BR102016002762A2 - spoiler that uses photoluminescent lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

patent summary for: "spoiler using photoluminescent lighting". The lighting system for a vehicle includes a rear spoiler with first and second photoluminescent portions arranged on the spoiler and at least one light source configured to emit a first wavelength emission. The first and second photoluminescent portions are configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report for: "SPOILER USING PHOTOLUMINESCENT LIGHTING".

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application is a part-time continuation of η.θ US Patent Application 14 / 603,636 filed January 23, 2015 entitled “DOOR ILLUMINATION AND WARNING SYSTEM,” which is a part-time continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE." The related applications mentioned above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly to vehicle lighting systems of one or more photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Lighting from photoluminescent materials offers a unique and compelling viewing experience. It is therefore desirable to incorporate such photoluminescent materials into vehicle portions to provide accent lighting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle lighting system includes a rear spoiler with first and second photoluminescent portions arranged on the spoiler and at least one light source configured to emit a first wavelength emission. . The first and second photoluminescent portions are configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting system for a vehicle includes a body member, a photoluminescent portion disposed on a lower side of the body member and a light source located near the photoluminescent portion configured to emit light at a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for illuminating the exterior of a vehicle includes activating a light source in response to a predefined event and directing light at a first wavelength from the source. light toward a photoluminescent portion arranged in a rear spoiler, and convert light at the first wavelength to a second wavelength with the photoluminescent portion.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the Figures: Figure 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure presented as a coating for a lighting system;

[010] Figure 1B is a top view of the photoluminescent structure shown as a discrete particle for the lighting system;

Figure 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures presented as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure for the lighting system;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting system configured to convert a first light emission to a second light emission according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting system configured to convert a first light emission to a plurality of light emissions according to another embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle lighting system configured to convert a first light emission to a second light emission according to another embodiment;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a photoluminescent lighting system incorporated in a spoiler, according to one embodiment;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of Figure 5 further illustrating the photoluminescent lighting system; and [017] Figure 7 is a block diagram further illustrating the photoluminescent lighting system of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are only examples of the disclosure which may be incorporated in various ways and alternatives. The Figures do not necessarily refer to a detailed model and some schematic representations may be exaggerated or reduced to show an overview of the function. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for indicating to the skilled artisan the various uses of the present disclosure.

[019] For use in the present invention, the term "and / or," when employed in a list of one or more items, means that any of the listed items may be employed individually or any combination of two or more of the listed items. can be employed. For example, if a composition is described containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

[020] The following disclosure describes a vehicle lighting system configured to illuminate a portion of the vehicle as well as a surface under a vehicle. In some embodiments, a light source may be used to illuminate both the surface under the vehicle and the vehicle itself. The light source may be configured to emit light at a first wavelength or primary emission to stimulate a photoluminescent structure. The photoluminescent structure may be arranged on a vehicle body element and configured to convert the first wavelength of the primary emission light to a second wavelength or secondary emission. The first wavelength of light may correspond to a first light color and the second wavelength may correspond to a second light color different from the first light color. While the various lighting system embodiments described herein relate to specific structures demonstrated with reference to at least one automotive vehicle, it will be understood that the vehicle lighting system may be used in a variety of applications.

With reference to Figures 1A to 1C, a photoluminescent structure 10 is shown generally as a coating (e.g., a film) that has the ability to be applied to a vehicle accessory, a discrete particle that has the ability to be implemented in a vehicle accessory and a plurality of discrete particles incorporated into a separate structure that has the ability to be applied to a vehicle accessory, respectively. The photoluminescent structure 10 may correspond to one or more photoluminescent portions as discussed herein. The photoluminescent portions are configured to convert a first wavelength of light emitted from a light source 18 to at least a second wavelength. The second wavelength of light may correspond to at least one wavelength that has a longer wavelength or spectral emission than the first wavelength. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 22 that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer structure, as shown by dotted lines in Figures 1A and 1B.

The energy conversion layer 22 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converter elements selected from phosphorescent or fluorescent materials. Photoluminescent materials can be formulated to convert introduced electromagnetic radiation into emitted electromagnetic radiation that is generally of a longer wavelength and expresses a color that is not characteristic of the introduced electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between introduced and emitted electromagnetic radiation is determined as Stokes changes and serves as the main triggering mechanism for an energy conversion process that corresponds to a change in the wavelength of light, often called as downward conversion. In the various embodiments discussed herein, each of the wavelengths of light (e.g., the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

The energy conversion layer 22 may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix 26 to form a homogeneous mixture using various methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 22 from a formulation in a liquid vehicle medium and coating the energy conversion layer 22 on flat or non-flat substrate of a vehicle accessory. The coating energy conversion layer 22 may be deposited on a vehicle accessory by painting, screen printing, pad printing, spraying, contact extrusion coating, dip coating, roller coating or bar coating. Additionally, the energy conversion layer 22 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 may be incorporated into a polymer matrix 26 to provide the energy conversion layer 22. Polymer matrix 26 may be be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. Where one or more energy conversion layers 22 are presented as particles, the single or multiple layer energy conversion layers 22 may be implanted in a vehicle or dashboard attachment. When the energy conversion layer 22 includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be sequentially coated. Additionally, the layers may be prepared separately and subsequently laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The layers may also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure.

Referring again to Figures 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 30 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 22 against photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 30 may be configured as a separate coupled layer and optically adhered to the energy conversion layer 22. The stability layer 30 may also be integrated with the energy conversion layer 22. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also optionally include , a protective layer 34 coupled and optically adhered to the stability layer 30 or any layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 against physical and chemical damage from environmental exposure.

Stability layer 30 and / or protective layer 34 may be combined with energy conversion layer 22 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 10 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. The substructure may then be laminated or embossed to form the photoluminescent integrated structure 10. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be applied to a selected accessory of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be incorporated into a vehicle accessory as one or more discrete multilayer particles, as shown in Figure 1C. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer formulation which is subsequently applied to a vehicle or dashboard attachment as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures for use in at least a photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in US Patent No. 8,232,533 by Kingsley et al. Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY" ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”, filed July 31, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to Figure 2, a lighting system 40 is generally shown in a mode according to a front lighting configuration 44 from the light source 18 for a second emission 48. The first emission 44 comprises a first wavelength λ1 and the second emission 48 comprises a second wavelength λ2. Lighting system 40 may include photoluminescent structure 10 presented as a coating and applied to a substrate 52 of a vehicle accessory 56. Photoluminescent structure 10 may include energy conversion layer 22 and, in some embodiments, may include the stability layer 30 and / or protective layer 34. In response to the light source 18 that is activated, the first emission 44 is converted from the first wavelength A1 to a second emission 48, which is at least the second length. wavelength A2. Second emission 48 may comprise a plurality of wavelengths A2, A3, A4 configured to emit substantially white light from the vehicle accessory 56.

In various embodiments, the lighting system 40 comprises at least one energy conversion layer 22 configured to convert the first emission 44 at the first wavelength Λ1 to a second emission 48 having at least the second wavelength A2. . In order to generate the plurality of wavelengths A2, A3, A4, the energy conversion layer 22 may comprise a photoluminescent material that emits red, a photoluminescent material that emits blue, and a photoluminescent material that emits blue dispersed in the polymer matrix. 26 (Figure 1C). Photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and blue can be combined to generate significantly white light for a second emission 48. In addition, photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and blue can be used in a variety of proportions and combinations to control the light. color of the second issue 48.

Each of the photoluminescent materials may vary in emission intensity, emission wavelength and peak absorption wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of photochemical structures used in the energy conversion layer 22. For example, the second emission 48 may be altered by adjusting the length of the first emission A1 to activate the photoluminescent materials at different intensities to change the color of the second emission 48. In addition, or alternatively to the photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and yellow. blue, other photoluminescent materials can be used individually and in various combinations to generate second emission 48 in a wide variety of colors. Thus, lighting system 40 can be configured for a variety of applications to provide desired color and light effects.

Light source 18 may also be termed as a stimulus source and may be operated to emit at least the first emission 44. Light source 18 may comprise any form of light source, eg halogen light , fluorescent light, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), LED printed plates, solid-state light, or any other form of light configured to emit the first emission 44. The first The emission 44 of the light source 18 may be configured such that the first wavelength λ1 corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 22. In response to light reception At the first wavelength Λ1, the energy conversion layer 22 may be stimulated and emit one or more emission wavelengths λ2, Λ3 and λ4. First emission 44 provides a stimulus source for energy conversion layer 22 by targeting the absorption wavelengths of the various photoluminescent materials used therein. As such, the lighting system 40 is configured to emit a second emission 48 to generate a desired light intensity and color.

[032] Although the plurality of wavelengths is referred to as wavelengths λ2, λ3, Λ4, photoluminescent materials can be combined in various proportions, types, layers, etc. to generate a variety of colors for the second emission 48. Photoluminescent materials may also be used in a plurality of photoluminescent portions distributed along the path to the first emission 44 to generate numerous emissions, for example a third emission, a fourth emission. , etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 18 comprises an LED configured to emit the first wavelength Λ1 which corresponds to a blue spectrum color band. The blue spectrum color range comprises a range of wavelengths generally expressed as blue light (-440 to 500 nm). In some embodiments, the first wavelength A1 may also comprise wavelengths in a near-ultraviolet color range (-390 to 450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment, A1 may be approximately 470 nm. In some embodiments, the first wavelength A1 may be approximately less than 500 nm, such that the first wavelength of light is not significantly visible.

[034] The blue spectrum color range and shorter wavelengths may be used as a stimulus source for the lighting system 40 because these wavelengths have limited perception acuity in the spectrum visible to the human eye. By using shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength A1 and converting the first wavelength with the conversion layer 22 to at least one longer wavelength, lighting system 40 creates a visual light effect that is originates from the photoluminescent structure 10. In this configuration, light is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10 from locations that may be inaccessible or costly to add conventional light sources that require electrical connections.

As discussed herein, each of the pluralities of wavelengths A2, A3, A4 may correspond to a significantly different spectral color range. The second wavelength A2 may correspond to the stimulus of a red-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength in the range of approximately 620 to 750 nm. The third wavelength A3 may correspond to the stimulus of a green-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength in the range of approximately 526 to 606 nm. The fourth wavelength A4 may correspond to a bluish green emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength A1 and in the range of approximately 430 to 526 nm. Although wavelengths A2, A3, A4 are discussed herein as being used to generate significantly white light, various combinations of photoluminescent materials may be used in conversion layer 22 to convert the first wavelength λ1 to one or more. wavelengths corresponding to one or more varieties of color.

[036] In some embodiments, an ambient brightness color perceived by an observer may be altered by adjusting an energy level or intensity of light source 18. For example, if light source 18 is set to emit first emission 44 at a low level, substantially all first emissions 44 may be converted to a second emission 48. In this configuration, a light color corresponding to the second emission 48 may correspond to the brightness color of the environment. If light source 18 is configured to emit first emission 44 at a high level, only a portion of first emission 44 can be converted to a second emission 48. In that configuration, a light color corresponding to a mixture of first emission 44 and from the second emission 48 may be emitted as the ambient brightness.

[037] Although a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed with reference to the first emission 44, it should be understood that the intensity of the first emission 44 can be varied among various intensity levels to adjust a hue corresponding to the brightness of the environment. . As described herein, the color of the second emission 48 may be significantly dependent on certain photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent portions or photoluminescent structure 10. In addition, a conversion capacity of the photoluminescent structure 10 may be significantly dependent on a concentration of materials. photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent structure 10. By adjusting the range of intensities that can be emitted from the light source 18, the concentration and proportions of the photoluminescent materials in the photoluminescent structure 10, and the types of photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent structure 10, the lighting systems discussed herein can be operated to generate a range of color tints by merging the first emission 44 with the second emission 48.

Referring to Figure 3, the lighting system 40 is shown in the front lighting configuration according to another embodiment. In such an exemplary embodiment, the light source 18 may be configured to emit first emission 44 toward a plurality of photoluminescent portions 60 which are similar to photoluminescent structure 10. In this example, the plurality of photoluminescent portions 60 comprise a first photoluminescent portion 64. , a second photoluminescent portion 68 and a third photoluminescent portion 72. Each of the photoluminescent portions 64, 68, 72 may be configured to convert the first wavelength A1 of a first emission 44 to one or more of the pluralities of wavelengths A2 A3, A4. Thus, the first emission 44 can be converted into a plurality of emissions originating from each of the pluralities of photoluminescent portions 60 to generate a multicolored light effect.

For example, the first photoluminescent portion 64 may comprise photoluminescent materials in a conversion layer configured to generate a second emission 48. The second photoluminescent portion 68 may comprise photoluminescent materials configured in a conversion layer configured to generate a third emission 76. The third photoluminescent portion 72 may comprise photoluminescent materials in a conversion layer configured to generate a fourth emission 80. Similar to the energy conversion layer 22, discussed with reference to Figure 2, photoluminescent materials configured to emit light of various colors may be used. in varying proportions and combinations to control the emission color of each second emission 48, third emission 76 and fourth emission 80. Based on a desired lighting effect, each portion 64, 68, 72 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit light that has color are substantially similar or a wide variety of color combinations.

[040] Referring to Figure 4, the lighting system 40 is shown in a substantially rear lighting configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the light source 18 may correspond to a thin film or printed light-emitting diode (LED) assembly. The lighting system 40 may comprise a lighting substrate 58. The lighting substrate 58 may be opaque, transparent or semi-transparent and may be thin. The lighting system 40 can be used in a variety of applications, which may require a generally thin thickness. The substrate 58 may be of a polymer, for example polycarbonate, polymethylmetalcrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. In some embodiments, the lighting substrate 58 is dispensed with a roller to provide integration in assembly operations for lighting system 40 and may have a thickness of approximately 0.005 to 0.060 inches.

[041] A first electrode 62 or conductive layer may be disposed on the lighting substrate 58. The first electrode 62 and / or various conductive electrodes or layers discussed herein may comprise a conductive epoxy, such as an epoxy containing silver or copper. The first electrode 62 is conductively connected to a first busbar 66. The first busbar 66 and other busbars or conduits discussed herein may be of metallic and / or conductive materials which may be screen printed on the electrodes or conductive layers. Bus bars may be used in lighting system 40 to conductively connect a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) sources 70 to a power source. Thereby, the first busbar 66 and other busbars used in the lighting system 40 may be configured to distribute current evenly across and / or across a surface of the lighting system 40.

LED sources 70 may be printed, scattered or otherwise applied to the first electrode 62 through a semiconductor ink 74. LED sources 70 may be scattered in a random or controlled mode within semiconductor ink 74. LED sources 70 may correspond to gallium nitride element micro-LEDs, which may be approximately 5 microns to 400 microns across a width substantially aligned with the surface of the first electrode 62. Semiconductor ink 74 may include various binder materials and dielectric, including but not limited to one or more gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorus and / or translucent polymeric binders. In this configuration, semiconductor ink 74 may contain various concentrations of LED sources 70 such that a surface density of LED sources 70 may be adjusted for various applications.

[043] In some embodiments, LED sources 70 and semiconductor ink 74 may be obtained from the supplier Nth Degree Technologies Worldwide Inc. Semiconductor ink 74 may be applied through various printing processes, including inkjet processes. and screen printing for selected portions of the lighting substrate 58. More specifically, it is envisaged that the LED sources 70 will be dispersed within the semiconductor ink 74 and formed and sized such that a substantial amount of them preferably align with the first electrode 78. during the deposition of semiconductor ink 74. The portion of LED sources 70 that are ultimately electrically connected to electrodes 62, 78 may be illuminated by a voltage applied through first electrode 62 and second electrode 78. In some In both embodiments, a power source operating from 12 to 16 VDC from a vehicular power source may be employed as a power source to supply current to LED sources 70.

At least one dielectric layer 82 may be printed on LED sources 70 to encapsulate and / or secure LED sources 70 in position. The at least one dielectric layer 82 may correspond to a first dielectric layer 82a and a second dielectric layer 82b, which may be of transparent material. The second electrode 78 may correspond to a transparent upper conductor layer printed on the dielectric layer 82 to electrically connect the electrodes 62, 78. The second electrode 78 is conductively connected to a second busbar 84. Bus bars 66 68 may be used in lighting system 40 to conductively connect the plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) sources 70 to the power source.

[045] In some embodiments, the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 78 may correspond to a cathode electrode and an anode electrode, respectively. Although described as a cathode and anode of the lighting system 40, the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 78 may be arranged such that the second electrode 78 (anode) is disposed on the substrate 58 and the first electrode 62 (cathode). be arranged on at least one dielectric layer 82. Bus bars 66, 84 may be printed along opposite ends of electrodes 62, 78 and terminated electrically on anode and cathode threads. The connection points between bus bars 66, 84 and the power source may be at opposite corners of each bus bar 66, 84 for uniform current distribution across each bus.

Still with reference to Figure 4, the energy conversion layer 22 may be applied to the second electrode 78. The energy conversion layer 22 may be applied as a photoluminescent coating, layer, film and / or substrate. The energy conversion layer 22 may be screen printed, flexographed and / or otherwise affixed to the second electrode 78. In various implementations, LED sources 70 may be configured to emit first emission 44. LED sources 70 they may be configured to emit the first emission 44 in the energy conversion layer 22 such that the photoluminescent material becomes stimulated. In response to receiving the first emission 44, the photoluminescent material converts the stimulus emission of the first wavelength to a second emission comprising at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. It should be noted that the plurality of photoluminescent portions 60 may be used and stimulated to emit second emission 48, third emission 76 and fourth emission 80 in a similar manner to that described in connection with energy conversion layer 22. In addition, one or Further coatings of stability layer 30 may be applied to lighting system 40 to protect energy conversion layer 22 and various other parts of system 40 against damage and wear.

In order to achieve the various colors and combinations of the photoluminescent materials described herein, the lighting system 40 may use any form of photoluminescent materials according to various embodiments, for example photoluminescent materials according to various embodiments, organic dyes and inorganic, etc. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials for various emissions, see US Patent No. 8,207,511 by Bortz et al „entitled“ PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM ”filed June 26, 2012 ; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 by Agrawal et al. entitled PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL

OVERLAYERS ”filed August 21, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 B2, by Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND

SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”filed August 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2, by Kingsley et al., entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION" filed March 4, 2014; U.S. Patent No. 2012/0183677, by Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES", filed July 19, 2012; U.S. Patent Document 2014/0065442 A1, by Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS" filed March 6, 2014; and Patent Document No. 8 US 2014/0103258 A1, by Agrawal et al., entitled “CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”, filed April 17, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. .

Referring to Figures 5 to 6, a vehicle 90 having a plurality of body elements including a spoiler 94 disposed on a rear outer portion 98 of vehicle 90 is shown. In the pictured embodiment, spoiler 94 includes a wing horizontally arranged 92 supported substantially by vertical supports 96. The spoiler 94 is equipped with lighting system 40 which is configured to illuminate the outer portion 98 of the vehicle 90 and at least a portion of a surface 102 located underneath and generally in the rear portion of vehicle 90. The outer portion 98 of vehicle 90 generally includes a bumper 106, trunk lid 110 and rear side panel portions 114 disposed on the driver and passenger sides of vehicle 90. lighting system 40 includes a first light designated as a lighting projector 120 and a second light designated as a lower spoiler light 124. lighting projector 120 and lighting lower spoiler 124 are arranged on a lower side 128 of wing 92. In operation, the light projector 120 and lower spoiler light 124 are configured to emit light to illuminate the outer portion 98 of vehicle 90 and / or the surface. 102.

With particular reference to Figure 5, as shown in the pictured embodiment, the lighting system 40 is located on the lower side 128 of the wing 92 of the spoiler 94. The lighting projector 120 is disposed along a rear edge. vehicle 132 of the spoiler 94 and surrounds the left and right side ends 136 of the wing 92. In some embodiments, the wing 92 may be of such length that the ends 136 are arranged over portions of the rear side panel 114. The lighting projector 120 It is positioned at the lower peripheral edge of the spoiler 94 such that when in operation, the emitted light illuminates the outer portion 98 of the vehicle 90 as well as the surface 102 located underneath the vehicle 90. Like the lighting projector 120 extending around the ends 136 of spoiler 94, the light projector 120 has the ability to illuminate light not only behind vehicle 90, but also portions of the rear side panel 114 and portions of the surface 102 adjacent thereto.

[050] As shown in Figure 5, the lower spoiler light 124 is located on the lower surface of the wing 92 and is in front of the vehicle on spoiler 94 relative to the lighting projector 120. In the pictured mode, the lighting projector 120 and lower spoiler light 124 are separate, but may also be in contact with or adjacent to one another. In yet another embodiment, the functions of both lights may be performed by a single unitary light. In operation, the lower spoiler light 124 is configured to illuminate an area under spoiler 94 with ambient light; generally in the trunk lid 110 and rear side panel portions 114. The ambient light provided by the lower spoiler light 124 is generally not visible to the driver while seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 90. In some embodiments, the lower spoiler light 124 may extend only between substantially vertical brackets 96 of spoiler 94, although in the pictured embodiment, the lower spoiler light 124 extends out of brackets 96.

[051] Figure 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of spoiler 94 of Figure 5 to reveal more detail. According to one embodiment shown, the first photoluminescent portion 64 is configured as a lighting projector 120 and covers the light source 18 such that it is in physical contact with the light source 18. In such embodiment, the activation of the light source 18 stimulates the light projector 120 with the first emission 44, such that it emits the second emission 48. The second emission 48 of the light projector 120 then illuminates the outer portion 98 of the vehicle 90 and surface 102 below vehicle 90. As described above, light source 18 has the ability to vary intensity levels that may alter the perceived color of second emission 48. Higher intensity of light source 18 may increase intensity of second emission therefore increasing the illumination of vehicle 90 and surface 102. For example, in one embodiment, the light projector 120 may provide ambient illumination of the outer portion 98 of the vehicle. 90 in a first color (for example red) after a first predefined event (for example, activation of a light system operating on vehicle 90), but provides high intensity light in a second color (for example, white ) by the occurrence of a second predefined event (for example, when an electronic remote control 90 approaches vehicle 90 at a certain distance.) [052] Light source 18 may be a printed light source (for example, a LED plate) which is applied to the underside 128 of or incorporated into the spoiler 94. In embodiments using a printed light source, the lighting projector 120 may be applied to the light source 18 and / or the underside 128 at any of the modes outlined above, together with the photoluminescent frame 10 including screen printing, spraying and roller coating. Additionally, where the light source 18 is a printed LED board, the lighting projector 120 may be applied individually to each LED board. Modalities using LED printed plates as a light source 18 are desirable since printed light sources require less space than conventional light sources. In alternative embodiments, the light source 18 may include a plurality of LEDs that have been inserted into the spoiler 94 and provided with optics suitable for dispersing the first emission 44 to the illumination projector 120. Suitable optics may include Fresnel lenses, diffuser fibers. light pipes, light pipes or other methods of dispersing the first emission 44 substantially uniformly to the lighting projector 120.

Referring again to Figure 6, in the pictured embodiment, the second photoluminescent portion 68 is configured as the lower spoiler light 124. Similarly to the light projector 120, the second photoluminescent portion 68 covers the second light source 140. such that the lower spoiler light 124 may be in physical contact with the second light source 140. The second light source 140 may also be configured to emit the first emission 44 such that the lower spoiler light 124 convert the first emission 44 to a third emission 76. The second light source 140 may be joined or combined with spoiler 94 in any of the ways described in conjunction with light source 18. In addition, the lower spoiler light 124 may be applied to the second light source 140 in any of the ways described in conjunction with the light source 18. The third emission 76 is emitted from the lower spoiler light 124 and directed downwards away from spoiler 94 to illuminate an area below spoiler 94; in general, the trunk lid 110 and upper portions of the rear side panel 114. The third emission 76 is typically not visible to the driver of the vehicle 90 while sitting on the driver's seat, but can be seen by observers of the vehicle 90. , including drivers of other vehicles. The second light source 140 has the ability to vary emission intensities such that the intensity of the third emission 76 may be changed depending on the use of the lower spoiler light current 124. For example, the lower spoiler light 124 may provide a colored ambient light (eg red) upon the occurrence of a first predefined event (eg start of operation of a vehicle light system 90); however, a second predefined event (eg start of a vehicle braking system 90) may cause the intensity of the third emission 76 to increase.

Referring to Figure 7, a block diagram of vehicle 90 is shown in which lighting system 40 is implemented in spoiler 94. Lighting system 40 includes a controller 150 in communication with light source 18 and spoiler 94 second light source 140. Controller 150 may include a memory 154 having instructions contained therein which are executed by a processor 158 of controller 150. Controller 150 may provide electrical power to any of the light sources 18, 140 through a power supply 162 located onboard vehicle 90. In addition, controller 150 may be configured to control the light emission or intensity of light sources 18, 140 based on the feedback received from one or more control modules. vehicle control 166 such as, but not limited to, body control module, engine control module, steering control module, brake control module or the like or a combination thereof. By controlling the light emission from light sources 18, 140, the lighting projector 120 and lower spoiler light 124 can illuminate in various colors and / or patterns to provide ambient light or useful vehicle information for vehicle observers 90. For example, the lighting provided by the lighting projector 120 may be used for a variety of vehicle applications, such as, but not limited to, decorative lighting, a vehicle tracking element, a remote start indicator, a door lock indicator, a door ajar indicator, a warning indicator, a conversion indicator, a brake indicator, safety lights for approaching occupants, etc. Similarly, the lower spoiler light 124 may alternatively, or in conjunction with the lighting projector 120, be used for any of the above mentioned uses.

[055] In operation, the lighting projector 120 or lower spoiler light 124 may display monochrome or multi-color illumination. For example, controller 150 may incite light sources 18, 140 to emit only the first wavelength of light to cause the lighting projector 120 to illuminate in the first color (e.g., white). Alternatively, controller 150 may incite lower spoiler light 124 to emit only the second wavelength of light to cause lower spoiler light 124 to illuminate in the second color (e.g., red).

[056] In another embodiment, the lighting projector 120 and lower spoiler light 124 may display illumination only after one or more predefined events have occurred. For example, memory 150 of controller 150 may be preprogrammed with various events, wherein the detection or occurrence of one of the events triggers lighting system controller 40 to incite light sources 18, 140 to emit the first emission. 44 and therefore illuminating one or both of the floodlights 120 and lower spoiler light 124. Such events may include an electric remote control for vehicle 90 to enter a predefined distance to vehicle 90, activation of a lighting system for vehicle 90, initiating an alert by vehicle 90, braking vehicle 90 and / or activating a decorative lighting element of vehicle 90. In a detailed example, by means of controller 150 being notified that the electric remote control has reached a At a predetermined distance, such as a thirty (30) foot (9.14 m) approximation of vehicle 90, the light projector 120 may be activated to illuminate the outer portion 9. 8 of vehicle 90 and surface 102 under vehicle 90 to provide security and light access to vehicle 90 to the approaching occupant.

Accordingly, a lighting system using a lighting spoiler has been advantageously described herein. The lighting system can provide a number of benefits that include simple and economical means to produce various lightings that can be used as a style element and / or to provide safe guidance lighting for vehicles.

[058] For the purpose of describing and defining these indications, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative, value, measurement or comparability. or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from an established reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the object in question.

It should be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned structure without, however, departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, unless such claims, by their language, express the opposite.

Claims (20)

1. Vehicle lighting system comprising: a vehicle having a rear spoiler; a first and second photoluminescent portions arranged on the spoiler; and at least one light source configured to emit an emission at a first wavelength, with the first and second photoluminescent portions being configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. Wave Lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light source is in physical contact with a first and second photoluminescent portions. Illumination system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light source is a printed LED plate. Illumination system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle. Illumination system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a surface under the vehicle. Illumination system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate an area under the spoiler. Lighting system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first and second photoluminescent portions are arranged on the underside of the spoiler. Lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle having a bodywork element; a photoluminescent portion disposed on a lower side of the bodywork element; and a light source located near the photoluminescent portion configured to emit light at a first wavelength, the photoluminescent portion being configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle. Illumination system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the light source is in physical contact with the photoluminescent portion. Illumination system according to claim 9, characterized in that the light source is a printed LED plate. Illumination system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a surface under the vehicle. Illumination system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the photoluminescent portion comprises a first and second photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion is arranged on the body member. Lighting system according to Claim 12, characterized in that the bodywork element is a rear spoiler. Lighting system according to claim 13, characterized in that the second photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate an area under the spoiler. A method of illuminating a vehicle exterior comprising: activating a light source in response to a predefined event; direct light at a first wavelength from the light source toward a photoluminescent portion arranged in a rear spoiler; and converting light at the first wavelength to a second wavelength with the photoluminescent portion. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of: illuminating an area under the spoiler with light at the second wavelength. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of: illuminating a surface located under the vehicle with light at the second wavelength. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the predefined event is the activation of a light system operating in the vehicle. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the predefined event is an electronic vehicle remote control that enters a predefined distance to the vehicle. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the predefined event is an application of the vehicle braking system.