DE102019109739A1 - Method and device for providing a first and second light function in a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In the method for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle, light for the first light function is coupled into a vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a first direction of propagation and that in a decoupling area (3 ) the vehicle window pane (2) a first luminous area is formed. For the second light function, light is coupled into the vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a second direction of propagation and that a second lighting area is formed in the decoupling area (3) of the vehicle window pane (2). The first and second directions of propagation run obliquely to one another. The device for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle (1) comprises a vehicle window pane (2) with a coupling-out area (3) and at least one light source (4, 5, 6) for emitting light.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for providing a first and second light function in a vehicle.

When designing modern vehicles, especially motor vehicles, only relatively small areas are often provided for light and lighting functions. Current developments in lighting technology make it possible to design the lights required to operate the vehicles very freely and to integrate them into the appearance of the vehicle. At the same time, it is of central importance for safe driving that light signals can continue to be output in a clearly visible manner for other road users.

In addition, various exterior surfaces of vehicles are used to give them a desired appearance, for example in the sense of a brand identity or individualization for individual customers or customer groups, or to provide information and advertising space.

The US 7,791,785 B2 describes a motor vehicle window on which a controllable display can be generated. A controllable medium for the display is integrated into a pane, for example capsules with electronic ink, LCD pixels or OLED.

The DE 10 2017 216 657 A1 describes a window pane device for a window of a motor vehicle, light coupled into the pane on a narrow side being guided and decoupled from the pane with decoupling elements. This makes it possible to illuminate the interior of the vehicle, while at the same time it is less visible from the outside.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a method and a device of the type mentioned in the introduction, in which different light functions can be implemented in a particularly compact manner and clearly visible to other road users.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of claim 8. Advantageous refinements and developments result from the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle, light is coupled into a vehicle window pane for the first light function in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane along a first direction of propagation and that a first luminous area is formed in a decoupling area of the vehicle window pane . For the second light function, light is coupled into the vehicle window pane in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane along a second direction of propagation and that a second luminous area is formed in the coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane. The first and second directions of propagation run obliquely to one another.

As a result, the vehicle window pane can advantageously be used in a particularly flexible manner to output various light functions. With a significant reduction in the tree space required, signals can still be output particularly clearly to other road users.

In the context of the invention, a “vehicle window pane” denotes a pane for a window of a vehicle which is arranged in such a way that it is possible to see through it from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to the outside or vice versa. The surfaces of the vehicle window pane, in particular the surfaces through which it is possible to see through, are referred to below as "see-through surfaces". The vehicle window pane can have measures which prevent it from being seen through, for example by means of a dark film; nevertheless, these areas are also referred to below as see-through areas, since a view through would be possible without the additional measures. The vehicle window pane also has further sides, which are referred to below as “narrow sides” or “edges” of the vehicle window pane and which extend essentially in a direction of the thickness of the vehicle window pane. The narrow sides in particular have an area of at most one tenth, preferably at most one hundredth of the area of the transparent areas. A narrow side of the vehicle window pane can in particular run perpendicular to a see-through surface or connect at right angles to an adjoining region of a see-through surface.

When light is “coupled in” within the meaning of the invention, the light enters the vehicle window pane in such a way that it is guided inside by total reflection. Total reflection occurs when light, emanating from an optically denser medium, such as the vehicle window pane, hits a boundary surface with an optically thinner medium, such as air in the vicinity of the vehicle window pane, and when the angle of incidence of the light relative to the boundary surface exceeds a critical angle . Total reflection therefore occurs in particular when the coupled-in light is at a suitable angle above the critical angle hits a transparent surface from the inside of the vehicle window pane. In particular, the coupling takes place on a narrow side of the vehicle window pane. Coupling in the sense of the invention is in contrast to the passage of light through the vehicle window pane, in which light strikes one of the transparent surfaces, passes the vehicle window pane and emerges again at the opposite transparent surface. At most, scattering effects result in a slight coupling and conduction in the vehicle window pane, or a change in the direction of propagation through calculation.

In the invention, the “direction of propagation” of light in the vehicle window pane in particular denotes an optical axis along which the light propagates. The light does not necessarily have to follow a distribution symmetrical about the optical axis, but the optical axis can, for example, correspond to a course of a center of gravity line of an intensity distribution of the light. For example, the light can be emitted by a light source and coupled into the vehicle window pane in such a way that the light distribution is fanned out, the light distribution having a cross section that increases in the direction of propagation; the direction of propagation then corresponds to a mean direction in which the coupled-in light propagates. The direction of propagation runs in particular parallel to the transparent surfaces of the vehicle window pane, the flat angles required for total reflection relative to the transparent surfaces not being taken into account.

The coupling out of the light in the coupling-out area takes place in a manner known per se. In particular, for this purpose, decoupling elements or decoupling structures are arranged on a transparent surface in such a way that light that strikes the outcoupling area from the interior of the vehicle window no longer meets the requirements for total reflection, in particular because the angle of incidence is smaller than the critical angle of total reflection. The incident light is then not reflected, but at least partially emerges from the vehicle window pane, which functions as a light guide.

The coupling-out structures can be designed in different ways known per se. For example, they can include prismatic structures or irregular structures on the surface of the transparent area in the coupling-out area. Such structures can be formed in the transparent surface, for example, by means of engraving or etching. They can also be encompassed by a film that is applied to the transparent surface and, in particular, is glued on. Films in which, for example, prismatic structures are formed, can be applied particularly easily and are particularly advantageous where panes are mechanically stressed, for example in a vehicle window pane mounted under tension, in which structures formed directly in the glass surface could lead to a local weakening .

The coupling-out area is in particular formed in such a way that the light coupled out there is radiated essentially into the exterior and / or the interior of the vehicle. In this way, depending on the application, undesired light emission into the interior can be avoided, for example when the largest possible part of the coupled-in light is to be used for a signal to other road users. For this purpose, the coupling-out area can in particular comprise coupling-out structures in such a way that an intensity distribution is designed as a function of a viewing angle such that a maximum of the coupled-out light is visible to the other road user. On the other hand, by means of suitable structures, light emission can be directed specifically into the interior space, for example in order to achieve illumination of the interior space.

In one embodiment, a protective layer, for example a protective film or a glass layer, for example a cover glass such as "Gorilla Glass®" (Corning) or a comparable glass, is arranged over the coupling-out structures, i.e. on the side facing away from the interior of the vehicle window pane and covering the coupling-out structures . The protective layer can prevent the deposition of dirt in the structured areas and / or avoid mechanical stress. For example, side windows of a vehicle can typically be sunk into a shaft in the door and are guided along a rubber lip in the process. With other windows, a wiper can exert mechanical stress on the structures.

In the method according to the invention, the directions of propagation of the light for the first and second light functions run obliquely to one another. That is, they are not parallel to each other. In particular, this also excludes the case in which the directions of propagation for different light functions run exactly opposite one another. The directions of propagation run in particular in the plane of the vehicle window pane, in particular parallel to at least one transparent surface.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first and second directions of propagation run perpendicular to one another. The Light functions can thereby advantageously be separated from one another in a particularly clear manner.

In a further embodiment, the light for the first light function is coupled in on a first and for the second light function on a second narrow side of the vehicle window pane, the first and second narrow sides running at an angle to one another. In particular, the narrow sides at the point where the light is coupled in for the first or second light function are at an angle of at least 45 °, preferably at least 80 °, more preferably exactly 90 ° to one another. As a result, directions of propagation of the light in the vehicle window pane that run obliquely to one another are advantageously achieved in a particularly simple manner.

In particular, the vehicle window pane has a shape which defines edges that run at an angle to one another, the light being coupled in on different narrow sides. The vehicle window pane has, in particular, a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape.

In a further development, the first and the second luminous area have a first and second width extension perpendicular to the first and second direction of propagation, the first and / or second width extension being formed as a function of a control signal. As a result, the luminous area can advantageously be designed to be particularly flexible, for example in order to distinguish the first and second light functions from one another or in order to be able to output different information using the light functions. The control signal can be formed, for example, as a function of a parameter that is detected by means of a detection unit.

The width extension is understood in particular to mean that it also describes the entire width of a light distribution in which no contiguous luminous area is formed. That is, if several decoupling elements with separate surface areas are formed in the decoupling area, then the width of the luminous area can be defined as the entire width of the area within which light is decoupled for the respective light function.

Furthermore, the first and / or the second luminous area can have a longitudinal extent which runs parallel to the direction of propagation of the coupled-in light in the vehicle window pane. In particular, the longitudinal extension is formed in such a way that the luminous area extends in the direction of propagation and with a specific width extension over the entire coupling-out area.

In one embodiment, a strength of a braking process of the vehicle is recorded and the first decoupling area can be illuminated as a function of the recorded strength of the braking process. As a result, other road users can advantageously be signaled with what strength braking is being carried out and what behavior of the vehicle can be expected.

The strength of the braking process can be recorded in various ways. For example, the actual deceleration of the vehicle can be detected. Furthermore, an exerted braking force or the position of a brake pedal can be detected. In this way, it can be detected, for example, whether the driver of the vehicle only applies slight braking or whether the vehicle is decelerating considerably.

For example, a dynamic brake light is implemented in which the light area is formed as a function of the strength of the braking process. In particular, the width extension of the luminous area is varied, while the longitudinal extension remains constant along the direction of propagation. For example, the luminous area extends along its longitudinal extent over an entire width of a coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane, while its width extent in a direction perpendicular to it is greater, the stronger the detected braking process.

In a further embodiment, the first and / or second luminous area is formed at a lateral position, the lateral position being formed as a function of a control signal. As a result, a particularly large number of light functions and signals can advantageously be generated.

For example, the extent of a luminous area can be defined by a position, for example at a defined edge or corner point, and a width extent. If necessary, a length extension can also be defined or the luminous area can extend in the extension direction of the coupled-in light over the entire length of the coupling-out region.

The position of the luminous area can be formed, for example, as a function of a detected parameter value, for example in order to output a braking strength, a steering angle or another parameter. The position of the luminous area can also change dynamically, in particular periodically.

In a further development, the first and / or second light function is a running light with a Running direction formed. This advantageously enables a signal to be output particularly clearly for other road users.

In the case of a running light, the luminous area changes in its arrangement and / or expansion over time. In particular, surface areas arranged next to one another or along a direction of extension are illuminated one after the other in a running direction, so that an impression of a change in position and / or extent, a movement or change in size of the luminous area is created. The direction of travel describes a spatial direction in which the current light emission moves or changes. The change can be made once or periodically. For example, a luminous area can grow in one or more directions and / or it can be shifted. For example, an area that grows or moves in one direction can be illuminated.

In particular, the first light function is designed as a first running light with a first running direction and the second light function as a second running light with a second running direction. In particular, the first running direction runs essentially perpendicular to the second running direction. Furthermore, the running direction of a running light runs essentially perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light coupled in to generate the luminous area.

For example, one of the light functions can be a wiper indicator, that is to say a direction indicator, in which a dynamic light function is formed with a movement sequence in the direction of a planned change of direction.

In a further embodiment, an activation signal is received and the first and / or second light function is carried out as a function of the activation signal. For example, the activation signal can be received on the basis of an approach of an activation object, for example a key or a mobile user device, or on the basis of user actuation, for example by means of a radio signal or actuation of an operating element of the vehicle. In this way, for example, a greeting for a user can be implemented, for example by activating a light function when a user approaches the vehicle, unlocks it, gets in or brings about a certain operating state.

The first and second luminous areas can be designed in such a way that they intersect in a partial area. For example, the luminous areas of the first and second light function can extend in their respective direction of propagation over the entire coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane. That is to say, there is a partial area of the coupling-out area in which light is coupled out in both the first and the second light function. This also means that when the first and second light functions are generated at the same time in the partial area, light for the various light functions, possibly with different intensities and / or colors, is mixed. This can be desired, for example in order to represent a dynamically varying light area if at least one of the light functions is dynamic, in which case at least two light functions can be generated simultaneously. Conversely, however, the light mixing can also be undesirable, with only one of the light functions always being generated to avoid it.

The device according to the invention for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle comprises a vehicle window pane with a coupling-out area and at least one light source for emitting light. For the first light function, light emitted by the at least one light source can be coupled into the vehicle window pane in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane along a first direction of propagation and that a first lighting area is formed in the coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane. Furthermore, for the second light function, light emitted by the at least one light source can be coupled into the vehicle window pane in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane along a second direction of propagation and that a second luminous area is formed in the coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane. The first and second directions of propagation run obliquely to one another.

The device according to the invention is designed in particular to implement the method according to the invention described above. The device thus has the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the vehicle window pane is formed by means of single-pane safety glass (ESG) or laminated safety glass (VSG). The vehicle window pane can furthermore have coupling-out elements embodied in different ways, for example prismatic structures or some other structuring, in the coupling-out area. For example, structuring can be formed in the material of the vehicle window pane on one of the transparent surfaces, for example by engraving or etching, or coupling-out elements can be applied to the transparent surfaces, for example by means of a structured film. The vehicle window pane can furthermore comprise a protective layer, the coupling-out structures being arranged between the vehicle window pane and the protective layer.

In one embodiment, the light for the first and second light functions is emitted by means of different light sources. In particular, the light sources are arranged on different narrow sides of the vehicle window pane in such a way that the surface areas of the vehicle window pane through which the light is coupled in are arranged at an angle to one another, in particular at an angle of at least 45 °, preferably at least 80 °, more preferably exactly 90 ° . In particular, the vehicle window pane is essentially rectangular or trapezoidal and the light sources are arranged on different side edges of the rectangle or trapezoid.

In one embodiment, light of different colors is emitted for the first or second light function and is coupled into the vehicle window pane. For this purpose, light sources can be used, for example, which emit light of a specific color or whose emission color can be controlled, for example in the case of RGB LED elements. Various color filters can also be used.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the light source comprises a plurality of lighting elements arranged next to one another along a narrow side of the vehicle window sliding. The luminous area can thereby advantageously be formed particularly flexibly.

In particular, the luminous area can be formed with a width extension, the width extension depending on the number of activated luminous elements, in particular adjacent luminous elements being activated and their light emission being coupled into the vehicle window pane.

For example, a plurality of adjacent lighting elements of a light source can be arranged along a narrow side of the vehicle window pane and designed such that each of the lighting elements generates a light emission and couples it into the vehicle window pane so that light is guided in a strip through the vehicle window pane. In particular, the strips have an opening angle of at most 30 °, preferably at most 15 °. In particular, the luminous elements of a light source are arranged so that the direction of propagation of the coupled light is essentially the same for all luminous elements, that is, the light from the luminous elements is guided in the vehicle window pane in particularly strip-shaped areas that run parallel to one another.

In one embodiment, the coupling-out area comprises a multiplicity of coupling-out elements which are in particular arranged in a matrix. As a result, the first and second luminous areas can advantageously be generated in a particularly simple and sharply delimited manner.

For example, the coupling-out elements can comprise surface areas with a coupling-out structure. The surface areas can have a geometric shape, for example rectangles, diamonds, circles, ovals or points, lines, regular or irregular polygons or other shapes. The surface areas can be arranged uniformly within the matrix, for example by having the same shape and / or size; Furthermore, in this sense, uniform surface areas can be formed in part of the coupling-out area, for example in the case of a matrix with several rows, the surface areas in a row having the same shape and size and rows arranged one below the other differ in the shape and / or size of the surface areas .

Furthermore, distances can be provided between the coupling-out elements. No decoupling elements are formed within these distances, that is to say the coupled-in light is guided within the vehicle window pane, while the pane is otherwise permeable to light passing through the transparent surfaces. A suitable choice of the distances and the size of the coupling-out elements can ensure that a certain transmission is achieved and / or that an undisturbed view is possible through a certain portion of the transparent area.

In one development, the light from the light source and / or an intensity distribution of the light from a multiplicity of light elements is formed as a function of ambient brightness. For example, the light emission can be stronger the brighter the environment is, for example in daylight, so that the luminous surfaces couple out correspondingly bright light and the light functions are particularly clearly visible. Conversely, in a dark environment, the light emission can take place with lower intensity, for example to avoid dazzling other road users.

The light functions and in particular the intensity of the light coupled in for the light functions can also be formed as a function of a traffic situation, which is recorded, for example, by means of sensors in the vehicle or by means of a data connection to other vehicles (Car2Ca) or another external device (Car2X). For example, in heavy traffic or if there is a short distance from another vehicle following behind, the intensity can be designed to be lower or higher, for example by a particular to output a clearly visible and quickly detectable warning signal.

Furthermore, a position of the vehicle can be detected and the light functions and in particular the intensity of the light coupled in for the light functions can be formed as a function of the detected position. For example, the position can be assigned to a certain type of road, for example a motorway, a residential area or a parking facility. Depending on the currently detected type of road, a specific intensity and / or a specific design of a light function can then be formed. For example, particularly strong intensities of the coupled-in light and of the light that is coupled-out in the coupling-out areas can be used on a motorway. In contrast, in a residential area in which lower vehicle speeds are assumed, a lower intensity can be used for the coupled-in light. Furthermore, on the basis of the detected position, it can be determined on which side of the road or lane the vehicle is located and the luminous areas, in particular their position, width and / or intensity, can be formed on the basis of this information. For example, a higher or lower intensity can be output when the light emission coupled out from the luminous surface is emitted in the direction of a footpath or another lane.

In the case of a multiplicity of lighting elements, a resulting light distribution of the light coupled into the vehicle window pane can also be determined and the lighting elements can be controlled in such a way that a homogeneous intensity distribution is achieved within the coupling-out area. For example, due to the arrangement of the lighting elements and the type of their light emission as well as the coupling into the vehicle window pane, parts of the coupling-out area can be illuminated by a different number of lighting elements. In this case, the intensity of the individual light-emitting elements can therefore be made weaker than in the case of light-emitting elements, of which a smaller number illuminates an area of the coupling-out area.

• 1 zeigt ein Fahrzeug mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• 2A und 2B zeigt detailliertere Ansichten des Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und
• 3A bis 3D zeigen Ausführungsbeispiele von Leuchtbereichen, die bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erzeugt werden können.

The invention will now be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows a vehicle with an embodiment of the device according to the invention,
• 2A and 2 B shows more detailed views of the embodiment of the device according to the invention and
• 3A to 3D show exemplary embodiments of luminous areas that can be generated with the method according to the invention.

In reference to 1 a vehicle is explained with an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle window pane 2 that have a passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 from the surroundings of the vehicle 1 separates. The vehicle window pane 2 is designed as a rear window. In further exemplary embodiments, it can be, for example, a front or windshield, a roof window or a side window. The side window panes can be designed in such a way that they can be opened, for example by moving them, starting from a closed position, into a window slot in a door of the vehicle 1 be moved or by another opening mechanism. For this purpose, window lifters or opening devices designed in a manner known per se are provided. The vehicle window pane 2 will be referred to below with reference to the 2A and 2 B explained in more detail.

For the vehicle window pane 2 are two transparent surfaces 11 , 12 so defined that it extends over an area of the vehicle window pane 2 extend and that on these transparent surfaces 11 , 12 incident light mainly through the vehicle window pane 2 passes through without it being coupled into the pane and for guiding the light inside the vehicle window pane 2 comes from total reflection. Through the transparent surfaces 11 , 12 A vehicle occupant can pass through from the interior of the vehicle 1 look into the outside space. The vehicle window pane 2 can through the transparent surfaces 11 , 12 have different transparency values. For example, foils can be used to darken windows in the rear of the vehicle 1 be used. The vehicle window pane 1 can also, especially if they are in front of the B-pillar of the vehicle 1 is arranged to have a transmission of at least 70%, preferably at least 80% for light of the visible spectrum. Furthermore, measures can be provided which cause absorption or transmission of light, in particular to prevent certain radiation from penetrating into the vehicle interior. For example, a coating can be provided that the entry of infrared heat radiation from outside into the vehicle interior is prevented or reduced.

Perpendicular to the transparent areas 11 , 12 the vehicle window pane 2 run narrow sides 13 , 14th in an edge area. The narrow sides 13 , 14th run essentially perpendicular to the direction of extent of the transparent surfaces 11 , 12 . In the embodiment are on the narrow sides 13 , 14th Light sources 4th , 5 , 6th arranged, which in turn each have a plurality of luminous elements 5a , 5b include, of which in 1 only some are shown as examples. The light sources 4th , 5 , 6th are arranged so that from the lighting elements 5a , 5b the light emitted through the narrow sides 13 , 14th into the vehicle window pane 2 is coupled. It hits an area of the narrow side in such a way that the light through the surface into the vehicle window pane 2 occurs and runs therein at an angle above the critical angle of total reflection. That is, light that hits an interface between the volume of the vehicle window pane 2 and another medium, in particular air in the environment, is reflected and in the volume of the vehicle window pane 2 forwarded.

During the coupling, a direction of propagation of the light from the light sources is also determined 4th , 5 , 6th defined, wherein a direction is defined as the direction of propagation, that of a center of gravity line or an optical axis of one of each of a luminous element 5a , 5b is assigned to emitted light emission. In particular, the luminous elements emit 5a , 5b of the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th Light bundles which have a narrow opening angle of, for example, less than 25 °, preferably less than 15 °. Alternatively, the light elements 4th , 5 , 6th light distributions generated by optical devices, such as mirrors or lenses, are changed in further exemplary embodiments in such a way that the light upon coupling into the vehicle window pane 2 is coupled in as a light beam with said narrow opening angle.

The vehicle window pane 2 in the exemplary embodiment has a coupling-out area 3 on. In the coupling area 3 are the decoupling elements on the vehicle window pane 2 arranged that light coupled into the pane is coupled out. In particular, the outcoupling area comprises structures in which the vehicle window pane 2 guided light does not impinge at an angle greater than the critical angle of total reflection, so that instead of reflection, transmission occurs, that is, passage through the interface into the surrounding medium, in particular the air in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 . In the example, the decoupling takes place in such a way that light is essentially radiated outwards, with the radiation predominantly in an area behind the vehicle 1 he follows. The extraction area 3 will be referred to below with reference to the 2A and 2 B explained in more detail.

The light sources 4th , 5 , 6th are with a control unit 7th coupled, as well as a registration unit 8th . Through the control unit 7th are the individual lighting elements 5a , 5b of the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th separately controllable.

Through the registration unit 8th becomes an ambient brightness in the vicinity of the vehicle in the exemplary embodiment 1 recorded in a known manner. Furthermore, user inputs can be recorded and used by the control unit 7th are processed.

With reference to the 2A and 2 B more detailed views of the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention are explained, starting from the exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention explained above.

2A shows a schematic and not to scale cross section of the vehicle window pane 2 according to the embodiment. The vehicle window pane 2 has a pane on the side of the vehicle interior 2a which is formed in a manner known per se. In particular, the disc 2a designed as a single pane of glass in the manner of a toughened safety glass pane (ESG pane). In further embodiments, the disk comprises 2a a composite of several glass panes and / or at least one glass pane and further layers, such as foils, coatings and / or adhesive layers. In particular, the disc 2a be designed as a laminated safety glass pane (VSG pane).

The vehicle window pane 2 of the exemplary embodiment further comprises a prism sheet 2 B , which by means of a thin adhesive layer, not shown, here a transfer adhesive film with a thickness of about 0.05 mm, on the exterior of the vehicle 1 facing side of the disc 2a is glued on. Furthermore, there is a protective layer over the prism film, that is to say further on the side facing the outside space 2c glued on, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by means of a glass layer, in particular Gorilla-Glass® (Corning). Also the protective layer 2c is by means of a thin adhesive layer (not shown) on the surface of the prism sheet 2 B glued, here with a transfer adhesive film about 0.05 mm thick. All layers 2a , 2 B , 2c These structures are made transparent, with at least 70% of the on the vehicle window pane 2 incident light is transmitted in the visible range.

The prism sheet 2 B has prismatic structures in the area of the cross section shown 15th on the side facing the exterior, in which the surface is not parallel to the side of the pane facing the interior 2a runs, but at an angle thereto, 45 ° in the embodiment. The partial surfaces of the prismatic structures 15th accordingly have an angle of 90 ° to one another. The prism sheet 2 B is formed from polycarbonate (PC) in the exemplary embodiment and has a thickness of 0.5 mm, the prismatic structures 15th protrude into the volume of the film to a depth of 0.17 mm. The transmittance of the prism sheet 2 B is more than 90%. In the embodiment, there is in the cavities between the prism sheet 2 B and the protective layer 2c in the area of prism structures 15th Air. That is, in the disc 2a or in the vehicle window pane 2 In these areas, coupled light hits an interface between the optically denser medium of the prism sheet and the optically thinner medium of the air. The light then passes through another interface from the air-filled space within the prism structure 15th in the protective layer 2c and from this in turn into the air of the outside space. The prism structures 15th are designed in such a way that coupled light that hits these areas is coupled out into the outside space. In further exemplary embodiments, another medium, which is the depressions of the prismatic structures, can be used instead of air 15th fills and influences the coupling-out properties, especially through its optical density.

In the exemplary embodiment, the prism structures are designed in such a way that coupling is primarily in the direction of the exterior of the vehicle 1 he follows. In further exemplary embodiments, the decoupling can take place in such a way that the decoupled light in various ratios to the outside and into the interior or essentially only into the interior of the vehicle 1 he follows.

In further exemplary embodiments, other decoupling elements and / or other types of structuring for decoupling light from the vehicle window pane can be used 2 be used. For example, OLED elements can be arranged on the surface, the transmission properties of which can be changed by applying a voltage, so that switchable coupling-out structures can also be provided here. Furthermore, the coupling-out elements can, for example, be in the pane 2a include etched or engraved structures.

2 B shows, also schematically and not to scale, a plan view of a see-through surface of the vehicle window pane 2 , where the coupling area 3 with a large number of diamond-shaped coupling elements 3a is highlighted. In the exemplary embodiment, the prism structures are in these areas 15th in the prism sheet 2 B educated. The light sources are on the side 4th , 5 , 6th shown. Here are the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th arranged so that the lighting elements of two lateral light sources 5 , 6th Light with an essentially horizontal direction of propagation from the right or left side into the vehicle window pane 2 couple in, while the light elements of another light source 4th Light with a substantially vertical direction of propagation from below into the vehicle window pane 2 coupled. The light emissions and the coupling are each formed in such a way that the light source from each luminous element 4th , 5 , 6th coupled light each along a strip over the extent of the vehicle window pane 2 propagates in the respective direction of propagation. For this purpose, optical elements can be provided for changing the individual light emissions appropriately.

This coupling and propagation of the light within a strip along the surface of the vehicle window pane 2 leads to the fact that coupling-out elements arranged along this strip 3a in the coupling-out area 3 are exposed to light and that there is a light decoupling. That is, every luminous element of the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th is certain decoupling elements 3a the coupling-out area 3 assigned. The decoupled light is illuminated by the decoupling elements 3a decoupled and a luminous area formed in this way is from the illuminated decoupling elements 3a composed, which are arranged within a strip in the coupling-out area.

With reference to the 3A to 3D Exemplary embodiments of luminous areas that can be generated in the method according to the invention are explained. The above with reference to the 1 , 2A and 2 B illustrated embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The in 3A The case shown emit the three lower luminous elements of the light sources 5 , 6th on the right or left edge of the vehicle window pane 2 Light, while the two upper lighting elements of the light sources 5 , 6th do not emit light at the side edges. In this way, the lower six rows of coupling-out elements become the coupling-out area 3 illuminated and there is coupled light from the vehicle window pane 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 decoupled. Luminous or activated elements are shown hatched here, while non-luminous or non-activated elements are shown as unstructured areas.

The in 3B The case shown emit all the luminous elements of the light sources 5 , 6th on the right or left edge of the vehicle window pane 2 Light. As a result, in the exemplary embodiment, all of the coupling-out elements are in the coupling-out area 3 illuminated and there is a decoupling of light.

Through the in the 3A and 3B A dynamic brake light is implemented. The registration unit 8th detects the strength of a braking on the basis of one by the vehicle 1 provided braking force. In further exemplary embodiments, the strength of braking and other parameters can be detected, for example by detecting the actual deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle 1 and based on the position of a brake pedal. The recorded value is sent to the control unit 7th transmitted, which then the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th controls in the manner described above. The more light elements of the light sources arranged on the side shine 5 , 6th , the stronger the detected braking force. The light sources start to shine from below. This means that when braking is weak, fewer light-emitting elements are activated and there is only light in one of the lower edge of the coupling-out area 3 outgoing part of the outcoupling elements over the entire width of the outcoupling area 3 decoupled. With a higher braking force, up to a maximum representable value of the braking force, more and more light-emitting elements light up, so that the decoupling is also carried out in areas of the decoupling area arranged further up 3 he follows. With a maximum representable value of the braking force or with a higher braking force, the entire decoupling area lights up 3 , as in 3B shown.

In the exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting elements are the laterally arranged light sources 5 , 6th designed as red light-emitting diodes, which consequently emit red light, as is usual with a brake light. In further exemplary embodiments, alternatively or additionally, light of a different color can also come from the light sources 5 , 6th are emitted. For this purpose, for example, differently colored light elements can be used, in particular RGB LEDs, the color of which can be set by means of a suitable control. In a further exemplary embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the intensity of the coupled-in light is formed as a function of the detected strength of the braking process, for example light of a higher intensity is coupled in if a greater strength was detected. Furthermore, the light function can have a blinking or a movement in the illuminated area or some other additional characteristic, which is also formed as a function of the strength of the braking.

The in 3C The case shown emit four adjacent luminous elements of the light source 4th on the lower edge of the vehicle window pane 2 Light, while the other light elements shown and the laterally arranged light sources 5 , 6th do not emit light. In this way there are coupling-out elements of the coupling-out region which are arranged next to one another in five columns 3 illuminated and there is coupled light from the vehicle window pane 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 decoupled.

The in 3D case shown all emit along the right half of the vehicle window pane 2 arranged light elements of the lower horizontal light source 4th Light, while the light elements arranged in the left half of the light source 4th as well as the laterally arranged light sources 5 , 6th do not emit light. As a result, all the coupling-out elements are in the area of the right half of the coupling-out area 3 exposed to light and the light is decoupled into the environment outside the vehicle 1 .

Through the in the 3C and 3D A wiper indicator is implemented. The registration unit 8th detects an actuation of an operating element, such as a flasher lever, whereby a direction indicator is activated. In further exemplary embodiments, a steering wheel angle or a speed of the change in the steering wheel angle can be detected. The control unit controls as a function of this detected actuation 7th the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th in the manner described above. The display of the luminous areas takes place in the manner of a periodically illuminated running light, the illuminated luminous area from the center of the coupling-out area 3 starting from the side edge grows. This means that when the indicator flashes to the right, the illuminated part of the coupling-out area grows 3 starting from the center to the right, as in the 3C and 3D indicated. If it flashes to the left, the process is carried out analogously to the left. The flashing frequency can be determined on the basis of other parameters, for example a vehicle speed, a criticality of a traffic situation, a distance from a following vehicle or a distance to a position at which the vehicle is located 1 to turn, for example, are formed, for example about an urgency of a change of direction of the vehicle 1 to display.

In further exemplary embodiments, the dynamic display can take place in a different way, for example in that the illuminated luminous area, after it has extended from the center to the edge, shrinks again in the same direction, the luminous elements being deactivated starting from the center outwards. Furthermore, a “wandering” luminous area of constant width can be generated, which, for example, is shifted in the blinking direction starting from the center or from the side facing away from the blinking direction.

In the exemplary embodiment, the lighting elements are horizontal on the lower edge of the vehicle window pane 2 arranged light source 4th designed as yellow or orange light-emitting diodes, which therefore emit yellow light, as is usual with a flashing light. In further exemplary embodiments, the light-emitting elements can alternatively or additionally also emit light of a different color, for example by using light-emitting elements of different colors or variable-color RGB LEDs.

In further exemplary embodiments, other light functions can be implemented, for example a hazard warning flasher, in which coupling-out elements are illuminated starting from the center to both sides or upwards and downwards in the manner of a running light, or by lighting elements of the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th activated flashing. The different ways of illuminating the luminous elements of the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th can also be combined.

The lighting, especially with a dynamic change in the activated light sources 4th , 5 , 6th and correspondingly changing lighting areas, can furthermore be combined by adding both light with a horizontal and with a vertical direction of propagation into the vehicle window pane 2 is coupled. In this way, light mixtures can be decoupled by decoupling elements. Furthermore, such a mixture can be represented with an intensity and / or color that changes over time if at least one of the light sources involved is operated in a dynamically changing manner. In one embodiment, the vehicle is in an automatic drive mode 1 detected and depending on the detected driving mode, the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th operated in such a way that a certain light function is generated that indicates the driving mode. For example, in this way a “wavy” flat light emission can be coupled out, in which the intensity and / or color of the light distribution is within the coupling-out area 3 periodically or dynamically changed in some other way.

In further exemplary embodiments, the intensity of the through the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th emitted light are formed based on a control signal. For example, the acquisition unit records 8th an ambient brightness in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 . The brightness with which the light functions are output is based on the ambient brightness. The intensity can also be formed on the basis of other parameters, for example on the basis of the distance to a vehicle behind, a criticality, a traffic situation or a number of other road users in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 .

In a further embodiment, the detection unit receives 5 an activation signal and the control unit controls as a function of the detected activation signal 7th the light sources 4th , 5 , 6th so that a welcome light distribution is issued. The activation signal can be detected, for example, when approaching, for example when a mobile user device is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 1 approaching. The welcome light distribution can depend on the user to which the mobile user device is assigned, the user or the user device being identified for this purpose. Furthermore, the intensity can depend on an ambient brightness, so that the vehicle 1 for example, can be found particularly well in the dark. In another example, when unlocking the vehicle 1 a light distribution can be output through which, for example, the user is welcomed, with the light distribution being able to be personalized depending on the respective user.

List of reference symbols

1

vehicle

2

Vehicle window pane

2a

disc

2 B

Prism foil

2c

Protective layer

3

Outcoupling area

3a

Decoupling element

4, 5, 6

Light source

5a, 5b

Luminous element

7th

Control unit

8th

Registration unit

11

See-through area

12

See-through area

13

Narrow side

14th

Narrow side

15th

Prism structure

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 7791785 B2 [0004]
• DE 102017216657 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle (1), wherein for the first light function, light is coupled into a vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a first direction of propagation and that a first luminous area is formed in a decoupling area (3) of the vehicle window pane (2); and for the second light function, light is coupled into the vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a second direction of propagation and that a second luminous area is formed in the coupling-out area (3) of the vehicle window pane (2); in which the first and second directions of propagation run obliquely to one another. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first and second directions of propagation are perpendicular to one another. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the light for the first light function on a first and for the second light function on a second narrow side (13, 14) of the vehicle window pane (2) is coupled; wherein the first and second narrow sides (13, 14) run obliquely to one another. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second luminous area have a first and second width extension, respectively perpendicular to the first and second direction of propagation; wherein the first and / or second width extension is formed as a function of a control signal. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a strength of a braking process of the vehicle (1) is detected; and the first coupling-out area (3) can be illuminated as a function of the detected strength of the braking process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second luminous area is formed at a lateral position; wherein the lateral position is formed as a function of a control signal. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the first and / or second light function is designed as a running light with a running direction. Apparatus for providing a first and a second light function in a vehicle (1), comprising a vehicle window pane (2) with a coupling-out area (3); and at least one light source (4, 5, 6) for emitting light; in which For the first light function, light emitted by the at least one light source (4, 5, 6) can be coupled into the vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a first direction of propagation, so that in the decoupling area of the vehicle window pane (2) a first luminous area is formed; and For the second light function, light emitted by the at least one light source (4, 5, 6) can be coupled into the vehicle window pane (2) in such a way that it is guided in the vehicle window pane (2) along a second direction of propagation, so that in the coupling-out area of the vehicle window pane (2) a second luminous area is formed; in which the first and second directions of propagation run obliquely to one another. Device according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the light source (4, 5, 6) comprises a plurality of lighting elements (5a, 5b) arranged next to one another along a narrow side (13, 14) of the vehicle window sliding. Device according to one of the Claims 8 and 9 , characterized in that the coupling-out area comprises a plurality of coupling-out elements (3a) which are in particular arranged in a matrix.

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