Lighting device for a vehicle interior, in particular for an operating module, operating module and vehicle having a lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (20) for a vehicle interior of a vehicle, in particular for an operating module, such as a roof operating module, for a vehicle, to an operating module and to a vehicle. The lighting device (20) comprises at least one light guide (24) and at least one light source (26). The at least one light guide (24) has a light exit side (28) and a rear side (30) opposite the light exit side (28), along which optical properties of the at least one light guide (24) vary. The at least one light source (26) is designed to irradiate light (44) into the at least one light guide (24). The optical properties of the at least one light guide (24) vary irregularly along the rear side (30).

Description

[0001] 1 / 31 2023PF03140

[0002] Description

[0003] Lighting device for a vehicle interior, in particular for a control module, control module and vehicle with a lighting device

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle interior, in particular for a control module, such as a roof control module, for a vehicle, comprising at least one light guide and at least one light source, wherein the at least one light guide has a light-exit side and a rear side opposite the light-exit side, along which optical properties of the at least one light guide vary, and the at least one light source is designed to shine light into the at least one light guide.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating module, in particular a roof operating module, for a vehicle interior of a vehicle, which has at least one actuating element and at least one lighting device.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one vehicle interior and at least one lighting device, in particular at least one lighting device of an operating module, such as a roof operating module, which has at least one light guide with at least one light emission side which faces the vehicle interior.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] From DE 10 2019 129 001 A1, a display for presenting information in the interior of a motor vehicle is known, comprising a decorative component for insertion into the interior trim of a motor vehicle. The decorative component has a display area for covering and / or displaying a display element and a decorative area for the visual design of the interior. The decorative area has a three-dimensional structure on a rear side facing away from a top surface facing the interior, and the display area is optically coupled to the decorative area for illuminating the three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure in the decorative area can be illuminated and highlighted by light rays originating from the display area, thus enabling a cost-effective and visually appealing design of a motor vehicle interior.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of designing a lighting device, an operating module and a vehicle of the type mentioned above, in which the generation of light effects with the lighting device can be improved, in particular the type of light effects can be changed.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, the problem is solved in the lighting device by the fact that the optical properties of the at least one light guide vary irregularly along the back.

[0013] According to the invention, the optical properties of the at least one light guide vary irregularly along its back side. In this way, light striking the back side can be reflected irregularly. This results in an irregular propagation of light within the at least one light guide. Irregular light effects can be generated on the light exit side, which are visible from outside the at least one light guide, particularly from inside the vehicle.

[0014] The irregular optical properties allow for a greater variety of achievable lighting effects. The range of lighting effects that can be generated with the lighting device according to the invention exceeds the regular lighting effects that can be produced with the decorative component of the display known from the prior art.

[0015] The lighting device according to the invention can also produce light effects that resemble those occurring in nature. In particular, light effects can be produced that occur on natural surfaces, especially wood, stone, marble, amber, water, or the like, or that can be observed in natural processes such as fire, waves, or the like.

[0016] The irregular and / or natural-looking light effects produced by the lighting device according to the invention (3 / 31 2023PF03140) differ significantly from the optical information displayed on a screen or a regular decorative element, as known from the prior art. This allows a viewer, particularly the driver of the vehicle, to more easily distinguish between functional areas, especially displays, operating elements, or the like, and areas that serve only for illumination or optical orientation, such as the at least one lighting device. The natural light effects of the lighting device according to the invention make it easier for a viewer to concentrate on the functional elements, such as the display and the operating elements.

[0017] Furthermore, the lighting effects produced by the lighting device according to the invention can be used to achieve a cost-effective and visually appealing design of the vehicle interior.

[0018] The optical properties of the at least one optical fiber on its back side determine how light interacts with the back side. Optical properties can include the reflectance, transmittance, absorptivity, the orientation of the surface of the back side or of the interface between the back side and the interior of the at least one optical fiber or an exterior area or a material adjacent to the back side, such as a coating and / or printing, or the like.

[0019] The optical properties can be determined by the surface properties of the reverse side. Different colored mirror coatings or prints can be used. The reverse side can be completely or partially coated or printed. Furthermore, various colored matte or high-gloss coatings, or coatings with a gradient from matte to high-gloss, can be used. In addition, different material surfaces, especially plastic, metal, or the like, can be used. The different material surfaces can be produced directly by machine. Alternatively, the different material surfaces can be created by machining with a tool. The different material surfaces can be implemented along the entire reverse side or only a portion of it. 4 / 31 2023PF03140

[0020] The back side has an inner surface facing the interior of the at least one optical fiber. Furthermore, the back side has an outer surface facing away from the interior, i.e., towards the surroundings of the at least one optical fiber. Both the inner and outer surfaces of the back side form interfaces of the optical fiber. Similarly, the light-exiting side has an inner surface facing the interior of the at least one optical fiber and an outer surface facing away from the interior, i.e., towards the surroundings of the at least one optical fiber, both of which form interfaces of the optical fiber.

[0021] The inner area of ​​the at least one optical fiber can be formed by the material of the optical fiber itself. The material of the at least one optical fiber is transparent. Advantageously, the at least one optical fiber can be made of transparent plastic.

[0022] Advantageously, the optical properties of the at least one light guide can vary irregularly on the side of the back facing an interior region of the at least one light guide. In this way, light propagating in the interior region of the at least one light guide and striking the back can be reflected irregularly.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the optical properties of the at least one optical fiber can advantageously vary irregularly on the side of the back facing the environment of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, the direction of propagation and / or the intensity of light striking the back of the optical fiber from the outside and entering the interior of the at least one optical fiber can be varied irregularly along the back.

[0024] Advantageously, the lighting device can be configured for a vehicle control module. The control module can additionally include at least one operating element and / or at least one display element, as well as at least one lighting device according to the invention. Functions can be set using the at least one operating element. Information, in particular information about the vehicle and / or the vehicle's surroundings or the like, can be displayed using the at least one display element. 5 / 31 2023PF03140

[0025] Advantageously, the lighting device can be designed for a roof control module. In this way, the lighting device can illuminate an area of ​​the vehicle interior that is visible to an observer, particularly the driver. A roof control module is a control module located in the roof area of ​​the vehicle.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one side of the light emission point can face the vehicle interior when the lighting device is mounted. This allows the irregular light effects produced by the lighting device to be seen from inside the vehicle, particularly from the driver's seat. Furthermore, the lighting device can illuminate the vehicle interior.

[0027] A light-exit side is the side of the at least one optical fiber from which light emerges from the interior of the at least one optical fiber. A light-entry side is the side of the at least one optical fiber through which light from the outside can enter the interior of the at least one optical fiber.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the variation of the optical properties can be achieved by irregular structures along the back side. In this way, irregular directions in which incident light is reflected can be realized.

[0029] Advantageously, the irregular structures can be three-dimensional. In this way, the irregular variation can be realized in two mutually orthogonal directions of extension along the back surface. The structures can be depressions and / or elevations on the back surface, arranged across its entire area.

[0030] Advantageously, the structures can be so small relative to the wavelength of the incident light that the light is diffusely scattered. In this way, the effect of the lighting effects can be further improved.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the back side can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with 6 / 31 2023PF03140 of different directions and / or the back side can have at least one curved section, in particular surface section.

[0032] Advantageously, the back surface can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different orientations. In this way, light coming from the same direction and striking the different sections can be reflected in different directions. The different orientations of the sections result in different optical properties for each section. These different optical properties are the different directions in which incident light is reflected. The orientation of the surface sections can be defined by the surface normals of the respective surface sections.

[0033] Advantageously, sections, especially surface sections, with different orientations can be irregularly distributed along the back surface. In this way, the directions in which light is reflected, and thus the optical properties, can vary irregularly along the back surface.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the back side can have at least one curved section, in particular a surface section. In this way, light rays striking the at least one section can be deflected differently according to the curvature, in particular focused or dispersed. The respective curvature of the curved section causes different reflection directions within the section. Thus, different optical properties are achieved through the curvature within the section.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one section, in particular a surface section, can have a concave curvature when viewed from the interior of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, incident light rays can be additionally collected upon reflection.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one section, in particular a surface section, can be convex when viewed from the interior of the at least one optical fiber. 7 / 31 2023PF03140

[0037] They exhibit curvature. In this way, incident light rays can be further scattered upon reflection.

[0038] Advantageously, the back surface can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different curvatures. In this way, the variation of optical properties along the back surface can be further increased.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the back surface can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different reflectances and / or transmittances and / or absorptivity, which realize different optical properties, and / or the back surface can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different coatings, which realize different optical properties, and / or the back surface can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, made of different materials, which realize different optical properties. In this way, a variation of the optical properties can be achieved even without varying the shape of the back surface, in particular without structures such as protrusions or depressions.Thus, the variation of optical properties can also be achieved with a uniform, especially flat, back surface.

[0040] Advantageously, the reverse side can have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different reflectances and / or transmittances and / or absorptivity. In this way, differences in brightness can be achieved in the lighting effects.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the reverse side can advantageously have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, with different coatings that achieve different optical properties. In this way, different reflectances and / or transmittances and / or absorptivity can be achieved with different coatings. 8 / 31 2023PF03140

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the back side can advantageously have at least two sections, in particular surface sections, made of different materials, which realize different optical properties. In this way, different reflectances and / or transmittances and / or absorptions can be achieved with different materials.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, optical properties, in particular transmittance and / or reflectance and / or absorptivity and / or surface orientation, of the at least one optical fiber can vary along the light-emitting side, especially irregularly. In this way, the light effects on the light-emitting side can be further varied. Corresponding irregular variations in the optical properties result in corresponding variations in the brightness of the light effects.

[0044] Advantageously, the at least one light guide can be provided with decorative elements, at least in sections, on its light-emitting side. This allows for the creation of additional lighting effects. Advantageously, these decorative elements on the light-emitting side of the at least one light guide can be produced by physical vapor deposition, chrome plating, painting, etching, digital printing, or similar processes.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, the light-exit side of the at least one optical fiber can be flat in at least one section, in particular over its entire extent. In this way, a surface that is at least partially flat can be achieved. Flat surfaces are less susceptible to dirt and are easier to clean than uneven surfaces. Furthermore, flat surfaces are more visually appealing than uneven surfaces.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one optical fiber can be a flat body, in particular a plate-shaped body, a hexahedron, such as a flat cuboid or a wedge section, in which the light-exit side and the back side form the extended sides of the body, between which at least one lateral side extends, 9 / 31 2023PF03140 and / or a mean distance between the light-exit side and the back side decreases with increasing distance to a lateral side designed as a light-entry side.

[0047] Advantageously, the at least one optical fiber can be a flat body in which the light-emitting side and the back side form the extended sides of the body, between which at least one lateral side extends. In this way, the at least one optical fiber can be used as a front panel or cover, in particular as a front panel of an operating module.

[0048] A lateral side within the meaning of the invention is a side of the at least one optical fiber which extends between the light-emitting side and the back side.

[0049] In the case of the at least one optical fiber designed as a flat body, the light-emitting side and the back side are larger in their respective dimensions than the thickness of the body. The thickness of the body can correspond to the width of the at least one lateral side. The width of the at least one lateral side, i.e., the thickness of the body, corresponds to the distance between the light-emitting side and the back side on the corresponding lateral side.

[0050] Advantageously, at least one optical fiber can be a plate-shaped body, a hexahedron, such as a flat cuboid or a wedge section. In this way, at least one optical fiber can be realized as a flat body.

[0051] Advantageously, the at least one optical fiber can be a flat body in which the light-emitting side and the back side can be angular, in particular polygonal. In this way, several lateral faces, in particular four lateral faces, can extend between the light-emitting side and the back side.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the mean distance between the at least one light-emitting side and the back surface can advantageously decrease with increasing distance to a lateral surface designed as a light-intake side. In this way, the path lengths for light rays between the back surface and the light-emitting side can decrease with increasing distance to the light-intake side. This allows for the creation of further variations for lighting effects. The mean distance is the distance that takes into account any structures, in particular protrusions and depressions, on the back surface.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one light entry side of the at least one light guide can be realized on a lateral side which extends between the light exit side and the back, and / or at least two light entry sides of the at least one light guide can be realized on different lateral sides which each extend between the light exit side and the back, and / or one light entry side of the at least one light guide can be realized on the back.

[0054] A light entry point is a side of the at least one optical fiber through which light, in particular light from at least one light source, can enter the interior of the at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber can have one or more light entry points.

[0055] Advantageously, at least one light-entry point can be located on a lateral side of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, light from the at least one light source can enter the interior of the at least one optical fiber on the lateral side. The light can propagate within the at least one optical fiber along the light-entry point and the back side. Light striking the back side can be reflected irregularly due to the irregular optical properties. The irregularly reflected light can produce irregular lighting effects on the light-emission point.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, at least two light entry points can be located on different lateral sides of the at least one light guide. In this way, light can be directed into the interior of the at least one light guide through multiple lateral sides. This allows for better illumination of the interior of the at least one light guide and further increases the variety of irregular lighting effects. 11 / 31 2023PF03140

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, a light entry point of the at least one optical fiber can be located on the back. In this way, light from the at least one light source can be directed through the back into the interior of the at least one optical fiber. By combining multiple reflections with the irregularly varying optical properties along the back, corresponding lighting effects can be created.

[0058] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one light source can be directed directly onto at least one light entry side, in particular onto a lateral side designed as a light entry side and / or the rear side designed as a light entry side, of the at least one light guide and / or at least one light source can be directed onto at least one light entry side, in particular onto a lateral side designed as a light entry side, of the at least one light guide by means of at least one optical component, in particular an input light guide or an input light guide section.

[0059] Advantageously, at least one light source can be directed straight onto at least one side of the light entry point. This allows the lighting device to be implemented with fewer components. Furthermore, the lighting device can be more compact. Additionally, direct illumination reduces light loss when entering the at least one light guide.

[0060] Advantageously, at least one light source can be directed directly onto a lateral side of the at least one light guide, which is designed as the light entry side. In this way, the at least one light source can be arranged in a space-saving manner directly next to the lateral side.

[0061] Advantageously, at least one light source can be directed straight onto the back of the at least one light guide, which is designed as the light entry side. In this way, the at least one light source can be positioned directly behind the back, saving space. 12 / 31 2023PF03140

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, at least one light source can advantageously be directed onto at least one light-entry side of the at least one light guide by means of at least one optical component. In this way, the at least one light source can also be arranged further away from the at least one light-entry side. This allows the lighting device to be designed more flexibly overall.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one optical component can be a coupling light guide or a coupling light guide section. This allows for a more flexible path along which the light travels from the at least one light source to the light entry point. The at least one light source can be positioned below or above the at least one light guide. The light can be guided into a lateral face of the at least one light guide by the coupling light guide or coupling light guide section.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, at least one light source can be directed by means of at least one optical component onto a lateral side of the at least one optical fiber, which is designed as the light entry side. In this way, the incidence of light on the lateral side can be improved.

[0065] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one light source can be assigned to at least one lateral side of the at least one light guide configured as a light entry side, and / or at least one light source can be arranged next to at least one lateral side of the at least one light guide configured as a light entry side, and / or at least two light sources can be assigned to different lateral sides of the at least one light guide configured as light entry sides, and / or at least two light sources can be arranged next to different lateral sides of the at least one light guide configured as light entry sides.

[0066] Advantageously, at least one light source can be assigned to at least one lateral side of the at least one light guide, which is designed as a light entry side. In this way, light can be shone through the at least one lateral side into the interior area 13 / 31 2023PF03140 of the at least one light guide.

[0067] Advantageously, at least one light source can be arranged next to at least one lateral side designed as a light entry side. In this way, the at least one light source can be arranged next to the at least one light guide in a space-saving manner and shine directly onto the lateral side of the at least one light guide.

[0068] Advantageously, at least two light sources can be assigned to different lateral sides designed as light entry points. In this way, the at least one light guide can be illuminated from different lateral sides. This further improves the illumination of the interior of the at least one light guide.

[0069] Advantageously, at least two light sources can be arranged next to different lateral sides designed as light entry points. In this way, the light sources can be arranged next to the at least one light guide in a space-saving manner and illuminate the interior of the at least one light guide from different lateral sides.

[0070] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one light source can comprise or consist of at least one light-emitting diode (LED), in particular a controllable LED, especially a controllable RGB LED. LEDs can generate light very efficiently. They are space-saving and robust.

[0071] Advantageously, at least one light source can have or consist of at least one controllable light-emitting diode. This allows properties of the emitted light, in particular intensity, color, and / or duration of illumination, such as pulse duration, to be adjusted. In this way, the lighting effects produced by the lighting device can be further varied.

[0072] Advantageously, at least one light source can be a controllable RGB LED. This allows different colors to be generated by controlling the RGB LED accordingly. This further increases the variety of lighting effects emitted from at least one side of the light output. 14 / 31 2023PF03140

[0073] An RGB light-emitting diode is known to be a light-emitting diode which, through appropriate control, can emit red, green and blue light and mixtures of red, green and blue light.

[0074] Advantageously, the lighting device can have at least one control unit for the at least one light source or be connected to one. In this way, the at least one light source can be controlled, or at least activated and deactivated.

[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one reflector body can be arranged outside the at least one light guide, the reflector surface of which extends at least partially along the back side of the at least one light guide. In this way, light exiting the at least one light guide through its back side can be reflected back at the reflector surface. This allows for further variations in the lighting effects.

[0076] Advantageously, the reflector surface can extend at a distance from the back side of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, a volume can be created between the back side and the reflector surface, through which the light must traverse between the back side of the at least one optical fiber and the reflector body. The required flight time of the light rays results in a delay in the arrival of the light rays reflected by the reflector body at the light-exit side of the at least one optical fiber compared to the arrival of light rays that strike the light-exit side directly from the interior of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, further lighting effects can be generated.

[0077] In a further advantageous embodiment, the reflector surface can extend at least partially, and in particular over its entire extent, parallel to the back side of the at least one optical fiber, and / or the reflector surface can extend at least partially, and in particular over its entire extent, not parallel to the back side of the at least one optical fiber. 15 / 31 2023PF03140

[0078] Advantageously, the reflector surface can extend, at least partially, and in particular over its entire extent, parallel to the back side of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, the reflector body can be arranged behind the at least one optical fiber in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, uniform distances between the back side and the reflector surface can be achieved.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the reflector surface can extend at least partially, and in particular over its entire extent, not parallel to the back side of the at least one optical fiber. In this way, varying, and in particular irregularly varying, distances between the reflector surface and the back side of the at least one optical fiber can be achieved. This allows for different flight times for light rays along the reflector surface, thus further increasing the variation of lighting effects.

[0080] In a further advantageous embodiment, the optical properties of the reflector surface can vary along its extent, in particular vary irregularly. In this way, additional lighting effects can be generated via varying, especially irregularly varying, reflections.

[0081] Advantageously, the varying optical properties can be achieved through different directions, structures, surfaces, materials, coatings, different reflectances, transmittances and / or absorption coefficients.

[0082] Furthermore, the problem with the control module is solved according to the invention by the fact that at least one lighting device of the control module is a lighting device according to the invention.

[0083] According to the invention, the control module has at least one actuating element. Functions of the control module or the vehicle can be activated by means of the actuating element. At least one actuating element can be designed as a button, switch, or the like.

[0084] Furthermore, the control module has at least one lighting device according to the invention. Irregular lighting effects can be generated with the lighting device according to the invention. The irregular lighting effects create a visual distinction from the at least one actuating element. This allows an observer in the vehicle, in particular a driver, to identify the at least one actuating element more easily and quickly.

[0085] Advantageously, the control module can have at least one display element. This display element can visually output information such as numbers, letters, symbols, images, or the like. The at least one display element can be located on the side of the control module facing the vehicle interior. In this way, the at least one display element is visible from inside the vehicle, particularly from the driver's seat.

[0086] Advantageously, the control module can be a roof-mounted control module. Roof-mounted control modules are known to be located in the roof area of ​​a vehicle.

[0087] Furthermore, the problem is solved in the vehicle according to the invention by the fact that at least one lighting device is a lighting device according to the invention.

[0088] According to the invention, at least one lighting device according to the invention is arranged in the vehicle interior. With the lighting device according to the invention, irregular, and in particular natural-looking, lighting effects can be produced in the vehicle interior.

[0089] Advantageously, the at least one lighting device can have at least one light guide, which is designed as a cover element, such as front panels, decorative panels, or the like. In this way, areas of the vehicle facing the vehicle interior can be illuminated with irregular, and in particular natural-looking, lighting effects. Additionally, the vehicle interior can be illuminated with the at least one lighting device.

[0090] Advantageously, the at least one lighting device can be part of a control module, in particular a roof control module. In this way, the visibility of the operating elements and / or display elements of the control module can be improved with the help of the at least one lighting device. Irregular, in particular natural-looking light effects produced by the at least one lighting device form a clear contrast to regular and technically appearing operating elements and display elements. In this way, an observer, in particular a driver of the vehicle, can orient themselves more easily on the control module.

[0091] Furthermore, the features and advantages described in connection with the lighting device, the operating module, and the vehicle according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply to each other accordingly, and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, potentially resulting in further advantageous effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0092] Brief description of the drawings

[0093] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawing, the description, and the claims individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The drawing schematically illustrates

[0094] Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a roof control module which includes a lighting device;

[0095] Figure 2 shows a side view of a lighting device according to a first embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1;

[0096] Figure 3 shows a top view of the lighting device from Figure 2;

[0097] Figure 4 shows a top view of a lighting device according to a second embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1;

[0098] Figure 5 shows a side view of a lighting device according to a third embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1; 18 / 31 2023PF03140

[0099] Figure 6 shows a side view of a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1;

[0100] Figure 7 shows a side view of a lighting device according to a fifth embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1;

[0101] Figure 8 shows a side view of a lighting device according to a sixth embodiment, which can be used in the roof control module of the vehicle from Figure 1.

[0102] In the figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0103] embodiment(s) of the invention

[0104] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 in the form of a passenger car. The vehicle 10 has a roof control module 12. The roof control module 12 is located in the vehicle interior 14 below the vehicle roof in the area of ​​the windshield. The roof control module 12 is visible and accessible from the driver's seat.

[0105] The roof control module 12 comprises an actuating element 16, a display element 18, a lighting device 20 and a control unit 22.

[0106] The actuating element 16 can, for example, be a button. The roof control module 12 can also have several actuating elements 16 of different types, such as switches or the like. Functions can be set using the actuating element 16. For example, the display element 18 or functions of the vehicle 10 can be set using the actuating element 16.

[0107] The display element 8 is, for example, designed as a liquid crystal display. The roof control module 12 can also have several display elements 18 of different types, such as LEDs or the like. Information, such as numbers, letters, symbols, images, or the like, can be displayed visually using the display element 18.

[0108] The control unit 22 is a central control unit not shown in Figure 1 of the 19 / 31 2023PF03140

[0109] The vehicle 10 is connected. The control unit 22 is connected to the actuating element 16, the display element 18, and the lighting device 20. Input can be sent to the control unit 22 via the actuating element 16. The display element 18 and the lighting device 20 can be controlled via the control unit 22.

[0110] The lighting device 20 can produce light effects that are visible from the vehicle interior 14, for example, from the driver's seat. Figures 2 and 3 show a lighting device 20 according to a first embodiment, which can be used in the vehicle from Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the lighting device 20 in a side view. Figure 3 shows the lighting device 20 in a top view as seen from the vehicle interior 14. The lighting device 20 comprises a light guide 24 and several light sources 26.

[0111] The light sources 26 are, for example, designed as RGB LEDs. The light sources 26 are individually controllable and connected to the control unit 22. Alternatively, some or all of the light sources 26 can be designed as single-color LEDs. Alternatively, all or some of the light sources 26 can be jointly controllable and connected to the control unit 22. Instead of LEDs, other types of light sources 26 that emit visible light can also be used.

[0112] The optical fiber 24 is a flat, approximately plate-shaped body. In the top view shown in Figure 3, the optical fiber 24 is rectangular. In the side view, the optical fiber 24 has the shape of a right-angled trapezoid. Overall, the optical fiber 24 has approximately the shape of a wedge segment. The optical fiber 24 is made of a material transparent to visible light, for example, plastic.

[0113] The optical fiber 24 has a light exit side 28, a back side 30 and four lateral sides 32.

[0114] The light-exit side 28 and the back side 30 form the extended surfaces of the flat light guide 24. The back side 30 is located on the side of the light guide 24 opposite the light-exit side 28. Between the light-exit side 28 and the 20 / 31 2023PF03140

[0115] The four lateral sides extend from the back 30 to the back 32.

[0116] One of the lateral sides 32, on the right in Figures 2 and 3, forms a light entry side 34 of the optical fiber 24.

[0117] The average distance 36 between the light-exit side 28 and the back side 30 decreases with increasing distance when viewed from the light-input side 34. This causes the optical fiber 24 to have, as mentioned above, approximately the shape of a wedge section.

[0118] An inner region 38 of the optical fiber 24 extends on one side between the light-exit side 28 and the back side 30, and on the other side between the four lateral sides 32. Light can be directed into the inner region 38 at the light-inlet side 34. The light can be guided within the inner region 38 and reflected at interfaces, for example, on the back side 30. Light from the inner region 38 can exit the optical fiber 24 at the light-exit side 28. The optical fiber 24 is flat at the light-exit side 28.

[0119] Optionally, the optical properties, such as transmittance, reflectance, and / or absorptivity, of the light guide 24 can vary along the light-exit side 28, for example, irregularly. For this purpose, the light guide 24 can be provided with decorative elements on the light-exit side 28. These decorative elements on the light-exit side can be produced by physical vapor deposition, chrome plating, painting, etching, digital printing, or similar processes.

[0120] On its back side 30, the optical fiber 24 has a three-dimensional structure 40. The structure 40 is irregular along the extent of the back side 30. The structure 40 is formed along the back side 30 by different surface sections 42. The surface sections 42 are distributed in two dimensions along the back side 30. In the side view of the optical fiber 24 in Figure 2, nine of the surface sections 42 are visible by way of example, whose reference symbols are marked with the indices a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and i for better differentiation. Behind the surface sections 42 shown a Up to 42i, further surface sections are arranged, which are defined by the surface sections 42 shown in Figure 2. a Up to 42i are obscured and therefore not shown in the figure. 21 / 31 2023PF03140

[0121] In the area sections 42 a Up to 42i, the reverse side has 30 different directions. The directions of the surface sections 42a up to 42i are defined by the surface normals of the respective surface sections 42 a up to 42i defined. The different directions result in different optical properties of the respective surface sections 42 a up to 42i.

[0122] Furthermore, the area sections 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g and 42k are curved differently. In contrast, the surface sections 42 a , 42b, 42 c and 42i are each flat. The different curvatures result in different optical properties for the respective 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42g and 42k.

[0123] Even in the areas hidden in Figure 2, the back side has 30 different directions and curvatures.

[0124] Furthermore, the reverse side 30 is coated with a reflective layer in different colors in the surface sections 42. In an alternative embodiment, the surface sections 42 can also be printed completely or partially with a reflective layer.

[0125] Optionally, the light guide 24 on the back side 30 can have different absorption coefficients, reflection coefficients, and / or transmission coefficients for light 44 in the surface sections 42. Thus, the surface sections 42 can be matte or high-gloss, or have a gradient from matte to high-gloss. The surface sections 42 can be coated or printed in different colors or otherwise processed.

[0126] Optionally, the back surface 30 of the light guide 24 can have different material surfaces in the surface sections 42. For example, the light guide 24 can have different surfaces made of plastic, metal, or the like in the surface sections 42. The different materials can be applied directly by machine or fully or partially processed using tools. The surface of the back surface 30 of the light guide 24 can be processed, for example, by physical vapor deposition, chrome plating, painting, etching, digital printing, or the like. 22 / 31 2023PF03140

[0127] Overall, the irregular arrangement and design of the surface sections 42 result in the optical properties of the light guide 24 varying irregularly along its back surface 30. This leads to light 44, which propagates within the interior 38 of the light guide 24 and strikes the interface on the back surface 30, being reflected differently by the various surface sections 42. Light 44 striking flat surface sections 42 is reflected as if by a flat mirror. Light 44 striking curved surface sections 42 is either focused or refracted upon reflection, depending on the curvature.

[0128] The light sources 26 are arranged in a row next to the light entry side 34. The light sources 26 are directed towards the light entry side 34.

[0129] When the lighting device 24 is operated, the light sources 26 are individually controlled by the control unit 22. This allows each of the light sources 24 to emit light 44 with different intensities and different colors.

[0130] The light 44 from the light sources 26 enters the interior 38 of the light guide 24 on the light entry side 34.

[0131] The light 44 propagates within the interior 38 of the optical fiber 24. Light 44, which strikes one of the surface sections 42, interacts with it according to the optical properties of that surface section 42. For example, the light 44 is reflected depending on the direction of the surface section 42 and its curvature.

[0132] If the reverse side is coated or printed differently, the color and / or intensity of the reflected light will be changed accordingly.

[0133] The light 44 is reflected towards the light emission side 28. At the interface there, some of the light 44 can be reflected again into the interior 38, so that multiple reflections can occur. Some of the light 44 passes through the light emission side 28. From the vehicle interior 14, corresponding light effects 46 become visible.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the light effects 46 are similar to those of 23 / 31 2023PF03140

[0135] Surface of marble. Depending on the optical properties of the surface sections 42, other lighting effects 46 can also be created. For example, lighting effects 46 can also be created that resemble other natural phenomena, such as wood, amber, flames, water waves, or the like. Due to the irregular variation of the optical properties of the back surface 30 along its extent, irregular lighting effects 46 are created that appear natural.

[0136] The irregular light effects 46 differ significantly from the technical representations on the display element 18 of the roof control module 12. In this way, a viewer, for example the driver of the vehicle 10, can concentrate better on the display element 18 and is not distracted by the light effects 46.

[0137] Figure 4 shows a top view of a second embodiment of a lighting device 20, which can be used with the actuating element 16 of the vehicle 10 from Figure 1. Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment from Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lighting device 20 additionally has a second row of light sources 26. The second row of light sources 26 extends along a second light entry side 34. The second light entry side 34 is formed by a second of the lateral sides 32, which runs perpendicular to the lateral side 32 with the first light entry side 34. In this way, the light guide 24 can be illuminated by two mutually perpendicular light entry sides 34. Thus, the entire interior area 38 can be illuminated.

[0138] Figure 5 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a lighting device 20, which can be used with the actuating element 16 of the vehicle 10 from Figure 1. Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment from Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an input optical fiber section 48 is optically coupled to the light entry side 34 of the optical fiber 24. The optical fiber 24 can transition seamlessly into the input optical fiber section 48. 24 / 31 2023PF03140

[0139] The coupling optical fiber section 48 has a 90° bend. The side of the coupling optical fiber section 48 facing away from the optical fiber 24 forms a light inlet 50. The light inlet 50 is located obliquely below the back side 30 of the optical fiber 24. Several light sources 26 are arranged along the light inlet 50. Viewed perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, the light sources 26 are arranged one behind the other, so that only one of the light sources 26 is shown in Figure 5, while the others are obscured by it. The light sources 26 are directed towards the light inlet 50. When the lighting device 20 is in operation, the optical fiber 24 is illuminated indirectly via the coupling optical fiber section 48.

[0140] Figure 6 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a lighting device 20, which can be used with the actuating element 16 of the vehicle 10 from Figure 1. Those elements similar to those of the first embodiment from Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, viewed from the light-exit side 28, the light sources 26 are arranged behind the back side 30 of the light guide 24. The light sources 26 are directed towards the back side 30. In the fourth embodiment, the back side 30 forms the light-entry side 34 of the light guide 24. Furthermore, the back side 30 is flat and runs parallel to the light-exit side 28.

[0141] The surface sections 42 on the back side 30 exhibit different optical properties. For clarity, only a few of the surface sections 42 are labeled with a reference numeral in Figure 6. The optical properties of the surface sections 42 vary irregularly along the back side 30. Analogous to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 and its alternative embodiments, these optical properties are achieved through varying transmittances, reflectances, and / or absorption coefficients. Different coatings, imprints, colors, or material surfaces can be used for this purpose. The light 44 from the light sources 26, which shines through the back side 30 into the interior area 38, produces irregular light effects on the light exit side 28, which are not shown in Figure 6 due to the perspective of the illustration.

[0142] Furthermore, the light-emitting side has 28 surface sections 52, which exhibit different optical properties. This further amplifies irregularities in the lighting effects.

[0143] Figure 7 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of a lighting device 20, which can be used with the actuating element 16 of the vehicle 10 from Figure 1. Those elements that are similar to those of the first embodiment from Figures 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reflector body 54 is additionally provided.

[0144] The reflector body 54 is located behind the back 30 of the light guide 24, viewed from the light exit side 28. The reflector body 54 is a flat body. Viewed from the top view (not shown), the reflector body 54 is rectangular. Its dimensions in the top view correspond to the dimensions of the light guide 24.

[0145] In side view, the reflector body 54 has the shape of a right-angled trapezoid. Overall, the reflector body 54 has approximately the shape of a wedge segment. The long base of the trapezoid of the reflector body 54 is located on the side where the short base of the trapezoid of the optical fiber 24 is located. The oblique sides of the trapezoid of the reflector body 54 and the oblique sides of the trapezoid of the optical fiber 24 face each other.

[0146] The side of the reflector body 54 facing the rear side 30 of the optical fiber 24 is designed as a reflector surface 56. The reflector surface 56 has a three-dimensional structure. The structure is irregular along the extent of the reflector surface 56. The structure is formed along the reflector surface 56 by different reflector sections 58. The reflector sections 58 are distributed in two dimensions along the reflector surface 56. In the side view of the reflector body 54 in Figure 7, nine of the reflector sections 58 are visible by way of example, whose reference numerals are indicated with the indices j, k, I, m, n, o, p, q, and r for better differentiation. Behind the reflected reflector sections 58j to 58r shown, further surface sections are arranged, which are concealed by the reflected reflector sections 58j to 58r shown in Figure 7 and are therefore not shown in the figure. 26 / 31 2023PF03140

[0147] In reflector sections 58j to 58r, the reflector surface 56 exhibits different directions and curvatures. The directions and curvatures of the reflector surface 56 in reflector sections 58j to 58r correspond to the directions and curvatures in the respective opposite surface sections 42. a up to 42i of the back side 30 of the light guide 24. This also applies to the reflector sections of the reflector surface 56 hidden in Figure 7 and the respective associated surface sections of the back side 30 of the light guide 24.

[0148] Overall, the reflector surface 56 runs parallel to the back side 30 of the light guide 24. The reflector surface 56 is spaced apart from the back side 30.

[0149] Furthermore, the reflector surface 56 in the reflector sections 58 is coated with a reflective material in different colors. In an alternative embodiment, the reflector sections 58 can also be printed with a reflective material, either completely or partially.

[0150] Optionally, the reflector body 54 can have different absorption coefficients, reflection coefficients, and / or transmission coefficients for light 44 in the reflector sections 58. Thus, the reflector sections 58 can be matte or high-gloss, or have a gradient from matte to high-gloss. The reflector sections 58 can be coated or printed in different colors or otherwise processed.

[0151] Optionally, the reflector body 54 can have different material surfaces in the reflector sections 58. For example, the reflector body 54 can have different surfaces made of plastic, metal, or the like in the reflector sections 58. The different materials can be applied directly by machine or fully or partially processed using tools. The reflector surface 56 can be processed, for example, by physical vapor deposition, chrome plating, painting, etching, digital printing, or the like.

[0152] The optical properties vary irregularly along the reflector surface 56. The light guide 24 is partially transparent on its back side 30. Thus, when light 44 passes through the back side 30 and is reflected at the reflector surface 56 of the reflector body 54, irregular light effects are produced. 27 / 31 2023PF03140

[0153] Figure 8 shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of a lighting device 20, which can be used with the actuating element 16 of the vehicle 10 from Figure 1. Those elements similar to those of the fifth embodiment from Figure 7 are provided with the same reference numerals. The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the reflector surface 56 does not run parallel to the rear surface 30 of the light guide 24. The reflector sections 58j to 58r and the reflector sections behind them, which are hidden in Figure 8, have different orientations than the corresponding surface sections 42. a up to 42i, and the concealed surface sections behind it, on the back side 30 of the light guide 24.

Claims

28 / 31 2023PF03140 Claims 1. Lighting device (20) for a vehicle interior (14) of a vehicle (10), in particular for an operating module (12), such as a roof operating module (12), for a vehicle (10), comprising at least one light guide (24) and at least one light source (26), wherein the at least one light guide (24) has a light-exit side (28) and a rear side (30) opposite the light-exit side (28), along which optical properties of the at least one light guide (24) vary, and the at least one light source (26) is designed to shine light (44) into the at least one light guide (24), characterized in that the optical properties of the at least one light guide (24) vary irregularly along the rear side (30).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the variation of the optical properties is realized by irregular structures (40) along the back side (30).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear side (30) has at least two sections (42) a , 42b, 42 c , 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g , 42h, 42i), in particular surface sections, with different directions and / or the back side (30) has at least one curved section (42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g , 42i), in particular area section, exhibits.

4. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the back (30) has at least two sections (42, 42) a , 42b, 42 c , 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g, 42h, 42i), in particular surface sections, with different reflectances and / or transmittances and / or absorptivity, which realize different optical properties, and / or the back side (30) has at least two sections (42, 42 a , 42b, 42 c , 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g , 42h, 42i), in particular surface sections, with different coatings which realize different optical properties, 29 / 31 2023PF03140 and / or the reverse (30) at least two sections (42, 42 a , 42b, 42 c , 42d, 42 e , 42f, 42 g , 42h, 42i), in particular surface sections, made of different materials which realize different optical properties.

5. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optical properties, in particular transmittance and / or reflectance and / or absorption and / or surface direction, of the at least one light guide (24) vary along the light exit side (28), in particular vary irregularly.

6. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light exit side (28) of the at least one light guide (24) is flat in at least one section, in particular over its entire extent.

7. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light guide (24) is a flat body, in particular a plate-shaped body, a hexahedron, such as a flat cuboid or a wedge section, in which the light exit side (28) and the back (30) form the extended sides of the body, between which at least one lateral side (32) extends, and / or an average distance between the light exit side (28) and the back (30) decreases with increasing distance to a lateral side (32) designed as a light entry side (34).

8. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light entry side (34) of the at least one light guide (24) is realized on a lateral side (32) which extends between the light exit side (28) and the rear side (30), and / or at least two light entry sides (34) of the at least one light guide (24) are realized on different lateral sides (32), which each extend between the 30 / 31 2023PF03140 light exit side (28) and the back side (30), and / or a light entry side (34) of the at least one light guide (24) is realized on the back side (30).

9. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light source (26) is directed directly onto at least one light entry side (34), in particular onto a lateral side (32) designed as a light entry side (34) and / or the rear side (30) designed as a light entry side (34) of the at least one light guide (24) and / or at least one light source (26) is directed by means of at least one optical component, in particular an input light guide or an input light guide section (24), onto at least one light entry side (34), in particular onto a lateral side (32) designed as a light entry side (34) of the at least one light guide (24).

10. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light source (26) is assigned to at least one lateral side (32) of the at least one light guide (24) configured as a light entry side (34) and / or at least one light source (26) is arranged next to at least one lateral side (32) of the at least one light guide (24) configured as a light entry side (34) and / or at least two light sources (26) are assigned to different lateral sides (32) of the at least one light guide (24) configured as light entry sides (34) and / or at least two light sources (26) are arranged next to different lateral sides (32) of the at least one light guide (24) configured as light entry sides (34). 1 1. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light source (26) has at least one light-emitting diode, in particular a controllable light-emitting diode, in particular a controllable RGB light-emitting diode, or 31 / 31 2023PF03140 consists of this.

12. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one reflector body (54) is arranged outside the at least one light guide (24), the reflector surface (56) of which extends at least partially along the back (30) of the at least one light guide (24).

13. Lighting device according to claim 12, characterized in that the reflector surface (56) extends at least partially, in particular over its entire extent, parallel to the rear side (30) of the at least one light guide (24) and / or the reflector surface (56) extends at least partially, in particular over its entire extent, not parallel to the rear side (30) of the at least one light guide (24).

14. Lighting device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that optical properties of the reflector surface (56) vary along its extent, in particular vary irregularly.

15. Control module (12), in particular roof control module (12), for a vehicle interior (14) of a vehicle (10), which has at least one actuating element (16) and at least one lighting device (20), characterized in that at least one lighting device (20) of the control module (12) is a lighting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Vehicle (10) with at least one vehicle interior (14) and at least one lighting device (20), in particular at least one lighting device (20) of an operating module (12), such as a roof operating module (12), which has at least one light guide (24) with at least one light emission side (34) which faces the vehicle interior (14), characterized in that the at least one lighting device (20) is a lighting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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