BR102016000751A2 - windshield display system - Google Patents

Abstract

Windshield display system. This is a vehicle windshield display system provided herein that includes a rearview mirror mount that has at least one light source configured to illuminate a location on a windshield. At least one photoluminescent structure is arranged on site and is configured to emit light in response to excitation by light emitted from at least one light source.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report for: "WINDOW DISPLAY SYSTEM", CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of patent application No. US14 / 086.442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE". FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicular lighting systems, and more particularly to vehicular lighting systems employing one or more photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Lighting from the use of photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, one wishes to deploy such structures in automotive vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to another aspect of the present invention, a windshield display system for a vehicle is disclosed. A rearview mirror assembly that has at least one light source is configured to illuminate a spot on a windshield. At least one photoluminescent structure is arranged on site and is configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a windshield display system for a vehicle is disclosed. At least one light source is arranged adjacent an upper portion of the windshield and is configured to illuminate a location on a windshield. At least one photoluminescent structure is arranged on site and is configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a windshield display system for a vehicle is disclosed. A first light source is configured to emit light in a fixed direction toward a windshield; A second light source is configured to emit light in an adjustable direction toward the windshield; and At least one photoluminescent structure is coupled to the windshield and is configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings: Figure 1A illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a substrate according to one embodiment;

Figure 1B illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a substrate according to another embodiment;

Figure 1C illustrates a photoluminescent structure coupled to a substrate according to yet another embodiment;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a vehicle employing a windshield display system according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the windshield shown in Figure 2 according to one embodiment; and Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement between a photoluminescent frame and a windshield according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be carried out in various and alternative ways. Figures are not necessarily for detailed design and some schematic views may be exaggerated or minimized to show the function overview. Therefore, the specific functional and structural details disclosed in the present invention should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching an element skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in various ways.

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

[017] The following disclosure describes a windshield display system for a vehicle. The windshield display system advantageously employs one or more photoluminescent structures configured to convert light received from an associated light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength typically found in the visible spectrum.

Referring to Figures 1A-1C, several exemplary embodiments of a photoluminescent structure 10 are shown, each of which is capable of being coupled to a substrate 12, which may correspond to a vehicle access or piece of equipment related to each other. vehicle. In Figure 1A, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown transformed into a coating (e.g., a film) that can be applied to a substrate surface 12. In Figure 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a distinct particle capable of to be integrated into a substrate 12. In Figure 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of distinct particles that can be incorporated into a holding medium 14 (e.g., a film) which can then be applied ( as shown) or integrated into the substrate 12.

At the most basic level, a particular photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16 which may include one or more sublayers, which are shown exemplarily by dashed lines in Figures 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material can become excited by receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the downconversion principle, the inserted light is converted to a longer wavelength light that is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10. Adversely, according to the upward conversion principle, the inserted light is converted to a shorter wavelength light that is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10. When multiple distinct light wavelengths are emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time, the light wavelengths may mix and be expressed as a light with multiple colors.

In some embodiments, downward or upwardly converted light may be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) found in the energy conversion layer 16. The process of using converted light Emitting from one photoluminescent material to excite the other, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative to achieving various color expressions. Regarding the conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between the excitation light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the main drive mechanism for an energy conversion process that corresponds to a change in wavelength of light.

In the various deployments discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures may operate according to each conversion principle.

The energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymeric matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation on a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 16 on a desired flat substrate. The energy conversion layer 16 may be applied to a substrate by painting, stamping, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, cylinder coating and bar 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 produced by dispersing the photoluminescent material into a solid state solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state) that can be incorporated into a polymer matrix which can be formed by extrusion, molding injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be integrated into a substrate using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sublayers may be separately prepared and subsequently laminated or embossed to form the energy conversion layer. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

Referring again to Figures 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 16 against photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 18 may be configured as a separate optically coupled layer and adhered to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stability layer 18 may be integrated with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also include optionally an optically coupled protective layer 20 adhered to stability layer 18 or another layer (e.g. conversion layer 16 in the absence of stability layer 18) to protect photoluminescent structure 10 against physical and chemical damage from exposure environmental. Stability layer 18 and / or protective layer 20 may be combined with energy conversion layer 16 by sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing or any other suitable means.

[023] Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in US Patent No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al. Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED" July 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions see Bortz et al., US Patent No. 8,207,511, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM", filed June 26, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al. entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", filed August 21, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al. entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECUNDARY EMISSION" filed August 27, 2013; No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al. entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION" filed March 4, 2014; Patent Publication No. US2012 / 0183677 to Agrawal et al. entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES", filed July 19, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No. US2014 / 0065442 A1 to Kingsley et al. entitled "PFIOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS" filed March 6, 2014; and U.S. Patent Publication No. US2014 / 0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al. entitled "CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES" filed April 17, 2014, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of a windshield display system 22 is generally shown for use in a vehicle 24. The system 22 includes at least one photoluminescent structure 26 disposed at a location 28 on a windshield. front windshield 30. Location 28 may be on an upper portion of windshield 30 which is visible to occupants inside vehicle 24. Photoluminescent frame 26 may be applied to windshield 30 or otherwise integrated therein. . In operation, the photoluminescent frame 26 is configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one light source 34. According to one embodiment, the light source 34 may be part of a rearview mirror assembly 36 which is disposed adjacent the upper portion of the windshield 30. The light source 34 may be arranged to illuminate the location 28 of a housing portion 38 of the rearview mirror assembly 36 that faces the windshield 30. A Light emitted from light source 34 may be diffused and of uniform intensity to provide uniform light distribution at the site 28.

The location 28 of the photoluminescent structure 26 may be selected to be in relative proximity to the light source 34, thereby minimizing the distance by which light emitted from the light source 34 must travel before reaching photoluminescent structure 26. This helps to ensure that at least a portion of the light emitted from light source 34 is still directed to location 28 to excite photoluminescent structure 26, despite minor positional adjustments (e.g., translational and / made in rearview mirror assembly 36. In addition, light source 34 may be configured to emit light at a selected beam angle Θ1 to ensure that location 28 is sufficiently illuminated as long as rearview mirror assembly 36 is in place. of a range of positions. The position range can be selected to include common positions of rearview mirror assembly 36 that are associated with vehicle operators of varying height.

At least one light source 40 may be coupled to a roof structure such as a roof liner 42 of the vehicle 24. The light source 40 may be arranged in a recessed portion 44 of the roof liner 42 which is configured to so that light source 40 is hidden from view of the occupants of the vehicle. Light source 40 may be positioned to illuminate location 28 or a location other than windshield 30 to excite another photoluminescent structure. It should be appreciated that light sources 34 and 40 may illuminate the same location (e.g. location 28) in a separate location. Light source 40 is typically stationary, and as such, light can be emitted from it in a fixed direction and at a smaller beam angle Θ2 relative to light source 34. When selecting a light source To excite a particular photoluminescent structure, it may be advantageous to use light sources that emit light in a fixed direction, such as light source 40, to illuminate windshield locations 30 that are farthest from the rearview mirror assembly 36 since These locations can be difficult to illuminate with the use of light sources, such as light source 34, which may be prone to occasional positional adjustments.

Referring to Figure 3, windshield 30 is shown from the occupant's vantage point to further illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the windshield display system 22. A plurality of light sources shown as light sources 34a and 34b are coupled to rear view mirror assembly 36 and are configured to illuminate a uniquely associated location 28a, 28b of windshield 30. In addition, a plurality of light sources 40a and 40b are coupled to the roof liner. 42. Light sources 40a and 40b may be spaced laterally through the roof liner 42 and are configured to illuminate a uniquely associated location 28c, 28d of windshield 30. Although locations 28a-28d correspond to distinct locations in the presently modality. As illustrated, it should be understood that a particular site may coincide or at least partially overlap another site in other embodiments.

Still referring to Figure 3, a photoluminescent structure 26a-26d is arranged at each location 28a-28d and is configured to emit light in response to the excitation of the corresponding light source 34a, 34b, 40a, 40b. As shown, photoluminescent structures 26a-26d are arranged to conduct information when in a luminescent state. For illustration purposes, the photoluminescent frame 26a is arranged as a low fuel level indicator, the photoluminescent frame 26b is arranged as a brake warning indicator, the photoluminescent frame 26c is arranged as a low oil level indicator and the Photoluminescent frame 26d is arranged as a seat belt indicator. It should be understood, however, that a particular photoluminescent structure is not limited to any particular arrangement and may be arranged in any form of identification that includes a symbol, text, icon, pictogram or the like, or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment, each light source 34a, 34b, 40a, 40b is independently operable at varying intensities and may be powered by the vehicle power supply or other power supply. Each light source 34a, 34b, 40a, 40b can be configured to emit blue light (-450-495 nanometers in wavelength) and can be incorporated as a blue light-emitting diode (LED). Using blue LEDs to excite photoluminescent structures 26a-26d may be advantageous since blue LEDs are generally economical and the human eye is less sensitive to blue light. Thus, any blue light should be reflected by windshield 30 and / or photoluminescent structure 26a-26d, vehicle occupants are less likely to notice blue light or be adversely affected by it. In alternative embodiments, other types of LEDs such as ultraviolet (UV) or violet LEDs may be used instead of blue LEDs.

When a particular photoluminescent structure 26a-26d is excited by light emitted from the corresponding light source 34a, 34b, 40a, 40b, respectively, the particular photoluminescent structure 26a-26d may emit light in one or more colors. depending on how it is formulated. For example, the "BRAKE" text portion of the photoluminescent frame 26b may be configured to emit light in a first color when excited by light emitted from light source 34b, while the lower icon portion may be configured to emit light. in a second color in response to the same excitement. Alternatively, both the text portion and the icon portion of the photoluminescent frame 26b may be configured to emit light in the same color when excited by light emitted from light source 34b.

Referring to Figure 4, an embodiment of the arrangement between a photoluminescent frame 26 and a windshield 30 is shown. The photoluminescent frame 26 is disposed at the location 46 of the windshield 30 and, more specifically, is coupled to a side 48 of the windshield 30 that faces the interior of the vehicle. A light blocking layer 50 is positioned between the photoluminescent frame 26 and the side 48 of the windshield 30. The light blocking layer 50 may be incorporated as a film configured to absorb UV radiation. In this way, sunlight propagating toward the location 46 of the exterior vehicle is absorbed, thereby increasing the visibility of the photoluminescent structure 26 during the day. Additionally, the light blocking layer 50 may be configured to absorb any wavelength of light that is selected to excite the photoluminescent structure 26. For example, if the blue light is selected as the excitation light, then the Light lock 50 may be configured to absorb blue light in order to help prevent unwanted excitation of the photoluminescent structure 26 of the blue light sources located outside the vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the light blocking layer 50 may include a black strip or black dot pattern similar to those commonly found in vehicles for shielding against UV radiation.

A light reflecting layer 52 may be positioned between the light blocking layer 50 and the photoluminescent structure 26 and is configured to redirect or reflect light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 26 while in a luminescent state. The light reflective layer 52 may be a white paint or other reflective coating and is particularly useful when the photoluminescent structure 26 exhibits lambertian emission. In such cases, light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 26 while in a luminescent state has the propensity to travel in a multitude of directions from it. Thus, by providing the light reflective layer 52, light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 26 toward the exterior vehicle is redirected or reflected back to the interior vehicle, thereby increasing the perceived brightness of the photoluminescent structure. 26. A dark dead layer 54 may be coupled to the photoluminescent structure 26 and is configured to hide the photoluminescent structure 26 unless the photoluminescent structure 26 is in a luminescent state, in which case the photoluminescent structure 26 is visible through the dark dead layer. 54

Accordingly, a windshield display system has been advantageously provided herein. The system may include one or more photoluminescent structures, each of which is configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from a light source. When in a luminescent state, each photoluminescent structure conducts information to vehicle occupants. Information may be used to replace or supplement notifications provided to vehicle occupants with existing vehicle systems.

[034] For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any comparison, value, measurement. or other quantitative representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from an established reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter.

It should be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention and it should further be understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, unless these claims by their language. expressly establish otherwise.

Claims (20)

A vehicle windshield display system comprising: a rear-view mirror assembly having at least one light source configured to illuminate a place on a windshield; at least one photoluminescent structure arranged on site and configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one light source. Windshield display system according to Claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a light blocking layer disposed on site and configured to block ultraviolet radiation against entry into the vehicle through the location on the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a light reflective layer arranged on site and configured to reflect incident light thereon which is emitted from at least one photoluminescent structure and is spreading toward the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a dark dead layer which conceals at least one photoluminescent structure unless the at least one photoluminescent structure is in a luminescent state. Windshield display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one photoluminescent structure carries information when in a luminescent state. Windshield display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one light source coupled to a vehicle roof structure and configured to illuminate the location of the windshield illuminated by at least one rear view mirror mount light source or a location separate from the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one light source comprises one of an ultraviolet light source, a violet light source and a blue light source. Windshield display system for a vehicle comprising: at least one light source arranged adjacent an upper portion of the windshield and configured to illuminate a location on a windshield; and at least one photoluminescent structure arranged on site and configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one light source. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a light blocking layer disposed on site and configured to block ultraviolet light against entry into the vehicle through the site on the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a light reflecting layer arranged on the spot and configured to reflect incident light therein which is emitted from at least one photoluminescent structure and is spreading toward the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a dark dead layer which conceals at least one photoluminescent structure unless the at least one photoluminescent structure is in a luminescent state. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one photoluminescent structure carries information when in a luminescent state. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises at least one light source coupled to a vehicle roof structure and configured to illuminate the location of the windshield illuminated by at least one light source. rear view mirror mount light source or a location separate from the windshield. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one light source comprises one of an ultraviolet light source, a violet light source and a blue light source. Windshield display system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one light source is part of a vehicle rearview mirror assembly. A vehicle windshield display system comprising: a first light source configured to emit light in a fixed direction towards a windshield; a second light source configured to emit light in an adjustable direction toward the windshield; and at least one photoluminescent structure coupled to the windshield and configured to emit light in response to light excitation emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source. Windshield display system according to claim 16, characterized in that the first light source is part of a vehicle roof structure. Windshield display system according to Claim 17, characterized in that the second light source is part of a rear-view mirror assembly, in which direction in which light is emitted from the second light source. depends on the position of the rearview mirror assembly. Windshield display system according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one photoluminescent structure emits light in one of a single color and a plurality of colors. Windshield display system according to claim 16, characterized in that the first light source and the second light source emit one of an ultraviolet light, a violet light and a blue light.