DE102017209006A1 - Method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior and device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior (I), wherein a textile surface (13) of an inner lining (11) is illuminated by light of at least one light source (15) to a visible side (S) of the inner lining (11). The invention proposes that light of the at least one luminous means (15) is coupled into at least one light guide (14) arranged behind the textile fabric (13) and at a plurality of discrete light extraction points (16) of the light guide (14) in the direction of the textile fabric (FIG. 13) is decoupled. By such a method, illumination of an automotive interior (I) can be performed very efficiently and inexpensively. The invention also discloses an apparatus for performing the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method having the features of the preamble of patent claim 4.

A method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a device having the features of the preamble of claim 4 are known from DE 10 2006 012 606 A1 known. In this document, an interior trim panel of a vehicle is disclosed. Specifically, the interior lining has a dimensionally stable structural part, which is covered by a fabric layer. Between the dimensionally stable structural part and the fabric layer, a light-emitting layer with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is arranged. In particular, the individual LEDs are arranged like a matrix and connected to each other via a plurality of connecting lines. The luminous means layer is thus designed to emit light over a large area in the direction of an interior of the vehicle provided with the interior trim panel.

In the DE 10 2012 006 712 A1 a self-illuminating fabric for vehicle interior lighting is described. The fabric comprises three layers arranged one above the other. In this case, a first layer has a first fabric of first warp and first weft threads. A second layer arranged above the first layer comprises optical fibers, at the end of which light can be coupled in, which can be emitted laterally through the optical fibers. Finally, a third layer of transparent yarns is disposed over the second layer, wherein the first fabric layer is interwoven in some places with the optical fibers or the transparent yarns. It is also proposed to focus the ends of the optical fibers on one side at several points, so that light can be coupled into a plurality of optical fibers simultaneously via one illuminant at a time.

Finally, out of the DE 10 2013 020 715 A1 still a luminous textile fabric has become known, in the threads of the front side light is coupled. So that the textile fabric can shine uniformly over its entire surface, a Lichtauskoppelstruktur is proposed, which consists for the purposeful reflection of the light emerging from the light-guiding threads or yarn light from distributed arranged reflector elements. The reflector elements are adhesively bonded to the threads of the textile fabric on one side of the surface of the textile fabric. For the coupling of light, for example, a plurality of threads can be bundled together and supplied with the aid of a sleeve connector with light. The light coupling can also be done via an LED strip, so that each lamp is assigned a light source.

The solutions that can be taken from the prior art are technically complex and sometimes require a large number of light sources in order to achieve a desired light emission.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior, by means of which a motor vehicle interior can be illuminated in a simple manner and with the use of a few illuminants. Another object of the invention is to provide a suitable apparatus for carrying out the method.

Present objects are achieved with the features of claim 1 and the features of claim 4. Advantageous embodiments or developments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

With regard to the method, the invention is based on a method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior, wherein a textile fabric of an interior lining is illuminated by light of at least one light source towards a visible side of the interior lining.

A textile fabric is known to mean such a structure which consists of at least two mutually perpendicular or nearly perpendicular standing and interconnected layers of threads. The threads in one (longitudinal) direction are called warp yarns and the yarns in the other direction perpendicular thereto are weft yarns.

The invention now proposes that light of the at least one luminous means is coupled into at least one light guide which is arranged behind the textile surface and is decoupled again at a plurality of discrete light extraction points of the light guide in the direction of the textile fabric.

Instead of a plurality of light sources (eg LEDs) for backlighting of the textile fabric, a plurality of discrete (ie individual, mutually distinguishable and therefore countable) light output points are arranged in a targeted and distributed manner in the light guide. The discrete light extraction points can thus take over the function of the otherwise necessary light source. Namely, the function of realizing a multitude of point-like light sources behind the textile fabric, which emit their light in the direction of the textile fabric.

It can thus be achieved a significant reduction of lamps and thus the cost.

The illumination of the motor vehicle interior can be designed to be particularly original if the light of the at least one light source is coupled into such a textile fabric, by which three-dimensional appearing light effects can be generated. Such textile fabrics are freely available on the market. Depending on the arrangement and distribution of the discrete light extraction points in the light guide used or in the light guides used, a wide variety of three-dimensional appearing light effects can be generated when using such textile fabrics. Thus, a very original and attractive ambient lighting can be generated in the motor vehicle.

Another development of the invention proposes that the at least one light source is activated as a function of a specific driving situation or as a function of a specific vehicle state. In this way, the illumination of the motor vehicle interior can also be used to visualize certain driving situations or vehicle conditions.

For example, it is conceivable when switching on the ignition of the vehicle, the illumination of the interior first in red light (should signal: Attention, still wait!) And system-side determination of a driving readiness in green light (to signal: free ride!) To let appear. It is also conceivable that the colors of the interior lighting in a parking operation of the color green (uncritical, sufficient distance) to the color red (critical, dense distance) are changed. The list is not to be considered as conclusive here.

As already mentioned, the invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention. Here, the invention is based on a device with at least one textile fabric of an inner lining, which is transilluminable by light of at least one light source to a visible side of the inner lining or is illuminated.

According to the invention, a light guide is arranged in the device behind the textile fabric. Light of the at least one luminous means can be coupled into the optical waveguide or is coupled into it. In this case, a plurality of discrete Lichtauskoppelstellen are present in the light guide, via which the light in the direction of the fabric is decoupled again or is coupled out.

With such a device, the method is well practicable.

In order to keep the device low in their space and parts requirements and still allow large areas of light emission, it is proposed that the at least one light guide is plate-shaped or disc-like. In the light guide can then be coupled in a simple manner laterally light.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one light guide is rod-shaped or strip-like. In this case, the light guide may have, for example, a round or oval cross-section. A rectangular, for example rectangular or square cross-section is also conceivable. By means of a rod-like or strip-like design, greater flexibility is achieved in terms of assembly, for example in the case of small installation space ratios. Several rod or strip-like light guides can be easily arranged as needed.

An embodiment of the invention also proposes that the at least one optical waveguide has an outline which, viewed in a plan view of the visible side of the inner cladding, at least largely fills out an outline of the textile fabric. This ensures optimal utilization of the transmittable surface of the textile fabric.

If light of different colors can be emitted or emitted by the at least one luminous means, the producible light effects can be optimally adapted to individual requirements. In addition, it is thus even better possible to visualize different vehicle states or driving situations. For this purpose, it is conceivable, for example, to use RGB LEDs with which light of very different color can be emitted.

In order to be able to visualize certain vehicle states or specific driving situations, it is further proposed in a development of the invention that an evaluation and control device for controlling the at least one light source is present, which is signal-connected with sensors for detecting a specific vehicle state and / or for detecting a specific driving situation is.
Finally, with the invention, a motor vehicle to be placed under protection, which is equipped with at least one device according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures in the following description. This will also be further advantages of the invention clearly. The same reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to the same, comparable or functionally identical components. In this case, corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description or reference does not occur.

• 1 ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Beleuchtung des Innenraums,
• 2 eine Schnittdarstellung der Vorrichtung gemäß Schnittverlauf II aus 1,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Ansicht III aus 2, wobei zur besseren Darstellung jedoch das textile Flächengebilde entfernt wurde,
• 4 eine Ansicht vergleichbar mit 3, jedoch in einer alternativen Ausführungsform,
• 5 ein Signalschaubild zur Veranschaulichung der Ansteuerung der Leuchtmittel und
• 6 die Darstellung eines möglichen Lichteffektes durch die Vorrichtung, bei eingeschalteten Leuchtmitteln.

It show, each schematically

• 1 a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention for illuminating the interior,
• 2 a sectional view of the device according to section line II 1 .
• 3 a plan view of the device according to view III 2 However, for better illustration, however, the textile fabric has been removed,
• 4 a view similar to 3 but in an alternative embodiment,
• 5 a signal diagram for illustrating the control of the lighting means and
• 6 the representation of a possible light effect by the device, with switched on bulbs.

It will first refer to the 1 taken. In this figure is a motor vehicle K evident, which in its interior I with devices according to the invention 10 for lighting the interior I Is provided. In the figure is only one device 10 visible in the passenger door area. Equally, devices according to the invention are also in other places in the interior I of the motor vehicle K present, for example in the area of the other doors and in the area of the headliner.

The device 10 is through an interior lining 11 formed, which has an opening through a fabric 13 is covered. With U is an external environment of the motor vehicle K quantified.

As based on the 2 It can be seen, is the interior lining 11 in a manner not shown with a shell 17 of the motor vehicle K , in this case connected to a door structure. The opening 12 is formed in the present embodiment, approximately rectangular in shape and through the textile fabric 13 locked. Behind the textile fabric 13 , so the interior I turned away, is in the interior paneling 11 a plate-like light guide 14 arranged.

In the light guide 14 becomes the light of several bulbs 15 frontally from an upper side in a Lichteinkoppelrichtung LE coupled. It is also conceivable, if necessary, light from several (for example, opposite) sides in the light guide 14 to couple (not shown). Furthermore, in the light guide 14 a plurality of discrete (ie individual) Lichtauskoppelstellen 16 arranged distributed. About the light extraction points 16 the coupled light is in a direction perpendicular to Lichteinkoppelrichtung LE extending Lichtauskoppelrichtung LA again in the direction of the textile fabric 13 decoupled, this illuminates and exits from the interior I facing visible side S the interior lining 11 or of the textile fabric 13 in the interior I into it.

In the 3 For the sake of clarity, the fabric is the textile fabric 13 out of the opening 12 taken. It is particularly clear that both the opening 12 as well as the light guide 14 are each formed in their outline in approximately rectangular. The outline of the plate-like light guide 14 is almost as big as the outline of the opening 12 so fill the opening 12 in the presentation to a large extent. The light is coupled in via an overhead light bar 15a holding a variety of row-like bulbs arranged side by side 15 having. The bulbs 15 are designed as RGB LEDs (multicolor LEDs) and can emit light of different colors.

It is also clear that the light extraction points 16 discrete, that is arranged separately from each other and preferably formed point-like. The light extraction points 16 can thus replace a variety of point-like bulbs (eg. LEDs), which would be necessary in the prior art to achieve the same technical effect.

Instead of the plate-like light guide 14 It is also conceivable that one or more rod or strip-like light guide 14 ' are used, which also each with discrete light extraction points 16 are provided. This provides great flexibility as the light guides 14 ' can be formed as equal parts and different requirements in a simple manner by appropriate alignment and arrangement of the light guide 14 ' can be accomplished. In each of the light guides 14 ' becomes light of a light source 15 coupled. Again, the bulbs are 15 preferably designed as RGB LEDs. Here, too, if necessary, light from several (for example, opposite) sides in the light guide 14 ' be coupled (not shown).

Based on 5 is shown that an evaluation and control unit 18 is present, which via a bus system 19 signaling with the bulbs 15 and with other components of the motor vehicle K connected is. For example, there is a signaling connection with a light sensor 20 , with ultrasonic sensors 21 as well as with an ignition 22 ,

About the light sensor 20 can be a brightness of the environment U be recorded. Depending on this, the evaluation and control unit controls 18 the bulbs 15 at. Specifically, the light intensity of the irradiated light of the bulbs 15 reduced in a dark lighting environment and magnified as the light environment becomes brighter.

About the signal-technical coupling with the ultrasonic sensors 21 can be a driving situation when parking the motor vehicle K be visualized. So are at a sufficient distance of the motor vehicle K to an obstacle the bulbs 15 from the evaluation and control unit 18 controlled so that they emit light in green color. At a thickening distance is from the bulb 15 Light in yellow color and at a very dense, critical distance light emitted in red.

About the signal-technical coupling of the evaluation and control unit 18 with the ignition 22 the activation of the ignition and a subsequently confirmed driving readiness can be visualized. So when switching on the ignition 22 the bulbs 15 from the evaluation and control unit 18 Initially controlled so that they emit light in red. This indicates that the ignition has been switched on, but that there is no ready to drive. Will after checking important components of the motor vehicle K On the system side, a readiness to travel, the bulbs are 15 controlled so that they emit light in green color. The driver now knows that the vehicle is ready to drive and can start the vehicle and drive off. A short time later, the light of the bulbs goes out 15 again, unless an interior lighting is activated.

Finally shows 6 a possible expression of three-dimensional light effects 23 , by means of the textile fabric 13 are feasible. In the embodiment, the light effects 23 as arcuate from the surface of the textile fabric 13 protruding structures recognizable. Depending on the arrangement and number of discrete light extraction points 16 However, other lighting effects are achievable.

Preferably, as a textile fabric 13 uses such a textile fabric, by which three-dimensional appearing light effects can be generated. Such textile fabrics are now available on the market. Particularly preferred such a fabric is used, which has a two-ply fabric structure of a layer of warp threads and from a one-sided on the warp threads lying layer of weft threads. The warp threads and the weft threads are knitted essentially in a straight line and each span a separate plane. Furthermore, in the case of the preferably used fabric, the thread density of the weft thread layer is several times greater than the thread density of the warp thread layer.

The threads may consist of a polymer material, of mineral fibers or of an inorganic material such as metal.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device for illuminating a motor vehicle interior

11

interior panelling

12

opening

13

textile fabric

14, 14 '

optical fiber

15

Lamp

15a

light bar

16

discrete light extraction points

17

shell

18

Evaluation and control unit

19

bus system

20

light sensor

21

ultrasonic sensors

22

ignition

23

lighting effects

I

inner space

K

motor vehicle

LA

Lichtauskoppelrichtung

LE

Lichteinkoppelrichtung

S

Main page

U

Surroundings

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006012606 A1 [0002]
• DE 102012006712 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013020715 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for illuminating a motor vehicle interior (I), wherein a textile fabric (13) of an interior lining (11) is illuminated by light from at least one illuminant (15) to a visible side (S) of the interior lining (11), characterized in that Light of the at least one luminous means (15) is coupled into at least one optical waveguide (14, 14 ') arranged behind the textile fabric (13) and at a plurality of discrete light outcoupling sites (16) of the optical waveguide (14, 14') in the direction of the textile fabric ( 13) is decoupled again. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the light of the at least one luminous means (15) is coupled into such a textile fabric (13), by which three-dimensional appearing light effects (23) can be generated. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one light-emitting means (15) is activated as a function of a specific driving situation or as a function of a specific vehicle state. Device (10) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one textile fabric (13) of an inner lining (11) which can be transilluminated by light from at least one luminous means (15) to a visible side (S) of the inner lining (11) is or is illuminated, characterized in that behind the textile fabric (13) a light guide (14, 14 ') is arranged and light of the at least one light source (15) in the light guide (14, 14') can be coupled or coupled, wherein in the light guide (14, 14 ') a plurality of discrete Lichtauskoppelstellen (16) are provided, via which the light in the direction of the textile fabric (13) is decoupled or decoupled. Device (10) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one light guide (14) is plate-shaped or disc-like. Device (10) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one light guide (14 ') is rod-shaped or strip-like. Device (10) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the at least one light guide (14) has an outline which, viewed in a plan view of the visible side (S) of the inner lining (11), at least substantially fills out an outline of the textile fabric (13). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by the at least one lighting means (10) light of different colors is emitted or emitted. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation and control device (18) for controlling the at least one lighting means (15) is provided, wherein the evaluation and control device (18) signal by means of sensors (20, 21 , 22) is connected to detect a specific vehicle condition and / or to detect a specific driving situation. Motor vehicle (K), characterized by at least one device (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 9 ,

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