RU2695747C2 - Vehicle sun visor providing luminescent lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: machine building.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Sun visor comprises a visor body, a cover, a photoluminescent structure and a light source. Cover is attached to the case of the apron and movable between the closed and open positions. Photoluminescent structure is attached to the cover plate. Light source is remotely located from the photoluminescent structure and is configured to emit light based on the position of the cover. Photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source.EFFECT: higher illumination capabilities of lighting system.20 cl, 5 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 14/086442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM", which is fully disclosed as follows) in the materials of this application by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The backlighting resulting from the use of photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, it is required to implement such structures in automobile vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a sun visor is provided. The sun visor includes a visor body and a lid attached to the visor body. The cover is movable between closed and open position. A photoluminescent structure is attached to the lid, and the light source is configured to emit light based on the position of the lid. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by the light emitted from the light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sun visor is provided. The sun visor includes a visor body and a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position. A photoluminescent structure is attached to the lid, and the light source is configured to emit light based on the position of the lid. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by the light emitted from the light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sun visor is provided. The sun visor includes a visor body and a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position. The photoluminescent structure is located on the back of the lid and is hidden when the lid is closed. The light source is configured to emit light when the lid is moved away from the closed position. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by the light emitted from the light source.

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.

The present invention is an anti-sun visor comprising a visor body; a cover attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure attached to the lid; and a light source configured to emit light based on the position of the lid, wherein the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source. Moreover, the lid is pivotally attached to the visor body. Moreover, the photoluminescent structure is located on the back of the lid and is hidden when the lid is in the closed position. Moreover, the light source emits light when the lid is closed. Moreover, the lid closes the accessory mirror, when closed. Moreover, the accessory mirror is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source when not closed. Moreover, the light source contains many blue light-emitting diodes. Moreover, additionally containing a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source.

An anti-sun visor is also provided, comprising a visor body; a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure attached to the lid; a light source configured to emit light based on the position of the lid, wherein the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by the light emitted from the light source. Moreover, the photoluminescent structure is located on the back of the lid and is hidden when the lid is closed. Moreover, the light source emits light when the lid is moved away from the closed position. Moreover, the lid closes the accessory mirror when in the closed position. Moreover, the light source is located on the visor body, so that the accessory mirror redirects at least part of the light emitted from the light source when it is not closed. Moreover, the light source contains many blue light-emitting diodes. The sun visor may further comprise a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source.

An anti-sun visor is also provided, comprising a visor body; a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure located on the back of the lid and hidden when the lid is closed; a light source configured to emit light when the lid is moved away from the closed position, wherein the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by the light emitted from the light source. Moreover, the lid closes the accessory mirror, when closed. Moreover, the accessory mirror is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source when not closed. Moreover, the light source contains many blue light-emitting diodes. The sun visor may further comprise a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a base according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a base, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 1C illustrates a photoluminescent structure attached to a base, according to another another embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional sun visor according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates the latest sun visor in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a lighting scenario in which the sun visor of FIG. 3 functions as an internal lamp for a vehicle; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a lighting scenario in which the sun visor of FIG. 3 functions as an external lamp for a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As necessary, 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. 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 invention.

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 applied. 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 vehicle lighting system that advantageously utilizes one or more photoluminescent structures configured to convert light received from an associated light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength.

With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of a photoluminescent structure 10 are shown, each capable of attaching to a base 12, which may correspond to a fixed part of a vehicle or a piece of equipment associated with a vehicle. In FIG. 1A, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as being provided as a coating (eg, film) that can be applied to the surface of the substrate 12. FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being combined with a base 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 (e.g., a film), which can then be applied (as shown) or combined with a 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 approximately 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 by receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the principle of conversion with decreasing frequency, the introduced light is converted into light of a larger wavelength that is output from the photoluminescent structure 10. Conversely, by the principle of conversion with increasing frequency, the introduced light is converted to light of a smaller wavelength that is output from photoluminescent structure 10. When multiple 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 multicolor light.

In some embodiments, the light that has been subjected to down-conversion or up-conversion can be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) detected in the energy conversion layer 16. The process of using converted light extracted from one photoluminescent material to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative to achieve different color representations. As for one or another principle of conversion, the wavelength difference between the excitation light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as a fundamental moving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the wavelength of light. In the various implementations discussed in the materials of this application, each of the photoluminescent structures can act according to one or another principle of conversion.

An energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing an energy conversion layer 16 from a composition in a carrier liquid and coating the energy conversion layer 16 on a desired basis. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the substrate by dyeing, screen printing, sputtering, slit coating, dip coating, rolling and plating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a carrier fluid. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be reproduced by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be enclosed in a polymer matrix, which can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, injection molding, extrusion , high temperature shaping, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be incorporated into the substrate using any methods known to a person skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may be successively coated to form an energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the layers can be prepared separately and later layered or embossed with each other to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, in addition, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by co-extrusion of the sublayers.

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

Additional information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent structures disclosed in U.S. Patent number 8232533 to Kingsley and the other entitled "Sustainable photolytic AND IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT multilayer structure for high-conversion efficiency of electromagnetic energy and duration of the emission of secondary radiation» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”), filed July 31, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated into this application by reference and. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions, refer to US Pat. "), With a filing date of June 26, 2012; US patent No. 8247761 for Agrawala and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", with filing date August 21, 2012; US Patent number 8519359 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. 8664624 B2 for Kingsley and others, entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", dated 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.

With reference to FIG. 2, a conventional sunshield 22 for use in a vehicle 24 is shown according to one embodiment. The sun visor 22 includes a visor body 26 that is connected to the headliner 28 of the vehicle ceiling 24 using a rod 30 that is horizontally located inside the visor body 26. The rod 30 has a portion 34 that extends through the visor body 26 and another portion 36 that extends upwardly outside the visor body 26 in the direction of the headliner 28. Part 34 is clamped or otherwise removably attached to the ceiling upholstery 28 by means of the mounting bracket 38, and part 36 is pivotally attached to the ceiling trim 28 by the mounting bracket 40. When part 34 is attached to the mounting bracket 38, the angular position of the visor body 26 is adjustable between the retracted and position used. In FIG. 2, the visor body 26 is approximately shown in one of the possible positions used adjacent to the windshield 42 of the vehicle 24 to obscure the eyes of the passenger or driver of the vehicle from sunlight, and / or to provide the passenger or driver of the vehicle with access to the features on the housing 26 visors. As soon as the use of the visor body 26 is no longer necessary, the visor body 26 can rotate upward, eventually coming to rest in a retracted position adjacent to the headliner 28. Alternatively, part 34 may be detached from the mounting bracket 38 to allow the visor body 26 to be rotated to the side so that the visor body 26 is in a different usable position adjacent to the side window 44 of the vehicle 24.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the cover 46 is pivotally attached to the visor body 26 and is movable between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 2, the cover 46 closes the accessory mirror 48. To access the accessory mirror 48, a passenger or a driver of the vehicle can move the cover 46 away from the closed position, thereby opening the accessory mirror 48. In this arrangement, the light source 49 can become introduced into action when the cover 46 is moved to the open position, or in other words, when the accessory mirror 48 is not closed. In action, the light emitted from the light source 49 is typically directed in the same direction and serves only to provide illumination for the area surrounding the accessory mirror 48. As a result, the sunshield 22 is at a disadvantage, having limited lighting capabilities, despite the fact that which is highly customizable in nature.

With reference to FIG. 3, a newer sun visor 50 for use in a vehicle 24 is shown according to one embodiment. The sun visor 50 can be constructed similarly to the sun visor 22 and includes a visor body 26 and a cover 46 that is pivotally attached to the visor body 26 to close the accessory mirror 48. As will be described in more detail below, the sun visor 50 advantageously utilizes the ability to adjust the visor body 26 not only to provide illumination around the accessory mirror 48, but also to provide spot lighting that can be used to illuminate the manifold I zones inside and outside the vehicle 24. Thus, the sunshield 50 described in the materials of this application provides dynamic functionality and enhanced lighting capabilities that are superior to the offer of traditional sunshields and may be preferred over the lighting provided by other indoor lamps, such like ceiling lamps and card lighting lamps.

For purposes of illustration, the visor body 26 is shown in the used position, and the cover 46 is shown in the open position. The photoluminescent structure 52 is superimposed or otherwise attached to the back side of the cover 46. The photoluminescent structure 52 can be substantially coincident with the back side and is usually hidden when the cover 46 is closed. The photoluminescent structure 52 is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from a light source approximately shown as a plurality of light emitting diodes 56 (LEDs). In the illustrated embodiment, the light emitted from the LED 56 is represented by rays of light. For clarity, light rays representing the luminescence exhibited by the photoluminescent structure have been omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, LEDs 56 are connected to the visor body 26 and are located below the accessory mirror 48. LEDs 56 are spaced horizontally from edge to edge of the visor body 26 and can be heated in the visor body 26 so as to be hidden from passengers and the driver of the vehicle. The LEDs 56 emit light in a constant non-horizontal direction so that most of the light can reach the photoluminescent structure 52. Moreover, the light emitted from the LED 56 can be scattered and have the same intensity to give uniform excitation for the photoluminescent structure 52. Depending From broadening the LED beam 56, the accessory mirror 48 can function as a reflector and reflect at least a portion of the light emitted from the LED 56 when not closed. The light reflected from the accessory mirror 48 may be directed towards the photoluminescent structure 52 to give additional excitation, thereby increasing the brightness of the light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 52, while in the luminescent state. As an optional feature, the light intensity of the LED 56 may be controlled by a control mechanism 58, which may be embodied as a rotary handwheel (as shown by way of example), buttons, slider, and the like. In one embodiment, the lower light intensity adjustment turns off the LED 56. By adjusting the light intensity of the LED 56, the user is able to dictate the degree of excitation provided for the photoluminescent structure 52 and, in turn, determine the brightness level of the photoluminescent structure 52. LED 56 may be provided energy source of vehicle power using existing connection methods for directing electric power into the sun visor having one or more its light source.

In operation, the LED 56 may be configured to emit light when the cover 46 is moved away from the closed position or, in other words, when the accessory mirror 48 is not closed. If the LED 56 is off, the user may need to choose a different light intensity adjustment using the mechanism 58 of the control before light can be emitted from the LED 56. According to one embodiment, the LED 56 is each configured to emit blue light (~ 450 - 495 nanometers in wavelength) to benefit from relatively low viscous cost associated with the blue LED. Moreover, human eyes are less sensitive to blue light and, as a result, passengers or the driver of the vehicle are unlikely to be affected if diffused blue light enters their visual perception. The photoluminescent structure 52 may be configured to luminesce in a single color or a mixture of colors (e.g., white) through a down-conversion process or up-conversion. If blue LEDs are used, the photoluminescent structure 52 must be configured to convert light at a lower frequency so that the converted light is visible to passengers and the driver of the vehicle.

While the photoluminescent structure 52 is in a luminescence state, the resulting light emission can be targeted in a variety of directions by adjusting the position of the cover 46 and / or the visor body 26. For example, two lighting scenarios are shown in FIG. 4 and 5 to illustrate the versatility of the sun visor 50. In each scenario, beams of light representing the light emitted from the LED 56 were omitted for clarity. In addition, the cover 46 is configured to remain in the selected position if a directed force is not applied to it. Thus, the cover 46 can remain in the open position without requiring the user to hold it in place. As a result, the backlight provided by the photoluminescent structure 52 is typically in the same direction until the user decides to move the lid 46 or the visor body 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, the visor body 26 and the cover 46 are adapted as an internal luminaire, whereby the light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 52 is aimed essentially in the downward direction. In dark conditions, the light from the photoluminescent structure 52 provides the user with sufficient illumination if an accessory mirror 48 is used. Additionally, the light from the photoluminescent structure 52 floods the area under the sunshade 50 to provide different functional lighting. For example, light from a photoluminescent structure 52 may function as read light or assist the user in locating an object in close proximity or within a container.

As shown in FIG. 5, the visor body 26 and the cover 46 are adapted as an external luminaire, whereby the visor body 26 has been rotated in the direction of the side window 44 of the vehicle 24. The cover 46 is shown to be moved to the open position, whereby the light emitted from the photoluminescent structure 52 may function as a backlight for the near-door space, meanwhile, also illuminating the entrance of the vehicle 24 to assist the passenger or driver when entering or leaving the vehicle 24. This feature It is especially beneficial for passengers or drivers of higher vehicles, such as trucks on a car chassis, recreational vehicles, and the like. Since higher vehicles typically have entrances that are higher from the ground, the backlight provided by the photoluminescent structure 52 may assist the passenger or driver in identifying possible dangers of stepping up during entry or exit of the vehicle.

The above examples are just a few of the lighting features that are achievable using the sun visor 50 described in the materials of this application. Although the sun visor 50 has been shown mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle 24, it should be appreciated that a similar sun visor 50 may also be provided on the driver's side.

Accordingly, an anti-sun visor for use in a vehicle has been primarily shown and described in the materials of this application. The sun visor is capable of providing a variety of lighting functions for the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

For the purpose of describing and establishing 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 (32)

1. Sun visor containing: visor housing; a cover attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure attached to the lid; and a light source remotely located from the photoluminescent structure and configured to emit light based on the position of the lid, wherein the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source. 2. The sun visor according to claim 1, wherein the lid is pivotally attached to the visor body. 3. The sun visor of claim 1, wherein the photoluminescent structure is located on the back of the lid and is hidden when the lid is in the closed position. 4. The sun visor of claim 1, wherein the light source emits light when the lid is closed. 5. The sun visor according to claim 4, wherein the lid closes the accessory mirror when closed. 6. The sun visor of claim 5, wherein the accessory mirror is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source when not closed. 7. The sun visor of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of blue light emitting diodes. 8. The sun visor according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source. 9. A sun visor comprising: visor housing; a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure attached to the lid; a light source remotely located from the photoluminescent structure and configured to emit light based on the position of the lid, wherein the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source. 10. The sun visor of claim 9, wherein the photoluminescent structure is located on the back of the lid and is hidden when the lid is closed. 11. The sun visor of claim 9, wherein the light source emits light when the lid is moved away from the closed position. 12. The sun visor of claim 11, wherein the lid closes the accessory mirror when in the closed position. 13. The anti-sun visor of claim 12, wherein the light source is located on the visor body such that the accessory mirror redirects at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source when not closed. 14. The sun visor of claim 9, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of blue light emitting diodes. 15. The sun visor according to claim 9, further comprising a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source. 16. A sun visor comprising: visor housing; a cover pivotally attached to the visor body and movable between a closed and an open position; a photoluminescent structure located on the back of the lid and hidden when the lid is closed; a light source remotely located from the photoluminescent structure and configured to emit light when the lid is moved away from the closed position, while the photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source. 17. The sunshield under item 16, in which the cover closes the accessory mirror when the position is closed. 18. The sun visor of claim 17, wherein the accessory mirror is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source when not closed. 19. The sun visor of claim 16, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of blue light emitting diodes. 20. The sun visor of claim 16, further comprising a control mechanism for controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light source.

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