RU2708823C2 - Photoluminescent panel of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Vehicle backlight device is made in opening arranged in vehicle panel. Device for illuminating a vehicle comprises a light source and a first photoluminescent portion. Light source is located near the aperture and is configured to emit a first radiation having a first wavelength. First photoluminescent portion is located near the panel substantially within the aperture and is configured to emit a second radiation having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first radiation. In the opening there is a grate made with possibility of extending to the perimeter of the opening formed by the panel. First photoluminescent part is located on the grate.

EFFECT: higher quality of common and working illumination.

16 cl, 8 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of a US patent under serial number 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE. The aforementioned related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The backlighting made from photoluminescent materials offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, it is desirable to include such photoluminescent materials in parts of vehicles to provide general and working lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle illumination device is disclosed. The device contains at least one opening located in the panel of the vehicle. The light source is located near the opening and is configured to emit a first radiation having a first wavelength. The first photoluminescent portion is located near the panel essentially within the opening and is configured to emit a second radiation having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first radiation.

In an additional aspect, the panel corresponds to the outer panel of the vehicle.

In another further aspect, the panel corresponds to at least a portion of the hood of the vehicle.

In yet a further aspect, the vehicle illumination device further comprises a grating located in the opening and configured to extend to the perimeter of the opening formed by the panel.

In yet a further aspect, the photoluminescent portion is located on a grating.

In yet a further aspect, the light source is disposed substantially within a depression formed in a panel of the opening.

In yet a further aspect, the light source is located on the inner wall of the panel behind the grill relative to the outer surface of the panel.

In yet a further aspect, the photoluminescent portion and the grating are at least partially translucent and are configured to illuminate the grating in a backlit configuration so that the outer surface of the grating illuminates in response to receiving the first radiation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle illumination device is disclosed. The device contains at least one opening located in the panel of the vehicle. The light source is located near the opening and is configured to emit a first radiation having a first wavelength. The first photoluminescent part is located near the panel and essentially within the opening. The photoluminescent portion is configured to emit a second radiation having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first radiation.

In a further aspect, the panel corresponds to at least a portion of a vehicle hood.

In another additional aspect, the vehicle illumination device further comprises a grating located in the opening and configured to extend to the perimeter of the opening formed by the panel.

In yet a further aspect, the photoluminescent portion is located on a grating.

In yet a further aspect, the light source is located outside the grating relative to the outer surface of the panel.

In yet a further aspect, the openings are formed in the vehicle panel so that the openings are inclined toward the passenger cabin of the vehicle and configured to direct second radiation from each of the openings to display the tachometer state to the passenger cabin.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle illumination device is disclosed. The device contains many openings located in the panel of the vehicle. A light source containing a plurality of emitters is located near the openings and is configured to emit a first excitation radiation. The photoluminescent portion is located essentially within the opening and is configured to emit a first output radiation in response to receiving the first excitation radiation. The controller is in communication with the light source and is configured to selectively actuate each of the emitters.

In a further aspect, the controller is configured to cause at least one emitter corresponding to each of the openings to glow in response to a vehicle engine operating mode.

In another additional aspect, the controller is configured to sequentially illuminate a larger number of openings in response to an increase in vehicle operating intensity.

In yet a further aspect, the controller is configured to make each of the emitters shine corresponding to the operating temperature of the vehicle engine.

In yet a further aspect, the photoluminescent portion comprises a first photoluminescent element configured to emit a first output radiation, and a second photoluminescent element configured to emit a second output radiation.

In yet a further aspect, at least one of the emitters corresponding to the opening is configured to emit a second excitation radiation to selectively excite a second photoluminescent element to output a second output radiation.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art to study the following description of the invention, claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outer region of a vehicle showing a lighting system;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a photoluminescent structure provided as a coating;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a photoluminescent structure represented as a discrete particle;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of multiple photoluminescent structures, presented as separate particles and included in a separate structure;

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

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a backlit configuration of a lighting device configured to convert a first wavelength of light into at least a second wavelength;

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of a vent located in a vehicle panel showing a lighting system;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vent located in a vehicle hood showing a front-illuminated configuration of a lighting system;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a vent located in a vehicle hood showing a backlight configuration of a lighting system; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a lighting system configured to make at least one photoluminescent part glow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As necessary, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of disclosure, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or understated to show a general idea of the purpose. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for studying by a person skilled in the art for various applications of the present disclosure.

As used in the materials of this application, the term “and / or”, when used in a list of two or more elements, means that any one of the listed elements can be used on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain only 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.

The following disclosure describes a lighting system for a vehicle configured to illuminate at least a portion of a ventilation hole or air intake in an engine hood located in a hood or panel of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a light source comprising a plurality of emitters can be used to selectively illuminate a plurality of openings that form a vent. The light source may be configured to emit light with a first wavelength from the emitters or excitation radiation to excite at least one photoluminescent portion located near at least one of the openings. The photoluminescent portion may be configured to convert the first wavelength into a second wavelength or output radiation. The first wavelength may correspond to a first color of light, and the second wavelength may correspond to a second color of light other than the first color. Although the various implementations of the lighting system described in the materials of this application refer to specific structures shown by referring to at least one automobile vehicle, it will be appreciated that the lighting system of the vehicle can be used in a variety of applications.

With reference to FIG. 1, the lighting system 8 is shown in a projection view of the panel 10 of the vehicle 12. The panel 10 may correspond to the hood 14 of the vehicle 12, configured to substantially close the engine compartment. A portion of the hood 14 may correspond to at least one ventilation hole 16. At least one ventilation hole 16 may comprise a plurality of openings 18 formed in a panel 10 or an insert 20 located in a panel 10. Near at least one of the openings 18, source 22 light is arranged and configured to emit at least one excitation radiation. The excitation radiation may be configured to excite at least one photoluminescent part 24 located near at least one of the openings 18 so that the photoluminescent part 24 emits the output radiation 26. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be operable to illuminate at least one of the openings 18 to create the effect of external lighting for the vehicle 12.

At least one photoluminescent portion 24 may be configured to convert the excitation radiation emitted from the light source 22 into the output radiation 26. The excitation radiation may comprise a first wavelength of light. The output radiation 26 and each of the output emissions discussed in the materials of this application may contain at least a second wavelength of light. The second wavelength of light may comprise at least one wavelength having a longer wavelength than the first wavelength. As discussed in the materials of this application, the photoluminescent part 24 and other photoluminescent parts can be configured to have photochemical properties configured to convert the first wavelength of light from the light source 22 into a second wavelength. The second wavelength may contain additional wavelengths, including various combinations of wavelengths to emit light from the lighting system 8.

The first wavelength of the excitation radiation may correspond to the violet or deep blue color of the light. The first wavelength may have a peak wavelength of less than about 500 nm. The second wavelength of one or more output radiation may correspond to one or more wavelengths of light containing at least one wavelength longer than the first wavelength. In some implementations, the second wavelength may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths that may cause the output radiation to appear as substantially white light. In this configuration, the light emitted from the light source 22 at the first wavelength is configured to excite the photoluminescent part 24. In response to the excitation caused by the reception of light with the first wavelength, the photoluminescent part 24 may be configured to convert the first wavelength, to emit output radiation 26 to illuminate at least a portion of the ventilation hole 16 in the vicinity of at least one of the openings 18.

The light source 22 may comprise a plurality of emitters in communication with the controller. The controller may be configured to selectively light each of a plurality of emitters in response to one or more conditions or conditions of the vehicle. For example, the emitter may be located near each of the openings 18 closest to the surface formed by the panel 10. Each of the emitters may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the surface of the ventilation hole 16 and / or the grill located in each of the openings 18. B in some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively drive each of the emitters, so that the photoluminescent parts 24 are excited and emit the output radiation 26 selectively from zhdogo of openings. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be configured to selectively illuminate each of the openings in accordance with a tachometer function, a direction indicator, a temperature meter, the general condition of the vehicle and / or a variety of vehicle conditions or conditions. The disclosure may include lighting systems configured to provide lighting to improve the appearance and add valuable features to the vehicle 12.

With reference to FIG. 2A-2C, in general, a photoluminescent structure 32 is shown, presented as a coating (e.g., a film) allowing application of a separate particle to a fixed part of a vehicle allowing incorporation into a separate structure allowing application to a fixed part of a vehicle, respectively. As described in the materials of this application, the fixed part of the vehicle may correspond to the surface or part of the vehicle 12, for example, the surface of one or more openings 18 formed in the panel 10. The photoluminescent structure 32 may correspond to the photoluminescent parts 24. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 32 includes an energy conversion layer 34, which may be provided as a single layer or multilayer structure, as shown by interruption solid lines in FIG. 2A and 2B.

The energy conversion layer 34 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material. Photoluminescent materials can be formulated to convert the input electromagnetic radiation to the output electromagnetic radiation, typically having a long wavelength and expressing a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength difference between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is referred to as a Stokes shift and serves as a fundamental driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of light, often referred to as a down-conversion. In the various implementations discussed in the materials of this application, each of the wavelengths of light (for example, the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

Each of the photoluminescent parts may comprise at least one photoluminescent structure 32 comprising an energy conversion layer (eg, a conversion layer 34). An energy conversion layer 34 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in the polymer matrix 40 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing an energy conversion layer 34 from the composition in a carrier fluid and coating the energy conversion layer 34 on a desired planar and / or nonplanar substrate of a fixed vehicle part. The energy conversion layer 34 can be deposited on the fixed part of the vehicle by dyeing, screen printing, sputtering, crevice coating, dipping, rolling and plating. Additionally, the energy conversion layer 34 may be prepared by methods that do not use a carrier fluid.

For example, a solid solution (a homogeneous dry mixture) of one or more photoluminescent materials can be included in the polymer matrix 40 to provide an energy conversion layer 34. The polymer matrix 40 can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, etc. In cases where one or more layers 34 of the energy conversion are made as particles, single-layer or multilayer layers 34 of the energy conversion can be embedded in a fixed part or panel of a vehicle. When the energy conversion layer 34 includes a multilayer composition, each layer can be coated sequentially. Additionally, the layers can be prepared separately, and later layered or embossed with each other to form a solid layer. The layers can also be extruded together to prepare a single multilayer energy conversion structure.

Returning to FIG. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 32 optionally may include at least one stability layer 36 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 34 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 36 may be configured as a layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 34. The stability layer 36 may also be combined with the energy conversion layer 34. The photoluminescent structure 32 may also optionally include a protective layer 38 optically bonded and spliced with a stability layer 36 or some layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure 32 from physical and chemical damage resulting from environmental factors.

The stability layer 36 and / or the protective layer 38 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 34 to form a single photoluminescent structure 32 by sequentially coating or printing each layer, or by sequential layering or embossing. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, layering or embossing to form a substructure. The substructure can then be layered or embossed to form a single photoluminescent structure 32. Once formed, a photoluminescent structure 32 can be applied to a selected fixed part of the vehicle.

In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure 32 may be included in the fixed part of the vehicle as one or more discrete multilayer particles, as shown in FIG. 2C. A photoluminescent structure 32 can also be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer matrix 40, which is subsequently applied to a fixed part or panel of the vehicle as an adjacent structure. Additional information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent part of the vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. C AND LONG-TERM SECONDARY RADIATION ”(“ PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”), from th feed July 31, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to FIG. 3, the lighting system 8 is generally shown according to the configuration 42 with front lighting. In this configuration, the light or excitation radiation 44 is emitted from the light source 22 and converted into output radiation 26 by the energy conversion layer 34 of at least one photoluminescent part 24. The photoluminescent part 24 can be located near the panel 10 and can be configured to illuminate at least at least one of the openings 18. The configuration 42 with front lighting is further discussed, referring to FIG. 5.

Excitation radiation 44 may comprise a first wavelength, and output radiation 26 may comprise at least a second wavelength. The lighting system 8 comprises a photoluminescent structure 32 located on or in at least one photoluminescent part 24, for example, the first photoluminescent part 48. The photoluminescent structure 32 may be provided as a coating and applied to the base 50 of the fixed vehicle part. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 50 may correspond to a lattice 54a located in the opening 18. The photoluminescent material may also be dispersed as a polymer matrix 40 corresponding to the energy conversion layer 34, which may be used to form at least a portion of the panel 10 corresponding to one or more openings 18 and / or grilles 54a.

In some implementations, the energy conversion layer 34 may further include a stability layer 36 and / or a protective layer 38. In response to the activation of at least one emitter of the light source 22, the excitation radiation 44 is received by the energy conversion layer 34 and converted from the first wave length λ ₁ into an output light having at least a second wavelength, for example, the output radiation 26. radiation output, discussed herein, may comprise a plurality of wavelengths obtained with the opportunities of Strongly emit any color of light from each of the photoluminescent parts discussed herein. In some implementations, each of the output radiation may correspond to a different color of light. The light colors of the output radiation may correspond to the photochemical structure of each of the photoluminescent parts. Thus, each of the output radiation can be configured to emit different colors of light in response to receiving the excitation radiation.

In various implementations, the lighting system 8 comprises at least one photoluminescent material enclosed in a polymer matrix 40 and / or an energy conversion layer 34 and is configured to convert the excitation radiation with a first wavelength λ ₁ into output radiation having at least a second wavelength. In order to generate multiple wavelengths, the energy conversion layer 34 may comprise one or more photoluminescent materials configured to emit output radiation as wavelengths of light in red, green and / or blue color spectra. Such photoluminescent materials can additionally be combined to form a wide variety of light colors for output radiation. For example, photoluminescent materials emitting red, green and blue radiation can be used in a variety of proportions and combinations to control the output color of the output radiation.

Each of the photoluminescent materials may differ in output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of photochemical structures used in the energy conversion layer 34. As an example, the output radiation 26 can be changed by adjusting the wavelength of the excitation radiation to activate the photoluminescent materials at different intensities in order to change the color of the output radiation 26. In addition or as an alternative to the red, green and blue light emitting photoluminescent materials, others photoluminescent materials can be used alone and in various combinations to form the output radiation in a wide variety of colors. Thus, the lighting system 8 can be configured for a variety of applications to give the desired color and lighting effect for the vehicle 12.

In order to achieve the different colors and combinations of photoluminescent materials described in the materials of this application, the lighting system 8 can use any form of photoluminescent materials, for example, photoluminescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For further information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials for to achieve various emissions, refer to US Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz and others, entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITE” And fabrics made from them »(« PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM »), with a filing date of June 26, 2012; US patent No. 8,247,761 for Agrawal and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", with filing date August 21, 2012; US Patent № 8,519,359 B2 at Kingsley and the other entitled "Stable to photolysis and in various media structure for highly efficient conversion of electromagnetic energy and sustainable secondary emission» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION») , with a filing date of August 27, 2013; US patent No. 8,664,624 B2 for Kingsley and others, entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", March 4, 2014; US Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 for Agrawala and others, entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”, filed on July 19, 2012; US Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley and others entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS”, filed March 6, 2014; and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 on Agrawala and others, entitled “COLORED LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”, filed April 17, 2014, all of which are included in the materials of this application by reference in its entirety.

The light source 22 may also be referred to as an excitation source and is configured to emit at least the excitation radiation 44 or any of the excitation emissions discussed in the materials of this application. The light source 22 or each of the emitters may contain any form of light source, for example, halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLED), polymer LEDs (PLED) and solid state lighting or any other form of lighting, configured to produce excitation radiation. Excitation radiation from the first light source 22 can be configured so that the first wavelength λ ₁ corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 34 and / or the polymer matrix 40. In response to receiving light at the first wavelength λ ₁ , the energy conversion layer 34 may be excited and output one or more output wavelengths, for example, a second radiation having a second wavelength λ ₂ . Excitation radiation 44 provides an excitation source for the energy conversion layer 34, targeting the absorption wavelengths of a particular photoluminescent material or combinations thereof used therein. Essentially, the lighting system 8 may be configured to output output radiation with the desired light intensity and color.

In an exemplary implementation, the light source 22 comprises an LED configured to emit a first wavelength λ ₁ , which may correspond to a blue spectrum, a violet and / or ultraviolet color range. The blue spectral color range contains a wavelength range generally expressed as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some implementations, the first λ ₁ wavelength may comprise a wavelength in the ultraviolet or near ultraviolet color range (~ 100-450 nm). In an exemplary implementation, the first length λ ₁ may be approximately equal to 470 nm. Although specific wavelengths and wavelength ranges are discussed with respect to the first wavelength, the first wavelength can generally be configured to excite any photoluminescent material.

In an exemplary implementation, the first length λ ₁ may be less than about 500 nm. The blue spectral color range and shorter wavelengths can be used as an excitation source for the lighting system 8 due to these wavelengths having a limited perceptual acuity in the visible spectrum of the human eye. By using shorter wavelengths λ ₁ and converting the first wavelength to the at least one longer wavelength conversion layer 34, the lighting system 8 can create a visual effect of light emanating from the photoluminescent structure 32. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 can economically provide an effective system to provide lighting in a variety of locations.

As discussed in the materials of this application, each of the many wavelengths corresponding to the output radiation may correspond to a significantly different spectral color range. The second wavelength may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths configured to appear as substantially white light. A plurality of wavelengths may be formed by emitting red radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm, emitting green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm, and emitting blue or blue-green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength, greater than the first wavelength λ ₁ wave, and approximately 430-525 nm, in one of the embodiments. Multiple wavelengths can be used to form a wide variety of light colors from each of the photoluminescent parts converted from the first wavelength.

With reference to FIG. 4, the lighting system 8 is generally shown according to the backlight configuration 52, and may be configured to convert the excitation radiation 44 from the light source 22 to the output radiation 26. The backlight configuration 52 may correspond to the configuration discussed with reference to FIG. 7, showing a lattice 54b, which may consist of at least partially translucent material having a photoluminescent portion 24 located on it. The backlight configuration 52 comprises an energy conversion layer 34 and / or photoluminescent material dispersed in the polymer matrix 40. Like the energy conversion layer 34 shown with respect to the backlight configuration 42, the energy conversion layer 34 can be configured to excite and output one or more wavelengths corresponding to the second wavelength, in response to receiving radiation 44 of the excitation. In the backlight configuration 52, the polymer matrix may have at least partially transparent material forming the grating 54b, so that the excitation radiation can be converted by the photoluminescent portion 24 to emit the output radiation 26.

The multiple wavelengths of the output radiation 26 may be configured to emit any color of light from the photoluminescent portion 24 in response to the excitation of the energy conversion layer 34. The color of the light corresponding to the output radiation 26 can be controlled by using specific types and / or ratios of photoluminescent materials, as discussed in the materials of this application. The output radiation 26 may correspond to a light output that can illuminate at least a portion of the vehicle 12 in the vicinity of the panel 10. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be operable to illuminate the outside of the vehicle 12.

In some implementations, each of the photoluminescent parts discussed in the materials of this application (for example, the photoluminescent part 24) may contain an organic or inorganic fluorescent dye configured to convert the excitation radiation 44 to the output radiation 26. For example, the photoluminescent parts may contain a photoluminescent structure rilenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines or other materials suitable for a specific Stokes shift determined by the adsorption range and the fluorescence emission. In some embodiments, implementation, the photoluminescent parts may have at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. Inorganic luminescent material can more specifically be formed from a group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce. Essentially, each of the photoluminescent parts can be selectively activated by a wide range of wavelengths received in the excitation radiation 44, configured to excite a specific photoluminescent material, and to emit an output radiation having the desired color.

At least one photoluminescent portion 24 may be configured to convert the excitation radiation emitted from the light source 22 into the output radiation 26. The excitation radiation may comprise a first wavelength of light. The output radiation 26 and each of the output emissions discussed in the materials of this application may contain at least a second wavelength of light. The second wavelength of light may comprise at least one wavelength having a longer wavelength than the first wavelength. As discussed in the materials of this application, the photoluminescent part 24 and other photoluminescent parts can be configured to have photochemical properties configured to convert the first wavelength of light from the light source 22 into a second wavelength. The second wavelength may contain additional wavelengths, including various combinations of wavelengths to emit light from the lighting system 8.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a lighting system 8 is shown corresponding to a ventilation hole 16 forming a portion of the hood 14 as an insert 20. The ventilation hole 16 includes a plurality of openings 18 formed in the insert 20. At least one of the openings contains a light source 22 configured to emit radiation 44 excitations. Excitation radiation 44 may be configured to excite at least one photoluminescent portion 24 located close to at least one of the openings 18. In this configuration, at least one photoluminescent portion 24 may be configured to emit output radiation 26 to illuminate at least a portion of the lattice 54.

The ventilation opening 16 may comprise a plurality of deflectors 60 configured to form openings 18. Each of the deflectors 60 may be mounted at an angle to the passenger compartment or the front windshield of the vehicle 12. The plurality of grilles 62 may include at least one photoluminescent portion 24 located in them and / or applied as a coating on their surface. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the openings 18 formed in the insert 20 includes a light source 22 located near the grill 54. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be configured to selectively illuminate each of the grilles 54 independently to emit external lighting in in the form of one or more output radiation from the openings 18.

The deflectors 60 may be configured to direct one or more output radiation 26 from a plurality of gratings, so that the output radiation 26 is clearly visible to one or more passengers or the driver of the vehicle 12 and is largely hidden from view from those outside the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be operable to illuminate at least one of the openings 18 to create an outdoor lighting effect for the vehicle 12 by highlighting one or olee gratings 62 without distracting drivers of other vehicles that may be operating nearby. Additionally, the configuration of the deflectors 60 in the air vent 16 may provide for the lighting system 8 to operate safely in accordance with one or more legal requirements for operating the vehicle 12 on state highways.

Each light source 22 may be in communication with a controller, which may further be in communication with one or more vehicle systems via a communication bus. Each light source 22 may be independently activated by the controller, so that the excitation radiation 44 emitted from the at least one emitter excites each of the photoluminescent parts 24. The controller may be configured to illuminate each of the photoluminescent parts 24 in response to various systems a vehicle, for example, a tachometer, a temperature meter and a speedometer, etc. In such implementations, the controller may be configured to illuminate more photolumines of the escent parts 24 by selectively turning on the luminescence of the emitters located close to them, as discussed with reference to FIG. 6 and 7.

For example, the controller can make each of the emitters of the light source 22 illuminate, so that an increasing number of photoluminescent parts 24 corresponding to the openings 18 are illuminated. Photoluminescent parts 24 can be illuminated in response to the identification by the controller that the signal corresponding to the tachometer, temperature meter or speedometer has exceeded threshold value. That is, the controller may cause the additional emitter of the light source 22 to light in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an enhanced engine mode, an increased engine temperature, or an increased vehicle speed, respectively. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be configured to provide information to the driver of the vehicle corresponding to the operating conditions of the vehicle 12 (e.g., engine operating mode, engine temperature, vehicle speed, etc.). This information can be transmitted to the driver of the vehicle 12 by selectively illuminating a number of photoluminescent parts 24 corresponding to the operating condition.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lighting system may correspond to a configuration 42 with a backlight or a configuration 52 with a backlight. The backlight configuration 42 and the backlight configuration 52 are further discussed with reference to FIG. 6 and 7, respectively. In an exemplary implementation, at least one photoluminescent part may correspond to a plurality of photoluminescent parts. For example, at least one photoluminescent part 24 may correspond to a first photoluminescent part 64, a second photoluminescent part 66, a third photoluminescent part 68, a fourth photoluminescent part 70, and a fifth photoluminescent part 72. In this configuration, each of the gratings 62 may be configured to illuminate different colors in response to receiving radiation 44 of the excitation from the emitters of the source 22.

Each of the operating conditions discussed in the materials of this application can be transmitted to the controller as one or more signals identifying the mode, intensity and / or amplitude of each of the operating conditions discussed in the materials of this application. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 64 in response to the engine of the vehicle 12 idling and / or the operation of the headlight system of the vehicle 12. The controller may illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 66 in response to receiving a signal exceeding the first threshold value. The controller may illuminate the third photoluminescent portion 68 in response to receiving a signal exceeding the second threshold value. The controller may cause the fourth photoluminescent portion 70 to glow in response to receiving a signal exceeding the third threshold value. The controller may cause the fifth photoluminescent portion 72 to glow in response to receiving a signal exceeding the fourth threshold value. In this configuration, the controller may be configured to sequentially make each of the photoluminescent parts 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 glow in response to operating conditions of the vehicle 12.

Additionally, each of the photoluminescent parts 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 may be configured to illuminate one or more colors. For example, the first photoluminescent portion 64 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit a first output color 74 corresponding to the first output radiation 76. The second photoluminescent portion 66 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit a second output color 78 corresponding to the second output radiation 80. The third photoluminescent portion 68 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit a third output color 82, correspondingly the third output radiation 84. The fourth photoluminescent part 70 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit a fourth output color 86 corresponding to the fourth output radiation 88. The fifth photoluminescent part 72 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit a fifth output color 90 corresponding to the fifth the output radiation 92. In this configuration, each of the photoluminescent parts 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 may be configured to output some or more colors of light, such that each of the openings 18 could be configured to emit outside lights in a wide variety of colors.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and 7, sectional views along the line V-V of the cross-section of the ventilation hole 16 are shown, corresponding to the configuration 42 with front illumination and configuration 52 with backlight, respectively. In the backlight configuration 42, each light source 22 is located outside the grill 54a relative to the outer surface 102 of the air vent 16. Each light source 22 can be attached to and / or formed on the inner surface 104 of each deflector 60. In this configuration, at least one of the plurality of emitters 106 of the light source 22 can be selectively made to glow by the controller, so that the excitation radiation 44 is incident on the outer surface 108 of at least one of the gratings 54a. In response to receiving the excitation radiation 44, the photoluminescent portion 24 located on the outer surface 108 can become excited, so that the output radiation 26 is emitted from the outer surface 108 of at least one corresponding grating 54a. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 is operable to selectively illuminate each of the openings 18, causing at least a portion of each of the gratings 54a to glow.

As shown in FIG. 6, a first photoluminescent portion 64 and a second photoluminescent portion 66 are shown to demonstrate details. The first photoluminescent portion 64 may emit a first output radiation 76 in response to receiving radiation 44 of the excitation. Additionally, the second photoluminescent portion 66 may emit a second output radiation 80 in response to receiving the excitation radiation 44. In this configuration, the controller of the lighting system 8 can selectively make each of the photoluminescent parts discussed herein shine by selectively turning on the glow of the emitter 106 of the light source 22 corresponding to the selected photoluminescent part.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, in the backlight configuration 52, each emitter 106 of the light source 22 is located inside the grill 54b relative to the outer surface 102 of the air vent 16. Each emitter 106 can be attached to and / or formed on the inner surface 104 of each deflector 60. In this configuration, each emitter 106 of the light source 22 can be selectively activated by the controller, so that the excitation radiation 44 is incident on the inner surface 112 on at least one of the gratings 54b. Excitation radiation 44 may pass through at least partially translucent material of the grating 54b. As the excitation radiation passes through the material of the grating 54b, the photoluminescent portion 24 can become excited, so that the output radiation 26 is emitted from the outer surface 114 of at least one corresponding grating 54b. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 is operable to selectively illuminate each of the openings 18, causing at least a portion of each grating 54b to glow.

As shown in FIG. 7, a first photoluminescent portion 64 and a second photoluminescent portion 66 are shown to demonstrate details. The first photoluminescent portion 64 may emit a first output radiation 76 in response to receiving radiation 44 of the excitation. Additionally, the second photoluminescent portion 66 may emit a second output radiation 80 in response to receiving the excitation radiation 44. In this configuration, the controller of the lighting system 8 can selectively light each of the photoluminescent parts 24 discussed herein by illuminating by selectively turning on the glow of the emitter 106 of the light source 22 corresponding to the selected photoluminescent part.

Next, again with reference to FIG. 1 and 5, in some embodiments, one or more of the photoluminescent portions 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 may further be configured to emit an additional color of light in response to receiving excitation radiation. For example, the first photoluminescent portion 64 may be configured to emit a first output color 74 in response to receiving the first excitation radiation 44a and a sixth output color 122 in response to receiving the second excitation radiation 44b. In this example, the sixth light output color 122 may be activated similar to the first output color 74, but may be activated in response to the excitation radiation containing a substantially different wavelength than the first excitation radiation 44. Each of the first excitation radiation 44a and the second excitation radiation 44b may be designated as the excitation radiation 44 shown in FIG. 3, 4, 6 and 7.

For example, in some embodiments, the emitter 106 of the light source 22 may correspond to a first emitter configured to emit a first excitation radiation and a second emitter configured to emit a second excitation radiation. In this configuration, the first excitation radiation and the second excitation radiation can be operative to excite the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 of each photoluminescent part 24 essentially independently. The first photoluminescent element 124 may be configured to emit a first output color 74, and the second photoluminescent element 126 may be configured to emit a sixth output color 122. Each of the photoluminescent materials corresponding to the photoluminescent elements 124 and 126 may be excited substantially independently by the first emitter and a second emitter corresponding to the emitter 106 of the light source 22.

Again with reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the lighting system 8 may be configured to illuminate at least one of the openings 18 to display a turn indicator 128. The direction indicator 128 may include a first direction indicator 129a and a second direction indicator 129b corresponding to a first photoluminescent portion 64 located in the ventilation holes 16 located on opposite sides of the vehicle 12. However, it will be understood that the direction indicator 128 and other color-changing configurations may be implemented in any photoluminescent parts discussed in the materials of this application (for example, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72), or used in other parts of the vehicle 12. P rvaya photoluminescent portion 64 may include a first photoluminescent element 124 and a second photoluminescent element 126, as discussed, referring to FIG. 5. Each of the photoluminescent elements may correspond to one or more photoluminescent materials. The first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 can also be configured to have a first absorption range and a second absorption range, respectively. In general, the first absorption range and the second absorption range may correspond to substantially different ranges or partially overlapping wavelength ranges of light.

The first emitter and the second emitter are shown in FIG. 8 and are designated as reference numbers 130 and 132. The first emitter 130 may be configured to output the first excitation radiation 44a having a wavelength corresponding to the peak absorption of the first absorption range. The second emitter 132 may be configured to output the second excitation radiation 44b having a wavelength corresponding to the peak absorption of the second absorption range.

In embodiments having substantially different ranges for the first absorption range and the second absorption range, the first emitter 130 and the second emitter 132 can be operative to excite each of the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 essentially independently. The controller of the lighting system 8 may further be operable to control the intensity of the first excitation radiation and the second excitation radiation to control the color of light output from the first photoluminescent portion 64. The lighting system 8 may be operative to adjust the intensity of each emitter 130, 132 of the light source 22 by changes in the magnitude and / or relative duration of the inclusion of voltage / current supplied to the emitters 130, 132. Thus, the lighting system 8 can be operational to adjust the relative intensity of the light emitted from the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126, so that the color of the light output from the first photoluminescent part 64 is a combination of the first output color 74 and the sixth output color 122.

By using photoluminescent materials having absorption ranges corresponding to substantially different wavelengths of light, the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 can be independently excited by their respective emitters 130, 132. For example, the first output color 74 may correspond to red light and the sixth output color 122 may correspond to green light. In this configuration, system 8 may be operable to use the first photoluminescent portion 64 as a tachometer display device and a direction indicator. For example, the controller may be operable to selectively actuate each of the photoluminescent portions 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 to display the relative intensity of engine operation. The engine operation can be displayed in colors ranging from green corresponding to the first photoluminescent part 64 to red corresponding to the fifth photoluminescent part 72. In this configuration, the engine operation intensity can be visually communicated to the driver of the vehicle 12.

Additionally, the controller may be configured to selectively light one of the photoluminescent portions 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 in a different color (e.g., yellow or orange) to indicate the activation of the direction indicator 128 of the vehicle 12 in addition to displaying a tachometer . For example, by adjusting the intensity of the first emitter 130 and the second emitter 132, the controller can change the output color emitted from the first photoluminescent part from green to orange. The changing color can be controlled by adjusting the intensity of the first excitation radiation 44a and the second excitation radiation 44b to output any combination of the first output color 74 and the sixth output color 122 from the first photoluminescent part 64. In this configuration, one or more of the photoluminescent parts can be made with the ability to output any color of light by mixing the first color and the second color, controlling the intensity of the first excitation radiation 44a and the second excitation radiation 44b.

An example of a specific combination of photoluminescent materials is further discussed with reference to the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126. The first absorption range of the first photoluminescent element 124 may correspond to a wavelength range in the blue and / or near UV (ultraviolet) range of light having wavelengths approximately 390-450 nm. The second absorption range of the second photoluminescent element 126 may correspond to a substantially non-overlapping wavelength range in the UV and / or blue range of light having wavelengths of about 250-410 nm. The first excitation radiation emitted from the first emitter 130 may have a value of approximately 470 nm and be configured to cause the first photoluminescent element 124 to output radiation 20 at approximately 525 nm. The second excitation radiation emitted from the second emitter 132 may have a value of approximately 370 nm and be configured to cause the second photoluminescent element 126 to output radiation 20 at approximately 645 nm. Thus, the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 can be selectively excited by each of the emitters 130, 132, so as to independently produce essentially green color light and essentially orange-red color light, respectively.

In general, the photoluminescent materials of the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 can be combined in various proportions, types, layers, etc., to form a variety of colors for each of the luminescent radiation. Although specific materials and structures of photoluminescent materials are discussed in the materials of this application, various materials can be used without departing from the essence of the disclosure. In some implementations, the first photoluminescent element 124 is configured to have a first absorption range that is substantially larger than the second absorption range. Additionally, the first photoluminescent element 124 may be configured to output a wavelength substantially less than the second photoluminescent element 126.

In some implementations, the first photoluminescent element 124 may include an organic fluorescent dye, configured to convert the first excitation radiation to output radiation having a first output color 74, which may correspond to a color essentially green. For example, the first photoluminescent material may contain a photoluminescent structure of rylene, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines or other materials suitable for a particular Stokes shift determined by the first adsorption range and emission fluorescence. The first photoluminescent element 124 and the corresponding material can be configured to have a smaller Stokes shift than the second photoluminescent element 126. Thus, each of the photoluminescent elements 124 and 126 can be independently illuminated by emitters 130 and 132 to output different colors of light.

The second photoluminescent element 126 may comprise a photoluminescent structure 32 configured to generate a greater Stokes shift than the first photoluminescent element 124. The second photoluminescent element may contain organic or inorganic material configured to have a second absorption range and desired output wavelength or color. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 32 of the second photoluminescent element 126 may be from at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. Inorganic luminescent material can more specifically be formed from a group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce. This configuration may provide for the second Stokes shift of the second photoluminescent element 126 to be larger than the first Stokes shift of the first photoluminescent element 124.

Additionally, system 8 may be operable to derive a variety of colors from each of the photoluminescent parts (e.g., 64, 66, 68, 70, 72) by mixing the first excitation radiation 44a and the second excitation radiation 44b with different intensities. In this configuration, the light source 22 may be operable to mix light emitted from each of the photoluminescent parts 24 to emit at least a first color of light and a second color of light to display engine operating conditions (e.g., engine operating mode, engine temperature, vehicle speed, etc.) and at least one additional indicator, for example, a signal or light indicator.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a block diagram of a lighting system 8 illustrates a controller 142 configured to control the on of a light source 22 to illuminate the photoluminescent parts 24. The controller 142 may be in communication with a vehicle communication bus 144. Communication bus 144 may be configured to provide signals to controller 142 identifying various vehicle conditions. For example, communication bus 144 may be configured to transmit vehicle selection, ignition status, remote commissioning of light source 22, or any other information or control signals that may be used to adjust the backlight of lighting system 8 to controller 142. Additionally, the controller 142 may be configured to receive at least one signal identifying the level, intensity, and / or amplitude of each of the operating conditions. Such signals can be transmitted to the controller 142 using various vehicle systems, for example, a tachometer, temperature meter, speedometer, etc. In this configuration, the controller 142 of the lighting system 8 may be configured to provide information to the driver of the vehicle 12 corresponding operating conditions (for example, engine operating mode, engine temperature, vehicle speed, direction indicator status, etc.), selectively making the first emitter 130 or the second emit the emitter 132 of the light source 22. In this configuration, the controller 142 is configured to selectively actuate the first emitter 130 and the second emitter 132 to illuminate the first photoluminescent element 124 and the second photoluminescent element 126 essentially independently.

The controller 142 may include a processor 146 containing one or more circuits configured to receive signals from the communication bus 144 and output signals to control the light source 22 to emit the first excitation radiation 44a, the second radiation 44b, and various combinations thereof. The processor 146 may be in communication with a memory 148 configured to store instructions for controlling the input of the light source 22. The controller 142 may further be in communication with an ambient light sensor 150. The ambient light sensor 150 may be configured to report a light mode, for example, a brightness level or an ambient light intensity near the vehicle 12. In response to the outdoor light level, the controller 142 may be configured to adjust the light intensity output from one or more emitters of each of the sources of light 22. The intensity of the light output from the light source 22 can be adjusted by controlling the relative on-time, current or voltage supplied to the light source 22.

The disclosure provides a lighting system configured to illuminate at least a portion of a ventilation opening or air intake in an engine hood located in a hood or panel of a vehicle. In some embodiments, multiple emitters can be used to selectively illuminate multiple openings that form a vent. In this configuration, the lighting system 8 may be configured to selectively illuminate each of the openings in accordance with a tachometer function, a direction indicator, a temperature meter, the general condition of the vehicle and / or a variety of vehicle conditions or conditions. The disclosure may include lighting systems configured to provide lighting to improve the appearance and add valuable attributes to a variety of vehicles. Although the various implementations of the lighting system described in the materials of this application refer to specific structures shown by referring to at least one automobile vehicle, it will be appreciated that the lighting system can be used in a variety of applications.

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

It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the above construction without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless the claims expressly state otherwise in their own language. .

Claims (25)

1. The vehicle backlight device made in at least one opening located in the vehicle panel, the vehicle backlight device comprising: a light source located near the opening and configured to emit a first radiation having a first wavelength; and a first photoluminescent portion located near the panel substantially within the opening and configured to emit a second radiation having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first radiation, while in the opening there is a lattice configured to extend to the perimeter of the opening formed by the panel, while the first photoluminescent part is located on the lattice. 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the panel corresponds to the outer panel of the vehicle. 3. The vehicle backlight device according to claim 2, wherein the panel corresponds to at least a portion of the vehicle hood. 4. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is located essentially inside a cavity formed in a panel opening. 5. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is located on the inner wall of the panel behind the grate relative to the outer surface of the panel. 6. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 5, wherein said photoluminescent part and the grating are at least partially translucent and are configured to illuminate the grating in a backlit configuration so that the outer surface of the grating illuminates in response to receiving the first radiation. 7. A vehicle lighting device made in at least one opening located in a panel of a vehicle hood, the vehicle lighting device comprising: a light source located near the opening and configured to emit a first radiation having a first wavelength; and a first photoluminescent portion located near said panel substantially within the opening and configured to emit a second radiation having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first radiation, while in the opening there is a lattice made with the possibility to continue to the perimeter of the opening formed by the said panel. 8. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 7, wherein said photoluminescent part is located on a grating. 9. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 7, wherein the light source is located outside the grating relative to the outer surface of said panel. 10. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one aperture includes openings formed in said vehicle panel such that the openings are inclined to the passenger cabin of the vehicle and are configured to direct second radiation from each of the openings to display the status of the tachometer in the passenger cabin. 11. A vehicle backlight device made in a plurality of openings located in a vehicle hood panel, wherein the vehicle backlight device comprises: a light source comprising a plurality of emitters located near the openings and configured to emit a first excitation radiation; a photoluminescent portion located essentially within the openings and configured to emit a first output radiation in response to receiving the first excitation radiation; and a controller configured to selectively activate each of the emitters. 12. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to make at least one emitter corresponding to each of the openings glow in response to a vehicle engine operating mode. 13. The vehicle backlight device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to sequentially illuminate a larger number of openings in response to an increase in vehicle operation intensity. 14. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to make each of the emitters shine corresponding to the operating temperature of the vehicle engine. 15. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 11, wherein the photoluminescent part comprises a first photoluminescent element configured to emit a first output radiation, and a second photoluminescent element configured to emit a second output radiation. 16. The vehicle illumination device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the emitters corresponding to the aperture is configured to emit a second excitation radiation to selectively excite the second photoluminescent element to output a second output radiation.

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