CN105365664B

CN105365664B - Photoluminescent lift gate lamp

Info

Publication number: CN105365664B
Application number: CN201510458679.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯图尔特·C·萨尔特
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2014-08-06
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2020-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-30
Also published as: TR201509226A2; BR102015018565A2; MX2015010021A; RU2015132539A3; CN105365664A; MX348094B; DE102015111629A1; RU2689641C2; RU2015132539A

Abstract

The invention discloses a lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device includes a photoluminescent portion disposed on a movable vehicle closure member. The photoluminescent portion is operable to face in a substantially downward direction. The device further includes a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at the 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 surface beneath the vehicle.

Description

Photoluminescent lift gate lamp

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application No. 14/301,635 entitled "photoluminescent vehicle reading lamp" filed 6, 11, 2014, and U.S. patent application No. 14/301,635 is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application No. 14/156,869 entitled "roof lighting system with photoluminescent structure" filed 1, 16, 2014. The aforementioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to vehicle lighting systems and, more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems using photoluminescent structures.

Background

The illumination produced by the photoluminescent material provides a unique and attractive visual experience. It is therefore desirable to incorporate such photoluminescent materials into vehicle parts to provide ambient and task lighting.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting device includes a photoluminescent portion disposed on a movable vehicle closure member. The photoluminescent portion may be operable to face in a substantially downward direction. The apparatus further includes a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and 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 surface beneath the vehicle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system includes a first photoluminescence portion and a second photoluminescence portion disposed proximate to a handle portion of the lift gate. The lighting system further includes a light source located proximate to the first photo-luminescent portion and the second photo-luminescent portion. The light source is configured to emit a first emission of light having a first wavelength, and the photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to a plurality of wavelengths longer than the first wavelength.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device includes a light source disposed proximate to a handle portion of the lift gate. The light source is configured to transmit a first emission having a first wavelength through the light guide. The light guide is configured to guide the first emission substantially along the projection surface. The projection surface faces downward relative to the vehicle and corresponding to the lift gate in an open position. The projection surface is configured to convert the first emission into a second emission to illuminate the ground proximate the vehicle.

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

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle showing a lighting system;

FIG. 2A shows a photoluminescent material structure presented as a coating;

figure 2B shows a photoluminescent structure presented as discrete particles;

figure 2C shows a plurality of photoluminescent structures present as discrete particles and incorporated into separate structures;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a front-lit configuration of a lighting device configured to convert light of a first wavelength to at least a second wavelength;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a backlit configuration of an illumination device configured to convert light of a first wavelength to at least a second wavelength;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a warning light disposed on a vehicle closure; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a light source configured to illuminate a portion of a surface under a lift gate of the vehicle.

Detailed Description

As required, specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and some of the drawings may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B and/or C, the composition may comprise a alone; only B is contained; only C is contained; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

The following disclosure describes a lighting system for a vehicle configured to illuminate an underlying surface portion of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source may be used to illuminate both the vehicle under surface and the warning light. The light source may be configured to emit light at a first wavelength or primary emission to excite the photoluminescent structure. The photoluminescent structure may be configured to convert light or primary emission at a first wavelength to a second wavelength or secondary emission. The first wavelength of light may correspond to a first color of light and the second wavelength corresponds to a second color of light different from the first color. Although the various embodiments of the lighting system described herein refer to specific structures illustrated with reference to at least one motor vehicle, it should be appreciated that the vehicle lighting system may be applied in a variety of applications.

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 8 is shown having a tool light 10 for a closure or lift gate 12 shown in an open position. The tool lights 10 of the vehicle 8 may form part of a lighting device 14 configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface 16 located beneath the vehicle 8. The lighting device 14 includes a light source 18 that may be controlled by one or more lighting modules incorporated into the vehicle 8. For example, the lighting module of the vehicle 8 may be configured to selectively activate the light source 18 in response to the lift gate 12 being oriented to the open position. The light source 18 may also be activated by a switch or sensor, such as a toggle switch or proximity sensor.

The light source 18 is configured to emit a first emission of light at a first wavelength. The first photoluminescent portion 20 is disposed proximate a downward facing portion 22 of the lift gate 12 when the lift gate is oriented in an open position, and may be similarly applied in any of a number of closures of the vehicle 8, such as a hood or trunk lid of the vehicle 8. Light emissions from the tool light 10 may be emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 20 as a second emission 24. Additionally, the tool light 10 may be used to illuminate the interior portion 23 of the vehicle 8 when the lift gate is oriented to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion 20 may additionally be located proximate to the handle portion 25 of the lift gate 12. The first photoluminescent portion 20 is configured to convert a first emission of light emitted from the light source 18 having a first wavelength to a second emission 24 having a second wavelength. The second wavelength of light may correspond to at least one wavelength having a longer wavelength or spectral radiation than the first wavelength. As discussed herein, the first photoluminescent portion 20 and other photoluminescent portions can be configured to have photochemical properties configured to convert a first wavelength of light from the light source 18 to a second wavelength or other wavelengths (e.g., a third wavelength), which can include various combinations of wavelengths, to emit light from the illumination device 14.

The first wavelength may correspond to an initial emission having a violet or deep blue color. The first wavelength may have a peak wavelength of approximately less than 500 nm. The second wavelength may correspond to one or more wavelengths of light corresponding to the second emission 24 having at least one wavelength greater than the first wavelength. In some embodiments, the second wavelength may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths that may cause the second emission 24 to exhibit significant white light. In this configuration, light of a first wavelength emitted from the light source 18 is configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion 20. In response to excitation by light of a first wavelength, the first photoluminescent portion 20 is configured to convert the first wavelength to emit a second emission 24 to illuminate the surface 16 beneath the vehicle 8.

In some embodiments, the light source 18 is further configured to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 26. The second photoluminescent portion 26 may be disposed on the closure or lift gate 12 such that the second photoluminescent portion 26 faces outward from the vehicle 8 when the lift gate 12 is oriented in the open position. In this configuration, the second photoluminescent portion 26 is configured to enhance visibility of the vehicle 8 into proximity to the vehicle.

The second photoluminescent portion 26 may be dispersed in a material or coating of a warning light 28 that may be disposed proximate the handle portion 25. The second photoluminescent portion 26 of the warning light 28 can be configured to receive the first emission at the first wavelength and convert the first emission to a third emission 30 having a third wavelength. The third wavelength may correspond to a wavelength different from the first wavelength and the second wavelength. In some embodiments, the third wavelength may be configured to emit red light such that the third emission 30 from the warning light 28 is highly visible and alerts the approaching vehicle of the location of the vehicle 8.

The light of the first wavelength emitted from the light source 18 may correspond to a color of light that is less perceptible to the human eye than the second and third wavelengths. In an advantageous configuration, the first emission of the first wavelength emitted from the light source 18 may be projected toward the second photoluminescent portion 26 without being visibly apparent to an operator of the vehicle 8 approaching the rear passenger compartment and/or cargo compartment 32 of the vehicle 8. This configuration may provide the second emission 24 and the third emission 30 activated by the light source 18 projected from a single location. In this configuration, the lighting device 14 is configured to provide illumination means and/or accent lighting to illuminate at least a portion of the surface 16 located beneath the vehicle 8 and also to illuminate the warning light 26. By limiting the number of light sources required to provide the illumination discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a cost effective method for providing illumination for the vehicle 8.

Referring to fig. 2A-2C, photoluminescent structure 42 is shown generally as respectively present as a coating (e.g., a film) that can be applied to a vehicle fixture, as discrete particles that can be implanted into a vehicle fixture, and as a plurality of discrete particles that incorporate individual structures that can be applied to a vehicle fixture. The photoluminescent structure 42 may correspond to the photoluminescent portions discussed herein, such as the first photoluminescent portion 20 and the second photoluminescent portion 26. As shown by the broken lines in fig. 2A and 2B, at a most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes an energy conversion layer 44 that can be provided as a single layer or as a multi-layer structure.

The energy conversion layer 44 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from phosphorescent or fluorescent materials. The photoluminescent material may be configured to convert the input electromagnetic radiation into output electromagnetic radiation that generally has a longer wavelength and represents a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is known as Stokes shift and serves as the primary driving mechanism for the energy conversion process (often referred to as down conversion) corresponding to the wavelength variation of the light. In various embodiments described herein, each wavelength of light (e.g., the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to electromagnetic radiation utilized in the conversion process.

Each photoluminescent portion can contain at least one photoluminescent structure 42 that contains an energy conversion layer (e.g., conversion layer 44). The energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in the polymer matrix 50 using a variety of methods to form a homogeneous mixture. Such a method may include preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and applying the energy conversion layer 44 to a desired planar and/or non-planar substrate of a vehicle fixture. The energy conversion layer 44 coating may be deposited on the vehicle fixture by painting (painting), screen printing, spray coating, slot coating (slot coating), dip coating (dip coating), roller coating (roller coating), bar coating (bar coating), and the like. Furthermore, the energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared by a method that does not use a liquid carrier medium.

For example, a solid solution (homogeneous mixture in the dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be incorporated into the polymer matrix 50 to provide the energy conversion layer 44. The polymer matrix 50 may be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, and the like. In examples where one or more energy conversion layers 44 are present as particles, a single layer or multiple layers of energy conversion layers 44 may be implanted into a vehicle fixture or panel. When the energy conversion layer 44 comprises a multi-layer formulation, each layer may be coated sequentially. In addition, the layers may be prepared separately and then laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The layers may also be coextruded to make a unitary multi-layer energy conversion structure.

Referring back to fig. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilization layer 46 may be configured as a separate layer that is optically coupled to and adhered to the energy conversion layer 44. The stabilization layer 46 may also be integrated with the energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also optionally include a protective layer 48 or any layer or coating that is optically coupled and adhered to the stabilizing layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 from physical and chemical damage caused by exposure from the environment.

The stabilization layer 46 and/or the protection layer 48 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 44 to form the integral photoluminescent structure 42 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 sub-structures are then laminated or stamped together to form the integral photoluminescent structure 42. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be applied to selected vehicle fixtures and/or panels.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be incorporated into the vehicle fixture as one or more discrete multilayer particles, as shown in fig. 2C. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in the polymer formulation 50, which are then applied as an adjoining structure in a vehicle fixture or panel. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures utilizing at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in the application entitled "photolytically and environmentally stable multilayer structures for efficient electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission" filed on day 31, 7, 31, 2012, by kinsley et al, U.S. patent No. 8,232,533, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 3, the lighting device 14 is shown generally in accordance with a front lit configuration 62. In this configuration, light emitted from the light source 16, or first emission 64, is converted to second emission 24 by the energy conversion layer 44. The first emission 64 comprises a first wavelength λ₁And the second emission 24 comprises a second wavelength lambda₂. The illumination device 14 includes a photoluminescent structure 42 disposed on or within at least one photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent structure 42 may be present as a coating and applied to a substrate 68 of a vehicle fixture, such as an interior panel of the lift gate 12. The photoluminescent material may also be dispersed in a polymer matrix 50, corresponding to the energy conversion layer 44.

In some embodiments, the energy conversion layer 44 may further include a stabilization layer 46 and/or a protective layer 48. In response to the light source 16 being activated, the first emission 64 is received by the energy conversion layer 44 and has a first wavelength λ₁To have at least a second wavelength lambda₂And a second emission 24. The second emission 24 may comprise a plurality of wavelengths configured to emit light of any color from the photoluminescent portion 18.

In various embodiments, the illumination device 14 includes at least one photoluminescent material incorporated into the polymer matrix 50 and/or the energy conversion layer 44, and is configured to convert the first wavelength λ₁To have at least a second wavelength lambda₂And a second emission 24. To generate multiple wavelengths, the energy conversion layer 44 may include a second emission 24 configured to emit light in the red, green, and/or blue spectrum at the wavelength. These photoluminescent materials may further combine to produce a wide variety of colors for the second emitted light. For example, red, green and blue light emitting photoluminescent materials can be used in various ratios and combinations to control the output color of the second emission 24.

Each photoluminescent material can vary the output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelength based on the specific photochemical structure and combination of photochemical structures used for the energy conversion layer 44. As an example, the first emission λ may be adjusted₁To activate the photoluminescent material at different intensitiesThe material changes the color of the second emission 24 and thereby changes the second emission 24. In addition or alternatively to red, green and blue light emitting photoluminescent materials, other photoluminescent materials may be used alone or in any combination to produce the second emission 24 of a wide variety of colors. In this manner, the lighting device 14 may be configured for various applications to provide a desired lighting color and effect for the vehicle.

To obtain the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent materials described herein, the illumination device 14 may use any form of photoluminescent material, such as phosphor luminescent materials, organic or inorganic dyes, and the like. For additional information on obtaining the manufacture and application of various emissive photoluminescent materials, reference is made to the patent entitled "photoluminescent fibers, compositions and textiles made therefrom" filed on 6/26 2012, U.S. patent No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al; a patent entitled "photoluminescent sign with functional coating", U.S. patent No. 8,247,761 by Agrawal et al, filed on 8/21/2012; a patent entitled "photolytic and environmentally stable multilayer structure for high efficiency electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission" filed 2013, 8, 27, and entitled U.S. patent No. 8,519,359B2, to Kingsley et al; a patent entitled "illumination delivery system for generating sustained secondary emission" filed 3, 4, 2014, U.S. patent No. 8,664,624B2 by Kingsley et al; a patent application entitled "photoluminescent composition, method of manufacture and new use", U.S. patent publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al, filed on 7/19/2012; a patent application entitled "photoluminescent object," U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0065442a1, to Kingsley et al, filed 3, 6, 2014; and U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0103258a1 entitled "chromium luminescent compositions and textiles", invented by Agrawal et al, filed 4, 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Light source 16 may also be referred to as an excitation source and is operable to emit at least a first emission 64. Light source 16 may comprise any type of light source, such as a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diodeA tube (LED), an organic LED (oled), a polymer LED (pled), a solid state lighting device, or any other form of lighting device configured to output a first emission 64. The first emission 64 from the light source 16 may be configured such that: first wavelength lambda₁At least one absorption wavelength of the one or more photoluminescent materials corresponding to the energy conversion layer 44 and/or the polymer matrix 50. In response to receiving the first wavelength lambda₁Can be excited and output one or more output wavelengths, e.g., having a second wavelength λ₂The second transmission of (1). The first emission 64 provides an excitation source for the energy conversion layer 44 by targeting the absorption wavelength of the particular luminescent material or combination thereof being used herein. As such, the illumination device 14 may be configured to output the second emission 24 to produce a desired light intensity and color.

In an exemplary embodiment, light source 16 includes a first wavelength λ configured to emit light that may correspond to a blue spectrum, violet, and/or ultraviolet color range₁The LED of (1). The blue spectral color range includes a wavelength range that generally appears as blue light (-440-500 nm). In some embodiments, the first wavelength λ₁May include wavelengths in the ultraviolet and near ultraviolet color ranges (100-450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment, λ₁May be approximately equal to 470 nm. Although with reference to the first wavelength λ₁Discussing specific wavelengths and wavelength ranges, the first wavelength lambda₁May be generally configured to excite any photoluminescent material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first wavelength λ₁May be approximately less than 500 nm. The blue spectral color range and shorter wavelengths may be used as excitation sources for the illumination device 14, as these wavelengths have limited perceptual sensitivity in the visible spectrum of the human eye. By applying a shorter wavelength to the first wavelength lambda₁And the lighting device 14 produces a visual effect of light originating from the photoluminescent structure 42 by converting the first wavelength to at least one longer wavelength by the conversion layer 44.

As discussed herein, each of the plurality of wavelengths corresponding to the second emission 24 and the third emission 30 may correspond to a distinct spectral colorAnd (3) a range. A second wavelength lambda₂May correspond to a plurality of wavelengths configured to substantially render white light. In one embodiment, the plurality of wavelengths may be comprised of a red-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750nm, a green-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606nm, and a red-emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength λ₁And blue or blue-green light emitting photoluminescent material at a wavelength of approximately 430-525 nm. Multiple wavelengths may be used to generate the first wavelength λ from each of the photoluminescent portions (e.g., the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 26)₁Converted light of various colors. The third emission 30 may similarly utilize photoluminescent materials to output light of a different color than the first emission 64 and the second emission 24.

Referring to fig. 4, the illumination device 14 is shown generally according to a backlit configuration 72 that converts the first emission 64 from the light source 16 to the second emission 24. In this configuration, the illumination device 14 may include a light source configured to direct the first wavelength λ substantially along the first photoluminescent portion 20₁ Light guide 74 of light. The light guide 74 may be configured to substantially transmit the first wavelength λ along a surface 76 of the light guide 74₁Any material of light of (1). In some embodiments, light guide 74 may comprise a polymeric material configured to provide an index of refraction that consistently transmits light at the first wavelength along surface 76.

The backlit configuration includes the energy conversion layer 44 and/or a photoluminescent material dispersed in the polymer matrix 50. Similar to the energy conversion layer 44 shown with reference to the front-lit configuration 62, the energy conversion layer 44 may be configured to be excited and output corresponding to the second wavelength λ in response to receiving the first emissions 64₂One or more wavelengths of (a). The plurality of wavelengths of the second emission 24 may be configured to emit light of any color from the first photoluminescent portion 20 in response to excitation of the energy conversion layer 44. The color of light corresponding to the second emission 24 may be controlled by applying the particular type and/or ratio of photoluminescent materials discussed herein. The second emission 24 may correspond to light output from the tool light 10.

In some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion is configured to diffuse light emitted from the first photoluminescent material into the first photoluminescent materialThe first portion 78 of the transmission 64 is converted into the second transmission 24. In the backlit configuration 72, the illumination device may be further configured to output a second portion 80 of the first emission 64 from a back portion 82 of the light guide 74. The second portion 80 of the first emission 64 may remain at the first wavelength λ₁Such that the second portion of the first wavelength may be used to generate the third emission 30 discussed with reference to fig. 1, 5, and 6. Light guide 74 may be configured to direct second portion 80 of first emission 64 toward a backside portion 82, which may correspond to an interior surface of light guide 74. The interior surface may include at least one transmissive or semi-transmissive section such that second portion 80 of first emission 64 may be emitted outward from back portion 82 of light guide 74.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the lighting device 14 is shown showing the tool light 10 and the warning light 28. The lighting device 14 may be selectively activated by a lighting controller of the vehicle 8 configured to control the light source 18. The light source may be activated by the lighting controller based on a switch indicating that the lift door 12 is oriented in an open position, and may also be activated by a switch or other control within the vehicle 8 including a toggle switch, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and/or a combination thereof. The lighting device 14 is operable to illuminate at least a portion of the surface 16 beneath the vehicle 8 to provide safe and simple access to the cargo space 32 of the vehicle 8.

When the light source 18 is activated, the first emission 64 is emitted into the light guide 74. The first portion 78 of the first emission 64 is converted by the first photoluminescent portion 20 to produce the second emission 24. The second emission 24 is output from the light guide through the projection surface 90. The projection surface 90 is configured to direct the second emission 24 outwardly from the tool light 10 to illuminate a portion of the surface 16 located beneath the vehicle 8. As shown in fig. 6, a portion of the surface 16 may be located rearward of the vehicle 8 and at least partially below the lift gate 12 when the lift gate 12 is oriented in the open position.

When the light source 18 is activated, a second portion 80 of the first emission 64 is transmitted through a back portion 82 of the light guide 74. In some embodiments, the back portion 80 may include one or more optics 92 or portions configured to direct the second portion 80 of the first emission 64 into a handle cavity 94 that includes the volume formed by the handle portion 25. The second portion 80 of the first emission 64 may pass through the handle cavity 94 and be received and absorbed by the interior surface 96 of the warning light 28.

The interior surface 96 of the warning light 28 may comprise a light transmissive material configured to receive the second portion 80 of the first emission 64. When the first emission 64 passes through the handle cavity 94, the first wavelength λ, which may be approximately less than 500nm due to the pair of human eyes₁Of the first emission 64, a first wavelength λ₁May be nearly invisible. Once received by the interior surface 96 of the warning light 28, has a first wavelength λ₁Is converted by the second photoluminescent portion 26 to have a third wavelength lambda ₃30, respectively. A third emission 30 is then emitted outwardly from the warning light 28 to alert approaching vehicles of the location of the vehicle 8 which may correspond to a hazardous location such as a busy road shoulder.

The warning light 28 may include a body portion configured to transmit the second portion 80 of the first emission 64 to the second photoluminescent portion 26. The body portion may include optical or light-guiding means and/or structures configured to transmit and distribute the second portion 80 of the first emission 64 to the vicinity of the exterior surface 98 of the warning light 28. The outer surface 98 may have a photoluminescent structure of the second photoluminescent portion 26 applied and/or dispersed as a coating such that the second portion 80 of the first emission 64 is converted to the third emission 30.

The lighting devices described herein may provide various benefits, including being operable to provide a tool light for a lift gate and may further provide a cost-effective system configured to alert an approaching vehicle of a potentially dangerous warning light. The various embodiments described herein, including the specific location and configuration of each photoluminescent portion, can be varied without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary disclosed subject matter provides a lighting device that can provide safe use of a vehicle cargo compartment.

For the purposes of illustrating and defining the teachings of the present invention, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A lighting device for a vehicle, comprising:

a photoluminescent portion disposed on the movable vehicle closure member and operable to face in a substantially downward direction;

a light source disposed proximate to the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at a first wavelength, wherein the photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle;

the vehicle closure includes a lift gate;

a warning light disposed proximate to a handle of a lift gate and configured to receive light from the light source and emit light at a third wavelength.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the photo-luminescent portion is oriented in a substantially downward direction relative to the lift gate in an open position.

3. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the warning light includes a second photoluminescent portion.

4. The illumination device of claim 3, wherein the light source is configured to pass a portion of the light at the first wavelength to the second photoluminescent portion.

5. The illumination device of claim 4, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to produce light having a third wavelength, wherein a first color of the first wavelength is different from a second color of the second wavelength.

6. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:

a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion disposed proximate to a handle portion of the lift gate;

a light source located proximate to the first and second photoluminescent portions and configured to emit a first emission of light having a first wavelength, wherein the first and second photoluminescent portions are configured to convert the first wavelength to a plurality of wavelengths longer than the first wavelength;

a warning light having the second photoluminescent portion, and the warning light disposed proximate to a handle portion of a lift gate and configured to receive light from the light source and emit light at a third wavelength.

7. The lighting system of claim 6, wherein the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a portion of a floor proximate to the lift gate.

8. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the first photoluminescence portion is directed toward the ground in a substantially downward direction relative to the vehicle and corresponding to the lift gate being in an open position.

9. The illumination system of claim 8, further comprising a light guide configured to receive the first emission and to direct the first emission substantially along a light projecting surface comprising the first photoluminescent portion.

10. The illumination system of claim 9, wherein the first photoluminescent portion proximate the projection surface is configured to convert the first wavelength to a second emission comprising a plurality of wavelengths longer than the first wavelength.

11. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the warning light is oriented in a substantially rearward direction relative to the vehicle and corresponding to the lift gate being in the open position.

12. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein the light guide is configured to direct a portion of the first emission toward the warning light to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion and emit a third emission.

13. A vehicle lighting device, comprising:

a light source disposed proximate a handle portion of a lift gate, the light source configured to deliver a first emission having a first wavelength through a light guide, the light guide configured to substantially direct the first emission along a projection surface facing in a downward direction relative to the vehicle and corresponding to the lift gate in an open position, wherein the projection surface is configured to convert the first emission to a second emission to illuminate a ground proximate the vehicle;

14. The vehicle lighting device of claim 13, wherein the second emission includes a plurality of wavelengths of light configured to produce substantially white light.

15. The vehicle lighting device of claim 13, the warning light including a second photoluminescent portion.

16. The vehicle lighting device of claim 15, wherein the light guide is configured to direct a portion of the first emission toward the warning light to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion to emit a third emission.