BR102015000989A2 - Photoluminescent Frame Vehicle Ceiling Lighting System - Google Patents

Abstract

"Photoluminescent vehicle roof lighting system". a vehicle roof lighting system is provided and includes a roof and a photoluminescent structure coupled to the roof. at least one excitation source is operable to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation introduced to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure to produce at least one emitted electromagnetic radiation.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report for: "PHOTO-LIGHTING VEHICLE CEILING LIGHTING SYSTEM".

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application is a Continued-in Part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FRAME VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM", the full description of the which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly to vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Lighting from photouminescent structures offers a unique and engaging viewing experience. Therefore, it is desired to incorporate such photouminescent structures into a vehicle lighting system to provide ambient and work area lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle + oto lighting system is provided which includes a roof and a photoluminescent structure contiguously coupled to the roof. A plurality of excitation sources are each operably coupled to a headrest, a pin b or the ceiling, and each is operable to emit a primary emission to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure. Each associated area is formulated to convert the primary emission into a secondary emission and is located in a corner area, a lateral area or a central area of the photoluminescent structure such that each associated area is at least partially overlapped with at least one area. adjacent

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle roof lighting system is provided which includes a roof and a photoluminescent structure coupled to the roof. A plurality of excitation sources are each operable to emit at least one first introduced electromagnetic radiation, a second introduced electromagnetic radiation or a third electromagnetic radiation introduced to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure. Each associated area contains a red light-emitting photoluminescent material formulated to convert the first introduced electromagnetic radiation into a first emitted electromagnetic radiation, a green-emitting photoluminescent material formulated to convert the second introduced electromagnetic radiation to a second emitted electromagnetic radiation, and a light-emitting photoluminescent material. of blue formulated to convert the third introduced electromagnetic radiation into a third emitted electromagnetic radiation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle roof lighting system including a roof and a photoluminescent structure coupled to the roof. At least one excitation source is operable to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation introduced to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure to produce at least one emitted electromagnetic radiation.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with consideration of the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle featuring various illuminated accessories;

[010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rear passenger compartment of the automotive vehicle featuring various illuminated accessories;

Figure 3A illustrates a photoluminescent structure represented as a coating;

Figure 3B illustrates the photoluminescent structure represented as a distinct particle;

Figure 3C illustrates a plurality of photoluminescent structures represented as distinct particles and incorporated into a separate structure;

Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle lighting system employing a front lighting configuration;

Figure 5 illustrates the vehicle lighting system employing a rear lighting configuration;

[016] Figure 6 illustrates a vehicle lighting system control system;

Figure 7 illustrates a rear lighting assembly provided on a center console of an automotive vehicle;

[018] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an interactive rear lighting member taken along the lines Vlli-Vlli of Figure 7, and [019] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ceiling lighting system. vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various alternative forms. Figures are not necessarily presented in a detailed drawing and certain schemes can be overstated or minimized to show an overview of the function. Therefore, specific structural and functional details described herein should not be construed as imitative, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variably employ the present invention. 1021] As used herein, the term "and / or", when used in a list of two or more items, indicates that any of the items listed may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the items listed may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in combination, A and C in combination, B and C in combination, or A, B, eC in combination, [022] The following description describes a vehicle lighting system in which a vehicle fixture receives a photoluminescent structure to convert a primary emission into a secondary emission generally presenting a new color. For purposes of this description, a vehicle accessory refers to any internal or external part of the vehicle equipment, or part thereof, suitable for receiving the photoluminescent structure described herein. While the implementation of the vehicle lighting system described here is primarily directed to automotive vehicle use, it should be appreciated that the vehicle lighting system may also be implemented in other types of vehicles designed to carry one or more passengers, such as, but not limited to vessels, trains, and aircraft.

[023] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a passenger compartment f 0 of an automotive vehicle is generally shown having a variety of exemplary vehicle accessories 12a-12g located at the front and rear of passenger compartment 10. The 12a-12g accessories generally correspond to a ceiling, a carpet, a door trim panel, and various parts of a seat including the base of a seat, a backrest, a headrest, and the back of a Seat, respectively, For purposes of illustration rather than limitation, each fixture 12a-12g may be provided with a photoluminescent structure, further described below, in a selected area 14a-14f of each fixture 12a-12f. With respect to the vehicle lighting system described herein, it should be appreciated that the selected area 12a ~ 12f is not limited to any specific shape or size and may include portions of an accessory having planar and / or non-planar configurations. While some accessories 12a-12g have been exemplarily provided, it should be appreciated that other accessories may be used in accordance with the vehicle lighting system described herein. Such accessories may include instrument panels and components disposed therein, interactive mechanisms (e.g., pushbuttons, switches, dials, and the like), indicating devices (e.g., speedometer, tachometer, etc.), printed surfaces, and External accessories such as, but not limited to non-woven entry buttons, badges, side presences, nameplate lamps, trunk lamps, headlights, and tail lights.

Referring to Figures 3A-3C, a photoluminescent structure 16 is generally shown shown as a coating (e.g., a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle accessory, to a distinct particle capable of being implanted into an accessory. and a plurality of distinct particles incorporated into a separate structure capable of being applied to a vehicle accessory, respectively. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 16 includes an energy conversion layer 18 that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer structure as shown by the broken lines in Figures 3A and 3B. Energy conversion layer 18 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material and formulated to convert an introduced electromagnetic radiation to a generally emitted electromagnetic radiation having a longer wavelength. and expressing a color that is not characteristic of the introduced electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the introduced and emitted electromagnetic radiation is referred to as Stokes deviation and serves as the fundamental driving mechanism for the above mentioned energy conversion process. sometimes referred to as downward conversion. Energy conversion layer 18 may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 18 of a formulation in a liquid conductive medium and coating the energy conversion layer 18 on a desired planar and / or non-planar substrate of a vehicle accessory. The coating of the energy conversion layer 18 may be deposited on the vehicle accessory selected by painting, screen printing, spraying, extrusion coating, dip coating, rod coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 18 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid conductive medium. For example, a solid state solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials in a polymer matrix can be converted to energy conversion layer 18 by extrusion, injection molding, compression grinding, caiandering, and thermoforming. In examples where one or more energy conversion layers 18 are represented as particles, the single layer or multilayer energy conversion layers 18 may be implanted in the chosen vehicle fitting rather than applied as a coating. Where the energy conversion layer 18 includes a multilayer formulation each layer may be sequentially coated, or the layers may be separately prepared and subsequently laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. Alternatively, the layers may be extruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure.

Referring again to Figures 3A and 3B, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 18 from photolytic and thermal degradation to provide sustained emissions of electromagnetic radiation emitted. The stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer and is optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 18 or otherwise integrated with the energy conversion layer 18 provided that a suitable polymer matrix is selected. The photoluminescent structure 16 may also optionally include a protective layer 22 optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer 20 or another layer to protect the photoluminescent structure 16 from physical and chemical damage from environmental exposure.

Stability layer 20 and / or protective layer 22 may be combined with energy conversion layer 18 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 16 by coating or sequential printing of each layer, or by lamination or embossing. sequential. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, lamination or embossing to form a substructure, and the required substructure then laminated or embossed together to form the integrated photoluminescent structure 16. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be formed. applied to a chosen vehicle accessory. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be incorporated into the chosen vehicle accessory as one or more distinct multilayer particles. Alternatively still, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer formulation which is subsequently applied to the chosen vehicle accessory as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533, entitled "MULTIPLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE LAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY AND SECONDARY EMISSION ENERGY CONVERSION". is incorporated herein by reference.

[028] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a vehicle lighting system 24 is generally shown according to a front lighting configuration (Figure 4) and a rear lighting configuration (Figure 5). In both embodiments, the vehicle lighting system 24 includes a photoluminescent structure 16 represented as a coating and applied to a substrate 40 of a vehicle accessory 42. The photoluminescent structure 16 includes an energy conversion layer 18 and optionally includes a stability layer 20 and / or a protective layer 22 as described above. The energy conversion layer 18 includes a red emitting photoluminescent material Xi, a green emitting photoluminescent material Xa, and a blue emitting photoluminescent material Xa dispersed in a polymer matrix 44. The red, green, and photoluminescent emitting materials blue Xi. Xa and Xa are chosen because varying mixtures of red, green, and blue light will allow a variety of color sensations to be duplicated. As further described below, an excitation source 26 is operable to excite each of the red, video, and blue emitting photoluminescent materials materiaisι, X2 and Xa in various combinations to produce a different colored light that can escape from the photoluminescent structure 16 to provide ambient and work area lighting.

Excitation source 26 is generally shown at an external location with respect to the photoluminescent structure 16 and is operable to emit a primary emission having a light content defined by a first introduced electromagnetic radiation represented as the directional arrow 28, a second introduced electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 30, and / or a third introduced electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 32. The contribution of each introduced electromagnetic radiation 28, 30, 32 to the primary emission depends on an activation state of an emitting diode corresponding light source (LED) configured to emit light at a single peak wavelength. In both embodiments, the first introduced electromagnetic radiation 28 is emitted from the blue LED 34 at a peak wavelength λι selected from a blue spectral color range, which is defined here as the germinating wavelength range expressed as blue light. (-450-495 nanometers). The second introduced electromagnetic radiation 30 is emitted from the blue LED 36 at a peak wavelength kz also selected from the azu spectral color range and the third introduced electromagnetic radiation 32 is emitted from the blue LED 38 at a peak wavelength kz selected from the blue spectral color range.

Because of the wavelengths λι, kz, and kz having different wavelengths, the blue LEDs 34, 36 and 38 may each be primarily responsible for exciting one of the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials Xi , Xa, Xa, Specifically, the blue LED 34 is mainly responsible for exciting the matter! Xt red-emitting photoluminescent, the blue LED 3b is primarily responsible for exciting the green-emitting photoluminescent material Xa, and the blue LED 38 is primarily responsible for exciting the blue-emitting photoluminescent material Xa. For the most efficient energy conversion, the red emitting photoluminescent material Xi is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength λι associated with the first introduced electromagnetic radiation 28. When excited, the photoluminescent material Red emitting Xi converts the first introduced electromagnetic radiation 28 to a first emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as the directional arrow 46 and having a peak emission wavelength Ei that includes a wavelength of a red spectral color band, which is defined here as the wavelength range generally expressed as red light (-620-750 nanometers). Similarly, the green emitting photoluminescent material Xa is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength kz of the second introduced electromagnetic radiation 30. When excited, the green emitting photofuminescent material X2 converts to second electromagnetic radiation 30 into a second emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as the directional arrow 48 and having a peak emission wavelength Ea that includes a wavelength of a green spectral color band, which is defined herein as the wavelength range. generally expressed as green light (-526-606 nanometers). Lastly, the photo-emitting blue-emitting material Xs is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength> .3 of the third introduced electromagnetic radiation 32. When excited, the photo-emitting blue-emitting material X3 converts the second electromagnetic radiation introduced 32 into a third emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as arrow 50 and having a peak emission wavelength Ea which includes a longer wavelength of the blue spectral color range. Given the relatively narrow band of the blue spectral color band, it is recognized that certain spectral overlap may occur between the absorption spectra of the red, green, and blue emitting photoiuminescent materials X1, X2, X3. This may result in the inadvertent excitation of more than one of the red, green, and blue photo-emitting materials X1, Xa, X3, although only one of the blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 is active, thus producing unexpected color mixtures. Thus, if greater color separation is desired, the red, green, and blue-emitting photouminescent materials are emitted. Xi, Xa, X '' should be selected to have narrowband absorption spectra to minimize any spectral overlap between them and the peak wavelengths λι,) .2, / 3 should be spaced apart to allow sufficient separation. between the peak absorption wavelengths of the red, green and blue emitting photoiuminescent materials Xi, X2, X3. Thus, depending on which of the red, green and blue emitting photoiuminescent materials Xi, X2, X3 is excited, a secondary emission may be produced having a more predictable light content. Secondary emission can express a variety of colors found in a typical RGB color space, including colors that are predominantly red, green, blue, or any combination thereof. For example, when the blue LEDs 34, 36 and 38 are simultaneously activated, the secondary emission may contain a mixture of additive red, green, and blue light, which is generally perceived as white light. Other color sensations found in RGB color space can be produced by activating blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 through current control, pulse width modulation (PWM), or other means.

With respect to the vehicle lighting system 24 described herein, LEDs 34, 36 and 38 are chosen as the excitation source 26 to take advantage of the relative cost-benefit attributed to them when used in lighting applications. vehicle. Another advantage of using the blue LEDs 34, 36 and 38 is the relatively low visibility of the blue light, which may present less distraction to the driver of a vehicle and other occupants in cases where the primary emission has to propagate in flat view beforehand. achieve the photoluminescent structure 16. However, it should be appreciated that the vehicle lighting system 24 may also be implemented using other lighting devices as well as sunlight and / or ambient light. Additionally, in view of the range of vehicle accessories capable of receiving the photoluminescent frame 16, it should also be appreciated that the location of the excitation source 26 will naturally vary depending on the specific vehicle accessory formation and may be external or internal to the vehicle. photoluminescent frame 16 and / or vehicle accessory. It should be further appreciated that the excitation source 26 may provide primary emission directly or indirectly to the photoluminescent structure 16. That is, the excitation source 26 may be positioned such that the primary emission propagates towards the photoluminescent structure 16 or positioned. such that the primary emission is distributed to the photoluminescent structure 16 via a light tube, optical device, or the like.

[033] The energy conversion process used by each of the red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials Xi, Xe, Xa described above can be variably implemented taking into account the wide selection of available energy conversion elements. According to one implementation, the energy conversion process occurs through a single absorption / emission event triggered by an energy conversion element. For example, the red-emitting photoluminescent material Xi may include a phosphor that exhibits a large Stokes deviation to absorb the first introduced electromagnetic radiation 28 and subsequently emit the first emitted electromagnetic radiation 46. Likewise, the green-emitting photoluminescent material Xs It may also include a phosphor that exhibits a large Stokes deviation to absorb the second introduced electromagnetic radiation 30 and emit the second emitted electromagnetic radiation. A benefit of using a phosphor or other energy conversion element that exhibits a large Stokes deviation is that greater color separation can be obtained between introduced electromagnetic radiation and emitted electromagnetic radiation due to a reduction in spectral overlap between the corresponding absorption and emission spectra. Similarly, with the display of a single Stokes deviation, the absorption and / or emission spectra for a given photoluminescent material will most likely show a spectral overlap to the absorption and / or emission spectra of another photoluminescent material, thus providing greater separation of color among the selected photoluminescent materials.

According to another implementation, the energy conversion process occurs through an energy cascade of absorption / emission events triggered by a plurality of energy conversion elements with relatively shorter Stokes shifts. For example, the red-emitting photoluminescent material Xi may contain fluorescent dyes, whereby part or all of the introduced electromagnetic radiation 28 is absorbed to emit a first intermediate electromagnetic radiation having a longer wavelength and an uncharacteristic color. of the first introduced electromagnetic radiation 28. The first intermediate electromagnetic radiation is then absorbed a second time to emit a second intermediate electromagnetic radiation still having a longer wavelength and a color that is not characteristic of the first intermediate electromagnetic radiation. The second intermediate electromagnetic radiation may be further converted with additional energy conversion elements which exhibit appropriate Stokes deviations until the desired peak emission wavelength E1 associated with the first emitted electromagnetic radiation 46 is obtained. A similar energy conversion process can also be observed for the green emitting photoluminescent material Xa. While energy conversion processes that implement energy cascades may produce broad color spectra, increasing the number of Stokes shifts may result in less efficient downconversions due to a higher likelihood of spectral overlap between the associated absorption and emission spectra. . In addition, if further color separation is desired, further consideration should be given such that the absorption and / or emission spectra of a photoluminescent material show minimal overlap with the absorption and / or emission spectra of another photoluminescent material as well. implementing a power cascade or some other power conversion process.

With reference to the blue-emitting photoluminescent material Xa, successive conversions of the third electromagnetic radiation introduced 32 via an energy cascade will be unlikely to be necessary, as the introduced electromagnetic radiation 32 and the emitted electromagnetic radiation 50 are both predisposed to lengths. relatively close peak waveforms in the blue spectral color range. Thus, the blue photoluminescent material Xs may include an energy conversion element exhibiting a small Stokes deviation. If greater color separation is desired, the blue photoainescent material Xa should be selected with an emission spectrum showing minimal spectral overlap to the absorption spectra of the red and green emitting photoluminescent materials Xi, Xa. Alternatively, an ultraviolet LED may replace the blue LED 38 to allow an energy conversion element exhibiting greater Stoke deviation to be used and to provide more flexible spacing opportunities for the emission spectrum of the Xa-emitting photouminescent material within the Blue spectral color range. For frontal illumination configurations, the photoiuminescent frame 16 may alternatively include a narrowband reflective material configured to reflect the third introduced electromagnetic radiation 32 emitted from the blue LED 38 rather than performing a power conversion to it to express blue light, the eliminates the need to include Xa-blue photo-emitting material. Alternatively, the reflective material may be configured to reflect a selected amount of the first and second introduced electromagnetic radiations 28, 30 to express blue light, thus eliminating the need to include the Xa-emitting photo-emitting material and the blue LED 38. For configurations In backlighting, the blue light may alternatively be expressed by merely relying on a certain amount of the third introduced electromagnetic radiation 32 passing through the photouminescent structure 16, where the blue-emitting photouminescent material Xa has been omitted.

[036] Since many energy conversion elements are Lambertian emitters, the resulting secondary emissions can be propagated in all directions, including directions that point away from a desired output surface 52 of the photouminescent structure 16. As a result, some or all secondary emissions can be trapped (total internal reflection) or absorbed by corresponding structures (eg vehicle accessory 42), thereby reducing the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16. To minimize the above phenomenon, the photoluminescent structure 16 can optionally include at least one wavelength selective layer 54 formulated to irregularly redirect (e.g. reflect) the propagating secondary emissions to the output surface 52, which also behaves as an input surface 56 with respect to the front illumination configuration. shown in Figure 4. In cases where Since the inlet surface 56 and the outlet surface 52 are different, as generally shown by the backlight configuration in Figure 5, the selective wavelength layer 54 should promptly transmit any primary emissions and redirect any secondary emissions propagating irregularly to the surface. output surface 52. [0373 In both configurations, the selective wavelength layer 54 is positioned between the substrate 40 and the energy conversion layer 18, so that at least some secondary emissions propagating towards the substrate 40 redirected to the output surface 52 to maximize the secondary emission output of the photoluminescent structure 16. To this end, the wavelength selective layer 54 should be at least prepared from dispersing but not absorbing materials. the peak emission wavelengths Et, Es, Es associated with the first, the second and the third electromagnetic radiation emitted 46, 48, 50, respectively. The wavelength selective layer 54 may be represented as a coating and is optically coupled to the energy conversion layer 18 and adhered to either the energy conversion layer 18 or substrate 40 using some of the methods described above, or other suitable methods. .

[038 | Referring to Figure 6, the excitation source 26 may be electrically coupled to a processor 60, which supplies power to the excitation source 26 via a power supply 62 (e.g., integrated vehicle power supply) and controls the state. source and / or excitation source primary emission intensity levels 26. Control instructions for processor 60 may be executed automatically from a program stored within memory. Additionally or alternatively, control instructions may be provided to a vehicle device or system via at least one input 64. Additionally or alternatively, control instructions may be provided to processor 60 via any conventional user input mechanism! 66, such as, but not limited to a pushbutton, switches, touch screens, and the like. While processor 60 is shown electrically coupled to an excitation source 26 in Figure 6, it should be appreciated that processor 60 may also be configured to control additional excitation sources using any of the methods described above.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a rear light assembly 67 is generally shown which will be described herein as incorporating vehicle lighting system 24 in a rear light configuration described above with reference to Figure 5 and may employ any alternative settings associated with it. As shown in Figure 7, rear lighting assembly 67 is exemplarily provided as a center console having a support member 68 (for example, a support plate) supporting one or more interactive rear lighting members, indicated by reference numerals. 70a, 70b and 70c. For illustration purposes, the interactive backlight members 70a, 70b, 70c are embodied as a pushbutton, a rotary knob, and an toggle switch, respectively, each configurable to allow a user to interface with one or more. vehicle characteristics, such as an audio system, a climate control system, a navigation system, etc.

Referring to Figure 8, a cross-sectional view of the interactive backlight member 70a is shown according to one embodiment. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the interactive rear lighting member 70a extends at least partially through an opening formed in the support member 68 and may be mounted to the rear lighting assembly 67 in any conventional manner. The iterative backlight member 70a may include a light-conducting body having a front side 78 and at least one sidewall 80, and may be formed by injection grinding or other suitable methods. While the interactive backlight member 70a is embodied as a push button in Figure 8, it should be appreciated that other embodiments are also possible, such as a rotary knob, an toggle switch, or the like. According to the present embodiment, the excitation source 26 is positioned to provide a primary backlight emission as shown by the directional arrow 84 to the interactive backlight member 70a. The primary emission 84 may be provided directly from the excitation source 26 or indirectly via a light tube, optical device, or the like and may contain one or more introduced electromagnetic radiations, each having an excusively associated peak wavelength and each one. being emitted from a corresponding LED.

Primary emission 84 is supplied to the front side 78 of the rear lighting interactive member 70a and is transmitted therethrough. The primary emission 84 is then received in the photoluminescent structure 16, which can substantially convert all primary emission into a secondary emission containing one or more emitted electromagnetic radiation, each having an excusively associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may convert part of the primary emission into secondary emission and transmit the remainder as unconverted emitted electromagnetic radiation. In either case, one or more emitted electromagnetic radiation, collectively represented by arrow 86, exits through the exit surface 52 of the photoluminescent structure 16 and expresses a color sensation found in an RGB color space. [043] To enhance the brightness of the In the photoluminescent structure 16, a selective wavelength layer 54 may be provided therein to redirect any back-dispersed secondary emissions 86 to the output surface 52. Optionally, an opaque layer 88 is at least coupled to the photoluminescent structure 16 and defines an aperture 90 which is characteristic of an insignia through which secondary emission 86 is transmitted, thus illuminating the insignia.

Referring to Figure 9, a schematic diagram is shown for implementing a vehicle roof lighting system 92 on a vehicle 93. Vehicle roof lighting system 92 incorporates vehicle lighting system 24 in a configuration of front illumination, as previously described with reference to Figure 4, and may employ any alternative configurations associated therewith. As shown in Figure 9, the photoluminescent frame 16 is closely coupled to a vehicle roof 94 and a plurality of excitation sources 26a-26g are each positioned to emit a primary emission to an associated area 96a-96g of the photoluminescent frame. The primary emission emitted from any given excitation source 26a-26g may contain one or more introduced electromagnetic radiations each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength and each being emitted from a corresponding LED. As previously described, the photoluminescent structure 16 can substantially convert all primary emission to a secondary emission containing one or more emitted electromagnetic radiation, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may reflect part of the primary emission and convert the remainder to secondary emission and reflect. In each configuration, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include the wavelength selective layer 54 to redirect any backscatter secondary emission to enhance the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the excitation sources 26a-26d are each operably coupled to an associated headrest 98a-98d and optically configured to illuminate a corresponding corner area 96a-96d of the photoluminescent frame 16 in a usually circular pattern. The excitation sources 26e and 26f are each optically coupled to an associated b-pillar 10Oe, 10Of and are each optically configured to illuminate a corresponding side area 96e, 96f of the photoluminescent structure 16 in a generally half circular pattern. Finally, the excitation source 26g is operably coupled to the vehicle roof 94 and optically configured to illuminate a corresponding central area 96g in a generally circular pattern. As can be seen from Figure 9, such an arrangement provides the opportunity for overlap between adjacent adjacent areas 96a-96g, thus covering a substantial total area of the photoluminescent structure 16. Thus, the vehicle roof lighting system 92 can be controlled (for example via processor 60) to provide a full or isolated lighting experience by activating all or some of the excitation sources 26a-26g. Additionally or alternatively, the use of multiple excitation sources 26a-26g allows any associated area 96a-96g of the photoluminescent structure 16 to produce a color sensation (composed of emitted electromagnetic radiation and / or reflected introduced electromagnetic radiation) found in a space. RGB color that is similar or different to the color sensation produced by any other associated area 96a-96g. This can be achieved by manipulating the light content of the primary emission emitted from any active excitation source 26a-26g.

Therefore, a vehicle illumination system 24 has been described herein. The vehicle illumination system 24 advantageously employs a photoluminescent structure 16 capable of converting a primary emission into a secondary emission to provide a variety of color sensations, thereby enhancing the color sensitivity. driving experience and / or overall appearance of a vehicle accessory.

It will be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, further being understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims by way of their language. expressly state otherwise.

Claims (20)

1. Vehicle roof lighting system, characterized by: a roof; a photoluminescent structure contiguously coupled to the ceiling; and a plurality of excitation sources, each operably coupled to a headrest, pillar b, or ceiling, and operable to emit a primary emission to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure, where each associated area is formulated. to convert the primary emission into a secondary emission and is located in a corner area, a lateral area, or a central area of the photoluminescent structure such that each associated area is at least partially overlapped with at least one adjacent associated area. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 1, characterized in that each excitation source comprises a first blue LED, a second blue LED, and a third blue LED. each operable to emit a uniquely associated peak wavelength of blue light. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the primary emission comprises at least one first introduced electromagnetic radiation emitted from the first blue LED, a second introduced electromagnetic radiation emitted from the second LED. blue light, or a third introduced electromagnetic radiation emitted from the third LED. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the photoluminescent structure comprises an energy conversion layer having a red-emitting photoluminescent material which is primarily excited by the first introduced electromagnetic radiation, a photoluminescent emitting material. of green which is primarily excited by the second introduced electromagnetic radiation, and a blue light-emitting photoluminescent material which is mainly excited by the third blue LED, Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 4, characterized in that the secondary emission comprises at least one first emitted electromagnetic radiation, a second emitted electromagnetic radiation, or a third emitted electromagnetic radiation, each having a length of up to 50 ° C. excusively associated peak emission wave. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 5, characterized in that the red-emitting photoluminescent material converts the first electromagnetic radiation introduced into the first emitted electromagnetic radiation, the green-emitting photoluminescent material converts the second electromagnetic radiation introduced into the second emitted electromagnetic radiation, and the blue-emitting photoluminescent material convert the third introduced electromagnetic radiation to the third emitted electromagnetic radiation. 7. Vehicle roof lighting system, comprising: a roof; a photoluminescent structure coupled to the ceiling; and a plurality of excitation sources, each operable to emit at least one first introduced electromagnetic radiation, a second introduced electromagnetic radiation, or a third electromagnetic radiation introduced to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure, where each associated area contains a photoluminescent material. Red-emitting radiation formulated to convert the first introduced electromagnetic radiation into a first emitted electromagnetic radiation, a green-emitting photoluminescent material formulated to convert the second electromagnetic radiation introduced into a second emitted electromagnetic radiation, and a blue-emitting photoluminescent material formulated to convert the third electromagnetic radiation introduced into a third emitted electromagnetic radiation, Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of excitation sources are each operably coupled to a headrest, a pillar b, or the roof. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 7, characterized in that each associated area is located in a corner area, a lateral area, or a central area of the photoluminescent structure and at least partially overlaps at least one. an adjacent associated area. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first, second, and third introduced electromagnetic radiations each have an associated excusively peak wavelength; Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first, second, and third introduced electromagnetic radiations are each expressed as blue light. Vehicle roof lighting system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first, second, and third emitted electromagnetic radiations each have an excusively associated peak emission wavelength, 13. Vehicle roof lighting system, characterized in that it comprises; a ceiling; a photoluminescent structure attached to the ceiling; and at least one excitation source operable to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation introduced to excite an associated area of the photoluminescent structure to produce at least one emitted electromagnetic radiation. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one excitation source is operably coupled to a headrest, a pillar b, or the roof. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 13, characterized in that each associated area comprises a corner area, a side area, or a central area of the photoluminescent structure and overlaps at least one adjacent associated area. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one introduced electromagnetic radiation comprises a plurality of introduced electromagnetic radiation each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 16, characterized in that the photoluminescent structure converts the plurality of electromagnetic radiation introduced into a plurality of emitted electromagnetic radiation, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. . Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 16, characterized in that the photoluminescent structure is configured to reflect at least one introduced electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of introduced electromagnetic radiation. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 16, characterized in that the photoluminescent structure is configured to reflect a portion of at least one introduced electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of introduced electromagnetic radiation and convert the remainder of at least one radiation. electromagnetic radiation introduced from the plurality of introduced electromagnetic radiation. Vehicle roof lighting system according to claim 16, characterized in that each introduced electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of introduced electromagnetic radiations is emitted from a blue light emitting diode or an ultraviolet light emitting diode.