations.

7. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting means (8) comprises a plurality of mirrors (801) which are arranged inclined to each other, so that each mirror (701) deflects a different partial light radiation (TL1 , TL2).

8. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting means (8) comprises at least one beam limiter (10, 10', 10") to block out predetermined areas in at least one image projection (BP1 , BP2).

9. Lighting device according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one beam limiter (10, 10', 10") comprises a light-absorbing aperture (10) which is arranged behind the deflecting means (8) in the direction of view from the projection module (1) to the deflecting means (8).

10. Lighting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one beam limiter (10, 10', 10") comprises a light-absorbing coating (10') on the deflecting means (8).

11. Lighting device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the at least one beam limiter (10, 10', 10") comprises a light-absorbing mask (10") which is arranged in front of the deflection means (8) in the direction of view from the projection module (1) to the deflection means (8).

12. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting means (8) comprises an adjustment means (11) to adjust the position of at least one image projection (BP1 , BP2) on the surface (O).

13. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective partial image (TB1 , TB2) is preprocessed in such a way that in the image projection (BP1, BP2) of the respective partial image (TB1, TB2) a distortion and a brightness variation, which is caused by the shape and position of the surface area with the image projection (BP1 , BP2) of the respective partial image (TB1, TB2), is compensated.

14. Motor vehicle comprising one or more lighting devices (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images