RU2684766C2 - Vehicle lighting system with illuminated roof rack - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Illuminated roof rack of a vehicle comprises a light source, side beam, photoluminescent structure and a metallised layer. Side beam comprises a translucent part. Photoluminescent structure is attached to the translucent part and is configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by a light source. Metallised layer is located between the photoluminescent structure and the translucent part.EFFECT: improved quality of the created illumination due to the use of photoluminescent structures.17 cl, 6 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE VOLUME ACCESS STRUCTURE, a body, and a body, and a body, with a photomachine, a body, a body and a photocell. in the materials of this application by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH INVENTION RELATES.

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

BACKGROUND TO WHICH INVENTION RELATES.

[0003] Illumination arising from the use of photoluminescent structures, offers a unique and attractive visual impression. Therefore, it is required to implement such structures in automotive vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an illuminated roof rack of a vehicle is provided. The roof rack includes at least one side beam containing a photoluminescent part, made with the ability to glow at least one different color when excited by at least one wavelength of light. The light source is configured to emit at least one wavelength of light in the direction of the photoluminescent part.

In an additional aspect, the light source is further configured to emit a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength, having a wavelength different from the first wavelength of light.

In another additional aspect, the photoluminescent part is configured to glow in the first color when it is excited only by the first wavelength of light, and in the second color when it is excited only by the second wavelength of the light, while the second color is visually different from the first color.

In yet another additional aspect, the photoluminescent portion is configured to glow in a third color when it is excited by both the first and second wavelengths of light, with the third color being determined by the additive light mixture of the first and second colors.

In yet another additional aspect, the photoluminescent portion includes a photoluminescent structure attached to the translucent portion of the side beam and configured to: convert the first wavelength of light to the third wavelength of light, which is expressed as the first color; and convert the second wavelength of light into a fourth wavelength of light, which is expressed as a second color.

In yet another additional aspect, the side beam includes a metallized layer located between the photoluminescent structure and the light-transmitting part of the side beam.

In yet another additional aspect, the light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes facing the photoluminescent portion of the side beam and distributed longitudinally along the inner surface of the side beam, with each light-emitting diode configured to emit one of the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light.

In a still further aspect, the inner surface of the side member is adapted to reflect light.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an illuminated roof rack of a vehicle is proposed. The roof rack includes at least one side beam comprising a photoluminescent part configured to glow with a first color when excited by a first wavelength of light and a second color when excited by a second wavelength of light. The light source is configured to emit at least one of the first and second wavelengths of light in the direction of the photoluminescent part.

In an additional aspect, the photoluminescent portion includes a photoluminescent structure attached to the translucent portion of the side beam and configured to: convert the first wavelength of light to the third wavelength of light, which is expressed as the first color; and convert the second wavelength of light into a fourth wavelength of light, which is expressed as a second color; moreover, the first wavelength of light has a wavelength different from the second wavelength of light; and with the first color visually different from the second color.

In another additional aspect, the photoluminescent portion is configured to glow in a third color when it is excited by both the first and second wavelengths of light, with the third color being determined by the additive light mixture of the first and second colors.

In yet another additional aspect, the side beam includes a translucent metallized layer located between the translucent portion and the photoluminescent structure.

In yet another additional aspect, the light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes facing the photoluminescent portion of the side beam and distributed longitudinally along the inner surface of the side beam, with each light-emitting diode configured to emit one of the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light.

In a still further aspect, the inner surface of the side member is adapted to reflect light.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting system is provided. The lighting system includes a roof rack that includes at least one side beam containing a photoluminescent part, made with the ability to glow at least one different color when excited by at least one wavelength of light. The light source is configured to emit at least one wavelength of light in the direction of the photoluminescent part. The controller is configured to control the light output of the light source.

In an additional aspect, the light source is configured to emit a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light having a wavelength different from the first wavelength of light.

In another additional aspect, the photoluminescent portion is configured to be excited by the first wavelength of light to be lit with the first color, and by the second wavelength of light to be lit with the second color.

In yet another additional aspect, the controller is configured to perform at least one of the following steps: indicate to the light source to emit only the first wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent part glow with the first color; to indicate to the light source to emit only the second wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent part glow with a second color; and indicate to the light source to simultaneously emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to make the photoluminescent part glow with a third color determined by the additive light mixture of the first and second colors; while the third color is visually different from the first and second colors.

In yet another additional aspect, the controller is further configured to perform at least one of the following steps: indicate to the light source to periodically emit only the first wavelength of the light in order to cause the photoluminescent part to glow periodically in the first color; indicate to the light source to periodically emit only the second wavelength of the light in order to make the photoluminescent part periodically glow with a second color; indicate to the light source simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to make the photoluminescent part periodically glow with a third color determined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors; and indicate to the light source to alternate the pulsations of the first and second wavelengths of light in order to cause the photoluminescent part to glow periodically by alternating between the first and second colors.

In yet another additional aspect, the controller is configured to indicate to the light source to periodically emit at least one of the first and second wavelengths of light for one of a constant time interval or a non-constant time interval.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a support element according to one of the embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a support element, according to another embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a support element, according to another embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighted roof rack mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a side beam of a roof rack taken along lines III-III of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the side beam shown in FIG. 2; and

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates the light conversion process implemented using the side beam shown in FIG. 3; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vehicle lighting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In accordance with the requirement, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the materials of this application. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Figures do not necessarily show detailed construction, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or understated to show an overview of the functions. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as the basis for studying by a person skilled in the art for various applications of the present invention.

[0018] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in the list of two or more items means that any of the listed items can be used by itself, or any combination of the two or more listed can be used items. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain exclusively A; exclusively B; exclusively C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

[0019] Further disclosure describes a vehicle lighting system that is implemented using an illuminated roof rack. An illuminated roof rack can advantageously apply one or more photoluminescent structures made with the ability to transform light received from a connected light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength typically found in the visible spectrum. In this way many different light effects can be generated.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of the photoluminescent structure 10 are shown, each of which is capable of attaching to the support member 12. FIG. 1A, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown to be in the form of a coating (for example, a film) that can be deposited on the surface of the support member 12. FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 as a whole is shown as a separate particle capable of embedding in the supporting element 12. FIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of individual particles that can be included in a support carrier 14 (for example, a film), which can then be deposited on (or as shown) on the support element 12 or embedded in it.

[0021] At the most basic level, this photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers, which are approximately shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more photoluminescent materials containing energy conversion elements with photoluminescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material can be excited by receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. By the principle of conversion with decreasing frequency, the incoming light is converted into light with a higher wavelength, which is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10. On the contrary, according to the principle of conversion with increasing frequency, the incoming light is converted into light with a shorter wavelength, which is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10. When several different wavelengths of light are emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time, the wavelengths of light can be mixed and expressed as multicolored light.

[0022] In some embodiments, light that has been converted to a lower frequency or higher frequency may be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) located in the energy conversion layer 16. The process of using transformed light output from one photoluminescent material to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade, and can serve as an alternative to achieve different color representations. As for any transformation principle, the difference in wavelength between the exciting light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principal moving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the wavelength of the light. In various implementations discussed in the materials of this application, each of the photoluminescent structures can act on any principle of transformation.

[0023] The energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared by distributing the photoluminescent material in the polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of different methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from the composition in the medium of a liquid carrier and superficially applying the energy conversion layer 16 to the desired support element. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the support element by dyeing, screen printing, spraying, slit coating, dip coating, roll coating and a strip coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be formed by distributing the photoluminescent material in a solid solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be incorporated into a polymer matrix, which can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, pressure molding, extrusion, high-temperature shaping, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be embedded in the support element using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially applied to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the layers may be prepared separately, and later laminated or embossed with each other to form the energy conversion layer 16. As another alternative, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by co-extruding the sublayers.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 18 can be configured as a separate layer, optically bonded and glued to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stability 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 a stability layer 18 or another layer (for example, a conversion layer 16 in the absence of a stability layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage occurring due to exposure to environmental factors. The stability layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by successively applying or printing each layer, successive layering or embossing, or any other suitable means.

[0025] Further information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent structures disclosed in U.S. Patent № 8,232,533 Kingsley et al., Entitled "Sustainable photolytic AND IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT multilayer structure for high-conversion of electromagnetic energy and sustainable secondary radiation» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”), filed on July 31, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated into the materials of this application by reference. For more information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve different light emissions, see US Patent No. 8,207,511 by Bortz et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MANUFACTURED FROM THEM” (“PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, GROSET, 80, 75, 75, 75, 75, 75, 75 ") Filed on June 26, 2012; US Patent № 8,519,359 B2 Kingsley et al., Entitled "Sustainable photolytic AND IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT multilayer structure for high-conversion of electromagnetic energy and sustainable secondary radiation» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”) filed on August 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 Kingsley et al. entitled “ILLUMINATION SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE SECONDARY RADIATION” (“ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”) filed March 4, 2014; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0183677 Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURES, PRODUCTION METHODS AND NEW APPLICATIONS” (“PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”) filed on July 19, 2012; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS”, filed March 6, 2014; and US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 Agrawal et al., entitled “COLOR LUMINESCETIC COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS” (“CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”) filed on April 17, 2014, all of which are included in this application by reference in its entirety.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, the illuminated roof rack 30 is generally shown attached to the roof 32 of an automobile vehicle 34. The roof rack 30 may include a pair of side beams 36 that extend longitudinally along the roof 32 of the vehicle 34. The side beams may join the roof 32 s using a plurality of legs 38 and be connected to each other using one or more crossbars 40. Each side beam 36 may include a photoluminescent portion 42 configured to glow in at least one different color m when excited by at least one wavelength of light. The backlight of the photoluminescent portion 42 may serve as a design element of the vehicle 34. Additionally or alternatively, the backlight of the photoluminescent portion 42 may serve to provide a multitude of visual notices for people getting into vehicle 32 or going out of it, as well as for other people near vehicle 34.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the side beam 36 is shown. The side beam 36 may include a housing 43 comprising a light transmitting portion 44 and a light directing portion 46. The side beam 36 may also include at least one photoluminescent structure 48 and an optional metallized layer 50 which is translucent, both of which are attached to the inner surface 52 of the translucent portion 44. The metallized layer 50 serves to impart a metallic appearance to the translucent portion 44 of the side beam 36 and can be applied at its inner surface 52 by the partial vacuum deposition. The photoluminescent structure 48 may be formed into a film and applied directly to the inner surface 52 of the translucent portion 44 or the metallized layer 50 when it is used. Alternatively, the photoluminescent structure 48 may be included together with the translucent portion 44 by injection molding or other means. The photoluminescent structure 48 and the metallized layer 50 can both be located between the translucent part 44 and the light directing part 46. In addition, the metallized layer 50 can be located between the photoluminescent structure 48 and the translucent part 44. According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 48 covers a substantial transverse and the longitudinal extent of the inner surface 52 of the translucent portion 44 to determine the photoluminescent portion 42 shown in FIG. one.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 3, side beam 36 may further include a light source 54 located within housing 43 to illuminate the photoluminescent structure 48 in a backlit configuration. The light source 54 may be connected to the inner surface 56 of the light directing portion 46 and is located facing the photoluminescent structure 48. In addition, the light source 54 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 58a, 58b arranged in pairs that are distributed longitudinally along the inner surface 56 of the light guide portion 46 (see FIG. 4). The light source 54 may be operable to drive the LEDs 58a and 58b in any combination in order to emit unfocused light in order to illuminate the entire photoluminescent portion 44 of the side beam 36.

[0029] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the LEDs 58a can be configured to emit a first wavelength of light 60, and the LEDs 58b can be configured to emit a second wavelength of light 62 having a wavelength different from the first wavelength. The photoluminescent structure 48 can be configured to convert the first wavelength of light 60 into a third wavelength of light 64 and a second wavelength of light 62 into a fourth wavelength of light 66. For clarity, each of the wavelengths of light 60-66 is approximately shown by a single connected beam the lights in FIG. 5. It is understood that the light emitted from the LEDs 58a, 58b can be evenly distributed over the photoluminescent structure 48. Additionally, the light emission from the photoluminescent structure 48 can be essentially Lambertian, that is, the visible brightness of the photoluminescent part 42 is essentially constant regardless of angle of view of the observer. One consequence of the Lambert radiation is that the third and fourth wavelengths of light 64, 66 can be radiated from the photoluminescent structure 48 in the forward direction, as shown, or in the back direction (that is, towards the light directing part 46). Due to the orientation of the side beam 36 in FIG. 1, the photoluminescent portion 42 is better seen from the front position. Essentially, the light directing portion 46 can be configured to redirect any third and fourth wavelengths of light 64, 66 that fall on it, in the direction of the photoluminescent structure 48, to be output from it in the forward direction, thereby enhancing the backlight of the photoluminescent portion 42. The light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 48 in the forward direction is transferred through the metallized layer 50 and the translucent part 44 before being emitted from the side beam 36.

[0030] The conversion of the first and second wavelengths of light 60, 62 into the third and fourth wavelengths of light 64, 66, respectively, can occur using a down-conversion process, as described above. According to one of embodiments, each of the first and second wavelengths of light 60, 62 may correspond to any of ultraviolet light (for example, with a wavelength of ~ 10-400 nanometers), violet light (with a wavelength of ~ 380-450 nanometers) or blue light (for example, with a wavelength of ~ 450-495 nanometers), while each of the third and fourth wavelengths of light 64, 66 can correspond to visible light with a higher wavelength. As defined herein, visible light includes a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye (for example, with a wavelength of ~ 390-700 nanometers) and can be expressed in a variety of colors defined by a single wavelength (for example, red , green, blue), or a mixture of several wavelengths (for example, white). Thus, it is understood that the photoluminescent structure 48 can be configured so that the third and fourth wavelengths of light 64, 66 emitted from it can be individually expressed as monochrome or multicolor light. According to one implementation, the third wavelength of light 64 is expressed as a first color (eg, white), and the second wavelength of light 66 is expressed as a second color (eg, red), which is visually different from the first color.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a vehicle 68 is shown in which the vehicle lighting system 70 is implemented using at least one side beam 36. The vehicle lighting system 70 includes a controller 72 in connection with the light beam source 54 of the side beam 36. The controller 72 may include a memory 74 containing commands stored therein that are executed by the processor 76 of the controller 72. The controller 72 can provide electricity to the light source 54 using a power source 78 located on the base the mouth of the vehicle 68. In addition, the controller 72 may be configured to control the light output of each light source 54 based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 78, such as, but not limited to, body control module , engine control module, steering module, braking control module, similar, or a combination of both. By controlling the light output of the light source 54, the photoluminescent portion 42 can glow in a variety of colors and / or configurations to provide general illumination or useful vehicle information for the intended observer. For example, the backlight provided by the photoluminescent portion 42 can be used for many vehicle applications, such as, but not by way of limitation, vehicle detection element, remote start indicator, door lock indicator, door opening indicator, warning indicator, turn indicator, braking indicator, etc.

[0032] In action, the photoluminescent portion 42 may exhibit a constant monochrome or multicolor backlight. For example, controller 72 may indicate to light source 54 to emit only the first wavelength of light 60 using LEDs 58a in order to cause photoluminescent portion 42 to glow in the first color (for example, white). Alternatively, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 to emit only a second wavelength of light 62 using LEDs 58b to cause the photoluminescent portion 42 to glow in a second color (for example, red). As another alternative, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 to simultaneously emit the first and second wavelengths of light 60, 62, in order to make the photoluminescent portion 42 glow with a third color (eg pinkish), determined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors.

[0033] In another implementation, the photoluminescent portion 42 may exhibit a periodic monochrome or multicolor backlight. For example, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 to periodically emit (for example, in the form of a pulsation) only the first wavelength of light using LEDs 58a in order to cause the photoluminescent portion 42 to glow periodically in a first color. Alternatively, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 to periodically emit only a second wavelength of light using LEDs 58b to cause the photoluminescent portion 42 to glow periodically in a second color. Alternatively, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to cause the photoluminescent part to glow periodically in a third color determined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors. As another alternative, the controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 alternately periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to cause the photoluminescent portion 42 to glow periodically by alternating between the first and second colors. The controller 72 may indicate to the light source 54 to periodically emit the first and / or second light wavelengths during a constant time interval and / or a non-constant time interval. With respect to the above examples, the controller 72 can change the intensity of the emitted first and second wavelengths of light 60, 62 by means of pulse width modulation or control of current intensity.

[0034] Thus, a vehicle lighting system using an illuminated roof rack has been advantageously described in the materials of this application. A vehicle lighting system can provide various useful effects, which include simply a simple and economical means for producing various lights, which can be used as a design element and / or for informing the intended user about a specific vehicle status.

[0035] For the purpose of describing and defining these doctrines, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used in the materials of this application to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" and "approximately" are also used in the materials of this application to represent the extent to which a quantitative representation may deviate from the stated reference value without leading to a change in the main function of the subject matter of the invention.

[0036] It is understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above construction without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and furthermore it should be understood that such concepts are implied to be covered by the following claims if this claim does not expressly express the opposite.

Claims (37)

1. Illuminated roof rack of the vehicle, containing: Light source; at least one lateral beam containing a translucent part; a photoluminescent structure attached to the light-transmitting part and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by a light source; and metallized layer located between the photoluminescent structure and the translucent part. 2. The illuminated roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light source is further configured to emit a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength having a wavelength different from the first wavelength of light. 3. Illuminated roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the photoluminescent structure is designed to luminesce with a first color when excited only with a first wavelength of light and a second color with a stimulation of only a second wavelength of light, while the second color is visually different from the first color . 4. The illuminated roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce with a third color when excited by both the first and second wavelengths of light, the third color being determined by the additive light mixture of the first and second colors. 5. The illuminated roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes facing the photoluminescent structure and distributed longitudinally along the inner surface of the side beam, each light emitting diode being configured to emit one of the first length light waves and second wavelengths of light. 6. The illuminated roof rack of the vehicle of claim 5, wherein the inner surface of the side member is adapted to reflect light. 7. Illuminated roof rack of the vehicle, containing: at least one lateral beam containing a translucent part; a photoluminescent structure attached to the light-transmitting part and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by a light source; and moreover, the light source contains a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed longitudinally along the inner surface of the side beam and placed facing the photoluminescent structure. 8. The lighted roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein each of the light emitting diodes is configured to emit one of the first wavelength of light and the second wavelength of light. 9. The lighted roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce with a first color when excited only with a first wavelength of light and a second color when excited only with a second wavelength of light, and with the photoluminescence structure with a possibility of luminescence the third color when excited by both the first and second wavelengths of light. 10. The illuminated roof rack of a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the side beam includes a metallized layer located between the light-transmitting part and the photoluminescent structure. 11. The illuminated roof rack of the vehicle of claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the side member is adapted to reflect light. 12. Vehicle lighting system comprising: roof rack including: at least one lateral beam containing a translucent part; a photoluminescent structure attached to the light-transmitting part and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by a light source; wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes distributed longitudinally along the inner surface of the side beam and placed facing towards the photoluminescent structure; and a controller configured to control the light output of the light source. 13. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 12, wherein the light source is configured to emit a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light having a wavelength different from the first wavelength of light. 14. The vehicle lighting system of claim 13, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce with a first color upon being excited with a first wavelength of light and a second color upon being excited with a second wavelength of light. 15. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one of the following steps: specify the light source to emit only the first wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure luminesce with the first color; to indicate to the light source to emit only the second wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure luminesce with a second color; and to indicate to the light source to simultaneously emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure luminesce with a third color determined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors; while the third color is visually different from the first and second colors. 16. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to perform at least one of the following steps: specify the light source to periodically emit only the first wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure periodically luminesce with the first color; indicate to the light source to periodically emit only the second wavelength of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure periodically luminesce with a second color; indicate to the light source simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to cause the photoluminescent structure to periodically luminesce with a third color determined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors; and to indicate to the light source to alternate the pulsations of the first and second wavelengths of light in order to make the photoluminescent structure periodically luminescent by alternating between the first and second colors. 17. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to indicate to the light source to periodically emit at least one of the first and second wavelengths of light for one of a constant time interval or a non-constant time interval.

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