Motor vehicle comprising a light module for illuminating the interior of the motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a light module (2) for illuminating the interior of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the light module (2) comprises a housing (3) in which a lighting device (4) for generating light for the interior is provided. The light module (2) comprises a first coupling-out optical element (5) and a second coupling-out optical element (5'), wherein the lighting device (4) is designed to direct a first portion of the generated light onto the first coupling-out optical element (5) and a second portion of the generated light onto the second coupling-out optical element (5'). The first coupling-out optical element (5), using the light directed thereon, causes a first light cone (L1) to be emitted into the interior, and the second coupling-out optical element, using the light directed thereon, causes a second light cone (L2) to be emitted into the interior, wherein the first light cone (L1) is spatially separated from the second light cone (L2).

Description

[0001] 24-3130

[0002] 1

[0003] MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A LIGHT MODULE FOR ILLUMINATION OF THE INTERIOR OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE

[0004] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a light module for illuminating the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0005] Various lighting devices for the interior of a motor vehicle are known from the prior art.

[0006] German publication DE 102020125811 A1 discloses a component for the interior of a motor vehicle with a light guide. The component has an electrical interface in the form of a contact port on its rear side.

[0007] The publication DE 102016123466 A1 discloses a lighting device for a motor vehicle, with which light is projected in a predetermined lighting pattern onto a surface which may be located in the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a motor vehicle with a light module which generates a visually appealing light distribution in the interior of the motor vehicle in a simple way.

[0009] This problem is solved by the motor vehicle according to claim 1.

[0010] Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] The motor vehicle according to the invention includes a light module for illuminating the interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the light module comprises a housing in which a lighting device for generating light for the interior is provided. The light module further comprises a first output optic and a second output optic, wherein the lighting device is configured to direct a first part of the light it generates onto a first output optic and a second part of the light it generates onto a second output optic. The first output optic, with the light directed onto it, causes a first cone of light to be emitted into the interior, whereas the second output optic, with the light directed onto it, causes a second cone of light to be emitted into the interior. The first cone of light is spatially separated from the second cone of light. In other words, the first cone of light and the second cone of light are

[0012] 2

[0013] Disjoint, meaning they do not overlap. The invention enables the generation of an attractive light distribution in the vehicle interior in the form of two separate light cones.

[0014] The first output coupling optics and the second output coupling optics can be implemented using optical elements that are known per se, such as one or more lenses.

[0015] Optionally, the light module of the vehicle according to the invention can also emit one or more additional light cones besides the first and second light cones. These light cones are preferably spatially separated from each other and from the first and second light cones. The light of the respective additional light cones can be generated by the aforementioned lighting device or an additional lighting device. The respective additional light cones are in turn generated via suitable output optics.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the light module of the motor vehicle according to the invention is provided on an interior trim panel of the motor vehicle, thereby enabling the generation of ambient interior light. The interior trim panel is preferably a trim panel of a vehicle pillar (such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, or D-pillar), a roof trim panel, or a door trim panel.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the light module is arranged on the interior trim such that the first and / or the second light cone extend along the interior trim of the vehicle and intersect it. In this way, the contour of the respective light cones becomes visible on the interior trim, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing light distribution.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the light module is installed in the vehicle such that the first light cone shines vertically upwards and the second light cone shines vertically downwards. Preferably, this variant is combined with the embodiment described above, in which the light module is mounted on a panel of a vehicle pillar.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the main beam direction of the first light cone is essentially opposite to the main beam direction of the second light cone. The aforementioned main beam directions correspond to those passing centrally through the respective 24-3130

[0020] 3

[0021] The light cone runs along axes of symmetry. The axis of symmetry of each light cone is characterized by the fact that the spatial position of the light cone does not change when it is rotated around the axis of symmetry.

[0022] In another variation, the first and second light cones have different opening angles. However, it is also possible for the first and second light cones to have the same opening angle.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the lighting device of the light module comprises a first lighting unit for generating the first part of the light and a second lighting unit for generating the second part of the light. Preferably, the first lighting unit and / or the second lighting unit comprise one or more white light and / or RGB LED lighting units. With this embodiment, the corresponding light cones can be easily generated via dedicated lighting units. Furthermore, the use of white light and / or RGB LED lighting units ensures a compact design for the lighting device.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the lighting device of the light module is configured to generate white light.

[0025] Nevertheless, the lighting device can also generate colored light if necessary.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, the light module is designed such that one or more parameters of the first part of the generated light and / or the second part of the generated light can be changed during operation of the lighting device, wherein the parameter(s) of the first part of the generated light are preferably changeable independently of the parameter(s) of the second part of the generated light. This embodiment allows for adjustment of the characteristics of the light cones generated by the light module. These adjustments can be made, for example, by a control unit coupled to the light module, wherein the control unit can perform the adjustments automatically or, optionally, in response to user input via a user interface.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the above, the variable parameter(s) include the color mixture and / or the color temperature and / or the 24-3130

[0028] 4

[0029] Brightness of the first part of the generated light and / or the second part of the generated light.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the first output coupling optic and / or the second output coupling optic each comprise a diffuser for scattering the directed light. This makes it possible to generate light cones with a blurred edge.

[0031] In a further variant, the light module of the motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an adjusting means for adjusting the size of the first and / or the second light cone, wherein the adjusting means preferably includes one or more apertures.

[0032] Optionally, the adjusting device can also include an electrically controlled actuator for adjusting the size of the first and / or the second light cone. Preferably, the sizes of the light cones can be varied independently of each other.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a connection is provided on the housing of the light module, which is linked to a corresponding connection in the vehicle to supply the light module with electrical current and / or transmit control commands to the light module. This embodiment allows for easy replacement of the light module, as it can be removed from the rest of the vehicle via the connection provided on the housing and replaced with a new light module.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0035] They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a variant of a light module that is installed in the motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the light module from Fig. 1; and

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the light module from Fig. 2.

[0039] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to a light module that is provided on the inner lining of a vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows the corresponding 24-3130 in a perspective view.

[0040] 5

[0041] The interior trim panel 1 of the vehicle pillar of motor vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle pillar could be, for example, the A-pillar, the B-pillar, or the C-pillar of motor vehicle 100. The corresponding light module 2, which is only schematically indicated by a rectangle, is located in the upper area of ​​the interior trim panel 1.

[0042] The light module 2 includes a lighting device 4 and two coupling optics 5 and 5', which are shown in Fig. 2 and described in more detail below. A first light cone L1 and a second light cone L2 can be generated by means of the lighting device and the coupling optics, which are schematically represented by hatched triangles in Fig. 1. The essence of the embodiment described here is that the two light cones L1 and L2 are emitted in opposite directions upwards and downwards, respectively, along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle column, intersecting the column. In particular, the main beam direction H1 of the first light cone L1 is directed vertically upwards, whereas the main beam direction H2 of the second light cone L2 is directed vertically downwards.This emission of the light cones L1 and L2 ensures that the contour of the respective light cones in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar becomes visible on the interior trim 1, thereby creating a very appealing ambient interior lighting.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the structure of the light module 2 from Fig. 1. As can be seen, the light module 2 has a housing 3 in which a lighting device 4 is located. In the embodiment described here, the lighting device 4 comprises a first lighting unit 4a and a second lighting unit 4b, each configured as a single white light or RGB LED unit. However, it is also possible for the first lighting unit 4a and / or the second lighting unit 4b to contain multiple white light and / or RGB LED units.

[0044] The light unit 4a emits light vertically upwards towards a first output optic 5 of the light module 2. Similarly, the second light unit 4b emits light vertically downwards towards a second output optic 5'. The first output optic 5 and the second output optic 5' are schematically indicated by hatched lenses. The first output optic 5 generates the first light cone L1 from the light of the first light unit 4a, whereas the second output optic 5' generates the second light cone L2 from the light of the light unit 4b. The two light units 4a and 4b are arranged on a common circuit board 4c, which receives control commands and is powered from outside the light module. 24-3130

[0045] 6

[0046] The light module 2 further includes an adjusting device 6 in the form of a first aperture 6a and a second aperture 6b. The first aperture 6a causes a shading of the light emitted by the first lighting unit 4a, whereas the second aperture 6b causes a shading of the light emitted by the second lighting unit 4b. The two apertures 6a and 6b (or their aperture openings) can be enlarged and reduced by means of an electrically controlled actuator 8. The actuator 8 is shown only schematically in Fig. 2 and receives control commands from outside the vehicle 100 as needed. In the selected setting shown in Fig. 2, the aperture 6b is set narrower than the aperture 6a, which results in the light cone L2 having a smaller opening angle than the light cone L1.

[0047] Fig. 3 schematically shows a side view from the right of the light module 2 of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows that the housing 3 of the light module 2 has a connector 7 on its rear side. This connector 7 is detachably connected to a corresponding connector (not shown) behind the interior trim 1 of the vehicle 100, thus enabling easy replacement of the light module 2 in case of a defect. The corresponding connector leads via electrical wires to a control unit and an electrical power supply in the vehicle (both not shown). In other words, control commands from an external control unit and current from an external power supply are supplied to the light module 2 via connector 7. The current powers both the lighting unit 4 and the actuator 8.Furthermore, the control commands from the control unit reach both the lighting device 4 and the actuator 8.

[0048] The control commands allow for the variation of light parameters in the respective lighting units 4a and 4b. Specifically, the brightness, light color, and color temperature of both lighting units 4a and 4b can be adjusted. The two lighting units 4a and 4b can be controlled independently. Furthermore, the size of the openings of the two apertures 6a and 6b can be varied using corresponding control commands, with the apertures of the apertures again being adjustable independently. The control commands can be generated, for example, via a user interface in the vehicle or on a terminal device, allowing the user to vary the ambient light of the light module 2 according to their needs. Nevertheless, these settings can also be automated. 24-3130

[0049] 7

[0050] In the embodiment described here, in one operating mode of the light module, two light cones L1 and L2 are emitted in white, whereby the color temperature of the white light can be suitably varied and, for example, set to warm white or cool white. In other operating modes, the lighting device can also emit light cones in certain colors, such as red, blue, or yellow.

[0051] The invention was described using a light module provided on the interior trim of a vehicle pillar. However, the corresponding light module can also be installed at any other location in the vehicle to generate ambient lighting. For example, the light module can be installed in the headliner or in an interior door panel of the vehicle and there generate light cones that are directed in opposite directions along the headliner or door panel.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the first output optic 5 and / or the second output optic 5' can also include a diffuser for scattering the directed light. This achieves the effect of a blurred light contour on the corresponding interior trim of the vehicle. The diffuser can be implemented, for example, by a roughened surface of a corresponding lens in the output optic 5 or 5'.

[0053] The embodiments of the invention described above have a number of advantages. In particular, a very attractive ambient interior lighting in a motor vehicle is achieved by emitting two separate light cones into the interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the corresponding light module in the vehicle can be easily replaced by providing a connection on the housing of the light module. 24-3130

[0054] 8 reference marks

[0055] 100 motor vehicles

[0056] 1 Interior trim

[0057] 2 light modules

[0058] 3 cases

[0059] 4 Lighting equipment

[0060] 4a First lighting unit (white light or RGB LED unit) 4b Second lighting unit (white light or RGB LED unit) 4c Circuit board

[0061] 5 first coupling optics

[0062] 5' second coupling optics

[0063] 6 Adjustment devices

[0064] 6a first aperture

[0065] 6b second aperture

[0066] 7 connection

[0067] 8 Actuators

[0068] L1 first light cone

[0069] L2 second light cone

[0070] H1 Main beam direction of the first light cone

[0071] H2 Main beam direction of the second light cone

Claims

24-3130 9 Claims 1. Motor vehicle with a light module (2) for illuminating the interior of the motor vehicle (100), wherein the light module (2) comprises a housing (3) in which a lighting device (4) for generating light for the interior is provided, characterized in that the light module (2) comprises a first output optic (5) and a second output optic (5') and the lighting device (4) is configured to direct a first part of the generated light onto the first output optic (5) and a second part of the generated light onto the second output optic (5'), wherein the first output optic (5) with the light directed thereon causes a first light cone (L1) to be emitted into the interior and the second output optic (5') with the light directed thereon causes a second light cone (L2) to be emitted into the interior, wherein the first light cone (L1) is spatially separated from the second light cone (L2).

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the light module (2) is provided on an interior trim panel (1) of the motor vehicle (100).

3. Motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the interior trim (1) is a trim of a vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle (100) or a roof trim of the motor vehicle (100) or a door trim of the motor vehicle (100).

4. Motor vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the light module (2) is arranged on the interior trim (1) such that the first light cone (L1) and / or the second light cone (L2) extend along the interior trim (1) of the motor vehicle (100) and intersect the interior trim (1).

5. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light module (2) is installed in the motor vehicle (1) such that the first light cone (L1) shines vertically upwards and the second light cone (L2) shines vertically downwards. 24-3130 10 6. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main beam direction (H1) of the first light cone (1) is substantially opposite to the main beam direction (H2) of the second light cone.

7. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light cone (L1) and the second light cone (L2) have different opening angles or identical opening angles.

8. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (4) of the light module (2) comprises a first lighting unit (4a) for generating the first part of the light and a second lighting unit (4b) for generating the second part of the light, wherein the first lighting unit (4a) and / or the second lighting unit (4b) preferably comprise one or more white light and / or RGB LED lighting units.

9. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (4) is configured to produce white light and / or colored light.

10. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light module (2) is designed such that one or more parameters of the first part of the generated light and / or the second part of the generated light can be changed during operation of the lighting device (4), wherein the parameter(s) of the first part of the generated light are preferably changeable independently of the parameter(s) of the second part of the generated light.

11. Motor vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the variable parameter(s) comprise the color mixture and / or the color temperature and / or the brightness of the first part of the generated light and / or the second part of the generated light.

12. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling optic (5) and / or the second coupling optic (5') each comprise a diffuser for scattering the light directed thereon.

13. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light module (2) comprises an adjusting means (6) for adjusting the size of the first and / or the second light cone (L1 , L2), wherein the adjusting means (6) preferably includes one or more apertures (6a, 6b).

14. Motor vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the adjusting means (6) comprises an electrically controllable actuator (8) for adjusting the size of the first and / or the second light cone (L1, L2).

15. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection (7) is provided on the housing (3) of the light module (2) which is detachably connected to a corresponding connection in the motor vehicle (100) in order to supply the light module (2) with electrical current and / or to transmit control commands to the light module (2).

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