RU2690005C2 - Illuminated prismatic emblem for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to lighting engineering and is intended for installation on an automobile vehicle. Emblem includes body with visible part. Light source is placed inside the housing and is configured to direct light to the visible part. Light emitted from a light source is illuminated by a plurality of colours, which can create a prismatic appearance.

EFFECT: technical result is higher efficiency of illumination.

18 cl, 7 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14 / 519,914, filed October 21, 2014 and entitled "ILLUMINATING BADGE FOR A VEHICLE", which is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 year entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE". The contents of the aforementioned related applications are, therefore, fully incorporated into this document by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH INVENTION RELATES.

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

BACKGROUND

The lighting that occurs when using photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, it is desirable to implement such structures in automotive vehicles for various lighting applications.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an emblem for a vehicle is disclosed. The emblem includes a body having a visible part. The first and second light sources are located inside the housing, and each light source is configured to direct the light towards the visible part. The visible portion is configured to be illuminated with a plurality of colors from the first light source. The light emitted from the second light source illuminates the visible part with a second color.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an emblem is disclosed. The emblem includes the visible part. The first light source is adapted to emit light to the visible part. The second light source is configured to send a pulsed light to the visible part. The visible portion is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the first light source. The pulsed light emitted from the second light source creates a multitude of colors on the visible part.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an emblem is disclosed. The emblem includes a body having a visible part. The first and second light sources are located inside the housing, and each light source is configured to direct the light towards the visible part of the emblem. Areas of the visible part are made with the ability to glow first color and sparkle the second color, which is visually different from the first color.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will become clear and obvious to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following description of the invention, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure presented as a coating for use in a fluorescent lighting unit in a passenger compartment according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a top view of a photoluminescent structure represented as a discrete particle, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures, represented as discrete particles and included in a separate structure;

FIG. 2 illustrates the emblem mounted on the front of the vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an emblem according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the emblem taken along lines IV-IV in FIG. 3, having a luminescent part and located near the visible part;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the emblem taken along lines IV-IV in FIG. 3, having a light source that illuminates a variety of colors;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the emblem, taken along lines IV-IV in FIG. 3 having a first light source for rapidly flashing with a plurality of colors and a second light source for exciting the photoluminescent portion; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a glowing prismatic emblem.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

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. Figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or understated to show the general purpose. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this document should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for study by a person skilled in the art for various uses of the present invention.

As used in the materials of this document, the term “and / or”, when used in the list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be used by itself, or any combination of two or more listed items can be used. For example, if a structure is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the structure may contain only A; exclusively B; exclusively C; A and B together; A and C together; B and C together; or A, B and C together.

The subsequent disclosure describes the luminous emblem for the vehicle. The emblem may advantageously use one or more multi-color light sources made with the ability to illuminate with a plurality of colors with predetermined frequencies. The emblem may additionally include one or more photoluminescent structures made with the ability to transform light received from an appropriate light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength, usually in the visible spectrum.

Referring to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures 10 are shown, each of which is capable of joining the base 12, which may correspond to a fixed part of a vehicle or a piece of equipment associated with a vehicle. 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 substrate 12. FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a discrete particle that can be combined with a substrate 12. FIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that can be included in a carrier medium 14 (for example, a film), which can then be deposited (as shown) or combined with the substrate 12.

At the most basic level, this photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers, which are schematically shown by broken lines in FIG. 1A and 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 when light of a specific wavelength is received, thereby providing a light conversion process. According to the principle of conversion with decreasing frequency, the introduced light is converted into light of greater wavelength, which is output from the photoluminescent structure 10. Conversely, according to the principle of conversion with increasing frequency, the entered light is converted into light of a shorter wavelength, which is output from many different wavelengths of light are derived from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time, the wavelengths of light can be mixed with each other and presented as a multicolor light .

In some embodiments, the implementation of the light, which was subjected to conversion with decreasing frequency or conversion with increasing frequency, can be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) detected in the layer 16 energy conversion. The process of using transformed light extracted from one photoluminescent material to excite another, etc., is generally known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative to achieve different color representations. Regarding one or another of the transformation principles, the difference in wavelength between the excitation 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 the various implementations discussed in the materials of this document, each of the photoluminescent structures can act on one or another of the transformation principle.

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 methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from the composition in the liquid carrier medium and applying the energy conversion layer 16 to the desired substrate. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the substrate by dyeing, screen printing, spraying, slit coating, dip coating, roll coating and 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 reproduced by distributing the photoluminescent material in a solution in a solid state (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be enclosed in 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 incorporated into the substrate using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer can be successively coated 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. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may still be formed by joint extrusion of the sublayers.

Returning to FIG. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilizing layer 18 can be made in the form of a layer optically bonded 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 spliced with a 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 exposure to environmental factors. The stabilizing layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by sequential coating or printing each layer, successive layering or embossing, or any other suitable method.

Additional information regarding the structure of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533, Kingsley and others, "Company Search", entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURAL FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSETRA" INFRAINYENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSETRA INFRAINYENCY ELECTRIYAGENICA ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSETRA INFRAINIERCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSETRA INFRAINIERCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY Conv. incorporated herein by reference. For more information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve different light emissions, see US Patent No. 8207511, Bortz et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM”, with a filing date of June 26, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761, Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS”, filed on August 21, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8519359 B2, Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”, has a date; U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2, Kingsley et al., entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”, with a filing date of March 4, 2014; US Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677, Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”, filed on July 19, 2012; US Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1, Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS”, filed March 6, 2014; and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1, Agrawal et al., entitled “CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”, filed April 17, 2014, the contents of which are fully incorporated into the materials of this document by reference.

Referring to FIG. 2, the overall logo 22 is mounted on the front portion 24 of the vehicle 26. In other embodiments, the logo 22 may be located anywhere, for example, but not as a limitation, on the rear or side (s) of the vehicle 26 The emblem 22 can be made in the form of an icon, which is represented as an identifying mark of the vehicle manufacturer and includes the visible part 28, which is usually prominently displayed on the vehicle 26. In the variant illustrated here The implementation logo 22 is located near the radiator grille assembly 30 in the center position of the front portion 24, thus allowing an observer looking at vehicle 26 to see the logo 22 easily. As will be described in more detail below, the logo 22 can glow and sparkle (t. e. shine brightly with flashes of light of a multitude of colors) to give a distinctive decoration element for a vehicle 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, the visible portion 28 of the logo 22 is shown approximately according to one embodiment. The visible portion 28 may include a transparent and / or translucent portion 32 and substantially opaque portions 34, which may be made in the form of opaque coatings applied to the visible portion 28. In alternative embodiments, the portions 34 may remain open to the front portion 24 of the transport the means 26. The visible part 28 may also include a photoluminescent part 36 (see FIG. 4) attached to the back side of the visible part 28 and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation, bored from one or more light sources 38 placed inside the emblem 22 and located below the photoluminescent part 36. Light sources 38 can be made in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting a wavelength of light, which is characterized as ultraviolet light (~ 10-400 nanometers) wavelength), violet light (~ 380-450 nanometers wavelength) or blue light (~ 450-495 nanometers wavelength) to take advantage of the relatively low cost attributed to these types of LEDs.

According to one embodiment, the light emitted from the light sources 38 is converted by the photoluminescent part 36 into light of greater wavelength and output from it. The converted light corresponds to visible light, which includes a portion 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 a single wavelength (for example, red, green, blue) or a mixture of numerous wavelengths (for example, white). Thus, it should be understood that the photoluminescent portion 36 can be configured so that the converted light output from it can be represented as monochrome or multicolor light. According to one embodiment, the light sources 38 are configured to emit blue light, and the photoluminescent part 36 is configured to convert blue light to neutral white light having a color temperature of approximately 4000 K to 5000 K. The converted light exits the emblem 22 through a portion 32, thereby providing illumination of portion 32. To obtain uniform illumination of portion 32, light sources 38 may be configured to emit out-of-focus light and p zneseny inside the emblem 22 to provide uniform distribution of light to excite the photoluminescent portion 36.

In addition to the lighting, the area 32 can be configured to shine in one or more places, as graphically illustrated in FIG. 3 asterisks. Places can be selected to correspond to the corner or edge of section 32. The glitter effect in each place can be created by light emitted from the corresponding light source 42, which is located inside the emblem 22 and is located below the photoluminescent portion 36 in relative proximity to the glitter site. Each light source 42 may be activated to send pulses of light to the corresponding spot of sparkle. In one implementation, a light pulse from a given light source 42 may last from about 1/10 to 1/100 second, and the light sources 42 may operate in an arbitrary pulse mode or in some configuration. Additionally, an alternating current may be supplied to each light source 42 to adjust the degree of illumination for each glint. For example, the current may differ from 1 to 5 times the steady-state current. Moreover, any light source 42 located in emblem 22 can illuminate with a variety of colors, as will be described in more detail below.

The light sources 42 may be configured as LEDs emitting a wavelength of light that does not excite the photoluminescent portion 36 and, instead, is passed through the photoluminescent portion 36 to directly illuminate the corresponding luminescence areas at portion 32. Alternatively, the portions of the photoluminescent portion 36, above the light sources 42, can be cut out to allow the light emitted from the light sources 42 to be able to directly illuminate the corresponding points of sheen, without driving through the photoluminescent portion 36. The light sources 42 can be chosen so that the light emitted from them is relatively brighter than the luminescence exhibited by the photoluminescent portion 36 in order to allow the glitters to be more visible to observers. For example, in cases where the photoluminescent portion 36 luminesces in a neutral white color, as in the embodiment described above, the light sources 38 may be configured to emit cold white light having a color temperature of approximately 6000 K to 6500 K.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of an emblem 22 according to one embodiment is shown. The emblem 22 includes a housing 46 having a visible portion 28, described above, and a rear portion 48, which is capable of attaching to the vehicle 26. The visible portion 28 may be arcuate, while the rear portion 48 may be substantially linear. Each part 28, 48 can be constructed of rigid material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, and can be assembled together using sonic or laser welding. Alternatively, parts 28 and 48 can be assembled together using low pressure inset molding.

As for the illustrated embodiment, the visible portion 28 may be metallized to give the emblem 22 a metallic surface appearance. For example, the metal layer 50 may be deposited on the reverse side of the visible portion 28 using local vacuum deposition. The metallic layer 50 must be transparent and / or translucent to allow light to pass through it from the inner side 52 to the outer side 54. According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 36 covers the metal layer 50 and can be applied over the metallic layer 50 as paint or other coating. In an alternative embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 36 may be molded or otherwise embedded in the visible portion 28 of the housing 46.

Still referring to FIG. 4, light sources 42 may be provided on a flexible printed circuit board 56 (PCB), which is fixed inside housing 46 and located near the visible portion 28. Each of the light sources 42 may be located directly below the respective glitter sites and send light pulses in the direction appropriate flash points to create sparkling flashes of light. Optionally, light sources 42 may include focusing optics to facilitate the concentration of light at appropriate points of sheen. As for the illustrated embodiment, the PCB 56 should be substantially transparent and / or translucent to allow the light emitted from the light sources 42 to pass through it to excite the photoluminescent part 36. As shown, the light sources 38 can be located relatively farther from the visible part 28 to allow for more light to propagate in the direction of the photoluminescent part 36. For example, light sources 38 can be provided on PCB 58, which is attached to the back Asti 48. PCB 58 may include a mask of white solder 60 to reflect light incident on it.

According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 36 is essentially Lambertian, i.e. The visible brightness of the photoluminescent part 36 is essentially constant regardless of the viewing angle of the observer. As a consequence, the converted light can be emitted outside of the photoluminescent portion 36 in multiple directions. As for the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the converted light may be transmitted through the metallic layer 50 and output from the portion 32 of the visible portion 28. Another portion of the converted light may be emitted into the housing 46 and become incident on the mask 60 from the white solder of the PCB 58. As a result, the converted light can be redirected back to direction of the photoluminescent part 36 and is passed through it before the final output from the housing 46 through the section 32 of the visible part 28. This helps to ensure that the visible part 28 demonstrates the optimal minescentia. In addition, the use of white solder mask 60 on PCB 58 also contributes to the fact that the optimal amount of light emitted from light sources 42 reaches the photoluminescent portion 36. For example, it is possible that from the photoluminescent part 36, thereby leading to a reduced excitation of the photoluminescent part 36. Thus, by providing a means to redirect light back towards the photoluminescent part 36, it is unpredictable ostranyayuschemusya light emitted from the light source 42 and entered into inside the housing 46, is given another "opportunity" excite photoluminescent portion 36.

Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of an emblem 22 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. The emblem 22 includes a housing 46 having a visible portion 28, as described above, and a rear portion 48, which is capable of attaching to the vehicle 26 by means of attachment points 62. Any practical means can be used to attach the emblem 22 to the vehicle 26, including any known process for setting the emblem 22 flush to the vehicle 26. The visible part 28 may look essentially prismatic, so that the emblem 22 is designed to resemble with flowers formed by the refraction of light through a prism. The rear portion 48 may be substantially linear and may be a dark anti-reflective material, thereby hiding any outline of the logo 22 and attachment points 62.

The emblem 22 contains multi-color sources 64 of light that are made with the ability to illuminate a variety of colors, such as RGB LEDs, having individual elements of red, green and blue LEDs in it. The multi-color light sources 64 are located in separate places around the emblem 22. Each multi-color light source 64 can function with the possibility of pulsation with different colors of light in predetermined places within the emblem 22.

According to one embodiment, the light pulse of the first color from the given multicolor light source 64 can last for a short period of time from approximately 1/50 to 1/100 of a second. Then, a second light pulse from a multicolor light source 64 can last for a short period of time from about 1/50 to 1/100 of a second. This process can continue in a variety of colors with each multicolored light source 64. Each multicolor light source 64 may undergo random pulsations or in any predetermined color pattern. Additionally, an alternating electrical current may be supplied to each multi-color light source 64 to adjust the degree of illumination for each pulse of color and / or white light. For example, the current may differ from 1 to 5 times the steady-state current. Through the use of multi-color sources 64 of light, each of which pulsates with different colors at different points in time, it becomes possible for the emblem 22 to have a prismatic appearance, meaning that the emblem 22 may appear to resemble the colors formed by the refraction of light through a prism.

In an alternative embodiment, one multi-color light source 64 may flash with a sequence of colors, as described above, with any remaining light sources 38 or multi-color light sources 64 located in the logo 22 emit white light. Multi-color light sources 64 can produce white light during steady state, illuminating each individual light-emitting diode located in a multi-color light source 64 simultaneously. Moreover, 38 light sources emitting white light may remain at constant color and brightness or may flicker.

The diffuser 44 is made by molding or, alternatively, mounted between the visible portion 28 of the housing 46 and the multi-color light source 64. For example, the diffuser 44 may be a layer that is deposited on the reverse side of the visible part 28 by local vacuum deposition. The diffuser 44 may be transparent, translucent or opaque, including color, and, as a rule, operates with the ability to scatter light from multicolor sources 64 of light to eliminate bright spots and shadows. The inner surface and / or outer surface of the emblem 22 may be covered, chopped, or micro-plated to facilitate the diffusion of light. Additionally, the diffuser 44 may also be curved, for example, curving outward or having a concave profile shown in FIG. 5, in order to optimize the effect of light scattering. In alternative embodiments, the implementation of the light-scattering material may be deposited on or located on some or all of the sources of light 38, located in the emblem 22.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the emblem 22 according to one embodiment is shown. The diffuser 44 covers the photoluminescent portion 36. The photoluminescent portion 36 can be superimposed on the surface of the diffuser 44 in the form of paint or other coating. In an alternative embodiment, the diffuser 44 and / or the photoluminescent portion 36 can be molded or otherwise embedded in the visible portion 28 of the housing 46.

Multi-color light sources 64 may be provided on a flexible PCB 56, which is fixed inside the housing 46 and located near the visible portion 28. Each of the multi-color light sources 64 may be located directly below the corresponding glitter sites, as described above, and send light pulses in the direction of the corresponding glitter spots to produce flashes of light with a multitude of colors, thereby creating unique aesthetic features, such as making the emblem 22 seem prismatic. Optionally, multi-color light sources 64 may include focusing optics to help concentrate light at appropriate points of sheen. As discussed above, PCB 56 must be substantially transparent and / or translucent to allow light emitted from light sources 38 to pass through it to excite the photoluminescent portion 36.

As shown, the light sources 38 may be located relatively further from the visible part 28 in order to allow more light to propagate in the direction of the photoluminescent part 36. For example, light sources 38 may be provided on PCB 58, which is attached to the rear 48. PCB 58 may include a white solder mask 60 to reflect the light falling on it. A larger relative distance of light sources 38 compared to multi-color light sources 64 may also help to ensure greater visibility in the emblem 22.

According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 36 comprises first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b, containing different photoluminescent structures 10 excited by light of different wavelengths in an alternating or striped configuration. Each photoluminescent section can be in any direction and have any practical width to create any desired lighting effect. Due to the use of the striped configuration, it is possible that the combined light emitted from the first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b appears as a uniform color.

Additional photoluminescent sections can be alternating in the emblem 22. Additional photoluminescent sections can be excited by the light source 38 alone or in combination with the first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b to create a wide range of colors and effects. Additionally, the light source 38 may vary the intensity of the light emitted from it, based on a predetermined event, such as whether the vehicle 26 is operated by day or night, or any other data obtained within the vehicle 26.

In practice, light sources 38 can emit light with the first and second wavelengths, thereby exciting the first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b. The light emitted from the first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b can be mixed, thereby emitting essentially white light. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second photoluminescent sections 40a, 40b can mix in any color necessary to eliminate any natural shade of the color of the logo 22 based on the material used to create the logo 22. For example, plastics such as polycarbonate may have a natural yellowish tint. However, this shade can be masked due to the use of photoluminescent structures 10, thereby providing the illumination of the emblem 22 with any desired color. Alternatively, any type of light source, 64 multi-color or white 38, can be used to provide illumination of the emblem 22 with any desired color.

As the photoluminescent structure 10 is excited, thereby illuminating portions of the logo 22 in first color, some or all of the multicolor sources 64 of the light can arbitrarily illuminate with a variety of colors, making the appearance of the logo 22 prismatic. Each multi-color light source 64 can alternate between a pulsation of a plurality of colors and an off state. Alternatively, each multi-color light source 64 may alternate between a twinkling of a plurality of colors and a state in which a multi-color light source 64 emits white light. In addition, alternatively, it is assumed that each multi-color light source 64 can alternate between any combination of flickering with multiple colors, white light emission, and no light emission. In an alternative embodiment, multi-color light sources 64 may separately provide lighting at unique predetermined intervals, while each other light source in the logo 22 is kept off.

Referring to FIG. 7, a block graphic representation of a vehicle 26 is shown in which a prismatic emblem 22 is implemented. The emblem 22 includes a controller 66 that communicates with the sources 38, 64 of the light. The controller 66 may include a memory 78 containing commands that are executed by the processor 80 of the controller 66. The controller 66 may supply power to the light source using the power source 72 located on board the vehicle 26. In addition, the controller 66 may be configured to control the light output of each of the light sources 38, 64 based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 74, such as, but not limited to, a control module Uzes, the engine control module, a steering unit, brake control module, etc., or a combination thereof. By controlling the light output of the light sources 38, 64, the emblem 22 can be illuminated with a variety of colors and / or color configurations to give an aesthetic appearance, such as a prismatic appearance, or can provide information about the vehicle to an intended observer. For example, the illumination given by the emblem 22 can be used for numerous vehicle applications, such as, but not limited to, the possibility of finding a car, a remote start indicator, a door lock indicator, a slightly opened door indicator, a warning indicator, a running light, etc. .

In practice, the emblem 22 may exhibit constant monochrome or multicolor lighting. For example, the controller 66 may cause one of a plurality of multi-color light sources 64 in the emblem 22 to flash with a plurality of colors at a predetermined interval. At the same time, the remaining plurality of light sources 38, 64 can illuminate with a constant single color, can flash over multiple colors and / or be set off by the controller 66. In one embodiment, the controller 66 is configured to cause each multi-color light source 64 to randomly illuminate red, followed by blue, followed by green, or a combination of them. The controller 66 can quickly illuminate each source 38, 64 of the light in any color. For example, each source 38, 64 of the light can be illuminated from 1/50 to 1/100 of a second. In addition, the controller 66 can vary the power of each light source 38 from 1 to 5 times the steady state current value in order to change the color and brightness of each backlight. The controller 66 can also illuminate multiple colors within a single multicolor light source 64 simultaneously, thereby creating additional color configurations.

In yet another embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 36 may exhibit periodic monochrome or multicolor illumination. For example, the controller 66 may cause the light source 38 to periodically emit only the first wavelength of light in order to induce the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate with the first color. Alternatively, the controller 66 may cause the light source to periodically emit only a second wavelength of light in order to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate with a second color. Alternatively, the controller 66 may control the light source 38 to simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light in order to induce the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate with a third color determined by an additive mixture of light of the first and second colors. Alternatively, the controller 66 may still control the light source 38 to alternate between periodically emitting the first and second wavelengths of light in order to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate, switching between the first and second colors. The controller 66 can control the source of light 38 to periodically emit the first and / or second wavelengths of light at equal time intervals and / or unequal time intervals. The multicolor light source 64 can also illuminate discrete colors at a predetermined interval simultaneously with the photoluminescent structure 10. Thus, the emblem 22 can be displayed in any color based on a combination of the colors of the photoluminescent structures 10, while simultaneously ensuring the blinking of the set points with numerous different colors for creating a prismatic appearance in the emblem 22.

With regard to the above examples, the controller 66 can change the intensity of the light emitted from the sources 38 of the light by means of pulse-width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, the controller 66 may be configured to adjust the color of the emitted light by sending control signals to adjust the output level of intensity or energy of any of the sources 38, 64 of the light. By adjusting the intensity range that can be output from the light source 38, the concentration and proportion of the photoluminescent structures 10 in the photoluminescent part 36 and the types of photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent part 36 can be operable to form the ranges of color shades of the emitted light by mixing the first radiation with the second radiation. Additionally, changing the intensity range of multicolor light sources 64 may highlight any appearance signs (e.g., prismatic appearance) of the logo 22.

Accordingly, the luminous emblem for the vehicle was primarily described in the materials of this document. The emblem provides various benefits, including an effective and cost-effective means of providing lighting that can function as an individual element of decoration that enhances the sophistication of the vehicle or any other product that may have an emblem located on it.

In addition, it is important to note that the design and layout of the elements of the invention, as shown in exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who will analyze this disclosure will easily understand that many modifications are possible (for example, deviations in size, size, design and proportions of various elements, parameter values, installation layouts, application of materials, colors, orientations, etc.), without actually departing from the innovative ideas and advantages of the stated object of the invention. For example, elements shown as formed as one whole part can be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown in many parts can be formed as one whole part, the operation of the interfaces can be reversed or otherwise changed, can be changed the length or width of the structures and / or elements of the structures or connectors or other elements of the systems, the essence or the number of settings positions provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or nodes of the system can be constructed from any wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and layout of the required and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that any of the described process sequences or steps within the described process sequences may be combined with the other process sequences or steps described to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary constructions and processing sequences disclosed in the materials of this document are intended for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the concepts of the present invention, and in addition, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims (29)

1. The emblem for the vehicle, containing: emblem body having a prismatic visible part; and the first and second light sources located inside the housing, each of which is adapted to direct light towards the visible part, with the second light source being located between the first light source and the visible part; while the visible part is illuminated with the first color from the first light source, and at the same time, the second color from the second light source. 2. The logo on p. 1, in which the first light source is located near at least one of the outer edge and the angle of the visible part. 3. The emblem of claim 1, wherein the emblem further comprises a light scattering material near the visible part. 4. The emblem of claim 1, wherein the first light source illuminates with substantially white color, and wherein the second light source illuminates with a non-white color. 5. The logo on p. 4, in which the first color source illuminates while the second light source is in the off state. 6. Vehicle emblem containing: prismatic visible part of the emblem; the first light source made with the ability to emit light to the visible part; and a second light source located between the visible part and the first light source, and configured to send pulsed light to the visible part; wherein the visible portion is configured to luminesce in response to the excitation by light emitted from the first light source; and while the pulsed light emitted from the second light source creates a multitude of colors on the visible part. 7. The logo on p. 6, in which the second light source is located near at least one of the outer edge and the angle of the visible part. 8. The logo of claim 6, wherein the visible portion includes a photoluminescent structure adapted to perform energy conversion on the light emitted from the first light source. 9. The logo of claim 6, further comprising a controller configured to control the output of each light source, with each light source illuminating with a different color to create a prismatic appearance. 10. The logo on p. 9, in which the visible part of the luminescent in neutral white. 11. The logo on p. 6, in which each pulse of light from the second light source occurs during a period of time from approximately 1/10 to 1/100 of a second. 12. Vehicle emblem containing: emblem body having a prismatic visible part; and the first and second light sources located inside the housing, each of which is configured to direct the light towards the visible part; while the parts of the visible part are made with the ability to glow first color and sparkle the second color, which is visually different from the first color, while the second light source is located between the first light source and the visible part. 13. The logo on p. 12, in which the second light source cycles through a variety of colors. 14. The logo on p. 12, in which the second light source is located near at least one of the outer edge and the angle of the visible part. 15. The logo on p. 12, in which the visible part includes a diffuser. 16. The logo of claim 12, in which the first light source is one of ultraviolet LEDs, a violet LED, and a blue LED, and the second light source is a red, green, and blue LED (RGB). 17. The logo on p. 16, in which the first and second light sources are RGB LEDs, while the first light source illuminates all three elements of the color palette in the RGB LEDs, while the second light source simultaneously illuminates less than all three elements of the color palette located in LED RGB. 18. The logo on p. 13, in which each pulse of light from the second light source occurs during a period of time from approximately 1/10 to 1/100 of a second.

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