EP4575305A1 - Floor projection device for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor projection device (100) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for generating a floor projection, wherein the floor projection device (100) comprises at least one projection module (1, 2, 3), wherein a projection module (1, 2, 3) comprises a light source (10, 20, 30), a first optical element (11, 21, 31), and, viewed in the light propagation direction (X), after the first optical element (11, 21, 31), a structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged, wherein the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged is a light-transmissive region (12a, 22a, 32a) which is separated by one or more diaphragm edges (12b - 12d, 22b - 22d, 32b - 32d) from an opaque region (12e, 22e, 32e). The structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32) lies in a surface (112a, 122a, 132a) which is curved, wherein the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) is bowl-shaped and curved away from a second optical element (13) which is arranged downstream of the structure to be imaged. The first optical element (11, 21, 31) is configured to collect or collimate light emitted by the at least one light source (10, 20, 30) at a point (F11) which, viewed in the light propagation direction (X), lies downstream of the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32).

Description

• zumindest eine Lichtquelle, welche dazu eingerichtet ist, Licht in eine Lichtausbreitungsrichtung zu emittieren, sowie
• in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung gesehen, nach der zumindest einen Lichtquelle, ein erstes optisches Element, weiters
• in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung gesehen, nach dem ersten optischen Element, eine abzubildende Struktur, wobei
  • ∘ die abzubildende Struktur ein lichtdurchlässiger Bereich ist, welcher von einer oder mehreren Blendenkanten von einem lichtundurchlässigen Bereich getrennt ist, und wobei
  • ∘ die abzubildende Struktur in einer Fläche liegt, sowie
• in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung gesehen, nach der abzubildenden Struktur, ein zweites optisches Element, wobei das zweite optische Element eine Objektebene aufweist,

wobei

• das erste optische Element von der zumindest einen Lichtquelle emittiertes Licht in einem Punkt, welcher in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung gesehen nach der abzubildenden Struktur liegt, sammelt bzw. kollimiert, und wobei
• die abzubildende Struktur im Wesentlichen in der Objektebene des zweiten optischen Elementes liegt, sodass das durch die abzubildende Struktur durchtretende Licht von dem zweiten optischen Element in einer Bildebene, insbesondere in einen Bereich außerhalb der Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung, z.B. auf einen Boden, als eine die Bodenprojektion oder einen Teil der Bodenprojektion bildendes Lichtbild projiziert wird.

The invention relates to a floor projection device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for generating a floor projection, wherein the floor projection device comprises at least one projection module, wherein a projection module comprises:

• at least one light source which is arranged to emit light in a light propagation direction, and
• seen in the direction of light propagation, after the at least one light source, a first optical element, further
• seen in the direction of light propagation, after the first optical element, a structure to be imaged, where
  • ∘ the structure to be imaged is a translucent area which is separated from an opaque area by one or more aperture edges, and wherein
  • ∘ the structure to be imaged lies in a surface, and
• viewed in the direction of light propagation, after the structure to be imaged, a second optical element, wherein the second optical element has an object plane,

where

• the first optical element collects or collimates light emitted by the at least one light source at a point which, viewed in the direction of light propagation, lies after the structure to be imaged, and wherein
• the structure to be imaged lies essentially in the object plane of the second optical element, so that the light passing through the structure to be imaged is directed by the second optical element in an image plane, in particular into an area outside the Floor projection device, e.g. onto a floor, as a light image forming the floor projection or part of the floor projection.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle light, in particular a motor vehicle light comprising at least one such floor projection device, and to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one such floor projection device or at least one vehicle light which is installed in the vehicle.

Floor projection devices for vehicles, especially motor vehicles, are typically used to project specific patterns or symbols onto the ground below the vehicle or into an area in front of, behind, or to the side of the vehicle. Such floor projection devices are implemented in modern vehicles, for example, as part of lighting systems or assistance systems, or as standalone devices.

• Willkommenslichter: Beim Entriegeln des Fahrzeugs oder beim Öffnen der Autotüren können spezielle Muster oder das Markenlogo des Fahrzeugs auf den Boden projiziert werden. Dies dient häufig dazu, ein visuell ansprechendes Element hinzuzufügen und den Fahrzeuginhaber willkommen zu heißen.
• Warnsymbole: In einigen Fahrzeugen werden Warnsymbole oder Hinweise auf den Boden projiziert, um den Fahrer auf Gefahren oder bestimmte Bedingungen hinzuweisen. Dies können beispielsweise ein Warnsymbol für geöffnete Türen sein.
• Einparkhilfe: Bodenprojektionen werden manchmal in Verbindung mit Einparkhilfen verwendet. Beim Rückwärtsfahren oder Einparken können Linien oder Muster auf den Boden projiziert werden, um dem Fahrer eine visuelle Anleitung zu geben und ihm beim Einparken zu helfen.
• Ausstiegsbeleuchtung: Diese Funktion projiziert Licht auf den Boden, wenn die Türen geöffnet werden, um den Bereich um das Fahrzeug herum zu beleuchten. Dies soll dazu beitragen, mögliche Hindernisse oder Gefahren beim Ein- und Aussteigen zu erkennen.

Common applications of floor projections in motor vehicles include:

• Welcome lights: When unlocking the vehicle or opening the car doors, special patterns or the vehicle's brand logo can be projected onto the ground. This often serves to add a visually appealing element and welcome the vehicle owner.
• Warning symbols: Some vehicles project warning symbols or messages onto the ground to alert the driver to hazards or certain conditions. These may include, for example, an open door warning symbol.
• Parking assistance: Ground projections are sometimes used in conjunction with parking assistance systems. When reversing or parking, lines or patterns can be projected onto the ground to provide the driver with visual guidance and assist them in parking.
• Exit lighting: This feature projects light onto the ground when the doors are opened to illuminate the area around the vehicle. This is designed to help identify potential obstacles or hazards when entering or exiting the vehicle.

The exact implementation and use of floor projections may vary depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer. Overall, these floor projections serve to improve the safety, comfort, and aesthetics of the vehicle.

Known floor projection devices, as described above, often suffer from the disadvantage that the edges of the generated floor projections are blurred and appear distorted. Often, one part of the floor projection is sharply imaged, while another part is blurred.

It is an object of the invention to provide a floor projection device which provides an improved representation of the generated floor projections.

This object is achieved with an illumination device as described above in that, according to the invention, the surface in which the structure to be imaged is located is curved, wherein the surface is bowl-shaped and curved away from the second optical element.

Preferably, the surface is curved in such a way that apertures/structures/points etc. located in this surface are imaged substantially sharply by the second optical element on a flat/plane image plane.

Preferably, the point at which the first optical element collects/collimates the light from the light source is located between the first optical element and the second optical element.

The object plane is generally not a plane, but a curved object "surface," resulting in undesirable effects in the imaging of the structure to be imaged, as described above. The inventive design of the surface in which the structure to be imaged lies takes this fact into account, and the curved design of the surface in which the structure to be imaged lies, which is preferably adapted to the curvature or curvature of the object plane, largely avoids the described adverse effects on the imaging of the structure to be imaged.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Preferably, the lowest point of the bowl-shaped surface is the point of the surface furthest from the second optical element.

It can be provided that the lowest point of the surface lies on the optical axis of the second optical element.

For example, the surface may be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the second optical element if the second optical element is also rotationally symmetrical

The quality of the image can be optimized if the shape of the surface essentially follows an image field curvature of the object plane of the second optical element.

This allows the field curvature of the object plane to be compensated so that the image of the structure to be imaged is sharply imaged in a flat area in the image plane, even towards the edges of the object plane, and not just in the center.

For example, it can be provided that the object plane lies parallel to the Petzval surface of the second optical element, i.e. that curved surface which contains all focal points of the second optical element.

It can be provided that the structure to be imaged is a single area or comprises two or more separate sub-areas.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the surface is an outer surface, in particular a light exit surface of a translucent optical body.

It is preferably provided that the outer surface of the light-transmitting optical body is opaque outside the structure to be imaged.

For example, the opaque area of the outer surface can be formed in the form of an opaque coating.

This opacity can be achieved, for example, by painting the areas that are to be opaque with an opaque varnish or by vapor deposition of, for example, aluminum.

It can be provided that the structure to be imaged is arranged such that the optical axis of the second optical element runs through the structure to be imaged.

The floor projection device may comprise one, two or more projection modules.

It can be provided that the projection modules have identical structures to be imaged, or at least one of the projection modules has a different structure to be imaged than the other projection modules, or all projection modules differ from one another with regard to the structure to be imaged.

Differences in the structures to be imaged can be due, for example, to the shape and/or size of the structures to be imaged.

For example, it can be provided that identical structures to be imaged are positioned identically or shifted relative to one another with respect to the optical axis of the second optical element.

It can be provided that the projection modules are constructed identically with regard to the first and second optical elements and the arrangement of these two optical elements relative to one another.

Preferably, the projection modules are also identical with regard to the at least one light source, i.e. in particular with regard to the positioning of the at least one light source, and for example also with regard to the specific design of the at least one light source.

It may be useful for the light sources of the projection modules to be controlled independently of each other.

It can further be provided that a normal vector runs through the center of the area in which the structure to be imaged is located at an angle greater than 0° to the optical axis of the second optical element.

Typically, this normal vector and the optical axis of the second optical element coincide or form an angle of 0° to each other, but the implementation described above can also be provided, in which an oblique position of the image plane can be compensated by the curvature of the surface in which the structure to be imaged is located.

In connection with a vehicle in which the floor projection device or vehicle light is installed, it can be provided that the optical axis of the floor projection device or the optical axis of the at least one projection module runs obliquely, i.e. at an angle other than 90° to the image plane.

Due to the curvature of the surface in which the structure to be imaged is located, it can be sharply imaged in the image plane despite the inclination of the floor projection device to the optical axis.

• Fig. 1 eine Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung mit drei, lediglich teilweise gezeigten Projektionsmodulen in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• Fig. 2 ein Projektionsmodul, wie in die der Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung zum Einsatz kommt, in einer Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Projektionsmoduls,
• Fig. 4 ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einer Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung,
• Fig. 5a eine Bodenprojektion mit drei abgebildeten Strukturen mit einer Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung nach dem Stand der Technik, und
• Fig. 5b eine Bodenprojektion mit drei abgebildeten Strukturen mit einer Bodenprojektionsvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, which shows

• Fig. 1 a floor projection device with three projection modules, only partially shown, in a perspective view,
• Fig. 2 a projection module, as used in the floor projection device, in a side view,
• Fig. 3 another embodiment of a projection module,
• Fig. 4 a motor vehicle with a ground projection device,
• Fig. 5a a floor projection with three imaged structures using a state-of-the-art floor projection device, and
• Fig. 5b a floor projection with three imaged structures with a floor projection device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a floor projection device 100 for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for generating a floor projection, which comprises three projection modules 1, 2, 3. Such a projection module 1, 2, 3 - wherein the projection modules in Figure 1 are not fully presented - includes, as is also the case in Figure 2 is shown, a light source 10, 20, 30 which is designed to emit light in a light propagation direction X, furthermore, viewed in the light propagation direction X, after the at least one light source 10, 20, 30, a first optical element 11, 21, 31, viewed in the light propagation direction X, after the first optical element 11, 21, 31, a structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged, and viewed in the light propagation direction X, after the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged, a second optical element 13, wherein the second optical element 13 has an object plane OE.

The light sources 10, 20, 30 of the projection modules 1, 2, 3 can be controlled independently of each other in order to be able to generate, for example, animated floor projections.

The light sources are designed, for example, as LEDs or each comprise one or more LEDs.

The structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged is defined by a translucent region 12a, 22a, 32a, which is separated from an opaque region 12e, 22e, 32e by one or more, in the present example, three aperture edges 12b - 12d, 22b - 22d, 32b - 32d. In the present example, each structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged consists of a contiguous region, but can in principle also consist of two or more sub-regions.

The first optical element 11, 21, 31 collects or collimates light emitted by the light source 10, 20, 30 at a point F11 which, viewed in the light propagation direction X, lies after the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged.

Preferably, the point F11, viewed in the light propagation direction X, is located in front of the second optical element 13, i.e. between the first optical element 11, 21, 31 and the second optical element 13.

The structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged lies in a surface 112a, 122a, 132a and substantially in the object plane OE of the second optical element 13, so that the light passing through the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged is projected by the second optical element 13 in an image plane BE, in particular into an area outside the floor projection device 100, e.g. onto a floor, as a light image forming the floor projection or part of the floor projection.

The surface 112a, 122a, 132a, in which the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged is located, is curved, wherein the surface 112a, 122a, 132a is bowl-shaped and curved away from the second optical element 13.

Because the object plane is generally not a plane, but a curved object "surface," undesirable effects arise in the imaging of the structure to be imaged, such as blurred edges, distortions, etc., as described above. The inventive design of the surface in which the structure to be imaged lies takes this fact into account, and the curved design of the surface in which the structure to be imaged lies, which is preferably adapted to the curvature or curvature of the object plane, largely avoids the described adverse effects on the imaging of the structure to be imaged.

The quality of the image can be optimized if the shape of the surface 112a, 12a, 132a essentially follows an image field curvature of the object plane OE of the second optical element 13. This allows the image field curvature of the object plane to be compensated, so that the image of the structure to be imaged is sharply imaged in a flat surface in the image plane BE, even toward the edges of the object plane, and not only in the center.

For example, it can be provided that the object plane OE lies parallel to the Petzval surface of the second optical element 13, ie that curved surface which contains all focal points of the second optical element 13.

The second optical element is, for example, a projection lens or a projection system, i.e. a system of two or more lenses which together have a projecting effect.

By positioning the point F11, at which the first optical element collects/collimates the light from the light source, outside (behind) the object plane OE of the second optical element, and not in the object plane, excessive beam divergence, which is detrimental to the projection sharpness, as well as an inhomogeneous light image can be avoided.

Rather, this positioning can increase the projection sharpness and the object plane and/or the optical structure to be imaged is illuminated more homogeneously, so that the light distribution ultimately imaged by the second optical element not only has increased projection sharpness but also increased homogeneity.

The bowl-shaped surface 112a, 122a, 132a has a lowest point S, which, for example, as in Figure 2 which is the point of the surface 112a, 122a, 132a furthest from the second optical element 13. The distance is measured along a normal vector N through the center or the lowest point S of the surface 112a, 122a, 132a, in which the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged lies.

In the example shown according to Figure 2 the normal vector N coincides with the optical axis X2 of the second optical element 13, furthermore the optical axis X1 of the first optical element 11, 21, 31 also coincides with the optical axis X2 of the second optical element 13, these two axes X1, X2 lie or form the optical axis XP of the projection module 1, 2, 3.

In general, ie in a general context, it can be provided that the surface 112a, 122a, 132a is an outer surface, in particular a light exit surface of a translucent optical body 112, 122, 132. The outer surface is preferably a surface of the translucent optical body 112, 122, 132 facing away from the light source 10, 20, 30. The outer surface of the translucent optical body 112, 122, 132 is opaque outside (ie the area 12e, 22e, 32e) of the structure 12a, 22a, 32a to be imaged. For example, the opaque region 12e, 22e, 32e of the outer surface can be formed in the form of an opaque coating.

This opacity can be achieved, for example, by painting the areas that are to be opaque with an opaque varnish or by vapor deposition of, for example, aluminum.

Figure 2 shows an arrangement which, by way of example, has three projection modules 1, 2, 3. It can be provided that the projection modules 1, 2, 3 have identical structures 12, 22, 32 to be imaged, but these can also differ in terms of their size and/or shape.

It can be provided that the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged is arranged on the surface 112a, 122a, 132a such that the optical axis X2 of the second optical element 13 and/or the optical axis X1 of the first optical element 11, 21, 31 runs through the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged. In the example shown, the structures 12, 22, 32 to be imaged are arranged differently with respect to the optical axis X1 of the respective first optical element 11, 21, 31. Specifically, the optical axis X1 for the structure 12 to be imaged lies below the structure 12, for the structure 22 to be imaged, the optical axis X1 runs through the structure 22, and for the structure 32 to be imaged, the optical axis X1 runs above the structure 12.

Figure 4 shows a motor vehicle 1000 in which a floor projection device 100 as in the hand of Figure 1 and Figure 2 described. The floor projection device 100 is installed in the motor vehicle 1000 in such a way that the optical axis of the floor projection device 100 or the optical axis XP of the at least one projection module of the floor projection device runs obliquely, ie at an angle other than 90° to the image plane BE, for example the roadway in front of the vehicle 1000.

Due to the curvature of the surface in which the structure to be imaged is located, it can be sharply imaged in the image plane despite the inclination of the floor projection device to the optical axis.

According to Figure 3 In a projection module 1, it can also be provided that the normal vector runs through the center of the surface 112a, 122a, 132a, in which the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged is located, at an angle greater than 0° to the optical axis X2 of the second optical element 13 and/or the optical axis X1 of the first optical element 11, 21, 31. Due to this inclination of the surface 112a, 122a, 132a, which contains the structure 12, 22, 32 to be imaged, negative optical effects that result from an inclination of the floor projection device 100 or the inclination of the projection modules of the floor projection device 100 as in Figure 4 shown may result, be compensated if the Figure 4 built-in floor projection device 100 one or more projection modules as shown in Figure 3 described.

The Figures 5a and 5b Finally, show floor projections, where Figure 5a three imaged structures were generated based on the state of the art, ie with structures to be imaged which lie in a flat surface, while the imaged structures from Figure 5b with structures to be imaged in curved surfaces were created according to the invention. As can be clearly seen, the borders of the imaged structures are in Figure 5b significantly sharper than those from Figure 5a .

The three structures shown correspond in their shape to the structure to be depicted, ie in the example according to Figure 1, 2 The shape of the structure to be imaged and the imaged structure is each a triangle. The different positions of the imaged structures (triangles) on the image plane BE result from the different positioning of the structures 12, 22, 32 to be imaged with respect to the respective optical axis XP of the individual projection modules 1, 2, 3.

The optical elements and the translucent body are formed, for example, in a known manner from a translucent plastic.

Claims (17)

Floor projection device (100) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for generating a floor projection, wherein the floor projection device (100) comprises at least one projection module (1, 2, 3), wherein a projection module (1, 2, 3) comprises: • at least one light source (10, 20, 30) which is designed to emit light in a light propagation direction (X), and • viewed in the direction of light propagation (X), after the at least one light source (10, 20, 30), a first optical element (11, 21, 31), further • viewed in the direction of light propagation (X), after the first optical element (11, 21, 31), a structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged, wherein ∘ the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32) is a light-transmitting region (12a, 22a, 32a) which is separated from an opaque region (12e, 22e, 32e) by one or more aperture edges (12b - 12d, 22b - 22d, 32b - 32d), and wherein ∘ the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32) lies in a surface (112a, 122a, 132a), and • viewed in the direction of light propagation (X), after the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged, a second optical element (13), wherein the second optical element (13) has an object plane (OE), where the first optical element (11, 21, 31) collects or collimates light emitted by the at least one light source (10, 20, 30) at a point (F11) which, viewed in the light propagation direction (X), lies after the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged, and wherein the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged lies substantially in the object plane (OE) of the second optical element (13), so that the light passing through the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged is projected by the second optical element (13) into an image plane (BE), in particular into an area outside the floor projection device (100), e.g. onto a floor, as a light image forming the floor projection or part of the floor projection, characterized in that the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) in which the structure (12, 22, 32) to be imaged is located is curved, wherein the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) is bowl-shaped and curved away from the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to claim 1, wherein the lowest point (S) of the bowl-shaped surface (112a, 122a, 132a) is the point of the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) furthest from the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lowest point (S) of the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) lies on the optical axis (X2) of the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the surface (112a, 12a, 132a) essentially follows an image field curvature of the object plane (OE) of the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object plane (OE) lies parallel to the Petzval surface of the second optical element (13), ie that curved surface which contains all focal points of the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32) is a single region or comprises two or more separate sub-regions. Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface (112a, 122a, 132a) is an outer surface, in particular a light exit surface of a light-transmissive optical body (112, 122, 132). Floor projection device according to claim 7, wherein the outer surface of the light-transmitting optical body (112, 122, 132) is opaque outside the structure to be imaged, wherein, for example, the light-transmitting region of the outer surface is in the form of an opaque coating. Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32) is arranged such that the optical axis (X2) of the second optical element (13) runs through the structure to be imaged (12, 22, 32). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more projection modules (1, 2, 3). Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection modules (1, 2, 3) have identical structures (12, 22, 32) to be imaged, or at least one of the projection modules has a different structure to be imaged than the other projection modules, or all projection modules differ from one another with regard to the structure to be imaged. Floor projection device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein identical structures (12, 22, 32) to be imaged are identically positioned or shifted relative to one another with respect to the optical axis (X2) of the second optical element (13). Floor projection device according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the projection modules (1, 2, 3) are constructed identically with regard to the first and second optical elements and the arrangement of these two optical elements relative to one another. Floor projection device according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the light sources (10, 20, 30) of the projection modules can be controlled independently of one another. Floor projection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a normal vector passes through the center of the area (112a, 122a, 132a) in which the Structure (12, 22, 32) is located, runs at an angle greater than 0° to the optical axis (X2) of the second optical element (13). Vehicle light, in particular motor vehicle light, comprising at least one ground projection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15. Vehicle (1000), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one floor projection device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15 or a vehicle light according to claim 16, which is installed in the vehicle (1000), wherein preferably the floor projection device (100) or vehicle light is installed in the vehicle (1000) in such a way that the optical axis of the floor projection device (100) or the optical axis of the at least one projection module of the floor projection device (100) runs obliquely, i.e. at an angle other than 90° to the image plane (BE).

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