RU2690961C2 - Vehicle backlighting device (embodiments) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting; machine building.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the vehicle side step lighting systems. Backlight device comprises a photoluminescent portion, a first light source and a lighting controller connected to the first light source. Photoluminescent section is located on the footboard section. First light source is configured to excite the photoluminescent portion for backlighting. Controller is configured to selectively actuate a first light source for illuminating the photoluminescent portion.EFFECT: higher quality of outdoor lighting and working illumination.20 cl, 6 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of application for US patent No. 14 / 301,635, filed June 11, 2014, and entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHICLE READING LAMP", which is a partial continuation of application for US patent No. 14 / 156,869, filed January 16 2014, entitled “VEHICLE DOME LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE”, which is a partial continuation of application for US Patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE”. The above related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The technical field to which the invention relates.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more specifically to lighting equipment for a vehicle step, using photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The backlight emanating from photoluminescent materials provides a unique and attractive view perception. In this regard, it is required to include such photoluminescent materials in vehicle sections to provide outdoor lighting and working lighting.

Summary of Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a photoluminescent portion located on the stretcher portion, and a first light source. The first light source is configured to excite a photoluminescent portion in a backlit configuration. The backlight device further comprises a lighting controller in connection with the first light source. The lighting controller is configured to selectively actuate the first light source to illuminate the photoluminescent portion by exciting the photoluminescent material by emitting light of the first wavelength. In response to receiving light of the first wavelength, the photoluminescent material is adapted to be excited to illuminate at least a portion of the footrest portion.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a step section comprising a surface of the step and a side portion. The backlight extends longitudinally along the side portion. The lighting device further comprises a controller configured to actuate the first light source and the second light source. In the first state, the controller is configured to actuate the first light source to illuminate at least a portion of the surface of the step, and in the second state, the controller is configured to illuminate the second light source to illuminate the ground near the vehicle inlet area.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a step section comprising a surface of the step and a side portion. The first photoluminescent portion is located on the inner surface and extends along the longitudinal extent of the side portion. The illumination device further comprises a first light source configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion for emitting light of the first wavelength. The lighting controller is in communication with the light source and is adapted to selectively actuate the light source to illuminate at least a portion of the footboard portion.

[0007] These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by a specialist in the field of technology in the study of the following description, claims and attached drawings.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention proposed a backlight device for a vehicle, comprising:

photoluminescent plot, located on the stretcher;

the first light source configured to excite the photoluminescent portion in the backlit configuration; and

the lighting controller in connection with the first light source, the controller being configured to selectively actuate the first light source for illuminating the photoluminescent portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed, further comprising a second light source adapted to illuminate the photoluminescent portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed, in which the first light source is configured to illuminate the surface of the footboard portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed, in which a second light source is configured to illuminate the surface of the ground near the vehicle entrance area.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is proposed in which the first light source is configured to illuminate a photoluminescent portion with a first intensity, and a second light source is arranged to illuminate a photoluminescent portion with a second intensity less than the first intensity.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a backlight device for a vehicle is provided, further comprising an optical device located near the leg portion and configured to transmit light from at least one of the first light source and the second light source longitudinally along the leg portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed in which the photoluminescent portion extends substantially along a longitudinal extent of at least one vehicle door.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a backlight device for a vehicle is provided, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively actuate each of the first light source and the second light source in response to the vehicle state.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is provided, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the first light source in response to the movement of the vehicle and the second light source in response to the parking of the vehicle.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention proposed a backlight device for a vehicle, comprising:

a step section comprising a surface of the step and a side section;

light means extending longitudinally along the side portion; and

a controller configured to actuate the first light source to illuminate at least a portion of the surface of the step in the first state and a second light source to illuminate the ground near the vehicle entry area in the second state.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a backlight device for a vehicle is proposed, in which the backlight means comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to emit light to illuminate the lighting device in the first state and second state.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed in which the first light source and the second light source are located in a casing connected to the inner surface of the side portion.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is proposed in which the controller is configured to selectively actuate each of the first light source and the second light source to illuminate a portion of the surface of the steps with a first intensity and a ground surface with a second intensity.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed in which the first light source and the second light source are configured to emit light emissions provided for exciting a photoluminescent material.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is proposed, in which the side portion comprises at least partially a light transmitting material adapted to allow light to pass through the side portion to excite a photoluminescent material.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention proposed a backlight device for a vehicle, comprising:

a step section comprising a surface of the step and a side section;

the first photoluminescent area located on the inner surface and passing along the longitudinal length of the side section;

the first light source configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion to emit light with a first wavelength; and

a lighting controller in connection with a light source, configured to selectively actuate the light source.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed in which the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a portion of the surface of the step in response to receiving light of the first wavelength.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed, further comprising a second photoluminescent portion located on a side portion and configured to be excited in response to receiving light of a first wavelength.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is proposed, in which a first photoluminescent portion is configured to emit light having a first color, and a second photoluminescent portion is configured to emit light having a second color different from the first color in response to receiving light with the first wavelength.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, an illumination device for a vehicle is proposed in which the second photoluminescent portion corresponds to an image located on a side portion of the stretcher portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a step of a vehicle containing a lighting device;

[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a photoluminescent structure made in the form of a coating;

[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a photoluminescent structure made in the form of a discrete particle;

[0012] FIG. 2C illustrates a plurality of photoluminescent structures made in the form of discrete particles and included in a separate structure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a backlit configuration of a backlight device capable of converting light of a first wavelength to at least light of a second wavelength;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illuminated configuration at the back of a lighting device configured to convert light of a first wavelength to at least light of a second wavelength;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view in cross section of a step section of a vehicle comprising a lighting device; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in cross section of a step section of a vehicle comprising a lighting device, configured to output a turn indicator.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0017] As indicated, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which may be performed in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily detailed, and certain patterns may be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of the functions. In this regard, the specific structural and functional details disclosed here should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a characteristic basis for the training of a specialist in the field of technology for the various applications of the present invention.

[0018] As used here, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that any of the listed elements can be applied by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only b; C only; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0019] Expressions first, second, third, etc., which are used herein may provide notation with reference to the Shapes for clarity. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be mentioned, and in some additional embodiments, only the second portion may be mentioned. Such designations may serve to demonstrate exemplary structures and compositions and should not be construed as indicating a specific number of elements or essential components of any particular embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise clearly defined. These designations should therefore be regarded as providing clarity with reference to various possible embodiments of the disclosure, which can be combined in various combinations and / or used separately for a clear reference to the various elements of the disclosure.

[0020] Vehicle steps, or areas of steps, often referred to as steps, can be used on vehicles to facilitate entry of passengers. Although the steps are designed to assist passengers, they can sometimes be darkened due to dark outdoor lighting conditions. In such conditions, the passenger may skip the stretcher section, which may lead to injury. The disclosure is provided by an illumination device configured to illuminate the step section. In this way, the step section can be safely used and also highlighted to improve the appearance of the vehicle.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle 8 comprising a step section 10. The step section 10 may comprise an illumination device 12. In various embodiments, the lighting device 12 may be configured to illuminate the surface 14 of the footboard and / or the side section 16 of the section 10 of the footboard. The lighting device 12 may also be configured to illuminate a portion of the surface 18 of the earth in the vicinity of the vehicle entrance region 8. Each of the various embodiments discussed herein may be configured to generate light using photoluminescent materials. By illuminating one or more portions of the step portion 10, the disclosure can provide an improved appearance for the vehicle 8, while also providing important safety features.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion 22 may be located on and / or distributed in the side portion 16 of the step portion 10. The first photoluminescent portion 22 can extend substantially in the longitudinal direction 24 of the step portion 10. The leg portion 10 may extend substantially coextensively with at least one passenger door 26 of the vehicle 8. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 may substantially highlight the leg portion 10.

[0023] In order to highlight the first photoluminescent portion 22, at least one light source may be located behind the side portion 16 and below the surface 14 of the footboard. At least one light source may be selectively actuated by the lighting controller of the vehicle 8 in response to the vehicle status. When actuated, at least one light source may emit excitation radiation or a first radiation directed to the first photoluminescent portion 22. In some embodiments, at least one light source may correspond to a first light source and a second light source made with the possibility of radiation of the first radiation and the second radiation, respectively. The first light source and the second light source are discussed in more detail in FIG. 4, 5 and 6.

[0024] The first light source and the second light source may be configured to emit such light wavelengths corresponding to the first radiation and the second radiation, respectively. In some embodiments, the first light source may be configured to emit a first radiation with a different intensity and direction relative to the second radiation emitted from the second light source. In such embodiments, the first radiation and the second radiation can output approximately the first wavelength, which is discussed here. In response to receiving light of the first wavelength, the first photoluminescent portion 22 can be excited and emit the third radiation 28.

[0025] The first photoluminescent portion 22 may be configured to convert light of the first wavelength received from the first and / or second light source to a third emission 28 containing at least light of the second wavelength. The first photoluminescent portion 22 may comprise at least one photoluminescent material configured to convert the light of the first wavelength to at least light of the second wavelength. The second wavelength may be longer than the first wavelength, and may correspond to light with a different color than the first wavelength. The various embodiments described herein provide multiple configurations of an illumination device configured to illuminate at least a portion of the footboard portion. In some embodiments, the lighting device 12 may provide functional lighting and / or outdoor lighting to improve the appearance of the vehicle 8.

[0026] In some embodiments, image 30 may be located on the side portion 16. Image 30 may contain any form of pattern, symbols, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the image 30 may be configured to form a pattern for creating the outline of the image 30, highlighted by the first photoluminescent portion 22. Thus, the image 30 may be displayed in a backlit configuration to enhance the appearance of the image.

[0027] In some embodiments, image 30 may correspond to a second photoluminescent portion 32, which may be located on or formed in a side portion 16. Second photoluminescent portion 32 may receive light of a first wavelength from at least one light source like the first photoluminescent portion 22. In response to receiving light of the first wavelength from at least one light source, the second photoluminescent portion 32 can be excited and emit a fourth light emission 34, highlighting yuschee 30. The fourth radiation image 34 may comprise a third wavelength of light. The third wavelength of light may differ from the second wavelength in that the image 30 is displayed as a different color of light than the first radiation 28.

[0028] Various systems and devices in connection with a lighting controller can be used to automatically or manually actuate and / or adjust the light emitted as light of a first wavelength from at least one light source. The level of intensity or illumination of the light source can be adjusted in response to the state of the outside light, presence detection, or any form of touch interface. The light source can also be selectively highlighted in various vehicle states. For example, a light source may be triggered in response to an ignition event, actuation of a lock, unlock, gear shift, actuation of an emergency brake, etc. In some embodiments, the light source may also be configured to illuminate in response to detecting the presence or approach of a key or key fob with a vehicle key and / or a signal from a remote keyless entry device.

[0029] Various embodiments of the illumination device 12 can provide external illumination of the vehicle step portion 10 of the vehicle 8. The light generated by the first photoluminescent portion 22 can be configured to emit light with wavelengths corresponding to a wide range of colors of light emitted from the step surface 14, the side section 16, and with the possibility of highlighting the area 20 of the entrance of the vehicle. The various embodiments disclosed herein provide a new approach to providing exterior light for a stretcher or vehicle step site.

[0030] FIG. 2A-2C generally shows a photoluminescent structure 42 made in the form of a coating (for example, a film) capable of being deposited on a fixed part or the surface of a vehicle, a discrete particle capable of being embedded in a fixed part of a vehicle, and a multitude of discrete particles included in a separate structure capable of being applied to the fixed part of the vehicle, respectively. The photoluminescent structure 42 may correspond to the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32, which are discussed here. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes an energy conversion layer 44, which can be provided in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer structure, which is indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2A and 2B.

[0031] The energy conversion layer 44 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements selected from a phosphorescent and / or fluorescent material. The photoluminescent material can be designed with the ability to convert the input electromagnetic radiation into the output electromagnetic radiation, generally having a longer wavelength and representing a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is called the Stokes shift and serves as the main mechanism for activating the energy conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of light, often called a downconversion. In various embodiments that are considered here, at least one of the wavelengths of light (for example, the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

[0032] Each of the photoluminescent portions may comprise at least one photoluminescent structure 42 comprising an energy conversion layer (for example, an energy conversion layer 44). The energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by distributing the photoluminescent material in the polymer matrix 50 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods, as shown in FIG. 2c. Such methods may include the steps of preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from the composition in a liquid carrier medium and applying the energy conversion layer 44 to the desired flat and / or non-planar substrate of the fixed part or the vehicle surface. The coating of the energy conversion layer 44 can be deposited on the fixed part or the vehicle surface by dyeing, screen printing, spraying, slit coating, dipping coating, rolling coating and coating with a slat. Additionally, the energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared in ways that do not use a carrier fluid.

[0033] For example, a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be included in the polymer matrix 50 to provide an energy conversion layer 44. The polymer matrix 50 can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, extrusion molding, extrusion, hot molding, etc. In the examples where one or more energy conversion layers 44 are in the form of particles, single or multi-layer energy conversion layers 44 can be embedded in a fixed part or panel of a vehicle. When the energy conversion layer 44 includes a multilayer composition, each layer can be applied sequentially. Additionally, the layers can be prepared separately and then laminated or stamped together to form a solid layer. Layers can also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure. For clarity, a polymer matrix 50 containing photoluminescent material may be further referred to as an energy conversion layer 44 to demonstrate that each can be similarly used to convert the first wavelength of light to at least the second wavelength.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 may optionally include at least one resistance layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 from photolytic and thermal decomposition. Stability layer 46 can be made as a separate layer, optically bonded and glued to energy conversion layer 44. Stability layer 46 can also be combined with energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also optionally include a protective layer 48, optically bonded and adhered to the stability layer 46, or any layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 from physical and chemical damage caused by the environment.

[0035] The stability layer 46 and / or the protective layer 48 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 44 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 42 by sequentially applying or printing each layer and / or by sequential lamination or stamping. Alternatively, several layers can be combined by sequential application, lamination or stamping to form a substructure. The substructure can then be laminated or stamped to form a combined photoluminescent structure 42. After formation, the photoluminescent structure 42 can be applied onto a selected fixed part or vehicle surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be incorporated into the fixed part of the vehicle in the form of one or more discrete particles, as shown in FIG. 2c. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also be provided in the form of one or more discrete multilayer particles distributed in a polymer composition, which is subsequently applied to a fixed part or vehicle panel as an adjacent structure. Additional information relating to the execution of the photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent vehicle center ()CRAFUR STI;) Kingsley et al., Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENTURI CENTURY CENTLEY CENTURIENTURI STILE CENTURY STILE CENTRIENTURY STILE STILE";) EMISSION ”, filed on July 31, 2012, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0037] FIG. 3, the overall illumination device 12 is shown in accordance with a first configuration 62 with an illuminated rear view. The first backlit configuration 62 may exhibit an exemplary embodiment corresponding to converting the first radiation 64 from at least one light source 66 to a third radiation 28, as discussed with reference to FIG. 1. The third radiation 28 may correspond to light emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 22 located on the side portion 16 of the step portion 10. In this configuration, the first radiation 64 emitted from the light source 66 is converted into the third radiation 28 by the energy conversion layer 44 of the first photoluminescent portion 22. Although the third radiation 28 is examined with reference to FIG. 3, the fourth radiation 34, corresponding to the second photoluminescent portion 32, may contain a similar photoluminescent structure 42 and an energy conversion layer 44, which are discussed here. A further detailed description, corresponding to an exemplary embodiment of the second photoluminescent portion 32, is discussed with reference to FIG. four.

[0038] The first radiation 64 comprises the first λ ₁ wavelength, and the third radiation 28 contains at least the second λ ₂ wavelength. Illumination device 12 includes a photoluminescent structure 42, which can be made in the form of a coating and deposited on a substrate 68, a panel or surface of a vehicle 8, for example, the surface of a side portion 18. A photoluminescent material can also be distributed in a polymer matrix 50 corresponding to the layer 44, and may be used to form a portion or layer of a side portion 18. In some embodiments, the energy conversion layer 44 may additionally include a layer 46 stability and / or protective layer 48.

[0039] In response to the first light source 66, which is driven by at least one light source 66, can be emitted from the first light source 66. In response to the first radiation 64 received by the energy conversion layer 44, the first photoluminescent portion 22 can convert the first radiation 64 having the first wavelength λ ₁ to the third radiation 28 having the second wavelength λ ₂ . The third radiation 28 may contain a plurality of wavelengths made to emit light with any color from the first photoluminescent portion 22. By using the color control of the third radiation 28, the internal cavity 24 of the step portion 10 can be highlighted with a variety of colors to provide an aesthetic appearance of the vehicle 8.

[0040] In various embodiments, the lighting device 12 comprises at least one photoluminescent material included in the energy conversion layer 44, and is configured to convert the first radiation 64 with the first length λ ₁ to the third radiation 28 having at least the second length the waves. In order to generate a plurality of wavelengths of the third radiation 28, the energy conversion layer 44 may comprise red light emitting photoluminescent material, green light emitting photoluminescent material and / or blue light emitting photoluminescent material distributed in it. The photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and blue light can be combined to generate a wide variety of colors for the third light 28. For example, photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and blue light can be used in many proportions and combinations to control the color of the light of the inner cavity 24 of section 10 footboards.

[0041] Each of the photoluminescent materials may vary in output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of photochemical structures used in energy conversion layer 44. For example, the third radiation 28 may be modified by adjusting the wavelength of the first radiation 64 to drive photoluminescent materials in the energy conversion layer 44 with different intensities to change the color of the third radiation 28. In addition or alternatively emitting red, green and blue light to photoluminescent materials other photoluminescent materials can be used separately and in various combinations to generate the third radiation 28 of a wide variety of colors. Thus, the lighting device 12 may be configured to allow multiple applications to provide the desired lighting effect for the vehicle.

[0042] At least one light source 66 may also be referred to as an excitation source and is configured to emit at least a first radiation 64. Light source 66 may contain any form of light source, such as halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs) , organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid-state lighting or any other form of lighting capable of outputting the first radiation 64. The first radiation 64 from at least one light source 66 can be made so that the first wavelength λ ₁ corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 44. In response to receiving light with the first wavelength λ _{1, the} energy conversion layer 44 can be excited and output one or more output wavelengths corresponding to the third radiation 28. The first radiation 64 provides an excitation source for the energy conversion layer 44 by targeting the absorption wavelengths of various photoluminescent materials used in it. In this regard, the lighting device 12 can be configured to control the third radiation 28 to generate the required intensity and color of light.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 66 comprises at least one LED configured to emit a first wavelength λ ₁ that corresponds to the spectral range of blue. The spectral range of blue contains a range of wavelengths, generally presented in the form of blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some embodiments, the first λ ₁ wavelength may contain wavelengths in the ultraviolet or near ultraviolet color range (~ 250-450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment, the first wavelength λ ₁ may be approximately equal to 470 nm. In general, the first wavelength λ ₁ may be approximately less than 500 nm so that the first light emission 64 is slightly visible relative to the third light 28 and the fourth light 34.

[0044] The spectral range of blue and shorter wavelengths can be used as the excitation source for the illumination device 12. By using shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength λ ₁ and converting the first wavelength using the transform layer 44 to at least one longer wavelength, illumination device 12 can create a visual effect of light emanating from the photoluminescent structure 42 of the photoluminescent portions examined here. In this configuration, light is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 42 (for example, the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32) from locations in the vehicle that may be unavailable or expensive to add traditional light sources that require electrical connections.

[0045] Each emission color, wavelength, or combination of wavelengths of each of the emissions may correspond to significantly different spectral color ranges. Some wavelengths may contain a variety of wavelengths, which may correspond to the excitation of a red light emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm. Some wavelengths may correspond to the excitation of a green light emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm. Some wavelengths may also correspond to a photoluminescent material emitting blue or blue-green light, having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength λ ₁ and approximately 430-525 nm. Wavelengths can be used to generate a wide variety of colors of light emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32, and any other photoluminescent portions discussed here.

[0046] FIG. 4, an overall embodiment of the illumination device 12 is shown according to the configuration 72 with backlighting in the back. In a configuration 72 with backlighting at the rear, at least one light source 66 may correspond to a first light source 74 and a second light source 76. In this configuration, the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 may correspond to the excitation radiation containing approximately the first wavelength λ _{1 of} light. The first photoluminescent portion 22 may be configured to convert the first wavelength λ ₁ from the first source 74 of the light and / or the second source 76 of the light to the third emission 28. Additionally, the second photoluminescent portion 32 may be configured to convert the first length λ _{1 of the} wave the first source 74 of the light and / or the second source 76 of the light into the fourth emission 34. In this configuration, the device 12 of the light can be configured to excite an essentially upper portion and a lower portion of the light Luciano lighting device surface (e.g., the side portion 18).

[0047] The first light source 74 and the second light source 76 can be configured to emit approximately a first wavelength λ _{1 of} light with a first intensity and a second intensity, respectively. The second intensity may be greater than the first intensity, so that the second light source emits a greater amount of light directed to the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32. Although referred to here as the first intensity and the second intensity, each of the light sources may likewise Match any shape of light sources that can output different amounts of light relative to each other. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 may be configured to illuminate at least one of the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32 with the first intensity and the second intensity in response to the condition of the vehicle 8.

[0048] Illumination device 12 may comprise an optical device 84 configured to direct light with a first wavelength λ ₁ wavelength substantially along the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32. Each of the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32 may contain a photoluminescence structure 42 in the energy conversion layer 44, located in the form of a coating or polymer matrix 50 near the outer surface 86 of the optical device 84. Despite the fact that tour and the execution of each of the photoluminescent sections 22 and 32 may be similar, each section may contain different photoluminescent materials, made with the possibility of highlighting the section 10 steps of the first output color 88 and the second output color 90. The first output color 88 may correspond to the third radiation 28, and the second output color 90 may correspond to the fourth radiation 34. In this configuration, the side portion 16 may be illuminated by the third radiation 22 and the fourth radiation 34 to provide outdoor illumination in at least two colors.

[0049] The optical device 84 may consist of any material adapted to transmitting light with a first wavelength λ ₁ substantially transversely to the length of the outer surface 86 adjacent to the second photoluminescent portion 32. In some embodiments, the optical device 84 may comprise a polymeric material configured to provide a refractive index so that light of the first wavelength is transmitted from each of the first source 74 of the light and the second source 76 of the light to the outer surface Spines 86 are successively along the longitudinal direction 24 of the section 10 of the step. In some embodiments, the optical device may be configured to transmit the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 substantially towards a particular photoluminescent portion. For example, the first radiation 64 can be configured to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 32 substantially independently of the first photoluminescent portion 22. Thus, the illumination device 12 can essentially illuminate each of the photoluminescent portions independently.

[0050] The backlit configuration 72 may comprise a power conversion layer 44 located in each of the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32. The power conversion layer 44 may be adapted to be excited in response to receiving the first wavelength λ ₁ from the first radiation 64 and / or the second radiation 78. In response to the excitation, the third radiation 28 and the fourth radiation 34 can be output as one or more output wavelengths of light. The wavelengths of light corresponding to the third radiation 28 and the fourth radiation 34 can be configured to emit the first color 88 of the light and the second color 90 of the light, respectively. The color of the light corresponding to the third radiation 28 and the fourth radiation 34 can be adjusted using specific photoluminescent materials or their combinations, which are discussed here.

[0051] Next in FIG. 5 is a perspective view in cross section of the step portion 10 or the step portion 10 showing the illumination device 12. A step portion 10 is shown, comprising a step surface 14 and a side portion 16. The first photoluminescent portion 22 may correspond to a photoluminescent structure located in a panel forming the side portion 16. The first light source 74 and the second light source 76 may be located in a sealed skin 104. Sealed the skin 104 may be installed near the inner surface 106 of the side portion 16 and the bottom surface 108 of the leg portion 10. Sealed skin 104 may be configured to protect light sources 74 and 76 from wear and / or damage that may occur as a result of environmental exposure.

[0052] The optical device 110 may be located inside or near the pressurized skin 104. The optical device 110 may be configured to receive the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 from each of the first light source 74 and the second light source 76, respectively. The optical device 110 may be configured to scatter and propagate the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 substantially along the stretcher section 10 in the longitudinal direction 24. In this configuration, the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 may be distributed substantially along the stretcher section 10 and in the longitudinal direction direction 24 to limit the number of light sources required to illuminate the step portion 10.

[0053] The optical device 110 may additionally have a profile outline 112 configured to direct the first radiation 64 to substantially the side portion 16 and the step surface 14. The profile outline 112 may be configured to direct the second radiation 78 to substantially the side section 16. Additionally, the first light source 74 may be oriented above the second light source 76 to further direct the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 substantially in the directions discussed here. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 may be configured to selectively actuate each of the first light source 74 and the second light source 76 to illuminate the upper portion and the lower portion of the first photoluminescent portion 22, respectively.

[0054] In response to the activation of the first source 74 of the light, the first radiation 64 may be radiated into the optical device 110 and substantially through at least partially the light transmitting material of the side portion 16. The side portion 16 may contain the first photoluminescent portion 22. In response to receiving the first radiation 64 containing the first wavelength, the first photoluminescent portion 22 can be excited and emit the third radiation 28 with the first intensity. The first light source 74 may be located near the upper portion of the hermetic plating 104. With the radiation of the first radiation 64 from the upper portion of the sealed plating 104, the first source 74 of light can cause the first photoluminescent portion 22 to emit the third radiation 28 essentially from the side surface 114 and the upper surface 116 side section 16. In this configuration, the first light source 74 may illuminate the side surface 114 and the top surface 116 of the side section 16 with a first intensity.

[0055] In response to the actuation of the second light source 76, the second radiation 78 may be radiated into the optical device 110 and substantially through the side portion 16. In response to receiving the second radiation 78 containing the first wavelength, the first photoluminescent portion 22 may be excited and to emit the third radiation 28 with the second intensity. The second light source 76 may be located near the lower portion of the sealed skin 104. Using the radiation of the second radiation 78 from the lower portion of the sealed skin 104, the second light source 76 may cause the first photoluminescent portion 22 to emit the third radiation 28 from essentially the side surface 114 and the bottom surface 118 side section 16. In this configuration, the second light source 76 may illuminate the side surface 114 and the bottom surface 118 with a second intensity.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first radiation 78 may be radiated from the optical device 110 to the outside toward the earth surface 18 by means of a ground emitting surface 120. The ground emitting surface 120 may be configured to have a higher light transmittance than the side surface 114. Like the side surface 114, the ground-emitting surface 120 may comprise a first photoluminescent portion 22 located on it and / or distributed in it. Thus, the ground-emitting surface 120 of the side portion 16 can be configured to emit the third radiation 28 with a higher intensity relative to the light emitted through the side surface 114. In this connection, the illumination device 14 can be configured to emit the third radiation 28 for Illumination of the ground surface 18 near the entrance area 20 with the first light intensity or brightness. The side surface 114 and the top surface 116 may be illuminated with a second intensity less than the first intensity.

[0057] The outer surfaces of the side portion 16 may additionally be coated with at least partially a light-transmitting metallic finish. For example, one or more of the side surface 114, the top surface 116, and / or the ground-emitting surface 120 may comprise a vacuum metallized coating. Thus, the side section may have a chrome finish or any form of metallic surface finish. The side portion may be configured to have a metallic luster when the sources 74 and 76 of the light are inactive, and to emit a third radiation of at least one of a plurality of colors when at least one of the sources 74 or 76 of the light is active. In some embodiments, the side portion 16 may also comprise a plurality of at least partially light-transmitting coatings configured to achieve the desired surface finish and / or gloss for the side portion 16.

[0058] As discussed with reference to FIG. 4, the first radiation 64 may be radiated with a first intensity that is lower than the second intensity of the second radiation 78. Excitation of the first photoluminescent portion 22 in response to the first radiation 64 and the second radiation 78 may correspond to the relative intensities of the radiation emitted from the first light source 74 and the second light source 76, respectively. For example, the third radiation 28a in response to the first light source 74 is shown in the form of arrows having dotted lines extending from the first photoluminescent portion 22. The third radiation 28b in response to the second light source 76 is shown in the form of arrows having solid lines proceeding from the first photoluminescent portion 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the solid lines corresponding to the second light source 76 (28b) are longer than the dotted lines corresponding to the first light source 74 (28a).

[0059] Corresponding to a higher intensity of the second radiation 78 relative to the first radiation 64, the third radiation 28 emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 22 may be larger in response to the actuation of the second light source 76 than the first light source 74. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 may be configured to actuate the first light source 74 in response to particular vehicle conditions that may require a low level of illumination emitted from the step portion 10. Illumination device 12 may also be configured to actuate a second light source 76 in response to vehicle conditions that may allow a high level of illumination emitted from the step portion 10. Thus, the lighting device 14 can be configured to illuminate the first photoluminescent portion with at least the first intensity and the second intensity in accordance with the state of the vehicle 8.

[0060] Vehicle conditions that may require a first intensity or low level of illumination may include states that correspond to a vehicle 8, in motion or operating on a road. Vehicle conditions that may allow a second state or a high level of illumination may correspond to a vehicle 8 that is parked, not operated, and / or working off-road. In order to determine whether the lighting device 12 can operate at a low level or a high level, the lighting device 12 can be in communication with a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller can communicate the various vehicle states to the lighting device 12. Vehicle conditions can include an ignition event, lock actuation, gear shift, emergency brake actuation, internal or external light actuation state, detection of the presence or approach of a vehicle key or key fob and / or a signal from a remote keyless entry devices. In response to one or more of the vehicle states, the controller, processor, and / or lighting device circuit can selectively activate the first light source 74 and / or the second light source 76.

[0061] In order to control the various light sources discussed herein, the lighting device may comprise a lighting controller 80 configured to selectively actuate each of the light sources in response to one or more signals received from the vehicle controller. The lighting controller 80 may be in communication with a vehicle controller using any form of communication interface, such as local interconnect bus (LIB), local area network controller (CAN) or any other wired or wireless communication interface. The lighting controller 80 may comprise one or more circuits, processors and / or controllers configured to selectively actuate the light sources in response to one or more signals received from the vehicle.

[0062] The lighting device 14 may be configured to illuminate the second light source 76 with a second intensity in response to actuating the blockage, detecting the approach of the vehicle key or key fob and / or the signal from the remote keyless entry device. The second light source 76 may be activated in response to a vehicle or a recent vehicle operation, which is identified by an ignition event in combination with a gear shift in the parking position and / or an active emergency brake. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 is configured to set the intensity or the level of lighting to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle 8, which corresponds to different traffic rules corresponding to different operating conditions of the vehicle 8.

[0063] The illumination device 12 may be configured to illuminate the first light source 74 with a first intensity in response to the active vehicle lights, shifting gear to the main gear position, vehicle ignition operation, etc. In response to receiving signals corresponding to at least these states of the vehicle 8, the lighting device can be configured to selectively activate the first light source 74 and / or the second light source to emit the third radiation 28 with a first intensity or a second intensity. In some embodiments, both light sources 74 and 76 may be activated to emit a third radiation 28 with a third intensity that is greater than the first intensity or the second intensity.

[0064] As discussed herein, the lighting device 12 may further comprise a second photoluminescent portion 32, corresponding to image 30 located in the side portion 16. The second photoluminescent portion 32 may be driven by the first radiation 64 and / or the second radiation 78, like the first photoluminescence section 22. In response to the first wavelength received from the first radiation 64 and / or the second radiation 78, the second photoluminescent section 32 can be highlighted with a second color 90. The photoluminescent Container material used to generate the first color and the second color 88 to 90 can have a substantially similar absorption bands so that the photoluminescent areas 22 and 32 can be excited by the first wavelength.

[0065] As discussed herein, the first color 88 and the second color 90 may correspond to the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32, respectively. In this configuration, photoluminescent materials for the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second photoluminescent portion 32 can be selected based on the specific lighting and color properties required for each of the photoluminescent portions. Thus, the lighting device 12 can additionally highlight the second photoluminescent portion 32 by converting the first wavelength of the first and / or second radiation 64, 78 into the fourth radiation 34 to highlight the side portion 16 with the first color 88, and the image 30 with the second color 90.

[0066] Next in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the illumination device 12 showing a turn indicator 122. A step portion 10 is shown, comprising a step surface 14 and a side portion 16. Like FIG. 5, a first photoluminescent portion 22 is shown corresponding to a side portion 16. Signal indicator 122 may correspond to a third photoluminescent portion 124, which may be carried out separately and / or in combination with one of the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the second portion 32. In some embodiments, all of the first photoluminescent portion 22, the second photoluminescent portion 32, and the third photoluminescent portion 124 may be implemented in the illumination device 12. To demonstrate this combination, the first photoluminescent portion 22 is shown, which emits the third radiation 28 in response to receiving the second radiation 78.

[0067] The turn indicator 122 may be located near the side section 16 and in a sealed signal casing 126, similar to the sealed casing 104. The sealed casing 126 may be separated from the sealed casing 104 by a translucent partition 128. The third photoluminescent section 124 may be located at least partially translucent material signal pointer 122 and / or printed on it in the form of a coating. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 can selectively highlight the first photoluminescent portion 22 and the turn indicator 122 independently.

[0068] The third light source 130 may be located in the sealed signal skin 126 and configured to emit the fifth radiation 132. The fifth radiation 32 may contain the first wavelength or any other wavelength to excite the third photoluminescent portion 124. In response to receiving the fifth radiation 132 the third photoluminescent portion 124 may be excited and emit the sixth radiation 134. The third photoluminescent portion 124 may contain one or more photoluminescent materials configured to transform Fifth radiation 132 to generate a sixth radiation 134 containing light wavelengths corresponding to substantially orange, yellow, red, and / or any other color. In this configuration, the lighting device 12 may be configured to selectively activate the third light source 130 to illuminate the third photoluminescent portion 124 in response to the activated turn signal of the vehicle 8.

[0069] The illumination device 12 described herein can provide efficient and affordable illumination for illuminating a step portion of a vehicle. Illumination device 12 may be configured to emit functional light and / or decorative illumination from any of a variety of photoluminescent areas to meet the desired illumination pattern. Although the device disclosed here is described in detail with reference to the step or the step of the vehicle, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be applied in a variety of embodiments without deviating from the essence of the disclosure.

[0070] In order to describe and define these concepts, we note that the terms “essentially” and “approximately” are used here to represent the intrinsic degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used here to represent the extent to which the quantitative representation may differ from the stated reference without leading to a change in the main function of the subject matter of the invention. It should be understood that changes and transformations of the above construction can be made without deviating from the ideas of the present invention, and additionally it should be understood that such ideas are intended to cover the following further by the claims, unless the claims expressly otherwise.

Claims (31)

1. A lighting device for a vehicle comprising: photoluminescent plot, located on the stretcher; a first light source configured to drive a photoluminescent portion for backlighting; an optical device located on the specified leg area and configured to direct light from the first light source to illuminate the surface of the step and the ground near the vehicle; and a lighting controller configured to selectively actuate the first light source by means of a communication signal. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a second light source for illuminating the photoluminescent portion. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first light source and the second light source are configured to illuminate the surface of the earth near the vehicle entry area. 4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first light source is configured to illuminate the photoluminescent portion with the first intensity, and the second light source is adapted to illuminate the photoluminescent portion with a second intensity less than the first intensity. 5. The device according to claim 2, in which the optical device is located near the stretcher section and is configured to transmit light from the first light source and / or the second light source longitudinally along the stretcher section. 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively actuate each of the first light source and the second light source in response to the state of the vehicle. 7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the first light source in response to the movement of the vehicle and the second light source in response to the parking of the vehicle. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the photoluminescent portion extends substantially along a longitudinal extent of at least one vehicle door. 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first light source and the second light source are located in a skin attached to the inner surface of the side portion, the first light source being located in the skin above the second light source. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the skin forms a sealed unit with an optical device, comprising a first light source and a second light source. 11. A lighting device for a vehicle comprising a footrest section comprising a surface of the footrest and a side section, wherein the lighting device for a vehicle includes: backlight means extending longitudinally along said side portion; a controller configured to actuate the first light source and the second light source located behind the specified side portion; and an optical device located in the specified area of the footrest and configured to direct light from the first light source and the second light source to illuminate the surface of the footrest and the surface of the earth. 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the backlight means comprises at least one photoluminescent material adapted to emit light for illuminating the illumination device. 13. The device according to claim 12, in which the first light source and the second light source are located in a housing associated with the inner surface of the side portion. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate each of the first light source and the second light source to illuminate the surface portion of the step with the first intensity and the ground surface with the second intensity. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the first light source and the second light source are configured to emit light to excite a photoluminescent material. 16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the side portion comprises at least partially translucent material to allow light to pass through the side portion to excite the photoluminescent material. 17. The device according to claim 11, in which the first light source is located closer to the surface of the step, than the second light source. 18. A lighting device for a vehicle comprising a footrest section comprising a surface of the footrest and a side section, wherein the lighting device for a vehicle includes: the first photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the side portion and extending along the longitudinal extent of the side portion; the second photoluminescent portion corresponding to the image located on the side portion; the first light source, made with the possibility of excitation of photoluminescent areas; and the lighting controller associated with the first light source and configured to selectively actuate the light source. 19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a portion of the surface of the step in response to receiving light with a first wavelength. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the first photoluminescent portion is configured to emit light having the first color, and the second photoluminescent portion is configured to emit light having a second color different from the first color in response to receiving light of the first length the waves.

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