阅读说明：本技术 车辆内部照明系统 (Vehicle interior lighting system ) 是由 J·A·佩尔松 M·L·E·安德松 于 2020-02-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于车辆的车辆照明系统包括光导和被配置为经由光导接收来自光源的光并将光发射到车辆内部的光分配装置。光导的第一端耦接至光源,并且光导的第二端耦接至光分配装置。该光分配装置包括被配置成将来自光导的光分配到车辆内部的纺织品和被配置成使在光分配装置内的、从光导接收的光朝向纺织品反射的反射器。(A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes a light guide and a light distribution device configured to receive light from a light source via the light guide and emit the light into a vehicle interior. A first end of the light guide is coupled to the light source and a second end of the light guide is coupled to the light distribution device. The light distribution device includes a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to an interior of the vehicle and a reflector configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device toward the textile.)

1. A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle lighting system comprising:

a light guide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the light guide is coupled to a light source;

a light distribution device coupled to the second end of the light guide and configured to receive light from the light source via the light guide and distribute the light received from the light guide to an interior of a vehicle, the light distribution device comprising:

a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to an interior of a vehicle;

a reflector configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device towards the textile; and

a diffusing lens disposed between the textile and the reflector, wherein the diffusing lens includes a plurality of scattering objects disposed between a front surface of the diffusing lens and a back surface of the diffusing lens for scattering light within the diffusing lens in a plurality of directions.

2. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the reflector is directly coupled to a rear surface of the diffusing lens.

3. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the light guide is disposed adjacent a side surface of the diffusing lens to direct light from the light source into the diffusing lens.

4. The vehicle lighting system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein an interior surface of the reflector is substantially smooth.

5. The vehicle lighting system of any of claims 1-3, wherein an interior surface of the reflector faces the diffusing lens, and wherein the interior surface of the reflector comprises a plurality of ridges configured to reflect light within the light distribution device to create a light gradient at the textile, wherein the light gradient at the textile comprises a non-uniform and non-uniform light distribution.

6. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein a rear surface of the diffusing lens and an interior surface of the reflector define a space that receives light from the second end of the light guide.

7. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light guide is a first light guide and the light distribution device is a first light distribution device, the vehicle lighting system further comprising:

a second light guide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second light guide is coupled to the light source; and

a second light distribution device coupled to a second end of the second light guide to receive light from the light source and distribute the light to a vehicle interior.

8. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the diffusing lens comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

9. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light guide comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

10. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light distribution device is disposed within a center console of the vehicle, within a door panel of the vehicle, within a roof panel of the vehicle, within a dash panel of the vehicle, or within a headrest of the vehicle.

11. A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle lighting system comprising:

a light guide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the light guide is coupled to a light source;

a light distribution device coupled to the second end of the light guide and configured to receive light from the light source via the light guide and distribute the light received from the light guide to a vehicle interior, the light distribution device comprising:

a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to a vehicle interior; and

a reflector configured to reflect light towards the textile,

wherein an interior surface of the reflector faces a textile and the interior surface of the reflector comprises a plurality of ridges configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device towards the textile to create a light gradient at the textile, wherein the light gradient at the textile comprises an uneven and non-uniform light distribution.

12. The vehicle lighting system of claim 11, wherein the light distribution device comprises a lens disposed between the textile and the reflector, wherein a rear surface of the lens and an interior surface of the reflector define a space that receives light from the second end of the light guide.

13. The vehicle lighting system of claim 12, wherein the lens comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

14. The vehicle lighting system of claim 11, wherein the light guide is a first light guide and the light distribution device is a first light distribution device, the vehicle lighting system further comprising:

a second light guide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second light guide is coupled to the light source; and

a second light distribution device coupled to a second end of the second light guide to receive light from the light source and distribute the light to a vehicle interior.

15. The vehicle lighting system of claim 11, wherein the light guide comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

16. A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle lighting system comprising:

a light distribution device configured to receive light from a light source via a light guide and distribute the light received from the light guide to a vehicle interior, the light distribution device comprising:

a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to a vehicle interior;

a reflector configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device towards the textile; and

a diffusing lens disposed between the textile and the reflector, the diffusing lens including a plurality of scattering objects disposed between a front surface of the diffusing lens and a rear surface of the diffusing lens to scatter light within the lens in a plurality of directions,

wherein an interior surface of the reflector faces the textile and includes a plurality of ridges configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device toward the textile to create a light gradient at the textile, wherein the light gradient at the textile includes a non-uniform and non-uniform light distribution.

17. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the reflector is directly coupled to a rear surface of the diffusive lens.

18. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the light guide is a first light guide and the light distribution device is a first light distribution device, the vehicle lighting system further comprising:

a second light distribution device coupled to the second light guide to receive light from the light source and distribute the light to the vehicle interior.

19. The vehicle lighting system of claim 17, wherein the diffusing lens comprises a first thermoplastic polymer and the light guide comprises a second thermoplastic polymer.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to interior lighting systems for motor vehicles.

Background

The interior of a vehicle is often illuminated by one or more light fixtures. Example light fixtures within a vehicle include dome lamps, floor lamps, reading lamps, mirror lamps, and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the disclosed subject matter relates to a vehicle lighting system for illuminating a vehicle interior. A vehicle lighting system includes a light guide and a light distribution device configured to transmit or distribute light from a light source to an interior of a vehicle. The light guide couples the light source to the light distribution device and may enable the light distribution device and the light source to be disposed in physically separate areas, which may improve serviceability of the light distribution device or the light source. For example, physically separating the light source from the light distribution device may enable the light source to be disposed in a more accessible location such that the light source may be removed and replaced without removing or replacing the light distribution device.

In one example, the light distribution device includes a lens having a plurality of light diffusers that diffuse light into the vehicle interior. To scatter light, some techniques use lenses in one layer and light scattering objects in a separate layer. In some examples described in the present disclosure, the light distribution device of the present disclosure may have fewer layers by including light scattering objects within the lens. Reducing the number of layers may reduce the size (e.g., thickness) of the light distribution device, and may reduce manufacturing complexity and/or cost

In another example, a light distribution device includes a reflector layer including a plurality of ridges that reflect light in various directions. Some techniques utilize light scattering objects that distribute light uniformly. In some examples, the light distribution devices of the present disclosure may direct light in various directions to create a light gradient inside a vehicle. The light gradient may increase the visual appeal or ambiance of the vehicle interior compared to a uniform light distribution.

In one example, a vehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes a light guide and a light distribution device. A first end of the light guide is coupled to the light source and a second end of the light guide is coupled to the light distribution device. The light distribution device is configured to receive light from the light source via the light guide and distribute the light from the light guide to the vehicle interior. The light distribution device includes a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to an interior of the vehicle and a reflector configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device toward the textile, and a lens disposed between the textile and the reflector.

In another example, a vehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes a light guide and a light distribution device. A first end of the light guide is coupled to the light source and a second end of the light guide is coupled to the light distribution device. The light distribution device is configured to receive light from the light source via the light guide and distribute the light from the light guide to the vehicle interior. The light distribution device includes a textile configured to distribute light from the light guide to an interior of the vehicle and a reflector configured to reflect the light toward the textile, wherein an interior surface of the reflector faces the textile and the interior surface of the reflector includes a plurality of ridges configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device toward the textile to create a gradient of light on the textile.

In another example, a vehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes a light guide and a light distribution device. A first end of the light guide is coupled to the light source and a second end of the light guide is coupled to the light distribution device. The light distribution device is configured to receive light from the light source via the light guide and distribute the light from the light guide to the vehicle interior. The light distribution device includes a textile configured to distribute light from a light guide to an interior of a vehicle, a reflector configured to reflect light received from the light guide within the light distribution device toward the textile, and a diffuser lens disposed between the textile and the reflector, the diffuser lens including a plurality of scattering objects disposed between a front surface of the diffuser lens and a rear surface of the diffuser lens to scatter light within the lens in a plurality of directions.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example vehicle including an interior lighting system according to one or more techniques of this disclosure.

Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example vehicle lighting system in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

Fig. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting system in accordance with one or more techniques of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example vehicle lighting system in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

Fig. 3B illustrates another cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting system in accordance with one or more techniques of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example vehicle 100 including an interior vehicle lighting system 102 in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. Vehicle 100 may include any type of autonomous, semi-autonomous, or non-autonomous vehicle. Examples of vehicle 100 include an automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, Recreational Vehicle (RV), tractor, all-terrain vehicle, boat, or any other type of vehicle. The vehicle 100 may include an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), one or more Electric Motors (EM), or a combination thereof (e.g., the vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle).

The vehicle lighting system 102 includes at least one light distribution device 110A-110D (collectively light distribution devices 110), at least one light source 112A-112C (collectively light sources 112), and at least one light guide 111A-111D (collectively light guides 111). Examples of light sources 112 include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, and lasers, among others. Exemplary light guides 111 include plastic optical fibers or glass optical fibers. Plastic optical fibers include thermoplastic polymers such as acrylic plastics (e.g., Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)) or Polycarbonate (PC). As described in further detail below, each light distribution device 110 receives light from one or more light sources 112 and transmits or distributes the light to the interior of the vehicle 100.

Each light distribution device 110 is coupled to at least one light source 112 via one of the light guides 111. As shown in fig. 1, light source 112A is coupled to light distribution device 110A via light guide 111A, and light source 112C is coupled to light distribution device 110C via light guide 111C. In some examples, one of the light sources 112 may be coupled to more than one light distribution device 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, light source 112B is coupled to light distribution device 110B through light guide 111B and to light distribution device 110D through light guide 111D. The light guide 111 may be about 10 centimeters, about 50 centimeters, about 100 centimeters, about 1 meter, or any other distance. In this manner, the light guides 111 may enable each light distribution device 110 to be disposed in a physically separate area within the vehicle 100 (e.g., within different components of the vehicle 100, or greater than a threshold distance from each other, such that a particular light distribution device 110 would not receive enough light from a particular light source 112 to distribute light to the interior of the vehicle 100 without the light guides 111). Further, the light guide 111 may enable the light distribution device 110 to be separated from the light sources 112 (e.g., such that a particular light distribution device 110A may be decoupled from a particular light source 112A and a particular light distribution device 110A may be removed from the vehicle 110A without removing the particular light source 112A to which the particular light distribution device 110A had been previously coupled, or vice versa).

In some examples, each light distribution device 110 and the light sources 112 coupled to the respective light distribution device 110 are disposed within the same component of the vehicle 100. As shown in fig. 1, light distribution device 110A and light source 112A are disposed in dashboard panel 114, light distribution devices 110B, 110D and light source 112B are disposed in door panel 116, and light distribution device 110C and light source 112C are disposed in center console 118. One or more of the light distribution device 110 or the light source 112 may be disposed in other components of the vehicle 100, such as a roof, head rest, seat back, etc. In some examples, the light distribution device (e.g., light distribution device 110A) and the light source coupled to the light distribution device (e.g., light source 112A) may be disposed in different components of vehicle 100. As one example, the light distribution device 110A may be disposed within a roof panel (also referred to as a ceiling) and may be coupled to the light source 112A, and the light source 112A may be disposed within the instrument panel 114. In such an example, the light guide 111A may be disposed along an "a" pillar of the vehicle 100, where the "a" pillar connects the roof to a forward region (e.g., engine compartment) of the vehicle 100 and/or holds the windshield of the vehicle 100 in place.

In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, the light distribution device 110 and the light source 112 may be separate from each other. In some other techniques, the light distribution device includes a light source. In some examples, the light distribution device 110 of the present disclosure may be smaller (e.g., reduced thickness) than other light distribution devices by utilizing a separable light source and light distribution device (e.g., may be coupled via a light guide). Utilizing a smaller light distribution device 110 may enable the light distribution device 110 to be disposed in areas of the vehicle 100 that may not accommodate a larger (e.g., thicker) light distribution device. Furthermore, coupling the light distribution device 110 to the light source 112 through the light guide 111 may improve the serviceability of the light distribution device 110 or the light source 112. For example, physically separating the light sources 112 from the light distribution device 110 may enable the light sources 112 to be disposed in more accessible locations and may enable a person to remove and replace a particular light source 112 without removing or replacing an associated light distribution device coupled with the particular light source.

Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example vehicle lighting system 202 in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. The vehicle lighting system 202 may be an example of the vehicle lighting system 102 of fig. 1. In the example of fig. 2A, the vehicle lighting system 202 includes a light distribution device 210, a light guide 211, and a light source 212. The vehicle lighting system 202 may also include a shielding layer 214. The light distribution device 210, the light guide 211 and the light source 212 may be examples of the light distribution device 110, the light guide 111 and the light source 112 of fig. 1, respectively. In some examples, the vehicle lighting system 202 includes fewer components or additional components not shown in fig. 2A.

The light guide 211 is configured to distribute light emitted by the light source 212 to the light distribution device 210 such that the light distribution device 210 distributes the light to the interior of the vehicle. For example, a light incident end 216 (e.g., a first end) of the light guide 211 may be coupled to the light source 212, and a light exiting end 218 (e.g., a second end) of the light guide 211 (opposite the light incident end 216) may be coupled to the light distribution device 210. In some examples, the light guide 211 comprises a flexible material configured to distribute light. In other words, the light guide 211 may be configured to receive light from the light source 212 on the light incident end 216 of the light guide 211, internally refract the light over the entire length of the light guide 211, and distribute the light out of the light exit end 218 of the light guide 211 such that the light propagates into the light distribution device 210. The light guide 211 may comprise a flexible material such as a thermoplastic (e.g., polycarbonate or PMMA). The light guide 211 may be generally cylindrical (e.g., when straight) and may have a length greater than a radius of the light guide 211.

In the example of FIG. 2A, light distribution device 210 includes a textile layer 220, a lens 230, and a reflector layer 240. Lens 230 is disposed between textile layer 220 and reflector layer 240. At least a portion of textile layer 220, lens 230, and reflector layer 240 may be substantially parallel to one another. In other words, at least a portion of textile layer 220 defines a first plane, at least a portion of lens 230 defines a second plane, and at least a portion of reflector layer 240 defines a third plane, each plane being substantially parallel to each other.

The textile layer 220 is configured to distribute light from the light source 212 (via the light guide 211) to the interior of the vehicle. Textile layer 220 includes any type of translucent or transparent material that distributes at least a portion of the light emitted by light sources 211. In some examples, textile layer 220 includes nylon, vinyl, leather, suede, or other fabric (textile), or a material designed to appear as a particular type of fabric (e.g., synthetic leather).

Lens 230 may comprise a thermoplastic polymer, such as PMMA or polycarbonate. In some examples, the lens 230 is a diffusive lens and includes a plurality of scattering objects 232 configured to scatter or diffuse light in different directions. The scattering objects 232 may include bubbles, crystals, or other objects that deflect light in different directions. In the example of fig. 2A, the scattering object 232 is disposed inside the lens 230, e.g., between a front surface 234 of the lens 230 and a back surface 236 of the lens 230. For example, as shown in fig. 2A, the scattering objects 232 may be disposed throughout the lens 230 (e.g., uniformly or regularly within the lens 230) such that the light distribution device 210 distributes light substantially uniformly to the interior of the vehicle 100. In one example, scattering objects 232 may be disposed at selected locations within lens 230. For example, the scattering objects 232 may be arranged sporadically or irregularly within the lens 230 such that the light distribution device 210 distributes light in relatively bright or dark areas. In other words, the brightness of the light distributed by the light distribution device 210 may appear as a gradient or irregular distribution, rather than appearing uniform or consistent. In some examples, light scattering objects 232 scatter light within lens 230 and cause the light to exit through textile layer 220 (e.g., directly or via reflector layer 240). By disposing the light scattering objects within the lens, the light distribution device 210 may have fewer layers, which may reduce the size (e.g., thickness) of the light distribution device and may reduce manufacturing complexity and/or cost.

In the example of fig. 2A, reflector layer 240 is coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to lens 230. For example, reflector layer 240 may be directly coupled to back surface 236 of lens 230. Reflector layer 240 may include any type of reflective material configured to reflect light. In some examples, reflector layer 240 comprises a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or PMMA. The reflector layer 240 may include a reflective film, such as reflective polyester or aluminum. In the example of fig. 2A, reflector layer 240 includes a substantially smooth surface such that the incident angle of the incident light and the angle of reflection of the dispensed light with respect to a line normal to the surface of reflector layer 240 are approximately equal. In another example, reflector layer 240 includes a plurality of ridges configured to reflect light in a particular direction or with a particular distribution.

In some examples, the diameter of the light guide 211 and the thickness of the lens 230 are substantially equal. For example, the diameter of the light guide 211 and the thickness of the lens 230 may each be approximately 4mm in diameter. In some cases, the diameter of the light guide 211 and the thickness of the lens 230 may be different. For example, the diameter of the light guide 211 may be about 3mm, and the thickness of the lens 230 may be greater or less than the diameter of the light guide 211.

In some examples, the lens 230 is coupled to the light exit end 218 of the light guide 211. For example, the light exit end 218 of the light guide 211 may be disposed adjacent to the side surface 238 of the lens 230. For example, as illustrated in the example of fig. 2A, the light exit end 218 of the light guide 211 is planar with the plane defined by the lens 230. In this manner, light propagates from light source 212 through light guide 211 into lens 230 of light distribution device 210, such that the light propagates out of lens 230 through textile layer 220 and into the vehicle interior.

The shielding layer 214 comprises an opaque material configured to hide the light exit end 218 of the light guide 211 from view inside the vehicle. In some examples, shield layer 214 includes plastic, metal, wood, fabric (e.g., relatively thick compared to textile layer 220), or other material that does not transmit or distribute light.

Fig. 2B illustrates another cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting system 202 of fig. 2A, in accordance with one or more techniques of the present disclosure. In this example of fig. 2B, the vehicle lighting system 202 includes a dashboard panel 250, a light distribution device 210, and a light guide 211 (the light source 212 is omitted from fig. 2A for illustration purposes only). The dashboard panel includes the light distribution device 210 as described above with reference to fig. 2A. The instrument panel 250 is an example of the instrument panel 114 of fig. 1.

Fig. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example vehicle lighting system 302, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. The vehicle lighting system 302 may be an example of the vehicle lighting system 102 of fig. 1. In the example of fig. 3A, the vehicle lighting system 302 includes a light distribution device 310, a light guide 311, and a light source 312. The light distribution device 310, the light guide 311 and the light source 312 may be examples of the light distribution device 110, the light guide 111 and the light source 112 of fig. 1, respectively. In some examples, the vehicle lighting system 302 includes fewer components or additional components not shown in fig. 3A.

The light guide 311 is configured to distribute light emitted by the light source 312 to the light distribution device 310 such that the light distribution device 310 distributes the light to the interior of the vehicle. For example, a light incident end 316 (e.g., a first end) of the light guide 311 may be coupled to the light source 312, and a light exiting end 318 (e.g., a second end) of the light guide 311 (opposite the light incident end 316) may be coupled to the light distribution device 310. In some examples, light guide 311 comprises a flexible material configured to distribute light. In other words, the light guide 311 may be configured to receive light from the light source 312 at the light incident end 316 of the light guide 311, internally refract the light throughout the length of the light guide 311, and distribute the light out of the light exit end 318 of the light guide 311 so that the light propagates into the light distribution device 310. The light guide 311 may comprise a flexible material such as a thermoplastic (e.g., polycarbonate or PMMA). The light guide 311 may be generally cylindrical (e.g., when straight) and may have a length that is greater than a radius of the light guide 311.

In the example of fig. 3A, the light distribution device 310 includes a textile layer 320, a lens 330, and a reflector layer 340. Lens 330 is disposed between textile layer 320 and reflector layer 340. At least a portion of textile layer 320, lens 330, and reflector layer 340 may be substantially parallel to one another. In other words, at least a portion of textile layer 320 defines a first plane, at least a portion of lens 330 defines a second plane, and at least a portion of reflector layer 340 defines a third plane, each plane being substantially parallel to each other.

Textile layer 320 includes any type of translucent or transparent material that distributes at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source. In some examples, textile layer 320 includes nylon, vinyl, leather, suede, other fabrics, or materials designed to appear as a particular type of fabric (e.g., synthetic leather).

Lens 330 may comprise a thermoplastic polymer, such as PMMA or polycarbonate. In the example of fig. 3A, the lens 330 is substantially transparent such that the lens 330 distributes light with relatively little reflection (e.g., light passes through the lens 330). In some examples, the lens 330 includes a plurality of scattering objects (e.g., inside the lens 330) configured to scatter or diffuse light in different directions, as described with reference to the lens 230 of fig. 2A. The lens 330 includes a front surface 332 and a rear surface 334 that face the textile layer 320.

Reflector layer 340 may include any type of reflective material configured to reflect light. In some examples, reflector layer 340 includes a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, or PMMA. The interior surface 346 of the reflector layer 340 may include a reflective film, such as reflective polyester or aluminum. The back surface 334 of the lens 330 and the interior surface 346 of the reflector layer 340 define a space 344 for a gas (e.g., air). For example, light emitted by light source 312 enters space 344 from light guide 311 at light exit end 348 of light guide 311. In some cases, some light may pass directly through space 344, lens 330, and textile layer 320. Some light may reflect from the interior surface 346 of the reflector layer 340 (e.g., from one or more ridges 342) before passing through the lens 330 and the textile layer 320.

In one example, interior surface 346 of reflector layer 340 is a substantially smooth surface such that the angle of incidence of the incident light and the angle of reflection of the dispensed light with respect to a line normal to the surface of reflector layer 240 are approximately equal. In the example of fig. 3A, the interior surface 346 of the reflector layer 340 includes a plurality of ridges 342 that are configured to reflect light in a particular direction or with a particular distribution. The ridges 342 may be semi-circular, triangular, trapezoidal, or any other shape configured to reflect light. In some examples, the location, size, shape, or density of the ridges 342 may be selected to reflect light in a particular direction or in a particular distribution. For example, the ridges 342 may be relatively densely arranged in one area of the reflector layer 340 than in another area of the reflector layer 340 (e.g., the number of ridges 342 may be greater in one area of the reflector layer 340 than the number of reflective objects 342 in another similarly sized area of the reflector layer 340), such that one area of the textile layer 320 may appear brighter than another area of the textile layer 320. In this manner, the ridges 342 of the reflector layer 340 may reflect light in various directions, which may illuminate the vehicle interior with different amounts of light in different areas, and thus may increase the visual appeal or ambiance within the vehicle interior.

In some examples, the diameter of the light guide 311 and the depth D of the space 344 are substantially equal. For example, the diameter of the light guide 311 and the depth D of the space 344 may be about 4mm in diameter, respectively. In some cases, the diameter of the light guide 311 and the depth D of the space 344 may be different. For example, the diameter of the light guide 311 may be about 3mm, and the depth of the space 344 may be greater or less than the diameter of the light guide 311.

In the example of fig. 3A, the light exit end 318 of the light guide 311 is aligned with the space 344. In other words, light exiting the light guide 311 is guided into the space 344. In this way, light from the light source 312 enters the space 344 of the light distribution device 310 through the light guide 311. Upon entering the space 344, some light may exit the lens 330, pass through the textile layer 320, and enter the vehicle interior, while some light may reflect from the interior surface 346 of the reflector layer 340 and then travel through the lens 330 and the textile layer 320 into the vehicle interior.

Fig. 3B illustrates another cross-sectional view of the vehicle lighting system 302 in accordance with one or more techniques of the present disclosure. In this example of fig. 3B, the vehicle lighting system 302 includes a dashboard panel 350, a light distribution device 310, and a light guide 311 (the light source 312 is omitted from fig. 3A for illustration purposes only). The dashboard panel includes the light distribution device 310 as described above with reference to fig. 3A. The instrument panel 350 is an example of the instrument panel 114 of fig. 1.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.