RU2684242C2 - Vehicle lighting module - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Vehicle lighting module comprises a housing including a translucent fragment and a photoluminescent fragment, and a first light source and a second light source, each located inside the housing. Light emitted from the first light source is output from the housing through the translucent fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent fragment to generate visible light, which is output from the housing. Housing is divided into a first compartment, which is at least partially defined by means of the translucent fragment, and a second compartment which is at least partially defined by the photoluminescent fragment. First light source is at least one of a brake light and a rear light of a vehicle. Visible light generated by the photoluminescent fragment illuminates the license plate.EFFECT: improved quality of visual perception of the lighting device.16 cl, 5 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is an integral part of US patent application No. 14 / 086,442, registered November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE", the full disclosure of which, however, is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems using one or more photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Lighting arising from the use of photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive visual perception. Therefore, it is desirable to implement such structures in automobiles for various lighting devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting module is provided. The module includes a housing including a translucent fragment and a photoluminescent fragment. The first light source and the second light source, each, are located inside the housing. The light emitted from the first light source is removed from the body through the light-transmitting fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that is output from the body.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting module is provided. The module includes a housing including a first compartment having a translucent fragment and a second compartment having a photoluminescent fragment. The first light source is located in the first compartment, and the second light source is located in the second compartment. The light emitted from the first light source is removed from the body through the light-transmitting fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that is output from the body.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, an assembly finish is provided. The assembled part includes a housing including a translucent fragment and a photoluminescent fragment. The first light source and the second light source, each, are located inside the housing. The light emitted from the first light source is removed from the body through the light-transmitting fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that is output from the body.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification, claims, and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to one embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to another embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to another embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle lighting module located in a rear fragment of a vehicle;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting module taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the vehicle lighting module in FIG. 3; and

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a lighting configuration of a vehicle lighting module shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Drawings are not required for detailed design, and some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of functions. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document should not be interpreted as limiting, but simply as representing the basis for study by a person skilled in the art in order to apply the present invention in different ways.

[0017] When used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that any one of the listed elements can be applied on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can to be applied. For example, if a composition is described as 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.

[0018] The following disclosure describes a vehicle lighting module that advantageously applies one or more photoluminescent structures configured to convert light received from an associated light source and re-emit light of a different wavelength.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of a photoluminescent structure 10 are shown, each of which is capable of being connected to a support member 12, which may correspond to a fixed vehicle part or a piece of equipment associated with the vehicle. In FIG. 1A, a photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as being provided with a coating (e.g., a film) that can be applied to the surface of the support member 12. FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a separate particle capable of being combined with the support member 12. FIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that can be included in a support medium 14 (e.g., a film), which can then be applied (as shown) or combined with a support member 12.

[0020] At its most basic level, this photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers, which are shown by way of broken lines in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements with photoluminescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material can become excited by receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby forcing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the down-converting principle, the input light is converted to light with a longer wavelength that is output from the photoluminescent structure 10. Conversely, according to the up-converting principle, the input light is converted to light with a shorter wavelength that is output from the photoluminescent structure 10. When the set different wavelengths of light are output from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time, the wavelengths of light can be mixed together and be expressed as multicolor light.

[0021] In some embodiments, the light that has been down-converted or up-converted can be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) found in the energy conversion layer 16. The process of using converted light output from a photoluminescent material to excite another, etc., is generally known as an energy stage and can serve as an alternative to achieve different color expressions. With respect to any conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between the exciting light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principle of the excitation mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the light wavelength. In the various implementations discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures can act according to one of two transformation principles.

[0022] The energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing an energy conversion layer 16 from a chemical compound in a liquid carrier substance and depositing an energy conversion layer 16 on a desired support member. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the support member by painting, screen printing, spraying, crevice spraying, dipping, roller coating and coating with the removal of excess using a strip. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier substance. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be represented by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be incorporated into a polymer matrix, which can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, extrusion, extrusion, hot forming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be combined into a support element using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer can be sequentially applied to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sublayers may be separately prepared and subsequently applied or stamped together to form an energy conversion layer 16. Still alternatively, an energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained in the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal wear. The stabilizing layer 18 can be configured as a separate layer optically connected and glued to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stabilizing layer 18 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also optionally include a protective layer 20 optically bonded and glued to the stabilizing layer 18 or another layer (for example, a conversion layer 16 in the absence of a stabilizing layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage resulting from environmental impact. The stabilizing layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by successively applying or printing each layer, successively layering or stamping, or any other suitable means.

[0024] Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFECIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION ILLEGAL JONES 2012, July 31, 2012. the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials in order to achieve various light emissions, refer to US Patent No. 8,207,511 Boratza et al., Entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM", filed June 26, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 to Agraival and the like, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKING WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", registered August 21, 2012; US Pat. No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTIPLAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION ADN SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION" of August 27, 2013; US Patent No. 8,644,624 B2 Kingsley et al., entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", registered March 4, 2014; US Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 of Agriewal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES", filed July 19, 2012; US Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS", registered March 6, 2014; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 of Agraival, etc., entitled "CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES", filed April 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a vehicle lighting module 30 is shown configured as an exterior trim part located in a rear portion 32 of a vehicle 34 and located above a rear number plate 36 of a vehicle. The lighting module 30 includes a visible front fragment 38 and a lower fragment (not shown) that is close to the license plate 36 and is generally hidden from observers located behind the vehicle 34. According to one embodiment, which will be disclosed below more in detail, the lighting module 30 may be configured to provide two separate lighting functions. In particular, the front fragment 38 of the lighting module 30 may be lit to function as a brake light and / or a rear lamp, while the lower fragment may illuminate the license plate 36 as a stylistic detail. Additionally, license plate light 36 also increases its visibility in dark conditions. Regarding the present embodiment, the lighting module 30 may be provided in addition to the existing lighting on the vehicle 34 or may be provided as a replacement for it. For example, the lighting module 30 described above may replace a traditional high center-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, a cross section of a lighting module 30 is shown according to one embodiment. The lighting module 30 includes a housing 40 having a translucent fragment 42 that can define a front fragment 38 described earlier in this document, a photoluminescent fragment 44 that can define a lower fragment described earlier in this document, and a rear fragment 46 that can be attached to the rear side of the vehicle. The lighting module 30 may also include a spacer member 48 located therein, which divides the housing 40 into a first compartment 50 and a second compartment 52, which may be located above the first compartment 50. The spacer element 48 may be coupled to a rear fragment 46 and a photoluminescent fragment 44 and / or translucent fragment 42. Additionally, the spacer element 48 may be located at an acute angle with respect to the photoluminescent fragment 44. Translucent fragment 42, photoluminescent fragment 44, rear fragment 46 and the spacer member 48 may each be constructed of, largely, a rigid material (e.g., plastic) and connected together by means of laser welding or other suitable means. The translucent fragment 42 may be metallized to have an external metallic appearance while in an unlit state. The photoluminescent fragment 4 4 may include a light scattering optics 54 and at least one photoluminescent structure 56 attached to the light scattering optics 54. The photoluminescent structure 56 may be combined with the optics 54 or otherwise applied to it as a coating, paint, etc.

[0027] Referring still to FIG. 3, the lighting module 30 may further include at least one light source 58 located in the first compartment 50, and at least one light source 60 located in the second compartment 52. The light sources 58 and 60 may be electrically connected to a power source on board the vehicle and can each be provided on a separate printed circuit board (PCB) 62, 64, which is attached to the inner surface 66 of the rear fragment 46. In other embodiments, light sources 58, 60 may be provided friction on the common PCB. Alternatively, one or both of the light sources 58, 60 may be provided on the separation element 48. As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the light source 58 may be located on one side 68 of the separation element 48, and the light source 60 may be located on the opposite side 70 of the separation element 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the separation element 48 may correspond to a two-sided PCB in electrical connection with sources 58, 60 Sveta. In other embodiments, light sources 58, 60 may be provided on separate PCBs (not shown) that are attached to the corresponding side 68, 70 of the separation element 48.

[0028] Light sources 58, 60 may include various types of lamps, such as, but not limited to, halogen lamps, fluorescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LED), organic LEDs (OLED), and polymer LEDs (PLED). For exemplary purposes, FIG. 5 shows a lighting configuration for the lighting module 30 shown in FIG. 3. The lighting configuration includes a plurality of LEDs 72, 74 provided on the PCBs 62 and 64, respectively. PCBs 62 and 64 may extend longitudinally through the back portion 46, and LEDs 72, 74 may be arranged in series or parallel and spaced longitudinally along the corresponding PCBs 62, 64. It should be understood that the number of LEDs 72, 74 on each PCB 62, 64 not limited to any particular number.

[0029] In operation, the light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 72 is outputted from the housing 40 through the light transmitting portion 42. Each of the plurality of LEDs 72 can emit red light and function as taillights and / or stop lights, while the light emitted from from a plurality of LEDs 74, excites a photoluminescent structure 56 of the photoluminescent fragment 44 to generate visible light that is output from the housing 40 through a light scattering optical device 54 to illuminate the rear license plate of the vehicle (e.g., rear license plate 36 th sign of the vehicle). In one embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 56 may be configured to down-convert the light received from the plurality of LEDs 74 into light of a longer wavelength. The light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 74 may correspond to ultraviolet light (~ 10-400 nanometers wavelength), violet light (~ 380-450 nanometers wavelength) or blue light (~ 450-495 nanometers wavelength). The converted light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 56 may correspond to visible light, which includes a fragment of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye (~ 390-700 nanometers in wavelength), and can be expressed in a variety of colors defined by one wavelength (e.g. red, green, blue), or a mixture of many wavelengths (e.g. white). Thus, it should be understood that the photoluminescent structure 56 can be configured such that the converted light emitted from it is expressed as single-color or multi-color light.

[0030] Referring still to FIG. 5, a larger number of LEDs 72 may be provided on the PCB 62 to ensure uniform distribution of light across the translucent portion 42. Additionally, the translucent portion 42 may be configured to diffuse light received from a plurality of LEDs 72. As a cost-saving measure, fewer LEDs 74 may be provided on the PCB 64 because the light emitted from the plurality of LEDs 74 is not directly visible to the observer, and the uniform distribution of light over the license plate is generally less noticeable. For optimized light output, the first and second compartments 50, 52 can be configured to reflect light internally. For example, the inner surface 66 and the separation element 48 may be coated with a reflective material, such as white paint. Also, a plurality of PCBs 62, 64 may include a white solder mask instead of the traditional green solder mask for added light reflectance. In such a configuration, the randomly distributed light contained in the first compartment 50 is ultimately redirected to and removed from the translucent fragment 42. Similarly, the randomly distributed light contained in the second compartment 52 is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent fragment 44 to either excite the photoluminescent structure 56 or be removed from the housing 40 through the light-scattering optics 54.

[0031] In the context of the first compartment 50, randomly distributed light should be understood to mean emitted light from a plurality of LEDs 72, which does not propagate towards the translucent fragment 42. This includes light that has been reflected from the translucent fragment 42 and redirected to another the surface of the first compartment 50. In the context of the second compartment 52, randomly distributed light should be understood to mean emitted light from a plurality of LEDs 74 that do not propagate towards the photo the luminescent fragment 44. This includes light that has been reflected from the photoluminescent fragment 44 and redirected to another surface of the second compartment 52. When the photoluminescent structure 56 is practically Lambertian, randomly propagating light should also be understood to mean converted light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 56 to the second compartment 52. In this case, it is desirable to redirect the converted light back to the photoluminescent fragment 44, so that it can output from the housing 40 through the diffusing optics 54, thereby increasing the external illumination provided by the photoluminescent fragment 44.

[0032] Accordingly, a vehicle lighting module has been advantageously described herein. The vehicle lighting module provides various advantages, including a simple and cost-effective means to create a variety of lighting that can be implemented as a taillight and / or brake light in addition to license plate light.

[0033] For the purpose of describing and defining the present teachings, it is noted that the terms “practically” and “approximately” are used herein to represent a characteristic degree of uncertainty that may be present in any quantitative comparison, value, indicator or other representation. The terms “practically” and “approximately” are also used in this document to represent the extent to which the quantitative representation may vary from the established standard, without having as a result of a change in the basic function of the subject under study.

[0034] It should be understood that variations and modifications can be made according to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it should further be understood that such concepts are intended to be embraced by the following claims, unless the claims expressly state otherwise through their language.

Claims (29)

1. A vehicle lighting module, comprising: a housing including a translucent fragment and a photoluminescent fragment; and a first light source and a second light source, each of which is located inside the housing; wherein the light emitted from the first light source is removed from the body through the light-transmitting fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that is output from the body; wherein the casing is divided into a first compartment, which is at least partially determined by means of a translucent fragment, and a second compartment, which is at least partially determined by a photoluminescent fragment; and wherein the first light source is at least one of a brake light and a rear lamp of a vehicle; and in this case, visible light generated by a photoluminescent fragment illuminates the license plate. 2. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is located inside the first compartment, and the first compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the first compartment and emitted from the first light source, eventually redirected to a translucent fragment. 3. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is located inside the second compartment, and the photoluminescent fragment is essentially Lambertian; and the second compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the second compartment and emitted from at least one of the second light source and the photoluminescent fragment is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent fragment. 4. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the translucent fragment is metallized to have a metallic appearance, while still allowing light emitted from the first light source to be transmitted through it. 5. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the photoluminescent fragment includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to the light scattering optics; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform energy conversion according to the light emitted from the second light source, thereby creating visible light; and the visible light has a different wavelength from the light emitted from the second light source. 6. The vehicle lighting module, configured as an external decoration part located on the rear fragment of the vehicle and placed above the license plate, comprising: a housing including a first compartment having a translucent fragment and a second compartment having a photoluminescent fragment; a first light source located in the first compartment and a second light source located in the second compartment; wherein the light emitted from the first light source is removed from the body through the light-transmitting fragment, and the light emitted from the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that is output from the body; wherein the first light source is at least one of a brake light and a rear lamp of a vehicle; and in this case, visible light generated by a photoluminescent fragment illuminates the license plate. 7. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 6, wherein the first compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the first compartment and emitted from the first light source is ultimately redirected to the translucent fragment. 8. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 6, wherein the photoluminescent fragment is essentially Lambertian; and the second compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the second compartment and emitted from at least one of the second light source and the photoluminescent fragment is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent fragment. 9. The vehicle lighting module of claim 6, wherein the translucent fragment is metallized to have a metallic appearance, while still allowing light emitted from the first light source to be transmitted through it. 10. The vehicle lighting module according to claim 6, wherein the photoluminescent fragment includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to the light scattering optics; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform energy conversion according to the light emitted from the second light source, thereby creating visible light; and the visible light has a different wavelength from the light emitted from the second light source. 11. A high mounted stop lamp, comprising: a housing including a translucent fragment and a photoluminescent fragment; and a first light source and a second light source, each of which is located inside the housing; wherein the first light source is a rear lamp of a vehicle and outputs light through a translucent fragment; and wherein the second light source excites a photoluminescent fragment to form visible light that illuminates the license plate below a high mounted stop lamp. 12. The high mounted stop lamp according to claim 11, wherein the housing is divided into a first compartment, which is at least partially defined by a light-transmitting fragment, and a second compartment, which is at least partially determined by a photoluminescent fragment. 13. The high mounted stop lamp according to claim 12, wherein the first light source is located inside the first compartment, and the first compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the first compartment and emitted from the first source light, eventually headed for a translucent fragment. 14. A high mounted stop lamp according to claim 12, wherein the second light source is located inside the second compartment, and the photoluminescent fragment is essentially Lambertian; and the second compartment is configured to reflect light internally so that randomly distributed light contained in the second compartment and emitted from at least one of the second light source and the photoluminescent fragment is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent fragment. 15. A highly mounted stop lamp according to claim 11, wherein the translucent fragment is metallized to have a metallic appearance, while still allowing light emitted from the first light source to be transmitted through it. 16. A highly mounted stop lamp according to claim 11, wherein the photoluminescent fragment includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to the light scattering optics; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform energy conversion according to the light emitted from the second light source, thereby creating visible light; and the visible light has a different wavelength from the light emitted from the second light source.

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