JP6667139B2 - Interior lighting system - Google Patents

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle interior lighting device.

BACKGROUND ART There is a vehicle interior lighting device provided in a room such as an automobile.
The vehicle interior lighting device is provided with a switch for turning on a light source and switching an illumination mode. As the switches, push switches and slide switches are used.
Here, the push switch and the slide switch need to be mechanically operated by an operator (such as an occupant of a vehicle). In addition, the vehicle interior lighting device is generally operated in a dark environment such as at night.
Therefore, it is necessary for the operator to find the switch by groping in a dark environment, and there is a problem that the operability of the vehicle interior lighting device is poor.
Therefore, development of a vehicle interior lighting device having high operability even in a dark environment has been desired.

JP-A-11-123985 JP 2004-182012 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior lighting device having high operability even in a dark environment.

The vehicle interior lighting device according to the embodiment includes a housing; a cover provided on one end side of the housing; a light emitting unit provided inside the housing; and a light emitting unit provided inside the housing. A first electrode portion provided on a surface of the substrate opposite to the cover side; a second electrode portion provided on a surface of the substrate on the cover side; A control unit that generates an electric field in the electrode unit and the second electrode unit, detects a change in the electric field associated with an operation of an operator via the cover, and converts the detected change in the electric field into an electric signal ; ;

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle interior lighting device having high operability even in a dark environment.

1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle interior lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the vehicle interior lighting device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting device 1. (A) is a schematic plan view for illustrating the electrode part 5a. (B) is a schematic sectional view for illustrating the electrode section 5a. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 5. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram for illustrating control by the control part 3c. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating a detection unit 15 according to another embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a detection unit 15. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 15.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a vehicle interior lighting device 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG.

The vehicle interior lighting device 1 can be provided, for example, in an opening provided on a ceiling surface, a side wall surface, or the like in a vehicle interior.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle interior lighting device 1 includes a housing 2, a light emitting unit 3, a cover 4, and a detecting unit 5.

  The housing 2 has a box shape, and one end 2a is open. An end 2 a of the housing 2 is provided with a flange 2 b protruding outward of the housing 2. The planar shape of the flange portion 2b has an annular shape. A concave portion 2b1 is provided on the inner edge side of the flange portion 2b.

The material of the housing 2 is not particularly limited. The housing 2 can be formed using, for example, a resin material or a metal material.
In this case, if the material of the housing 2 is a material having a high reflectance with respect to the light emitted from the light source 3b, the light reflected on the inner surface of the housing 2 can be easily extracted to the outside of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
Examples of the material having high reflectivity include a white resin and a resin in which particles such as titanium oxide are mixed.

When the heat generation amount of the light source 3b or the like is large, it is preferable that the material of the housing 2 is a material having high thermal conductivity.
Examples of the material having a high thermal conductivity include a high thermal conductive resin, a metal, and ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride.
The high thermal conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (Polyethyleneterephthalate) or nylon mixed with fibers or particles made of carbon or aluminum oxide having high thermal conductivity.

The light emitting unit 3 is provided inside the housing 2.
The light emitting unit 3 includes a substrate 3a, a light source 3b, and a control unit 3c.
The substrate 3a has a plate shape. A wiring pattern (not shown) is provided on the surface of the substrate 3a.
The substrate 3a can be formed from, for example, ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, and organic materials such as paper phenol and glass epoxy.
When a large amount of heat is generated from the light source 3b or the like, it is preferable to form the substrate 3a using a material having high thermal conductivity from the viewpoint of heat radiation. Examples of the material having high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, and the above-described high thermal conductive resin.

Further, the substrate 3a may be a single layer or a multilayer.
One end of a power supply terminal (not shown) is electrically connected to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate 3a. The other end of the power supply terminal is exposed from the housing 2. An external power supply or the like is electrically connected to the power supply terminal exposed from the housing 2 via a socket (not shown) or the like.

The light source 3b is provided on the substrate 3a. The light source 3b is electrically connected to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate 3a.
The light source 3b can be, for example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, a laser diode, an organic light emitting diode, a filament light bulb (incandescent light bulb), a fluorescent light, and the like.
The number of the light sources 3b is not particularly limited. The number of the light sources 3b can be appropriately changed according to the use, the size, and the like of the vehicle interior lighting device 1. That is, the number of the light sources 3b may be one or more.
When a plurality of light sources 3b are provided, the arrangement of the plurality of light sources 3b may be a regular arrangement such as a matrix or a concentric circle, or may be an arbitrary arrangement.
When a plurality of light sources 3b are provided, a plurality of types of light sources 3b having different colors of irradiated light can be provided. By providing a plurality of types of light sources 3b that emit different colors of light, it is possible to perform toning described later.
For example, when the light source 3b is a light emitting diode, a light of a desired color can be emitted from the light source 3b by selecting a phosphor.
Note that a toning filter or the like may be provided so that light of a desired color is emitted from the light source 3b.

The method of connecting the light source 3b and the wiring pattern provided on the substrate 3a is not particularly limited.
When the light source 3b is a light emitting element, the light source 3b can be electrically connected to a wiring pattern via a wire, for example. Further, the light source 3b may be implemented by, for example, a COB (Chip On Board) directly connected to the wiring pattern.
Further, the light source 3b can be electrically connected to a wiring pattern via an envelope such as a PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) type, for example.
Further, if necessary, an annular reflector surrounding the light source 3b may be provided, the light source 3b may be sealed with a resin, or the resin sealing the light source 3b may include a phosphor.

  When the light source 3b is a filament light bulb or a fluorescent lamp, for example, the light source 3b may be soldered to a wiring pattern or may be electrically connected to the wiring pattern via a socket or the like.

The control unit 3c is provided on the substrate 3a. The control unit 3c is electrically connected to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate 3a.
The control unit 3c, for example, turns on the light source 3b, turns off the light source 3b, controls the light emission state of the light source 3b, and switches the illumination mode of the light source 3b based on the electric signal from the detection unit 5. Go.

  The control of the light emission state of the light source 3b includes, for example, changing the brightness (dimming), changing the color of light (toning), and selecting the light source 3b to be turned on or off from the plurality of light sources 3b. (Change of illumination pattern).

The switching of the illumination mode of the light source 3b includes, for example, an ON mode for turning on the light source 3b, an OFF mode for turning off the light source 3b, and turning on the light source 3b when the vehicle door is in the open state, and closing the vehicle door. Is switched between a DOOR mode in which the light source 3b is turned off.
In this case, the control unit 3c determines that the amount of light when the door of the vehicle is closed in the DOOR mode is 以下 or less, 、 or less, and 1/10 or less of the amount of light when the door of the vehicle is open. Or 1/100 or less.
Further, the control unit 3c determines that the light amount when the vehicle door is in the closed state in the DOOR mode is 以下 or less, １ ／ or less, 1/10 or less, or 1/100 or less of the light amount in the ON mode. You can also do so.
Further, the control unit 3c can control the plurality of light sources 3b so that the illumination pattern in the ON mode is different from the illumination pattern in the DOOR mode.

That is, the control unit 3c, based on the electric signal from the detection unit 5, for example, turns on the light source 3b, turns off the light source 3b, dims the light source 3b, adjusts the color of the light source 3b, changes the illumination pattern of the light source 3b, In addition, at least one of switching of the illumination mode of the light source 3b is performed.
The relationship between the electric signal from the detection unit 5 and the content of the control can be set in advance according to the use of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the like.

The control unit 3c can be, for example, a control circuit having circuit components such as a resistor, a capacitor, and an integrated circuit.
In this case, the control circuit may be configured in consideration of the relationship between the electric signal from the detection unit 5 and the content of the control.
Further, the control unit 3c may include, for example, an arithmetic element and a storage element, and operate the arithmetic element by software stored in the storage element.
In this case, the relationship between the electric signal from the detection unit 5 and the content of the control can be stored in the storage element.

The cover 4 is provided on one end 2 a side of the housing 2.
The cover 4 is provided so as to cover the opening (end 2 a) of the housing 2. The cover 4 is held inside the recess 2b1. In this case, the cover 4 can be held inside the recess 2b1 by fitting the cover 4 into the recess 2b1. Further, a not-shown claw or the like may be provided in the cover 4 or the recess 2b1, and the cover 4 may be held inside the recess 2b1 by the claw or the like.
The peripheral edge of the cover 4 protrudes toward the light emitting unit 3 side. If the peripheral edge of the cover 4 is projected, the strength of the cover 4 can be increased. Further, it is easy to hold the cover 4 in the recess 2b1.
The cover 4 has a convex curved surface shape on the center side.

  In addition, the shape and the holding method of the cover 4 are not limited to those illustrated, but can be appropriately changed according to the use and size of the interior lighting device 1, the design of interior materials in the interior of the vehicle, and the like. .

Although the material of the cover 4 is not particularly limited, for example, the cover 4 can be formed of a resin or glass having a light transmitting property.
Although the cover 4 has translucency, it is necessary to suppress glare. Therefore, the cover 4 has a low light transmittance in order to weaken the intensity of the irradiated light.
For example, diffusion processing such as blasting is performed on at least one of the incident surface 4a and the irradiation surface 4b of the cover 4, and a scattering layer containing a scattering material is provided on at least one of the incident surface 4a and the irradiation surface 4b of the cover 4. Or so, the light transmittance is lowered.

Further, by forming the cover 4 from a light-transmitting material including a scattering material, the light transmittance can be reduced.
The scattering material can be, for example, fine particles having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the translucent material. The fine particles can be made of, for example, titanium oxide.

In this case, glare can be effectively suppressed if the linear transmittance of light in the cover 4 is set to 60% or less.
If the linear transmittance of light in the cover 4 is 30% or more and 50% or less, glare can be more effectively suppressed without impairing the function as a vehicle interior lighting device.
Further, the cover 4 may be provided with an optical element such as a lens or a prism according to the use of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 or the like.

The detection unit 5 is provided inside the housing 2. The detection unit 5 is not exposed on the irradiation surface 4b of the cover 4. Therefore, the area of the irradiation surface 4b can be increased.
That is, according to the present embodiment, the illuminated area can be increased.
In the case of a general vehicle interior lighting device, a push switch, a slide switch, and the like are exposed on an irradiation surface of the cover. Therefore, it is difficult to match the design of the vehicle interior lighting device with the design of the interior material in the vehicle interior.
According to the present embodiment, since the irradiation surface 4b of the cover 4 has no exposed object, it is easy to harmonize the design of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 with the design of the interior material in the vehicle interior.
In this case, by changing the color and decoration of the cover 4, it becomes easier to match the design of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 with the design of the interior material in the vehicle interior.

The detection unit 5 detects an operation of an operator (a vehicle occupant or the like) in the vicinity of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
The detection unit 5 detects, for example, a movement of a detection target (for example, an operator's hand 110) in the vicinity of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
The detection unit 5 emits energy (electric field) serving as a detection medium via the cover 4, detects a change in energy (change in electric field strength) accompanying the operation of the operator, and detects a change in detected energy (electric field strength). Is converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is sent to the control unit 3c.

The detection unit 5 can generate an electric field, and convert a change in the electric field caused by the operation of the operator in the generated electric field into an electric signal.
When the electric field changes, the capacitance also changes. That is, the change in the electric field can be considered to be the same as the change in the capacitance.
Therefore, the detecting unit 5 generates, for example, an electric field, detects a change in capacitance due to an operation of an operator in the generated electric field, and converts the detected change in capacitance into an electric signal. It can also be.
As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 5 is provided with an electrode unit 5a and a control unit 5b.
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view illustrating the electrode section 5a.
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view taken along the line BB ′ in FIG.
FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the electrode section 5a.
FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC ′ in FIG. 4A.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electrode section 5a is provided with a first electrode section 5a1 and a second electrode section 5a2.

  The first electrode portion 5a1 is provided on a surface of the substrate 3a opposite to the cover 4 side. The first electrode portion 5a1 is provided near the periphery of the substrate 3a. The first electrode portion 5a1 has a frame shape. The first electrode portion 5a1 is formed from a conductive material. The first electrode unit 5a1 can be formed from, for example, a metal such as copper. The width dimension of the first electrode section 5a1 can be longer than the width dimension of the second electrode section 5a2.

The second electrode portion 5a2 is provided on the surface of the substrate 3a on the cover 4 side. The second electrode portion 5a2 is provided near the periphery of the substrate 3a.
The number of the second electrode portions 5a2 can be one or more.
In this case, if the number of the second electrode portions 5a2 is increased, the details of the operation of the operator can be detected. However, if the dimension between the second electrode portions 5a2 is too short, it may cause erroneous detection.
Therefore, considering the size of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, it is preferable that the number of the second electrode portions 5a2 be one or more and five or less.
4A and 4B show a case where four second electrode portions 5a2 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when four second electrode portions 5a2 are provided, the second electrode portions 5a2 can be provided in four directions so as to surround the center of the substrate 3a.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the second electrode portions 5a2 can be provided one by one in four directions as viewed from the center of the substrate 3a.
In this case, the planar shape of the substrate 3a can be a quadrangle. The second electrode portions 5a2 can be provided one by one near each side of the substrate 3a.
When five five second electrode portions 5a2 are provided, one second electrode portion 5a2 may be further provided at the center of the substrate 3a.
When three or two second electrode portions 5a2 are provided, any one of the four second electrode portions 5a2 may be omitted.
When one second electrode portion 5a2 is provided, it can be provided at an arbitrary position on the substrate 3a.

The planar shape of the second electrode portion 5a2 can be, for example, a linear shape. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, the shape may be linear or curved.
Note that the second electrode portion 5a2 may be composed of a plurality of point-like portions or a plurality of island-like portions. The second electrode portion 5a2 is formed from a conductive material. The second electrode unit 5a2 can be formed from, for example, a metal such as copper.

Further, a base (not shown) that insulates between the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2 can be further provided. The base may have, for example, a film shape. The base can be formed from, for example, a resin film.
The base can be provided, for example, on the surface of the substrate 3a on the cover 4 side or on the surface of the substrate 3a on the side opposite to the cover 4 side. However, the base may be arranged at a position where the first electrode part 5a1 and the second electrode part 5a2 can be insulated from each other, and the arrangement position is not particularly limited.
The base may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure.

The control unit 5b is provided on the surface of the substrate 3a on the cover 4 side.
The control unit 5b is electrically connected to the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2. When a plurality of second electrode units 5a2 are provided, each of the plurality of second electrode units 5a2 is electrically connected to the control unit 5b.
The control unit 5b may be, for example, a control circuit having circuit components such as a resistor, a capacitor, and an integrated circuit, or may include an arithmetic element and a storage element, and operate the arithmetic element by software stored in the storage element. It can also be done.
Note that the control unit 3c may have the function of the control unit 5b.

5 and 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the detection unit 5. FIG.
First, the control unit 5b applies a low-frequency AC voltage to the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2. In this case, the frequency can be about 100 kHz. If the frequency is about 100 kHz, the wavelength will be about 3 km. The outer dimensions of the first electrode part 5a1 and the second electrode part 5a2 are about 10 cm. When the wavelength is sufficiently longer than the outer dimensions of the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2, almost no magnetic field component is generated.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a substantially static electric field 100 is generated near the vehicle interior lighting device 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the operator's hand 110 or the like enters the generated electric field 100, the electric force lines 100 a are drawn to the hand 110 or the like. Therefore, the electric field 100 is disturbed near the hand 110 or the like.
Therefore, the control unit 5b calculates the position where the disturbance of the electric field 100 is generated, and detects the position of the hand 110 or the like in the direction parallel to the irradiation surface 4b. At this time, the control unit 5b also calculates the distance (the position of the hand 110 or the like in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation surface 4b) between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110, the moving direction and the speed of the hand 110 or the like. be able to.

The position where the disturbance of the electric field 100 is generated (the position of the hand 110 or the like) can be calculated based on the position of the second electrode portion 5a2 and the change in the electric field intensity in the second electrode portion 5a2. Further, the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110 or the like can be calculated based on the value of the electric field intensity at the second electrode unit 5a2. The moving direction and speed of the hand 110 and the like can also be calculated based on the position of the second electrode unit 5a2 and the change in the electric field intensity at the second electrode unit 5a2.
The value of the electric field strength can be calculated by measuring a voltage, a current, a charging time, and the like between the second electrode unit 5a2 and the control unit 5b.

That is, the control unit 5b calculates the position of the plurality of second electrode units 5a2 and the position where the electric field disturbance occurs due to the change in the electric field strength in the plurality of second electrode units 5a2. At least one of the position, the moving direction, and the speed of the detection target is calculated based on the generated position, and the calculated value is converted into an electric signal.
The control unit 5b calculates the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the detection target based on the value of the electric field intensity at the second electrode unit 5a2, and converts the calculated value into an electric signal.

As described above, if the electric field changes, the capacitance also changes. Therefore, a change in capacitance can be used instead of the above-described change in electric field strength.
Further, the value of the capacitance can be calculated by measuring a voltage, a current, a charging time, and the like between the second electrode unit 5a2 and the control unit 5b.
Therefore, the control unit 5b determines at least one of the position, the moving direction, and the speed of the detection target based on the positions of the plurality of second electrode units 5a2 and the change in the capacitance value of the plurality of second electrode units 5a2. It can calculate and convert the calculated value into an electric signal.
In the case described above, the control unit 5b includes an AC power supply that generates a low-frequency AC voltage, and a measuring device that measures at least one of voltage, current, and charging time. be able to.

In the case described above, the control unit 5b applies a low-frequency AC voltage to the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2, but the control unit 5b uses the first electrode unit 5a1 and the A DC voltage can be applied to at least one of the second electrode portions 5a2.
In this case, the control unit 5b may include a DC power supply that generates a DC voltage, and a measuring device that measures at least one of a voltage, a current, and a charging time.
Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the first electrode unit 5a1 is connected to the ground and the control unit 5b applies a positive or negative DC voltage to the second electrode unit 5a2 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 5.
First, the control unit 5b applies a positive or negative DC voltage to the second electrode unit 5a2.
Then, the second electrode portion 5a2 is charged to a predetermined potential.
Next, for example, when the operator's hand 110 or the like approaches the cover 4 (the second electrode unit 5a2), an electrostatic charge is generated between the operator's hand 110 or the like connected to the ground and the second electrode unit 5a2. Generate capacity. In this case, as the distance between the operator's hand 110 or the like and the cover 4 (second electrode portion 5a2) becomes shorter, the value of the capacitance becomes larger.
The capacitance generated between the operator's hand 110 and the like and the cover 4 (the second electrode unit 5a2) is the capacitance generated between the first electrode unit 5a1 and the second electrode unit 5a2. Are connected in parallel.

As described above, the value of the capacitance can be calculated by measuring the voltage, current, charging time, and the like between the second electrode unit 5a2 and the control unit 5b.
Therefore, based on the calculated capacitance value, the control unit 5b determines the position of the operator's hand 110 or the like, the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110, the moving direction of the hand 110, or the like. Speed and the like can be calculated.
That is, the detection unit 5 (control unit 5b) detects a change in the capacitance due to the operation of the operator, and converts the detected change in the capacitance into an electric signal.

Next, the control unit 5b sends information on the position of the hand 110 and the like, the moving direction and the moving speed of the hand 110 and the like to the control unit 3c.
The control unit 3c performs the above-described control based on the electric signal from the detection unit 5 (control unit 5b).

FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating the control by the control unit 3c.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the light source 3b can be switched on and off by bringing the hand 100 close to the center of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.

In this case, in order to avoid malfunction, the control unit 3c may start the control of the light source 3b when the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110 or the like becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. it can.
As described above, the distance between the interior cabin lighting device 1 and the hand 110 can be calculated from the value of the electric field strength or the value of the capacitance. In this case, if the distance between the interior cabin lighting device 1 and the hand 110 or the like becomes short, the value of the electric field strength increases (the value of the capacitance increases).
That is, if the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the detection target decreases, the value of the electric signal increases.
Therefore, the control unit 3c can start the control of the light source 3b when the value of the electric signal from the detection unit 5 exceeds a predetermined value.
For example, the light source 3b can be turned on when the hand 110 is brought into contact with the center of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, and turned off when the hand 110 is brought into contact again.
When one second electrode portion 5a2 is provided, for example, only switching between turning on and off the light source 3b can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the hand 110 or the like moves in the longitudinal direction above the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the color of light emitted from the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is changed. can do.
In this case, for example, when there is a hand 110 or the like on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, light of a light bulb color is emitted, and the hand 110 or the like is on the other end side in the longitudinal direction. In this case, white light is emitted, and when the hand 110 or the like is located in the middle of the longitudinal direction, light of a color between the bulb color and white can be emitted.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the hand 110 or the like moves in the short direction above the vehicle interior lighting device 1, the brightness of light emitted from the vehicle interior lighting device 1 is changed. You can do so.
In this case, for example, when the hand 110 or the like is located at one end in the short direction of the vehicle interior lighting device 1, it is darkened, and when the hand 110 is located at the other end in the short direction. When the hand 110 or the like is located in the middle in the short direction, the brightness can be made intermediate.

Note that the control by the control unit 3c is not limited to the above.
Desired control of the light source 3b can be performed by appropriately combining the position, the moving direction, the moving speed, and the like of the hand 110 and the like.
For example, when the hand 110 or the like moves above the vehicle interior lighting device 1 from the longitudinal direction to the lateral direction in an L shape, the mode can be switched to the DOOR mode. Further, for example, when the hand 110 or the like moves above the vehicle interior lighting device 1 in an L-shape from the short side direction to the long side direction, the illumination pattern can be changed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating a detection unit 15 according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the detection unit 15.
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ in FIG.
The detection unit 15 detects, for example, movement of the operator's hand 110 or the like in the vicinity of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
The detection unit 15 emits energy (light) serving as a detection medium via the cover 4 to detect a change in energy (change in light intensity) due to an operation of the operator, and detects a change in detected energy (light). Is changed to an electric signal, and the electric signal is sent to the control unit 3c.

  Although the detection unit 5 illustrated in FIG. 6 detects the hand 110 and the like using the electric field 100, the detection unit 15 detects the hand 110 and the like using light.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the detection unit 15 is provided inside the housing 2. The detection unit 15 is not exposed on the irradiation surface 4b of the cover 4.
The detecting unit 15 includes a light emitting / receiving unit 15a and a control unit 15b.
The light emitting and receiving unit 15a includes a light emitting unit 15a1 that irradiates light through the cover 4, and a light receiving unit 15a2 that converts light reflected by an operation of an operator into an electric signal. The light projecting unit 15a1 can be, for example, a light emitting diode. The light receiving unit 15a2 can be, for example, a photoelectric conversion element.

Here, if the light emitted from the light projecting unit 15a1 is a visible light, the color of the light emitted from the light source 3b may change. If the light receiving section 15a2 detects visible light, a malfunction may occur.
Therefore, it is preferable that the light projecting unit 15a1 and the light receiving unit 15a2 use invisible light.
Hereinafter, a case where the light projecting unit 15a1 and the light receiving unit 15a2 use infrared light will be described as an example.

The number of light emitting / receiving sections 15a can be two or more.
If the number of light emitting / receiving sections 15a is increased, the details of the operation of the operator can be detected. However, if the dimension between the light emitting and receiving units 15a is too short, it may cause erroneous detection.
Therefore, it is preferable to set the number and arrangement of the light emitting / receiving sections 15a in consideration of the size of the vehicle interior lighting device 1.
The control unit 15b is electrically connected to the light emitting / receiving unit 15a. When a plurality of light emitting and receiving units 15a are provided, the plurality of light emitting and receiving units 15a are connected in parallel.

In addition, the cover 4 can be provided with a light transmitting portion 4c. The light transmitting unit 4c transmits infrared light emitted from the light projecting unit 15a1 and infrared light reflected by the hand 110 or the like. The light transmitting portion 4c is provided at a position overlapping the light projecting portion 15a1 and the light receiving portion 15a2 in a plan view. The light transmitting part 4c faces the light projecting part 15a1 and the light receiving part 15a2.
The light transmitting portion 4c can be formed of, for example, a transparent material, or can be a hole provided in the cover 4.
The light transmitting portion 4c may have a frame shape and may be provided along the periphery of the cover 4.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the operation of the detection unit 15.
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 15b causes the light projecting unit 15a1 to emit infrared light. The emitted infrared light is emitted to the outside of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 via the light transmitting unit 4c.
When ultraviolet rays emitted to the outside of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 enter the operator's hand 110 or the like, the incident infrared light is reflected by the hand 110 or the like. The reflected infrared light is introduced into the interior of the vehicle interior lighting device 1 via the light transmitting unit 4c, and enters the light receiving unit 15a2.
Therefore, the position of the hand 110 or the like in a direction parallel to the irradiation surface 4b can be obtained from the position of the light receiving unit 15a2 where the reflected infrared light has entered. At this time, the control unit 15b also calculates the distance (the position of the hand 110 or the like in a direction perpendicular to the irradiation surface 4b) between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110, and the moving direction and speed of the hand 110 or the like. be able to.

  Note that the distance between the vehicle interior lighting device 1 and the hand 110 or the like can be calculated based on the output value from the light receiving unit 15a2. The moving direction and speed of the hand 110 and the like can also be calculated from the position of the light receiving unit 15a2 and the output value from the light receiving unit 15a2.

Next, the control unit 15b sends information on the position of the hand 110 and the like, the moving direction and the moving speed of the hand 110 and the like to the control unit 3c.
The control unit 3c performs the above-described control based on the electric signal from the detection unit 15.

  While some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. These novel embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. The above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

  Reference Signs List 1 vehicle interior lighting device, 2 housing, 3 light emitting unit, 3a substrate, 3b light source, 3c control unit, 4 cover, 4a incident surface, 4b irradiation surface, 4c light transmitting unit, 5 detecting unit, 5a electrode unit, 5a1 1 electrode section, 5a2 second electrode section, 5b control section, 15 detection section, 15a light emitting / receiving section, 15a1 light emitting section, 15a2 light receiving section, 15b control section, 100 electric field, 100a electric lines of force, 110 hands

Claims (7)

A housing;
A cover provided on one end side of the housing;
A light emitting unit provided inside the housing;
A substrate provided inside the housing ;
A first electrode portion provided on a surface of the substrate opposite to the cover side;
A second electrode section provided on the cover-side surface of the substrate;
An electric field is generated in the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit, a change in the electric field accompanying an operation of an operator is detected through the cover, and the detected change in the electric field is converted into an electric signal. A control unit;
A vehicle interior lighting device comprising: The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the control unit are not exposed on a surface of the cover opposite to the light emitting unit side.   The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode unit is provided near a periphery of the substrate.   The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode portion has a frame shape.   The vehicle interior lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode unit is provided near a periphery of the substrate.   The vehicle interior lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the second electrode units are provided.   The vehicle interior lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit applies a low-frequency AC voltage to the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit.