BR102015013443A2 - photoluminescent vehicle reading lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

"photoluminescent vehicle reading lamp". Vehicle reading lamp is provided. The vehicle reading lamp includes an outer lens and a first surface and a second surface positioned behind the outer lens. a first photoluminescent structure is coupled to the first surface and a second photoluminescent structure is coupled to the second surface. a first light source is included to excite the first photoluminescent structure and a second light source is included to excite the second photoluminescent structure.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report: "PHOTOLUMINESCENT READING LAMP FOR VEHICLE" CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application is a Continued-in-Part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 158,869 »filed January 16, 2014, entitled" PHOTOLUMINESCENT SUMMER VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM, "which is a Continued-in-Part of Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, entitled "PHOTO-LIGHTING VEHICLE VEHICLE SYSTEM," the full disclosure thereof 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 that comes from photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desirable to incorporate these photoluminescent structures into vehicle lighting systems in order to provide ambient and task lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle reading lamp is provided. The vehicle reading lamp includes an outer lens and a first surface and a second surface positioned behind the outer lens. A first photoluminescent structure is coupled to the first surface and a second photoluminescent structure is coupled to the second surface. A first light source is included to excite the first photoluminescent structure and a second light source is included to excite the second photoluminescent structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle building lamp is provided. The vehicle reading lamp includes an outer probe and a first surface and a second surface positioned behind the outer probe. A first phototuminescent structure containing a red emitting phototuminescent material is coupled to the first surface and a second phototuminescent structure containing a green emitting phototuminescent material is coupled to the second surface. A first LED is included to excite the red emitting photoluminescent material and a second LED is included to excite the green emitting photoluminescent material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle reading lamp is provided. The vehicle reading lamp includes an outer lens and at least one surface positioned behind the outer lens. At least one photoluminescent structure is coupled to at least one surface and at least one light source is included to project light onto said at least one photoluminescent structure. Said at least one photoluminescent structure converts the projected light into an output light of a visible color that is emitted to the outer lens.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art in studying the following report, the appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a front passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having various illuminated equipment.

[010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rear passenger compartment of the automotive vehicle having various illuminated equipment.

[011] Fig. 3A illustrates a photoluminescent structure provided as a coating.

Fig. 3B illustrates the photoluminescent structure provided as a discrete particle. P13J Fig. 3C illustrates a plurality of photoluminescent structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure.

A ftg. 4 illustrates a vehicle lighting system employing a front light configuration.

Fig. 5 illustrates the vehicle lighting system employing a rear light configuration.

Fig. 6 illustrates a vehicle lighting system control system.

[017] Fig. 7 illustrates a rear light assembly provided on a center console of an automotive vehicle.

[018] Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interactive rear light member taken along the lines VIII-Viif of FIG. 7

[019] Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle dome lighting system.

[020] Fig. 10 illustrates a vehicle front passenger compartment having at least one photoluminescent reading lamp according to one embodiment.

[021] Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic side view of a reading lamp according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a bottom diagrammatic view of the reading lamp of FIG. 11

[023] Fig. 13 illustrates a vehicle lighting system employing a photoluminescent frame coupled to a visor according to one embodiment.

[024] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle ionization system shown in fig. 13, wherein the visor is in a position of use.

[025] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle lighting system shown in fig. 13, wherein the visor is in a stored position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be incorporated in various and alternative forms. Figures are not necessarily in a detailed drawing, and some schemes may be overdone or minimized to show a general overview of function. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention.

[027] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any of the items listed may be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the items. 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, and C in combination.

[028] The following disclosure describes a vehicle lighting system in which a vehicle facility receives a photoiuminescent structure to convert a primary emission into a secondary emission generally having a new color. For purposes of this disclosure, a vehicle installation refers to any interior or exterior piece of vehicle equipment, or part thereof, suitable for receiving the photouminescent structure described herein. Although the implementation of the vehicle lighting system described herein is intended primarily for use in automotive vehicles, 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, for example boats, trains and aircraft.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a passenger compartment 10 of an automotive vehicle is generally shown having a variety of example vehicle installations 12a-12g located on the front and rear of the passenger compartment 10. 12a-12g installations generally correspond to a ceiling liner, a floor mat, a door trim panel, and various parts of a seat including a seat base, a backrest, a headrest, and a backrest. seat respectively. For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, each installation 12a-12g may be provided with a photoluminescent structure, described further below, in a selected area 14a-14f of each installation 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 particular shape or size, and may include portions of an installation having planar and / or non-planar configurations. While some installations 12a-12g have been provided by way of example, it should be understood that other installations may be used in accordance with the vehicle lighting system described herein. Such installations may include instrument panels and components therein, interactive mechanisms (eg, pushbuttons, switches, dials, and the like) indicating devices (eg, speedometer, tachometer, etc.), printed surfaces, and outdoor installations. , such as, for example, keyless entry buttons, badges, side markers, license lacquer lamps, license plate lamps, trunk lamps, headlights, and flasher, [030] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a photoluminescent structure 16 is shown generally acting as a coating (e.g., a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle installation, a discrete particle capable of being implanted into a vehicle installation, and a plurality of particles. discrete features incorporated into a separate structure capable of being applied to a vehicle installation 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 of figs. 3A and 3B. The energy conversion layer 18 may include one or more photoluminescent materials reading energy converter elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material formulated to convert an inserted electromagnetic radiation to an emitted electromagnetic radiation generally having a longer wavelength and expressing a color. which is not characteristic of the inserted electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength difference between the inserted and emitted electromagnetic radiation is referred to as the Stokes shift and serves as the main conduction mechanism for the above-mentioned energy conversion process, often referred to as downconversion.

The energy conversion layer 18 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. These methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 18 of a formulation on a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 18 to a desired planar and / or non-planar substrate of a vehicle installation. The energy conversion layer coating 18 may be deposited on the selected vehicle installation by painting, spraying, extrusion coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 18 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier 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 molding, calendering. , and thermoforming. In cases where one or more energy conversion layers 18 are presented as particles, the single or multilayer energy conversion layers 18 may be implanted in the chosen vehicle installation instead of applying it as a coating. 18 includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be sequentially coated, or the layers may be prepared separately and subsequently laminated or embossed together to form an integrated layer. Alternatively, the layers may be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure. 1032] Referring again to Figs. 3A and 3B, photo-lightning structure 16 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20 to protect the photo-lightning material contained within the photolytic and thermal degradation energy conversion layer 18 to provide sustained emissions of emitted electromagnetic radiation. The stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer and is optionally coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 18 or otherwise integrated into the energy conversion layer 18 provided that a suitable polymer matrix is selected. The photouminescent 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 photoiuminescent structure 16 from physical and chemical damage from environmental exposure.

The stability layer 20 and / or the protective layer 22 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 18 to form an integrated photo-luminescent structure 16 by sequential coating or printing of each layer, or by sequential lamination or embossing. . 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 photo-lightning structure 16. Once formed, the photo-lightning structure 16 may be formed. applied to a chosen vehicle installation. Alternatively, photouminescent structure 16 may be incorporated into the vehicle installation chosen as one or more discrete multilayer particles. Alternatively still, the photoluminescent structure 16 may be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer formulation that is subsequently applied to the carrier installation chosen as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in US Patent No. 8,232,533 entitled "OLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY PHOTOSTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FOT ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION" Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a vehicle lighting system 24 is shown generally according to a front light configuration (FIG. 4) and a rear light configuration (FIG. 5). In both embodiments, the vehicle lighting system 24 includes a photoluminescent structure 16 presented as a coating and applied to a substrate 40 of a vehicle installation 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. Energy conversion layer 18 includes an X1 red-emitting photoluminescent material (an X2 green-emitting photoluminescent material, and an X3-blue emitting photoluminescent material dispersed in a polymer matrix 44). The red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials Xi, X2, and X3 are chosen because varying mixtures of red, green and blue light will enable a variety of color sensations to be duplicated. As further described below, an excitation source 26 is operable to excite each of the photoluminescent light emitting materials. red, green and blue Xt, X2, and X3 in various combinations to produce different colored light, which can escape from the photoluminescent structure 16 to provide ambient or work lighting.

Excitation source 26 is generally shown in an external location relative to the photoluminescent structure 16 and is capable of primary emission having a light content defined by a first inserted electromagnetic radiation represented as a directional arrow 28, a second electromagnetic radiation insert represented as a directional arrow 30, and / or a third inserted electromagnetic radiation represented as directional arrow 32. The contribution of each inserted electromagnetic radiation 28, 30, 32 to the primary emission depends on an activation state of a corresponding LED (LED) set to output light at a single peak wavelength. In both configurations, the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28 is emitted from the blue LED at a peak wavelength 34 λι selected from a blue spectral color range, which is defined here as the wavelength range generally expressed as blue light. (-450-495 nanometers). The second inserted electromagnetic radiation 30 is emitted from the blue LED 36 at a peak wavelength k2 also selected from the blue spectral color range and the third inserted electromagnetic radiation 32 is emitted from the blue LED 38 at a peak wavelength /. 3 selected in addition to the blue spectral light range.

Because of the wavelengths of peaks λι, /.2, and λ3 having different lengths, the blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 may each be primarily responsible for exciting one of the red-emitting photoluminescent materials. , green and blue X1, X2, X3. Specifically, the blue LED 34 is primarily responsible for exciting the red emitting photoluminescent material Xt, the blue LED 36 is primarily responsible for exciting the green emitting photoluminescent material, and the blue LED 38 is primarily responsible for exciting the emitting photoluminescent material. of blue X3. For the most efficient energy conversion, the red emitting photoluminescent material Xt is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength λι associated with the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28. When excited, the photoluminescent material Red emitting Xi converts the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28 to a first emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as a directional arrow 46 and having a peak emission wavelength E1 that includes a wavelength of a red spectral color band, which is defined here as the wavelength range usually expressed as red light, which is defined as the wavelength range usually 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 λ2 of the second inserted electromagnetic radiation 30. When excited, the green emitting photoluminescent material X2 converts to second electromagnetic radiation 30 into a second emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as a directional arrow 48 and having a peak emission wavelength E2 that includes a wavelength of a green spectral color band, which is defined herein as the wavelength range. wave usually expressed as green light (-526-606 nanometers). Lastly, the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X3 is selected to have a peak absorption wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength λ3 of the third inserted electromagnetic radiation 32. When excited, the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X3 converts the third electromagnetic radiation inserted 32 into a third emitted electromagnetic radiation represented as arrow 50 and having a peak emission wavelength E3 that includes a wavelength longer than the blue spectral color range.

Given the relatively narrow band of the blue spectral color band, it is recognized that some spectral overlap may occur between the absorption spectra of the red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials Xi, X2, X3. This may result in inadvertent excitation of more than one red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent material Xt, X2, X3 even though only one of the blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 is active, thereby producing unexpected color mixtures. Thus, if greater color separation is desired, red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials Χι, X2, X3 should be selected to have narrowband absorption spectra to minimize any spectral overlap between them and the peak wavelengths λ -ι, λ2, and λ3 must be spaced apart to allow sufficient separation between the peak absorption wavelengths of the red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials X1 (X2, X3. Thus, depending on which of the photoluminescent materials emitting X1, X2, X3 are excited, a secondary emission having a more predictable light content can be produced.The 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 of these. For example, when blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 are on simultaneously, The secondary emission may contain a mixture of additive light from red, green and blue light, which is generally perceived as white light. Other color sensations found in the RGB color space can be produced by activating the blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 in different combinations and / or by changing the output intensity associated with the blue LEDs 34, 36, 38 through current control, modulation. pulse width (MLR), or other means.

With respect to the vehicle lighting system 24 disclosed herein, blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 are chosen as the excitation source 26 to take advantage of the relative cost benefit attributed to it when used in vehicle lighting applications. . Another advantage of using the blue LEDs 34, 36, and 38 is the relatively low visibility of blue light, which can present less than a distraction for a vehicle driver and other occupants at times where the primary emission needs to propagate across. common view before reaching 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. Furthermore, given the range of vehicle installations capable of receiving the photoluminescent structure 16, it should also be appreciated that the location of the excitation source 26 will naturally vary depending on the arrangement of a particular vehicle installation and may be external or internal to the photoluminescent structure. 16 and / or vehicle installation. It should further be appreciated that the excitation source 26 may provide the 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 to the photoluminescent structure 16, or It is positioned such that the primary emission is distributed to the photoluminescent structure 16 via a light tube, optical device, or the like.

[039] The energy conversion process used by each of the red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials Xi, X2, X3 described above can be implemented in a varied manner given the wide selection of available energy conversion elements. According to one implementation, the energy conversion process occurs through a simple absorption / emission event by an energy conversion element. For example, the red emitting photoluminescent material Xt may include a phosphor exhibiting a large Stokes shift to absorb the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28 and subsequently emitting the first emitted electromagnetic radiation 46. Likewise, the green emitting photoluminescent material X2 may also include a phosphor featuring a large Stokes shift to absorb the second inserted electromagnetic radiation 30 and emit the second emitted electromagnetic radiation. One benefit of using a phosphor or other energy conversion element featuring a large Stokes shift is that greater color separation can be achieved between an inserted electromagnetic radiation and an emitted electromagnetic radiation due to a reduction in spectral overlap between the absorption spectra and corresponding emissions. Similarly, having a simple Stokes shift, absorption and / or emission spectra for a given photoluminescent material are less likely to have spectral overlap with absorption and / or emission spectra of another photoluminescent material, thereby providing greater separation. between the photoluminescent materials. According to another embodiment, the energy conversion process occurs through an energy cascade of absorption / emission events driven by a plurality of energy conversion elements with relatively shorter stokes displacements. For example, the red-emitting photoluminescent material Xi may contain fluorescent dyes, whereby some or all radiation from the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28 is absorbed to emit a first intermediate electromagnetic radiation having a longer wavelength and a color that is not. characteristic of the first inserted electromagnetic radiation 28. The first intermediate electromagnetic radiation is then absorbed a second moment to emit a second intermediate electromagnetic radiation having an even 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 energy conversion elements having the appropriate Stokes offsets 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 X2. Although energy conversion processes implementing energy cascades may produce comprehensive color spectra, increasing the number of Stokes offsets 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 exercised such that the absorption and / or emission spectra of a photofuminescent material have minimal overlap with the absorption and / or emission spectra of another photoluminescent material also implementing energy cascade or some other energy conversion process.

[041] With respect to the blue-emitting photoluminescent material X3, successive conversions of the third electromagnetic radiation inserted 32 via an energy cascade are unlikely to be necessary, as the inserted electromagnetic radiation 32 and the emitted electromagnetic radiation 50 are both predisposed to have peak wavelengths relatively close to peak wavelengths in the blue spectral color range. Thus, the blue photoluminescent material X3 may include an energy conversion element that exhibits a small Stokes shift. If greater color separation is desired, the blue photoluminescent material X3 must be selected with an emission spectrum having minimal spectral overlap with the spectra. absorbing red and green emitting photoluminescent materials X1t X ?. Alternatively, an ultraviolet LED can replace the blue LED 38 to enable a higher converting Stokes energy conversion element to be used, and provide more flexible spacing opportunities for the emission spectrum of the X3 blue-emitting photoluminescent material within of the blue spectral color range. For front light configurations, the photoluminescent structure 18 may alternatively include a narrowband reflective material configured to reflect the third inserted electromagnetic radiation 32 emitted from the blue LED 38 instead to perform an energy conversion thereon to express blue light, which avoids the need to include X3 emitting photoluminescent material. Alternatively, the aforementioned reflective material may be configured to reflect a selected amount of the inserted first and second electromagnetic radiation 28, 30 to express blue light, thereby avoiding the need to include the blue emitting photoluminescent material X3 and the blue LED 38. For In rear light configurations, the blue rifle may alternatively be expressed simply by relying on some amount of the third inserted electromagnetic radiation 32 passing through the photoluminescent structure 16, wherein the blue emitting photoluminescent material Xs has been omitted.

Since many energy conversion elements are tambertian emitters, the resulting secondary emissions can be propagated in all directions, including directions pointing away from a desired output surface 52 of the photoluminescent structure 16. As a result, some or all secondary emissions can be trapped (total internal reflection) or absorbed by corresponding structures (eg vehicle installation 42), thereby reducing the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16. To minimize the above phenomenon, the photoluminescent structure 16 may include optionally at least one wavelength selective layer 54 formulated to redirect (e.g. reflect) secondary emissions propagating inordinately to the output surface 52, which also behaves as an input surface 56 with respect to the front light configuration. shown in fig. 4, In cases where the inlet surface 56 and the outlet surface 52 are different, as generally shown by the rear rifle configuration in FIG. 5, wavelength selective layer 54 should promptly transmit any primary emissions and redirect any secondary emissions by disorderly propagating to the output surface 52.

[043] In both configurations, selective wavelength 54 is positioned between substrate 40 and energy conversion layer 18, so that at least some secondary emissions propagating to substrate 40 are redirected to the substrate 40. output surface 52 so as to maximize the output of the secondary emission from the photouminescent structure 16. For this purpose, the length of the selective wavelength 54 must at least be prepared from materials that disperse but do not absorb the emission wavelength. of peaks Ei, Ea.Es associated with the first, second and third electromagnetic radiations emitted 46, 48, 50, respectively. The length of selective wave layer 54 may be presented as a coating and is optically coupled to energy conversion layer 18 and adhered to either energy conversion layer 18 or substrate 40 using some of the methods described above, or other suitable methods. .

Referring to fig. 6, excitation source 26 may be electrically coupled to a processor 60 which provides power to excitation source 26 via a power source 62 (e.g., onboard vehicle power supply) and controls the operating state of the source. and / or the primary emission intensity levels of the excitation source 26. Control instructions for processor 60 may be executed automatically from a program stored in memory. Additionally or alternatively, control instructions may be provided from a vehicle device or system via at least one input 64. Additionally or alternatively, control instructions may be provided for processor 60 via any conventional user input mechanism 66 , such as, for example, switches, touch screens, and the like. Although processor 60 is shown electrically coupled to an excitation source 26 in fig. 6, it should be appreciated that processor 60 may also be configured to control additional excitation sources using any of the methods described above.

[045] Various vehicle lighting systems will now be described in more detail. As described below, each system utilizes one or more photoluminescent structures in conjunction with a vehicle installation to provide a greater viewing experience for vehicle occupants.

REAR LIGHT SET

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a rear light assembly 87 is shown generally and will be described herein as incorporating vehicle lighting system 24 in a rear light configuration described above with reference to ftg. 5, and may employ any alternative configurations associated with it. As shown in fig. 7, rear light assembly 87 is provided as an example as a center console having a support member 68 (e.g., a trim plate) supporting one or more interactive rear light members, indicated by reference numerals 70a, 70b, and 70c. For purposes of illustration, interactive rear light members 70a, 70b, 70c are incorporated as a push button, rotary key, and selector switch, respectively, each configurable to enable a user to interface with one or more vehicle features such as an audio system, a climate control system, a navigation system, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the rear light interactive member 70a is shown in accordance with one embodiment. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the rear light interactive member 70a extends at least partially through an opening formed in the support member 68 and may be mounted on the rear light assembly 67 in any conventional manner. Interactive rear light member 70a may include a light-conducting body having a front side 78 and at least one side wall 80, and may be formed by injection molding or other suitable methods. Although the rear light interactive member 70a is incorporated as a push button in fig. 8, it should be appreciated that other embodiments are also possible, such as a rotary key, a selective switch, or the like.

In accordance with the present embodiment, the excitation source 26 is positioned to provide a primary emission in the form of backlighting, as represented by directional arrow 84 for interactive rear light member 70a. Primary emission 84 may be delivered directly from excitation source 26 or indirectly via a light tube, optical device, or the like, and may contain one or more inserted electromagnetic radiation, each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength and each being emitted from a corresponding LED.

Primary emission 84 is supplied at the front side 78 of the interactive rear light member 70a and is transmitted therethrough. The primary emission 84 is then received in the photofuminescent structure 16, which can substantially convert all primary emission into a secondary emission containing one or more emitted electromagnetic radiation, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 16 may convert some of the primary emission into secondary emission and transmit the remainder as an unconverted emitted electromagnetic radiation. In any 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.

[050] To enhance the luminosity of the photoluminescent frame 16, a wavelength selective layer 54 may be provided to redirect any backscattered secondary emissions 86 towards the output surface 52. Optionally, an opaque layer 88 is less tightly coupled to the structure. photoluminescent 16 and defines an aperture 90 which is characteristic of an insignia through which secondary emission 86 is transmitted, thereby illuminating the insignia.

VEHICLE SUMMIT LIGHTING SYSTEM

Referring to Fig. 9, a schematic diagram is shown for implementing a vehicle dome lighting system 92 on a vehicle 93. The vehicle dome lighting system 92 incorporates the vehicle lighting system 24 in a front light configuration as described above with reference to fig. 4, and may employ any alternative configurations associated with it, As shown in fig. 9, photoluminescent structure 16 is coupled to a vehicle roof liner 94 and a plurality of excitation sources 26a-26g are each positioned to emit a primary emission to an associated area 96a-96g of photoluminescent structure 16. The primary signal emitted from any given excitation source 26a-26g may contain one or more inserted magnetic radiations, each having a uniquely associated peak wavelength and each being emitted from a corresponding LED. As previously described, the photoluminescent structure 16 can convert substantially all primary emission into a secondary emission containing one or more sent electromagnetic radiation, each having a uniquely associated peak emission wavelength. Alternatively, the phototuminescent structure 16 may reflect some of the primary emission and convert the remainder to the secondary emission. In either embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 16 may optionally include the length of the selective wave layer 54 to redirect any back diffused secondary emission to enhance the luminosity of the photoluminescent structure 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, excitation sources 26a-26d are each operatively 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 generally circular pattern. . Excitation sources 26e and 26f are each optically coupled to an associated column b 100e, 10Of and are each optically configured to illuminate a corresponding lateral area 96e, 96f of the photoluminescent structure 16 in a generally semicircular pattern. Finally, the excitation source 26g is operatively coupled to the vehicle roof liner 94 and optically configured to illuminate a corresponding center area 96g in a generally circular pattern. As can be seen in fig. 9, such an arrangement affords the opportunity for overlap between adjacent areas 96a ~ 96g which are adjacent to one another, thereby encompassing a substantial total area of the photoluminescent frame area 18. As such, the vehicle dome lighting system 92 may be controlled (for example, by a processor 60) to provide a full or isolated lighting experience by activating all or some excitation sources 26a-26g. Additionally or alternatively, the use of multiple excitation sources 26a-26g enables any given associated area 96a ~ 96g of the photoluminescent structure 16 to produce a color sensation (composed of emitted electromagnetic radiation and / or reflected embedded electromagnetic radiation) found in a RGB color space 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. VEHICLE READING LAMP | Ü53J Referring to fig. 10, the vehicle front passenger compartment 102 of a wheeled vehicle 104 is generally illustrated having at least one reading lamp 106 mounted on a hanging console 108. In the illustrated embodiment, hanging console 108 is mounted on the inner side of the liner. of the vehicle front passenger compartment 102 and positioned centrally in the vehicle front passenger compartment 102. As shown as an example, two reading lamps 106 are mounted on the hanging console 108, one positioned to provide increased access and illumination. one vehicle driver 104 and the other positioned to provide greater access and illumination to a vehicle front passenger seat occupant. Each reading lamp 106 has a visible external lens and can be activated by a switch such as a proximity switch having a proximity sensor (e.g. capacitive sensor), a mechanically compressible finger push button, or other means for provide task lighting, particularly in low light or dark conditions. Although the two reading lamps 106 have been shown generally at 10, it should be appreciated that one or more reading lamps 106 may be mounted at other locations of the hanging console 108 or at other locations onboard vehicle 104.

Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, a reading lamp 106 is shown according to one embodiment. As best shown in fig. 11, the reading lamp 106 includes an outer lens 110 and a first surface 112 and a second surface 114 positioned behind the outer lens 110. A first photoluminescent frame 116 is coupled to the first surface 112 and a second photoluminescent frame 118 is coupled to the second surface 114. A first light source 120 is provided to excite the first photoluminescent structure 116 to emit a first colored light to illuminate the external lens 110 and a second light source 122 is provided to excite the second photoluminescent structure 118a to emit a second light tinted to illuminate the external lens 110. The illuminated external lens 110 can direct light illumination into an outlet to serve as a light for map reading or general reading.

Each of the first and second photoluminescent structures 116, 118 may be coupled to the corresponding first and second surfaces 112, 114 in a suitable manner. First light source 120 may be coupled to first surface 112 and second light source 122 may be coupled to second surface 114. As best shown in FIG. 12, each of the first and second light sources 120, 122 may be located peripherally on the corresponding first and second surfaces 112, 114. Additionally, each of the first and second light sources 120, 122 may be configured as side emitting LEDs, such that light emitted from light source 120 is projected only on the first photoluminescent structure 116 and light emitted from the second light source 122 is projected only on the second photoluminescent structure 118. In one embodiment, the first and second light sources 120, 122 are each either a blue LED or an ultraviolet LED and the first photoluminescent structure 116 contains a red emitting photoluminescent material and the second photoluminescent structure 118 contains a green emitting photoluminescent material.

Referring further to the embodiment shown in figs. 11 and 12, the first and second surfaces 112, 114 may be arranged opposite each other and are each oriented at an acute angle to the external lens 110. The first surface 112 may be configured to redirect backlighting originating from the first photoluminescent frame 116 for the outer lens 110 and the second surface 114 may be configured to redirect back-scattered light originating from the second photoluminescent frame 118 to the outer lens 110. With respect to the present embodiment, each of the first and second surfaces 112, 114 it may be a surface of a corresponding printed circuit board (PCI) 124, 126 having a reflective coating, such as a white welding mask or isotant coat to redirect backlight scattered from first and second corresponding photoluminescent structures 116, 118 for the external lens 110.

[057] As is further shown in figs. 11 and 12, the reading lamp 106 may also include a third light source 128 positioned between the first and second surfaces 112, 114 and disposed on a third surface 130, which may be that of a corresponding PCI 132 or other support structure. . Additionally, the third light source 128 may be an LED (e.g., blue LED) oriented to directly illuminate the external lens 110. Thus, when the light sources 120, 122, and 128 are activated, the external lens 110 may be simultaneously illuminated with light emitted from the first photoluminescent frame 116, the second photoluminescent frame 118, and the third light source 128. In one embodiment, the external lens 110 may be a diffuse optic configured to scatter light received from the first, second, and / or third light sources 120, 122, 128, so that the light leaving the outer lens 110 is more evenly distributed. In addition, PCfs 124, 126, 132 may be supported within a housing 133 that is coupled to the outer lens 110. , [058] In operation, the activation state of each light source 120, 122, 128 may be independently controlled by a processor (e.g., processor 60). In this way, one or more light sources 120, 122, 128 can be activated so that different colors of visible light can be emitted from the external lens 110 and observed by occupants of the vehicle. For example, in the embodiment where the first and second photoluminescent structures 116, 118 are red and green emitting structures, respectively, and light source 128 is a blue LED, it is possible to produce various colored lights found in the RGB color space. can be accomplished by selecting which of the 120, 122, 128 light sources to activate, as well as adjusting the amount of electrical power supplied to them via pulse width modulation (MLR) or direct current control. It is contemplated that the wavelength or The color of the light emitted from the external lens 110 may be adjusted automatically or by a vehicle occupant via a user input mechanism (eg user input mechanism 66).

VEHICLE VIEWER

Referring to Figs. 13-15, a vehicle lighting system 134 is illustrated according to one embodiment. System 134 includes a visor 136 having a visor body 138 that is removable between a stored position (FIG. 14) and a position of use (FIG. 15). In the illustrated embodiment, the visor 136 is mounted on a ceiling structure. vehicle 140 and generally abut therein in the stored position and suspend downwardly from it in the use position to block sunlight and thereby prevent the occupant of vehicle 142 from becoming overshadowed. Additionally, the visor body 138 may include a make-up mirror 144, as well as other accessories commonly associated with the visors.

With respect to the illustrated embodiment, a photoluminescent frame 148 is coupled to a visor body surface 148 that generally faces the occupant of the vehicle 142 when the visor body 138 is moved to the position of use. As shown in Fig. 13, the photoluminescent structure 146 may be applied to a substantial portion of the surface vacant space 148. However, it should be appreciated that the photoluminescent structure 146 may occupy a smaller portion of the surface 148 if desired. In addition, portions of the photoluminescent frame 146 may be hidden to display an insignia.

Referring now to Figs. 13-15, a light source 150 is remotely located from the visor body 138. As shown, the light source 150 may be coupled to the ceiling structure 140 and oriented to excite the photoluminescent structure 146 when the visor body 138 is in the position of use. Additionally, the light source 150 may be concealed in the ceiling structure 140 to remain out of sight and may be energized via power supply 151 (e.g., on-board power supply). In this way, the photoluminescent frame 146 and light source 150 can be used as a machinist's light and allow the visor 136 to be constructed free of any electrical components and wiring, thereby providing a simpler and more effective design with respect to cost. In addition, because of the positioning of the light source 150, light emitted therefrom that is reflected off the visor body 138 is unlikely to enter the occupant's field of view 142. With respect to the lighting system of vehicle 134 described and shown herein, it should be understood that light source 150 and photoluminescent frame 146 may assume any of the front light configurations described hereinabove. That is, the light source 150 may include one or more LEDs and the photoluminescent structure 146 may include one or more photoluminescent materials formulated to convert light received from a corresponding LED into visible light of a different wavelength. As is further shown in FIGS. 13-15, vehicle lighting system 134 may include a proximity switch or proximity sensor 152 to activate light source 150 in response to a signal change. Proximity sensor 152 may be magnetic, capacitive, infrared, and the like, and combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 150 may be activated via a mechanical switch.

In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor 152 is configured to detect the visor body 138 in the stored position and activate the light source 150 when the visor body 138 is no longer detected. Proximity sensor 152 is shown as a magnetic switch embedded in the ceiling frame 140 which is activated by a magnet 154 embedded in the visor body 138. Magnet 154 may be located toward one end of the visor body 138 and self-aligning. with the magnetic switch when the visor body 138 is in the stored position. In this position, magnet 154 applies a magnetic field to the magnetic switch that causes a pair of contacts 156, 158 to open, thereby deactivating light source 150. Alternatively, when the visor body 138 is moved to the position of use, the magnetic field is no longer present and the contacts 156, 158 are returned to a closed position, thereby causing the headphone 150 to be activated and to excite the photoluminescent structure 146 upon activation of the light source 150.

[063] Therefore, a photoluminescent structure and various vehicle lighting systems employing the same were provided here. Each system advantageously employs one or more photoluminescent structures to enhance a driving experience and / or the overall appearance of a vehicle installation.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and furthermore, it is to be understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless These claims by their languages expressly state otherwise.

Claims (20)

1. Vehicle reading lamp, characterized in that it comprises: an external lens; a first surface and a second surface positioned behind the outer lens; a first photoluminescent structure coupled to the first surface and a second photoluminescent structure coupled to the second surface; and a first light source to excite the first photoluminescent structure and a second light source to excite the second photoluminescent structure. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second surfaces are arranged opposite each other and are each oriented at an acute angle to the outer lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the first surface is configured to redirect light originating from the first photoluminescent frame to the external lens and the second surface is configured to redirect backlighting originating from the second light. photoluminescent structure for the external lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first photoluminescent structure contains a red-emitting photoluminescent material and the second photoluminescent structure contains a green-emitting photoluminescent material. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and second light sources are each of a blue side-emitting blue LED and a side-emitting ultraviolet LED. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 5, further comprising: a third light source for illuminating the external lens directly, wherein the third light source is a blue LED and is disposed between the first surface. and the second surface. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer lens is configured to diffuse light received from the first photoluminescent frame, the second photoluminescent frame and the third light source. 8. Vehicle reading lamp, characterized in that it comprises: an external lens; a first surface and a second surface positioned behind the outer lens; a first photoluminescent structure containing red-emitting photoluminescent material coupled to the first surface; a second photoluminescent structure containing green-emitting photoluminescent material coupled to the second surface; and a first LED to excite the red emitting photoluminescent material and a second LED to excite the green emitting photoluminescent material. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second surfaces are arranged opposite each other and are each oriented at an acute angle to the outer lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 9, characterized in that the first surface is configured to redirect light received from the first photoluminescent frame to the external lens and the second surface is configured to redirect light received from the second photoluminescent frame to the lens. external. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 10, characterized in that the first LED is one between a side-emitting blue LED and an ultraviolet side-emitting LED and is coupled to the first surface and the second LED is a side-emitting blue LED and a side-emitting ultraviolet LED and be coupled to the second surface. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 11, further comprising: a third LED for illuminating the external lens directly, wherein the third LED is a blue emitting LED and is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. . Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer lens is configured to redirect light from the first photoluminescent frame, the second photoluminescent frame and the third LED. Vehicle reading lamp, characterized in that it comprises: an external lens; at least one surface positioned behind the outer lens; at least one photoluminescent structure coupled to at least one surface; and at least one light source for projecting light onto said at least one photoluminescent structure, wherein at least one photoluminescent structure converts the projected light into an output light of a visible color that is emitted to the outer lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 14, characterized in that said at least one surface comprises a first and a second surface disposed opposite each other and each oriented at an acute angle to the outer lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 15, characterized in that said at least one light source comprises a first LED for projecting light on the first surface and a second LED for projecting light on the second surface. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 16, further comprising: a third LED arranged between the first surface and the second surface and configured to illuminate the external lens directly. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 17, characterized in that the first and second surfaces are each part of a corresponding printed circuit board configured to redirect backlighting to the external lens. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 18, characterized in that the external lens is an optical light diffuser. Vehicle reading lamp according to claim 19, further comprising: a processor for controlling a light output from each of the first, second and third LEDs.