DE102007015841A1 - Area e.g. passenger cabin, illuminating device for use in e.g. car, has radiation guides to partially guide radiation of preset wavelengths, and variance device to partially produce, change and/or reduce radiation guided by radiation guides - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has radiation guides (70) to partially guide radiation of predetermined wavelengths, and a variance device (40) to partially produce, change and/or reduce radiation guided by the radiation guides. A functional element (5) is provided for lighting, heating, air conditioning, and/or determining a measured variable in a vehicle and a vehicle e.g. car, seat (150). The variance device has a halogen lamp and an infrared emitter.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and their use in heating elements, sensors, seats and vehicles.

State of the art

To the To warm Passengers are aware of the installation of electrical heating elements on seating surfaces. However, it is expensive, their function in this highly loaded Zone over to maintain the entire life of the vehicle.

It is known to provide lamps in the headliner. These affect however, the driver's view when operated while driving.

It is known to arrange capacitive switches in the seat surface, to detect a passenger on the seat. It is, however, very consuming, on the one hand robust and reliable and on the other hand not palpable to arrange in the seat.

Subject of the invention

Therefore the subject-matter of claim 1 is proposed here. advantageous Embodiments are the dependent claims and the following description.

characters

in the Details of the invention will be explained below. These designs the invention should be understood do. However, they have only exemplary character. Of course, let in the context of the invention, one or more described Also omit, modify or supplement features. Also, the Features of different embodiments of course with each other be combined. Hereinafter, reference will be made to:

1 Side view of a vehicle in partial elevation with a heating element, a sensor and a lighting device

2 Side view of a seat with heating elements in cross section

3 Top view of a radiation guide device

4 Cross section through a sensor with a radiation guide device

Description of the invention

1 shows a vehicle 200 with a seat according to 2 , In the vehicle and / or seat can be different functional elements 5 be provided, such. B. a heating element 20 , a seat occupancy detection device with a sensor according to 4 , a lighting device 110 or a keyboard 60 which make certain functions available in specific zones of the interior, such as heating, lighting, pressure detection or switching. This is at least one of the functional elements 5 at least one device 1 according to 3 assigned.

The device 1 has at least one radiation conductor 70 on. This is preferably designed as an optical waveguide. This is understood as meaning flexible optical media, preferably of mineral glass (in particular silica glass / quartz (SiO ₂ )) or organic glass (plastic), in particular polystyrene or polymethyl methacrylate, in which light can be controlled in a controlled manner.

Preferably, the radiation conductor 70 at least partially formed from a material with a high transmission value. In question come for example, glass fibers or radiation-conducting plastic fibers.

Glass fibers are long, thin fibers that consist essentially of at least one type of glass. If high flexibility is desired, glass fibers with a diameter of less than 200 microns are particularly suitable. Preferably, the radiation conductor 70 or at least one of its radiation-conducting fibers bidirectionally conductive. The conductivity may be selectively suitable or optimized for particular wavelength ranges, or may be reduced or minimized for certain wavelength ranges. For example. For example, conductivity of light may be reduced or inhibited and conductivity for infrared radiation may be increased or optimized, or vice versa. As a result, for example, unwanted light effects can be prevented on an object to be heated only. Or unwanted heating of an object to be illuminated only can be reduced or prevented. Should both effects be desired, then of course an optimization for the widest possible radiation ranges can be provided. Plastic fibers are then preferably thermally stable even at operating temperatures of more than 100 ° C, preferably also above 200 ° C or 300 ° C. It can also be provided that the radiation conductor is continuous in both directions or preferably only in one direction for a particular type of radiation to z. B. to transfer heat in one direction and signals in the opposite direction.

The radiation conductor 70 preferably has at least one conductor strand or a bundle thereof, which has at least one conductive core and at least one covering layer which at least partially covers it.

Under Layer is understood to mean any structure, in particular planar structures, that an extension in predominantly has two dimensions, and preferably, but not necessarily flat and flexible. It preferably forms a continuous surface, can but also be broken, z. B. as a network or foam. The Cover layer is preferably designed as a cladding layer. A Sheath layer is a layer that is directly or indirectly an object at least partially enveloped, however not necessarily the outermost one Enveloping object Layer.

Of the Leitkern and the cover layer consist at least partially of materials with different refractive index. This will put you in the strand fed radiation along passed the Leitstrangs, wherein it at least in a section of the Leitstrangs at the boundary layer between the two materials preferably comes to a total reflection. It can be provided be that the radiation conductor has at least one hollow conductor, including a tubular Structure is understood, the interior of which is a gas, a liquid or has a vacuum. Under vacuum, the state of a Fluids in a volume at a pressure that is significantly lower as the atmospheric pressure under normal conditions, understood.

The radiation conductor 70 is arranged so that its one end 71 the functional element 5 is assigned, ie z. B. a heating element 20 , a sensor 50 o that of a lighting device 110 , His other end 72 is a radiation source 75 and / or an additional sensor 50 ' assigned.

The device preferably has at least one radiation source 75 on. Radiation source is understood to mean a device which emits waves or particles, preferably at the speed of light. It can be used as a light source, heat source or as a signal generator.

It can be provided that a radiation source 75 has multiple radiators. It can be provided that these radiators generate radiation of the same or different wavelengths. In particular, the radiation source may comprise a combination of an infrared radiator for heating purposes and one or more light emitters for illumination or signal purposes. It may also be appropriate that a plurality of radiators are provided with mutually different radiation spectrum in the visible radiation range to z. B. mixed light or different color signals.

A radiation source preferably generates predominantly infrared radiation for heating purposes. Suitable sources of radiation for this are, for example, laser diodes, infrared radiators, infrared lasers, halogen lamps, but also waste heat sources such as. Exhaust manifold on the vehicle engine, cooling castings, campfires o. Ä .. are particularly suitable heat radiating solids or liquids. Preferably, the radiation source has an operating temperature of between 200 ° C and 400 ° C, preferably at about 300 ° C. In this temperature range, a particularly high proportion of radiation occurs whose wavelength is suitable for transport through radiation conductors. To a functional zone 5 ' spaced radiation sources have the advantage that the radiation source 75 in a failure much easier interchangeable than, for example, an embedded in a foam electrical heating element of a seat.

A Radiation source for Illumination purposes preferably has at least one light bulb, laser diode and / or other light sources. Preferably, at least one each predominantly in red, green or yellow areas of the light spectrum radiating light source provided.

At least a radiation source is preferably in an engine compartment of a Vehicle, under a seat, in the trunk, and / or outside a passenger compartment, for example. Below the vehicle chassis. It can also be along a cable or other supply line be arranged. By the spacing of radiation source and Effective area against each other can be in the working area a significant space savings, eg. By waiver on light bulbs, Reach heating registers or fans. By removing the Radiation source from the useful area, this can also be less through undesirable Events at the radiation source are endangered. This is, for example. an insert in explosion-endangered Area or nearby of flammable materials, e.g. B. tents or textiles at clearly reduced risk possible. Also an exchange is much easier possible than with integration into Dashboards or upholstery foams.

In particular, light and infrared radiation are suitable as radiation. By "light" is meant radiation of the entire electromagnetic wave spectrum, in particular the visible range of the electromagnetic radiation of about 380 to 780 nanometers (nm) wavelength. Infrared radiation is understood here to mean, in particular, electromagnetic waves in the spectral range between visible light and the longer-wave microwave radiation, in particular the wavelength genbereich from about 780 nm to 1 mm.

Preferably, the device is 1 with a focusing device 74 provided to from a radiation source 75 outgoing radiation on the entry area at the end 71 . 72 of the light guide 75 to focus. Such a focusing device can, for example, by a mirror, in particular a parabolic mirror on the feed opening of the radiation conductor spaced side of the radiation source 75 be provided. In addition, it may have an optical lens z. B. between the radiation source and feed opening of the light guide is provided. Also, a housing may be provided, which is the radiation source 75 and the feed opening of the radiation conductor surrounds and is mirrored inside. As a result, the radiation of the radiation source 75 as long as reflected in the housing until it enters the feed opening of the radiation conductor.

The device 1 may also preferably at least one filter 78 that at least partially filters out at least certain portions of at least one particular radiation. Such a filter 78 may, for example, in or at the radiation source 75 , at inlet and outlet openings of a radiation conductor 70 , in the course of the radiation conductor 70 and / or on or in the useful region of a functional element 5 be provided. The filter 78 For example, it is possible to filter out infrared radiation in order to only illuminate the useful area, for example, or to throttle the heating effect of the device. The filter 78 For example, it is also possible to filter out only light of specific wavelengths in order to achieve different color effects or to achieve different degrees of brightness. For some applications it may be appropriate if the filter 78 at least partially filters out ultraviolet radiation. Such a filter 78 can be produced, for example, by OH-poor glass. Preferably, at least one radiation conductor 70 at least partially made of a material that filters out certain unwanted radiation components. This can be effected, for example, by reflection, polarization or absorption of the unwanted radiation.

On a functional element 5 facing the end 71 of the radiation conductor 75 is preferably at least one radiation guiding device 77 intended. This is understood to mean, in particular, a device which bundles concentrated beams spatially or spatially (for example for a heating element) and / or concentrates spatially or spatially distributed beams (eg for a sensor). You can z. B. as a heating medium, bulbs, signalers or as a focusing device z. B. serve for a sensor.

The radiation guidance device 77 is on, in or near a functional element 5 or the functional zone provided by it 5 arranged, z. B. at least partially to and / or in a seat cover 30 , a lighting device 110 or a keyboard 60 , You can z. B. part of a seat cover 30 be. For this purpose, or radiation conductors are incorporated into a seat cover, for example. By acting or weaving in a textile fabric. For such an embodiment, it may be appropriate to the radiation conductors, for. As glass fibers, to coat, in particular with textile components to give them a skin-friendly feel. It may also be provided that a textile with radiation conductors arranged thereon or incorporated therein maintains the seat cover 30 , is preferably arranged above a pad. In such an embodiment, it is preferably structurally associated with the cover and / or with an air distribution device.

The radiation guiding device can also be a carrier 8th have or be involved in it. At the carrier 8th it may be a cushioning material, for example. Foam of a vehicle seat cushion, in particular of polyurethane. Preferably, such a carrier 8th at least partially transparent to the type of radiation to be conducted, in particular for infrared radiation.

The radiation guidance device 77 is at least a section 88 at least one radiation conductor 70 ' assigned. This can be made in one piece with the first radiation conductor 70 manufactured or via a connecting element 777 be coupled with this.

Preferably, a plurality of radiation conductors 70 ' provided, one of which ends 701 each with the end 71 of the radiation conductor 70 corresponds. Your free ends 702 and parts of their longitudinal sections are preferably spaced from each other to maximize the efficiency of the entire functional zone 5 ' to reach. It may also be advantageous if the radiation conductors 70 ' have different lengths from each other. It may also be expedient that their ends are bevelled. It can also be provided that at least two radiation conductors 70 ' at least over a certain portion of their extension device are spaced apart, in particular approximately parallel to each other and / or fanned fork-shaped.

When the radiation guiding device 77 having regularly or irregularly distributed perforations and / or at least a portion of the radiation conductors 70 ' at spaced-apart part positions - in particular with respect to their longitudinal course - by destruction z. B. by means of fractures with impurities 79 can also be provided with equal length radiation conductors 70 ' a good meal tion of input / output couplers in the function zone 5 ' be achieved. This arrangement is particularly suitable when the radiation conductors 70 . 70 ' are highly transparent and the radiation guidance device a plurality of radiation conductors 70 ' has, for. B. between 1000 and 10000 pieces.

The radiation guiding device or at least one of its radiation conductors 70 ' may also be partially formed of a material that at least partially absorbs radiation and / or converts to radiation of other wavelengths. This may cause the radiation conductor 70 ' or the radiation guidance device 77 z. B. Heat to IR radiation in a functional zone 5 ' to distribute. At the same time z. B. a sensor 50 ' Detecting changes in the radiation spectrum to z. B. fractures of radiation conductors 70 . 70 ' or to detect temperature changes of thermochromic materials.

Depending on the desired radiation, at least one radiation conductor 70 . 70 ' have an at least partially radiation-permeable surface. The radiation transmission can, for example, by at least partial roughening of the surface of the radiation conductor 70 . 70 ' and / or removal of a reflective cover layer of a conductive core be accomplished.

The radiation transfer device 77 can z. B. at least one radiation conductor 70 ' have, at least partially provided with a surface which is at least partially transparent to radiation. Preferably, this radiation-transmissive region extends substantially over the entire functional zone 5 ' , Preferably, the surface is partially transparent to radiation and partially radiation-reflecting. This will cause the radiation which is in the radiation conductor 70 ' is transported, not point by point but gradually over a larger area. Such a partial permeability can be achieved in that the radiation conductor 70 ' partially roughened. As a result, the reflective cover layer of the radiation conductor 70 ' at least partially eliminated. With uniform removal of the cover layer, the radiation conductor radiates 70 ' in this area its radiation diminishes exponentially. Now to an undesirable radiation concentration near the entrance area in the radiation guide device 77 to avoid, it can be provided that the radiation guiding device 77 of radiation conductors 70 ' is fed from different directions, in particular that radiation conductor 705 . 706 are arranged in opposite directions to each other.

In addition, it can be provided that at least one approximately annular radiation device 711 is provided, that of the functional zone 5 ' assigned. This radiation device 711 is at least one exit opening 712 at least one radiation conductor 70 . 70 ' assigned to radiation in the radiation device 711 feed. In this radiation device 711 The radiation circulates through reflection on the walls of the radiation device 711 , However, this reflection is preferably not a total reflection, so that a certain proportion of the radiation substantially uniformly over the entire ring of the radiation device 711 is emitted.

It is preferably provided that at least one radiation conductor 70 '' at several points 720 its longitudinal course is at least partially transparent to radiation, for example. To several functional zones 5 ' to supply. As a result, it is possible, for example, to heat two areas of a heated seat arranged close to the surface, which are separated from one another by a seam 740 or a Abspanngraben are separated. This avoids unnecessary heating recessed in the seat arranged areas. This also ensures a lossless transmission of radiation from one radiation area to the next, because the intermediate section 739 of the radiation conductor 70 '' dissipates lossless. In addition, it can be provided that the radiation transmission of the radiation conductor increases in a certain range in the direction of the radiation profile in the radiation conductor. As a result, an exponential radiation from the radiation conductor can be counteracted and a substantially homogeneous radiation distribution can be achieved. By "substantially" is meant in particular "at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, 90%, 95% or 99%".

It may be expedient if the radiation guidance device 77 a straightening device 35 is assigned to radiate radiation as efficiently as possible in the functional zone 5 ' available or in the radiation guidance device 77 feed. This can z. B. a reflective film may be provided, which on the functional zone 5 ' opposite side of the radiation guide device 77 is arranged. It reflects, for example, in the direction of a pad radiated infrared radiation or light back toward a seat occupant or directs the seat cover penetrating sunlight back to the Strahlungsführungsein direction 77 , Will the sensor 50 now z. B. under a seat cover on a seat 150 arranged, can thus detect the presence of a seat occupant. The feeler 55 detects certain parameters or their change in its environment and transmitted via the light guide 70 ' a corresponding radiation signal to an evaluation device.

Alternatively or additionally, a sensor can be used, the z. B. in the form of a Stöp Sels be arranged at the end of a radiation conductor. It can also be applied as a coating to at least parts of the radiation conductor, in particular to roughened or otherwise radiation-permeable regions of the radiation conductor. It is also possible to use the light guide 70 ' even to use as a sensor by z. B. its reflectivity, its absorption behavior or its light emission and / or their respective change can be evaluated.

The device preferably has at least one sensor 50 . 50 ' on. This serves z. B. influencing or monitoring a functional zone 5 ' , This may be, for example, a surface of a vehicle seat, a steering wheel or a wall panels. The sensor 50 . 50 ' can be used, for example, to change the function of measured temperature, humidity and / or pressure values of the performance of a heater, a ventilation device, a radiation source and / or a cooling device or to monitor their function. It can also be used to detect the presence of a user. B. on the basis of changing temperature or pressure conditions and depending on other devices to switch, for example. A lighting device, airbags, heating or air conditioning, belt monitoring etc .. He can also in a keyboard 60 be built in and serve the data input by a user. The sensor 50 . 50 ' can also z. B. integrated into a headliner of the determination of the brightness in the vehicle and the automatic on / off of cabin and / or outdoor lighting serve.

Also Is it possible, Zones of different light, temperature or pressure exposure to differentiate and thereby targeted one on the individual zones adapted tempering or different situations to recognize. For example. leaves As a result, a different trigger strength of airbags in dependence from select a passenger size or depending on brightness or temperature the lighting of a room or a surface to adjust.

Such a sensor 50 can z. B. according to the embodiment of 4 a radiation distribution device 77 exhibit. This has in the present embodiment, a layered sensor 55 on, along a radiation conductor 70 ' and together with this between two cover layers 44 is arranged. The feeler 55 and / or the radiation conductor 70 ' change in pressure, light and / or temperature changes its absorption and / or emission behavior changed at least with respect to certain radiation ranges. In particular, it can be formed, at least in part, from a thermochromic material and / or a material which changes its color when printing takes place. Thermochromism refers to the property of changing the color when heated. This is known z. Example, rutile, zinc oxide or organic compounds such as Bixanthyliden- and Bianthronyliden derivatives or some liquid crystals.

A Such a device can be produced, for example, by first producing a Variety of radiation conductors are applied to a substrate, z. B. by sewing or the effect of glass fibers on a carrier textile. Then become protruding ends the radiation conductor bundled, cut, wrapped and sanded. The bundled end will be then coupled to the radiation source.

The Device is z. B. used to illuminate a room, eg. the passenger cabin, or to display information, eg. in display devices of the dashboard, or to change the at least unconscious perception of objects, for example a lighted Headliner whose color is customizable to your preference or temperature. The color can also be dependent the vehicle speed selected be and, for example, at high speeds, for example. Over 120 km / h a color with a relaxing effect, for example, green, his. Such a lighting device allows a homogeneous, surface lighting at the same time extremely flat height. With such a lighting device could all light sources of the whole vehicle through a single light source or a compact collection of light sources will be replaced.

One Headliner of a vehicle, a seat or a vehicle steering device could at least partially lit and / or heated and / or cooled and / or be ventilated. The color emitted by him can be the temperature its surface, a decision of the user, the switching state of an air conditioner or z. B. opposite to the light or temperature values of a outdoor sensor of a vehicle or building chosen be.

The Device can also be used where a heat source spaced to the heating area or to warm Object to be arranged. This is, for example, useful for heating of steering wheels, Vehicle seats, bodywork trim elements, dashboards, windowpanes, Windscreens, mirrors, furniture, Greenhouses Beds, hoses, Air conditioners, aerials, refrigerators, headliners, Camping or using waste heat from combustion processes, eg in waste incineration plants, Vehicle engines or in foundries.

It may be appropriate that at least one surface whose optical properties tempera Influenced by tur- and / or humidity are associated with a radiation conductor and / or a radiation distribution. Preferably, at least one windshield, rear window and / or a mirror is arranged on the device, in particular one of its radiation conductors and / or a radiation distribution device, that these can be tempered by a radiation source, preferably by arranged on or in the glass pane glass fibers and / or by Halogen lamps or engine waste heat.

It can also be provided that the device with an electric Heating element is combined. This is z. B. an electric surface heating element additionally provided to resistance ladders with radiation conductors. This could be the Seat electrically heated and with a light source with low Power consumption or low operating temperature with one color flat on choice or be selectively illuminated. For this purpose, z. B. a variety of different LED's z. B. on the wiring harness be arranged of the heating element, the radiation conductor as needed apply radiation.

1

contraption with radiation conductor

5

functional elements

5 '

function zone

8th

carrier

20

heating element

30

seat cover

32

To be monitored area

35

leveler

40

variance facility

50, 50 '

sensor

55

sensor

70 70 '

radiation guide

71, 72

end up of the radiation conductor

74

focusing device

75

radiation source

76

casing

77

Radiation guide device

76

casing

78

filter

79

impurity

88

section a radiation conductor

110

lighting device

150

Seat

200

vehicle

701 702

Ends of the light guides 70 '

711

radiating means

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) with at least one radiation conductor ( 70 . 70 ' ) which is at least partially able to conduct radiation of at least certain wavelengths and at least one variance device ( 40 ) passing through the radiation conductor ( 70 . 70 ' ) is at least partially generated, changed and / or reduced. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) at least one functional element ( 5 ), the lighting, the heating, the air conditioning and / or the detection of at least one measured variable in a vehicle ( 200 ), a vehicle seat ( 150 ), a dashboard, a steering device, a steering wheel, a door trim, a door handle, a trunk and / or a headliner is used. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variance device ( 40 ) at least one radiation source ( 75 ), a halogen lamp, an infrared radiator, a laser diode, a waste heat source, a focusing device, a mirror, an optical lens, a radiation guide device ( 77 ), a filter ( 78 ), a sensor ( 50 . 50 ' ), a thermochromic and / or fluorescent component and / or a light source. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation conductor ( 70 . 70 ' ) has at least one glass fiber, a portion of low-OH glass, a portion of partially radiation-absorbing material and / or a portion of substantially radiation at least a certain frequency range substantially without absorption of conductive material. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the radiation IR radiation, light of the optical visible wave spectrum and / or UV radiation. Electric heating element ( 20 ), in particular for vehicle seats ( 150 ), characterized in that it comprises at least one device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims. Sensor ( 50 ), in particular for monitoring an area ( 32 ) of a vehicle interior to touch and / or pressure, characterized in that the sensor at least one device ( 1 ) and / or at least one heating element ( 20 ) is assigned according to one of the preceding claims. Lighting device ( 110 ), in particular for illuminating parts of seats, dashboards and / or headliners, characterized in that they have a device ( 1 ), a heating element ( 20 ) and / or a sensor ( 50 . 50 ' ) is assigned according to one of the preceding claims. Seat ( 150 ), in particular for a vehicle ( 200 ), characterized in that it comprises at least one device ( 1 ), at least one heating element ( 20 ) and / or a sensor ( 50 . 50 ' ) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle ( 200 ), characterized in that it comprises at least one device ( 1 ), a heating element ( 20 ), a sensor ( 50 . 50 ) and / or a seat ( 150 ) according to one of the preceding claims.