DE102016010492A1 - Luminaire assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light assembly (2) for a vehicle having a housing (4), at least one light source (8) for emitting light in at least one emission direction (R), a capacitive sensor device having at least one first sensor electrode (12) Illuminant (8) and the capacitive sensor device are arranged at least partially in or on the housing (4), wherein the housing (4) at least one radiation surface (R) lying in the emission (R) with an inside of the housing (4) facing inside (22) and an outwardly facing outer side (24), wherein the outer side (24) is at least partially visible to the user when the luminaire assembly (2) is installed in the vehicle as intended, at least one first detection area (30) being provided by the capacitive sensor device ) can be monitored for an operating event for triggering at least one vehicle function, and wherein the first detection area (30) the emission surface (20) at least partially and / or the first detection region (30) of the outer side (24) of the emission surface (20) is downstream in the emission direction (R).

Description

The invention relates to a light assembly for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car or a motorcycle.

Modern vehicles usually have a variety of light assemblies. In a conventional passenger vehicle, for example, front lights, tail lights, brake lights, direction indicators, reversing lights and the like are installed. On the one hand, such luminaire assemblies serve to illuminate the surroundings in order to provide a vehicle user with sufficient visibility even in poor lighting conditions, for example at night or in the rain. Furthermore, the vehicle is better perceived by other road users in such light conditions. In addition to the above-mentioned lighting assemblies, motor vehicles often also comfort lights, such. As a trunk interior lighting or a so-called. Puddle light, which help the vehicle user to an improved and easier handling of the vehicle.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved light assembly for a vehicle, which in particular allows an improvement of the user comfort and / or safety.

This object is achieved by a light assembly with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims and the present description.

According to the invention, a light assembly for a vehicle is provided with a housing, at least one light source for emitting light in at least one emission direction, a capacitive sensor device having at least a first sensor electrode, wherein the light source and the capacitive sensor device at least partially in or on the housing are arranged, wherein the housing has at least one radiation surface lying in the radiating with an inside of the housing facing inside and an outwardly facing outside, the outside is at least partially visible when properly installed the lamp assembly in the vehicle for a user, said means of capacitive sensor device, at least one first detection area can be monitored for an operating event for triggering at least one vehicle function, and wherein the first detection area at least partially covers the emission area and / or it is the first detection area of the outside of the radiating surface downstream in the emission direction.

With the present invention, the functional scope of the lamp assembly is extended. In addition to a conventional lighting function (eg as a brake light, direction indicator or the like), the lamp assembly according to the invention additionally assigned an operating function for triggering a vehicle function. The vehicle function can, for. By the user or other object, by a predetermined operator event. The operator event may be touch-sensitive and / or non-contact. In the case of a touch-triggering operator event, the first detection region comprises the emission surface at least partially, wherein a contact thereof, for. B. with a body part of the vehicle user, the vehicle function is triggered. In a non-contact operating event, the first detection area of the outside of the radiating surface is downstream in the emission direction, so that already by an approximation, z. B. a body part of the vehicle user, which is associated with an intrusion into the first detection area, the vehicle function is triggered. Since the outside of the radiating surface is visible to the user and thus accessible from the outside, the operating event and thus the vehicle function can be triggered easily, conveniently and intuitively.

The term "operator event" is to be understood here broadly. It includes both by a vehicle user deliberately to trigger the vehicle function performed actions, as well as objects, in particular obstacles, or by z. B. unauthorized persons took actions that trigger the vehicle function unconsciously.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor device comprises a second sensor electrode, wherein the first sensor electrode, the first detection area and the second sensor electrode is associated with a second detection area. This embodiment makes it possible, in comparison to a simple approach more complex operating events such. As gestures to recognize. Such a gesture can z. B. a certain sequence of movements, for example, for coded locking and unlocking of a castle include.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle function comprises at least one comfort function. The comfort function can z. B. the starting and / or stopping of the vehicle engine, the switching on and / or off a Heizeinreichung, in particular a heater, a window heater or the like., Or triggering a lighting sequence in a (functional) testing of lighting devices.

• – das Ein- und/oder Ausklappen einer Anhängerkupplung,
• – das Öffnen und/oder Schließen einer Fahrzeugklappe, insbesondere einer Heckklappe, eines Heckdeckels, einer Seitentür, einer Schiebetür, einer Motorhaube, eines Verdecks, einer Tank- oder Ladeklappe,
• – das Verändern der Verstellgeschwindigkeit, insbesondere das Reversieren oder Stoppen, einer (motorisch betätigten) Fahrzeugklappe, insbesondere unter Anpassung einer Auslöseschwelle für die Erkennung einer Kollision oder eines Einklemmfalls,
• – das Ver- und/oder Entriegeln einer oder mehrerer Fahrzeugklappen und/oder einer Dachbox
• – das Ein- und/oder Ausklappen eines oder mehrerer Außenspiegel,
• – das Bedienen einer verstellbaren Fensterscheibe, insbesondere einer Seitenscheibe und/oder eines Schiebe- oder Panoramadaches,
• – das Konfigurieren eines Innenraumes, insbesondere durch Verstellen eines Fahrersitzes, eines Beifahrersitzes, eines Ladebodens, einer Laderaumabdeckung, eines Handschuhfaches, eines Getränkehalters, eines Spiegels,
• – das Aus- und/oder Einfahren einer Abschleppöse,
• – das Einstellen einer Fahrwerkshöhe,
• – das Ver- und/oder Entriegeln und/oder Verstellen eines Fahrradträgers,
• – das Verstellen eines Spoilers,
• – das Verstellen einer Kameraeinrichtung, insbesondere zu Reinigungs- und/oder Wartungszwecken,
• – das Sichern oder Entsichern von Ladegut mittels einer Ladegutsicherungseinrichtung
• – das Auslösen einer selbsttätigen Einparkfunktion sowie
• – das Rangieren des Fahrzeuges selbst.

The vehicle function may further include an opening function and / or an adjustment function. Examples are:

• - the folding and / or unfolding of a trailer hitch,
• The opening and / or closing of a vehicle flap, in particular a tailgate, a trunk lid, a side door, a sliding door, an engine hood, a hood, a tank or tailgate,
• The changing of the adjusting speed, in particular the reversing or stopping, of a (motor-operated) vehicle flap, in particular by adapting a triggering threshold for the detection of a collision or a trapping case,
• - The locking and / or unlocking of one or more vehicle doors and / or a roof box
• - the folding and / or unfolding of one or more exterior mirrors,
• The operation of an adjustable window pane, in particular a side window and / or a sliding or panoramic roof,
• The configuration of an interior, in particular by adjusting a driver's seat, a passenger's seat, a loading floor, a load compartment cover, a glove box, a cup holder, a mirror,
• - the extension and / or retraction of a towing eye,
• The setting of a suspension height,
• The locking and / or unlocking and / or adjusting a bicycle carrier,
• - adjusting a spoiler,
• The adjustment of a camera device, in particular for cleaning and / or maintenance purposes,
• - The securing or unlocking of cargo by means of a cargo securing device
• - the triggering of an automatic parking function as well
• - The maneuvering of the vehicle itself.

• – einer Kollisionsschutzüberwachung, insbesondere einer Einklemmschutzüberwachung,
• – einer Rückraumüberwachung beim Rückwärtsfahren,
• – einer Erkennung eines angekuppelten Anhängers und/oder
• – einer Erkennung eines während der Fahrt taumelnden Anhängers.

The vehicle function may further include a safety function. This may, for example, be the monitoring of the detection area or areas on an obstacle in the frame

• A collision protection monitoring, in particular an anti-trap monitoring,
• - a rear space monitoring when reversing,
• - Detection of a coupled trailer and / or
• - A recognition of a tumbling trailer while driving.

It is also possible that the security function comprises activating an alarm system, wherein in particular the detection area or areas are monitored in the context of a theft monitoring for intrusion of an unauthorized person.

• – das Anzeigen einer Bewegung eines Stellelements, insbesondere einer Fahrzeugklappe,
• – das Hinweisen auf Bedienelemente des Fahrzeugs,
• – das Anzeigen eines Kollisionsfalles, insbesondere eines Einklemmfalls,
• – das Projizieren eines Lichtkegels in die Umgebung, z. B. auf eine rückwärtige Wand bei Rückwärtsfahrt,
• – das Anzeigen von Hinweisen für nachfolgende Fahrzeuge, z. B. beim Einparken,
• – das Anzeigen eines Tankfüllstandes oder einer Ladezustandes einer Batterie, z. B. auf einem in einer Fahrzeugscheibe oder eine Klappe integrierten Display,
• – das Anzeigen einer Fehlbedienung, beispielsweise beim gestengesteuerten Öffnen einer Heckklappe,
• – das Anzeigen einer Position einer Person oder eines Objektes in einem Bereich in der Fahrzeugumgebung.

The vehicle function may further include a display function and / or a communication function. The display or communication function can be associated with one of the above-mentioned vehicle functions or even triggered by a control event. In this case, the display or communication function is realized by lighting up and / or flashing of the lighting means and in particular further lighting means, possibly in a predetermined sequence. Examples are:

• Displaying a movement of an actuating element, in particular a vehicle flap,
• The indication of controls of the vehicle,
• Displaying a collision case, in particular a trapping case,
• - projecting a cone of light into the environment, e.g. B. on a rear wall when reversing,
• - the display of instructions for subsequent vehicles, z. When parking,
• - Displaying a tank level or a state of charge of a battery, eg. B. on an integrated in a vehicle window or a flap display,
• The display of a faulty operation, for example during the gesture-controlled opening of a tailgate,
• - displaying a position of a person or an object in an area in the vehicle environment.

The vehicle may be a conventional passenger vehicle, a motorcycle, or an e-bike. It is also conceivable that the vehicle is a special vehicle such. As a tow truck, a lift or a crane, the vehicle function may include corresponding special functions.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the lamp assembly additionally comprises a biometric sensor, for. B. a fingerprint sensor for authentication of a vehicle user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light assembly is designed as a rear light assembly, as a front light assembly, as license plate light, as a side mirror light, or as an interior light, in particular trunk interior light.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the sensor electrodes is formed of a reflector of an electrically conductive material. This makes the electrode out of one anyway existing component space-saving and cost-effective design. The electrical contacting of the reflector forming the sensor electrode can be effected via a conventional electrical line, inductive or capacitive.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the sensor electrodes is formed from an electrically conductive part of the lamp, wherein preferably the lamp comprises one or more LED (light-emitting diode, also called light-emitting diode). The illuminant may additionally or alternatively also comprise one or more incandescent lamps.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the sensor electrodes is vapor-deposited on the housing or injected into the housing, wherein the sensor electrode is preferably made of a material transparent to the light emitted by the light source, for. B. indium tin oxide is formed. Preferably, the sensor electrode is provided on the inside of the radiating surface. It is also conceivable to form the sensor electrode as a planar, metallic structure or as a printed conductor track (similar to a heating wire for rear window heaters).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor device comprises a control and evaluation device which is electrically connected to the first and possibly the second sensor electrode and which is arranged at least partially in or on the housing. This creates a compact and testable light assembly that is easy to install in the vehicle. Preferably, the control and evaluation device is integrated in a control electronics of at least one light source.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and possibly the second detection range can be monitored by means of the capacitive sensor device for at least two different operating events, the operating events being assigned different vehicle functions. Several variants are conceivable for the definition of operating events. So z. For example, a first operation event may be determined by the approach and entry into the first detection area and a second operation event by the approach and the penetration into the second detection area. It is also possible to use motion sequences, i. H. to define the penetration into the detection areas in a certain order as operating events.

For example, a first operator event may refer to the opening or closing of a door from the stationary state of the door, while a second operator event is related to the stopping of the moving door. In this case, the first operating event is preferably defined as a movement sequence such that a user must roam the first detection area and the second detection area, if necessary in a predetermined sequence. The second operator event, on the other hand, is defined as a simple approach or touch. Ie. a user merely has to enter the first or second detection area to trigger a valid operator event, which then causes the door to stop, e.g. B. in a dangerous situation triggers.

The invention will now be described in more detail by means of an embodiment with reference to the single appended figure, which shows a light assembly according to the invention in a schematic view.

With the reference number 2 the lighting assembly is referred to in the form of a tail lamp assembly of a motor vehicle. The reference number 4 denotes a housing in which a control and evaluation 6 (Electronic Control Unit, short: ECU), a bulb 8th in the form of an LED, a reflector 10 , a first sensor electrode 12 and a second sensor electrode 14 are included.

The light source 8th has an electrical supply connection 16 on and is over a supply line 18 with the control and evaluation device 6 electrically connected such that an electrical voltage to the lighting means 8th put on and the bulb 8th for emitting light in a radiation direction R can be controlled. The light passes through a transparent radiating surface 20 in the emission direction R from the housing 4 out. The radiating surface 20 has a to the interior of the housing 4 directed inside 22 and from the inside 22 facing away, outward outside 24 on.

The first sensor electrode 12 and the second sensor electrode 14 are each on the inside 22 of the housing 4 as evaporated, for that of the light source 8th emitted light transparent indium tin oxide layer formed. The first sensor electrode 12 is via a first electrode line 26 and the second sensor electrode 14 via a second electrode line 28 with the control and evaluation device 6 electrically connected. The first electrode line 26 and the second electrode line 28 can each be designed as shielded lines. With the control and evaluation device 6 can via the first electrode line 26 or the second electrode line 28 to the first sensor electrode 12 or second sensor electrode 14 an alternating voltage is applied. This raises one of the first sensor electrode 12 associated first detection area 30 and one of the second sensor electrode 14 assigned second detection range 32 , each in the form of an electric field, a. Both coverage areas 30 . 32 are the outside 24 downstream in the emission direction R. The two detection areas 30 . 32 So lie outside the case 4 ,

The two sensor electrodes 12 . 14 each form a capacitor against reference potential (here against ground). Penetration of a body part of a vehicle user into the respective detection area 30 . 32 , here by way of example a hand 34 in the second coverage area 32 , is accompanied by a change in capacity, which by the control and evaluation 6 can be evaluated by means of a capacitance signal. If the capacitance signal reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, possibly for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of (consecutive) measured values, the approach of the hand applies 34 as recognized. In the illustrated example, a valid operator event is defined as a motion sequence, which is initially a recognition of the approach of the hand 34 in the first coverage area 30 and then (within a predetermined period of time) recognizing the approach of the hand 34 in the second coverage area 32 includes. Is the operating event of the control and evaluation 6 detected as valid, a motorized opening or closing a tailgate is initiated from a stationary state out.

During the opening or closing of the tailgate, which z. B. by means of signals of a motion sensor, in particular a Hall sensor can be detected, it can lead to a collision (for example, a pinching) of the tailgate with an object or a person. In order to ensure a quick stopping of the tailgate here, in this situation, a control event as a simple approach, so a hand intrusion 34 , in only the first detection area 30 or the second detection area 32 , which is associated with the achievement of a threshold defined. In the event of an impending collision or imminent jamming, a vehicle user can move the tailgate with an "emergency stop" function by simply approaching the light assembly 2 or simply touching the radiating surface 20 the luminaire module 2 cause.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

light assembly

4

casing

6

Control and evaluation device

8th

Lamp

10

reflector

12

First sensor electrode

14

Second sensor electrode

16

supply terminal

18

supply line

20

radiating

22

inside

24

outside

26

First electrode line

28

Second electrode line

30

First detection area

32

Second detection area

34

hand

R

radiation direction

Claims (10)

Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) for a vehicle with a housing ( 4 ), at least one light source ( 8th ) for emitting light in at least one emission direction (R), a capacitive sensor device having at least one first sensor electrode ( 12 ), whereby the illuminant ( 8th ) and the capacitive sensor device at least partially in or on the housing ( 4 ) are arranged, wherein the housing ( 4 ) at least one radiation surface (R) lying in the emission ( 20 ) with a to the interior of the housing ( 4 ) facing inside ( 22 ) and an outwardly facing exterior ( 24 ), wherein the outside ( 24 ) when the luminaire module is installed as intended ( 2 ) is at least partially visible in the vehicle for a user, wherein by means of the capacitive sensor device at least a first detection area ( 30 ) can be monitored for an operating event for triggering at least one vehicle function, and wherein the first detection area ( 30 ) the radiating surface ( 20 ) at least partially and / or the first coverage area ( 30 ) of the outside ( 24 ) of the radiating surface ( 20 ) is downstream in the emission direction (R). Luminaire assembly ( 2 ), according to claim 1, wherein the capacitive sensor device comprises a second sensor electrode ( 14 ), wherein the first sensor electrode ( 12 ) the first detection area ( 30 ) and the second sensor electrode ( 14 ) a second coverage area ( 32 ) assigned. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle function comprises at least one comfort function, an opening function, an adjustment function, a safety function, a display function and / or a communication function. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a rear lamp assembly, as a front light assembly, as license plate light, as a side mirror light, or as an interior light, in particular trunk interior light. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one the sensor electrodes ( 12 . 14 ) from a reflector ( 10 ) is formed of an electrically conductive material. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one of the sensor electrodes ( 12 . 14 ) from an electrically conductive part of the illuminant ( 8th ), wherein preferably the luminous means comprises an LED. Luminaire assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one of the sensor electrodes ( 12 . 14 ) on the housing ( 4 ) or in the housing ( 4 ) is injected, wherein preferably the sensor electrode ( 12 . 14 ) from one for the of the light source ( 8th ) emitted light transparent material is formed. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capacitive sensor device is electrically connected to the first and possibly the second sensor electrode ( 12 . 14 ) connected control and evaluation device ( 6 ), which at least partially in or on the housing ( 4 ) is arranged. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 8, wherein the control and evaluation device ( 6 ) in a drive electronics of the at least one light source ( 8th ) is integrated. Luminaire assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and possibly the second detection range ( 30 . 32 ) can be monitored for at least two different operating events by means of the capacitive sensor device, and wherein different vehicle functions are assigned to the operating events.

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