RU2697338C2 - Vehicle lighting system (embodiments) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Lighting system comprises photoluminescent section, light source and controller. Photoluminescent section is located on inner surface of engine compartment cover. Light source is located near the cover and is configured to excite excitation with a first wavelength directed towards the photoluminescent portion. Photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to the second wavelength. Controller is configured to selectively illuminate a light source for emitting light at a first intensity or a second intensity. Controller is configured to supply increased voltage with reduced duty cycle to create second intensity relative to first intensity.

EFFECT: higher illumination capabilities of lighting system.

15 cl, 10 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting systems and, in particular, to vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures.

State of the art

The backlight emanating from photoluminescent materials provides a unique and attractive viewing experience. In this regard, it is required to include such photoluminescent materials in vehicle sections to provide outdoor lighting and working lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the compartment lid. The light source is located near the cover. The light source is configured to emit excitation with a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The system comprises at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the lid. At least one light source is located near the outer portion of the compartment. The light source is configured to emit light with a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate the compartment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle compartment is disclosed. The system comprises at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the lid. At least one light source is located near the outer portion of the compartment. The light source is configured to emit light with a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength and radiation of the second wavelength towards the compartment.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:

a photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the compartment lid;

a light source located near the lid and configured to emit excitation with a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion, the photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength.

Preferably, the lid is a hood configured to close the engine compartment, and / or a boot lid configured to close the luggage compartment.

Preferably, the light source is located near the front of the engine compartment.

Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light source.

Preferably, the controller is configured to illuminate a light source for emitting light with a first intensity or a second intensity.

Preferably, the controller is configured to supply an increased voltage with a reduced duty cycle to create a second intensity relative to the first intensity.

Preferably, the second intensity is adapted to emit light having an increased brightness.

Preferably, the controller is configured to receive a temperature signal.

Preferably, the controller is configured to eliminate a second intensity in response to a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system for a vehicle compartment, comprising:

at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the lid;

at least one light source located near the outer portion of the compartment and configured to emit light with a first wavelength, the photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength.

Preferably, the outer portion corresponds to the area of access to the compartment.

Preferably, the photoluminescent portion comprises a coating located in at least a portion of the hood insulator.

Preferably, the at least one photoluminescent portion comprises a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion.

Preferably, at least one light source corresponds to a first emitter configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion and a second emitter configured to excite the second photoluminescent portion.

Preferably, the first excitation radiation is configured to illuminate the first photoluminescent portion substantially independently of the second excitation radiation configured to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system for a vehicle compartment, comprising:

at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the lid;

at least one light source located near the outer portion of the compartment and configured to emit light with a first wavelength, the photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength, and radiation of the second wavelengths in the direction of the compartment.

Preferably, the lid is configured to selectively close the compartment.

Preferably, the lighting system further comprises a screen extending from the inner surface of the lid to the surface near the access area to the compartment.

Preferably, the screen corresponds to a mask configured to transmit the output radiation from the photoluminescent portion through the cut portion.

Preferably, the cut-out portion forms at least one of a letter and an image selectively illuminated by the output radiation.

These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by a person skilled in the art when studying the following description, claims and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle containing a lighting system;

FIG. 2A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure made in the form of a coating;

FIG. 2B is a side view of a photoluminescent structure made in the form of a discrete particle;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures made in the form of discrete particles and included in a separate structure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle lighting system configured to convert a first light emission into a second light emission;

FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle lighting system configured to convert a first light emission into a plurality of light emissions;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lighting system configured to illuminate an engine compartment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lighting system configured to illuminate at least one engine component in an engine compartment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lighting system located adjacent to a vehicle cover;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lighting system including a screen that can be implemented as a removable or retractable sign;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lighting system including an adjustable light transmitting assembly; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lighting system in communication with a vehicle control module and configured to selectively illuminate at least one feature located near the engine compartment in accordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As indicated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed, and some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of the functions. In this regard, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a characteristic basis for training a person skilled in the art for various applications of the present invention.

As used here, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that any of the listed elements can be applied on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only B; only with; A and B in the aggregate; A and C in the aggregate; B and C together; or A, B and C in the aggregate.

The following disclosure describes a lighting system for a vehicle configured to illuminate at least a portion of an engine compartment. In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to illuminate a first photoluminescent portion corresponding to the total light. The light source may further be configured to illuminate a second photoluminescent portion corresponding to at least one feature of the engine compartment, a component, a fluid reservoir and / or any other portion of the vehicle located close to the engine compartment. In various embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion may correspond to a functional lighting unit configured to illuminate the engine compartment. The second photoluminescent portion may correspond to an additional lighting unit configured to illuminate at least one engine compartment.

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 10 showing a lighting system 12 configured to illuminate at least a portion of an engine compartment 14. The lighting system 12 includes a light source 16 located on the inner surface 17 of the lid 18, and at least one photoluminescent portion 20. As discussed herein, the lid may correspond to a lining, lid, or door configured to close the openings of the vehicle 10. In exemplary embodiments the cover 18 may relate to at least one of the hood of the vehicle, configured to close the engine compartment, and / or the boot lid, the boot lid, made with possible awn closing the cargo compartment. In some embodiments, cover 18 may correspond to a hatch or door of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, at least one photoluminescent portion 20 may comprise a plurality of photoluminescent portions 22. The light source 16 is configured to output a first radiation 24 corresponding to a first light wavelength. In response to receiving light with a first wavelength, a plurality of photoluminescent portions 22 can be illuminated and emit at least a second radiation 26 having a second light wavelength longer than the first wavelength.

The plurality of photoluminescent portions 22 may correspond to any number of features located in the engine compartment 14 and located on the inner surface 17, including at least one photoluminescent structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting system 12 comprises a first photoluminescent portion 28 and a second photoluminescent portion 30. The first photoluminescent portion 28 may correspond to a total light 32 configured to emit high-intensity light to illuminate the engine compartment 14. The second photoluminescent portion 30 may correspond to at least one feature 34 located in the engine compartment. The second photoluminescent portion 30 may be configured to illuminate at least one feature 34 to provide an external glow emitted from at least one feature 34.

Each of the plurality of photoluminescent sections 22 may include one or more photoluminescent structures configured to emit a particular color in response to excitation generated in response to the first radiation 24. In some embodiments, a plurality of photoluminescent structures may be used in the photoluminescent sections 22 for output different wavelengths corresponding to different colors of light. For example, in some embodiments, the common light 32 may be configured to emit a combination of red light, green light, and blue light to create a light having a substantially white appearance. The lighting system 12 can provide various advantages, including an economical way to illuminate the engine compartment and including external lighting of at least one feature 34 near the engine compartment 14.

In FIG. 2A-2C generally shows a photoluminescent structure 42 made in the form of a coating (e.g., film) capable of being applied to a stationary part of a vehicle, a discrete particle capable of being embedded in a stationary part of a vehicle, and a plurality of discrete particles included in a separate structure capable of applied to the stationary part of the vehicle, respectively. The photoluminescent structure 42 may correspond to the photoluminescent regions that are discussed here, for example, the first photoluminescent region 28 and the second photoluminescent region 30. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes an energy conversion layer 44, which may be provided as a single layer or multilayer structure, which is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2A and 2B.

The energy conversion layer 44 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material. Photoluminescent materials can be designed to convert the input electromagnetic radiation to the output electromagnetic radiation, generally having a longer wavelength and representing a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is called the Stokes shift and serves as the main mechanism for driving the energy conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of light, often called down-conversion. In the various embodiments discussed herein, each of the light wavelengths (e.g., the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

Each of the photoluminescent regions may comprise at least one photoluminescent structure 42 comprising an energy conversion layer (for example, energy conversion layer 44). An energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix 50 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include the steps of preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from the composition in the carrier fluid and applying the energy conversion layer 44 to the desired flat and / or non-flat substrate of the stationary part of the vehicle. The coating of the energy conversion layer 44 may be deposited on a stationary part of the vehicle by dyeing, screen printing, spraying, crevice coating, dipping coating, rolling coating and coating using a bar. Additionally, the energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared by methods that do not use a carrier fluid.

For example, a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be included in the polymer matrix 50 to provide an energy conversion layer 44. The polymer matrix 50 can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, hot molding, etc. In examples where one or more of the energy conversion layers 44 is in the form of particles, the single or multilayer energy conversion layers 44 can be embedded in a stationary vehicle part or panel. When the energy conversion layer 44 includes a multilayer composition, each layer can be applied sequentially. Additionally, the layers can be prepared individually and then laminated or stamped together to form a single layer. The layers can also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multilayer energy conversion structure.

Returning to FIG. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 may include at least one resistance layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 from photolytic and thermal decomposition. Layer 46 stability can be made in the form of a separate layer, optically connected and glued to the layer 44 of the energy conversion. The stability layer 46 may also be combined with the energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also optionally include a protective layer 48 optically bonded and bonded to the resistance layer 46 or any layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 from physical and chemical damage caused by environmental influences.

The resistance layer 46 and / or the protective layer 48 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 44 to form a combined photoluminescent structure 42 by sequentially coating or printing each layer and / or by sequential lamination or stamping. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, laminating, or stamping to form a substructure. The substructure may further be laminated or stamped to form a combined photoluminescent structure 42. After formation, a photoluminescent structure 42 may be applied to a selected stationary part of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be included in the stationary part of the vehicle in the form of one or more discrete multilayer particles, which are shown in FIG. 2C. The photoluminescent structure 42 can also be provided in the form of one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersible in a polymer composition, which is subsequently applied to a stationary part or panel of the vehicle in the form of an adjacent structure. Additional information regarding the design of photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,232,533, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In FIG. 3, a lighting system 12 is generally shown according to a front-illuminated configuration 62 for converting a first radiation 24 from a light source 16 into a second radiation 26. The first radiation 24 contains a first wavelength λ ₁ and a second radiation 26 contains a second wavelength λ ₂ . The lighting system 12 may include a photoluminescent structure 42 made in the form of a coating and applied to the substrate 68 of the stationary part 70 of the vehicle. The photoluminescent structure 42 may include an energy conversion layer 44 and, in some embodiments, may include a resistance layer 46 and / or a protective layer 48. In response to the activation of the light source 16, the first radiation 24 is converted from the first wavelength λ ₁ into second radiation 26, having at least a second wavelength λ ₂ . The second radiation 26 may comprise a plurality of wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ configured to emit substantially white light from the stationary part 70 of the vehicle.

In various embodiments, the lighting system 12 comprises at least one energy conversion layer 44 configured to convert the first radiation 24 with a first wavelength λ ₁ into second radiation 26 having at least a second wavelength λ ₂ . In order to create multiple wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ , the energy conversion layer 44 may comprise a red light emitting photoluminescent material, a green light emitting photoluminescent material and a blue light emitting photoluminescent material dispersed in a polymer matrix 50. Emitting red, green and blue light photoluminescent materials can be combined to create essentially white light for the second radiation 26. Additionally, red, green and blue light photoluminescent materials are emitted rials can be used in a variety of proportions and populations to control the color of the second radiation 26.

Each of the photoluminescent materials may differ in output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelengths depending on the particular photosensitive structure and the sets of photosensitive structures used in the energy conversion layer 44. For example, the second radiation 26 can be changed by adjusting the wavelength of the first radiation λ ₁ to activate photoluminescent materials with different intensities to change the color of the second radiation 26. In addition to or alternatively emitting red, green and blue light to the photoluminescent materials, other photoluminescent materials can be used with individually and in various combinations to create a second radiation 26 a wide variety of colors. Thus, the lighting system 12 can be configured for multiple applications to provide the desired color and lighting effect for the vehicle 10.

The light source 16 may also be called an excitation source and may be configured to emit at least a first radiation 24. The light source 16 may comprise any form of light source, for example, halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs ), polymer LEDs (PSIDs), solid-state lighting or any other form of lighting, configured to output the first radiation 24. The first radiation 24 from the light source 16 can be made so that the first length The λ ₁ wave corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 44. In response to receiving light with a first wavelength λ _{1, the} energy conversion layer 44 may be excited and output one or more output wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ . The first radiation 24 provides an excitation source for the energy conversion layer 44 by targeting the absorption wavelengths of various photoluminescent materials used therein. In this regard, the lighting system 12 is configured to output the second radiation 26 to create the desired intensity and color of light.

Although many wavelengths are called wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ , photoluminescent materials can be combined in various proportions, types, layers, etc. to create many colors for the second radiation 26. Photoluminescent materials can also be used in many photoluminescent areas distributed along the path of the first radiation 24, to create any number of emissions, for example, third radiation, fourth radiation, etc. The third radiation may be emitted from the second photoluminescent portion 30, and the fourth radiation may be emitted from the third photoluminescent portion located on the vehicle 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 16 comprises an LED configured to emit a first wavelength λ ₁ that corresponds to a blue spectral range. The blue spectral range contains a wavelength range generally represented as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some embodiments, the first wavelength λ ₁ may also comprise wavelengths near the ultraviolet color range (~ 390-450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment, λ ₁ may be approximately equal to 470 nm. In some embodiments, the first wavelength λ ₁ may be less than about 500 nm, such that the first wavelength of light is substantially invisible.

The blue spectral range and shorter wavelengths can be used as an excitation source for the lighting system 12 due to these wavelengths having a limited perception sharpness in the visible spectrum of the human eye. Using shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength λ ₁ and converting the first wavelength using the conversion layer 44 to at least one longer wavelength, the lighting system 12 creates a visual effect of light emanating from the photoluminescent structure 42. In this configuration, the light is emitted from a photoluminescent structure 42 (for example, a first photoluminescent portion 28, a second photoluminescent portion 30) from locations of the vehicle 10, which may be unavailable or expensive to add Nia traditional light sources that require electrical connections.

As discussed herein, each of a plurality of wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ may correspond to a substantially different spectral color range. The second wavelength λ ₂ may correspond to the excitation of a red light emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm. The third wavelength λ ₃ may correspond to the excitation of a green light emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm. The fourth wavelength λ ₄ may correspond to a radiating blue or blue-green photoluminescent material having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength λ ₁ and approximately 430-525 nm. Although wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ are considered herein to be used to create substantially white light, various sets of photoluminescent materials can be used in the transform layer 44 to convert the first wavelength λ ₁ into one or more wavelengths corresponding to a plurality of colors.

In FIG. 4, a lighting system 12 is shown in a front illuminated configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 16 may be configured to emit the first radiation 24 toward the plurality of photoluminescent portions 82. In this example, the plurality of photoluminescent portions 22 includes a first photoluminescent portion 28, a second photoluminescent portion 30, and a third photoluminescent portion 84. Each of the photoluminescent sections 28, 30, 84 may be configured to convert the first wavelength λ _{1 of the} first radiation 24 into one or more of the many wavelengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ waves. Thus, the first radiation 24 can be converted into a plurality of emissions emanating from each of the photoluminescent portions 82 to create a multicolor lighting effect.

For example, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may comprise photoluminescent materials in the conversion layer capable of generating a second radiation 26. The second photoluminescent portion 30 may comprise photoluminescent materials in the conversion layer configured to generate third radiation 86. The third photoluminescent portion 84 may comprise photoluminescent materials in the conversion layer, configured to generate a fourth radiation 88. Like the conversion layer 44, the energy and, discussed with reference to FIG. 3, photoluminescent materials configured to emit light of different colors can be used in a variety of proportions and combinations to control the output color of each of the second radiation 66, third radiation 86 and fourth radiation 88. Depending on the desired lighting effect, each of radiation 26, 86 88 may comprise a photoluminescent material configured to emit light having substantially similar colors or a wide variety of color combinations.

To achieve the various colors and assemblies of the photoluminescent materials described herein, the lighting system 12 may use any form of photoluminescent materials, for example, phospholuminescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various emissions, refer to US patent No. 8207511; US patent No. 8247761; US patent No. 8519359 B2; U.S. Patent No. 8664624 B2; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0183677; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1; and US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In FIG. 5 and 6 show a compartment 14 of an engine of a vehicle 10 showing a plurality of photoluminescent portions 22. For clarity, a first photoluminescent portion 28 located on an inner surface 17 is shown in FIG. 5, and a plurality of photoluminescent portions 82 located in the engine compartment 14 are shown in FIG. 6. It should be understood that the photoluminescent sections 82, which are discussed here, can be distributed in any configuration over the entire inner surface 17 of the cover 18 and the engine compartment 14. As discussed herein, the first photoluminescent portion 28 may be in the form of a common light 32 for illuminating the engine compartment 14 for servicing and inspection. In response to the orientation of the cover 18 in the open position, the lighting control module of the vehicle 10 may be configured to activate the light source 16. Additionally, in response to the activation of the light source 16, the first radiation 24 can be activated to emit light having a first wavelength λ ₁ .

The light source 16 may comprise a plurality of LEDs configured to emit a first radiation with a first wavelength λ ₁ . In some embodiments, the light source 16 may comprise an LED array located near the front portion 92 of the cover 18. By positioning the light source 16 near the front portion 92, the light source 16 may be exposed to lower heat intensity during operation of the vehicle 10. For example, when the cover 18 is oriented in the closed position, the light source 16 can be located near the radiator or the engine cooling source so that the light source 16 is not damaged by the heat emanating from t compartment 14 of the engine of the vehicle 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the light source 16 is configured to direct the first radiation 24 substantially toward the first photoluminescent portion 28. Additionally, the first radiation 24 may be directed downward to the engine compartment 14 when the cover 18 is oriented in the open position. For example, the light source 16 may be connected to the inner surface 17 so that the first radiation is directed substantially downward, focusing centrally in the engine compartment 14. The light source 16 may further be configured to project the first radiation 24 toward the first photoluminescent portion 28 and the engine compartment 14 using one or more optical lenses or devices. In this configuration, the first radiation 24 with a first wavelength λ _{1 is} emitted from the light source 16 to substantially illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 28 located on the cover 18 to illuminate the engine compartment 14.

Although the first radiation can be directed through a substantially open volumetric space between the cover 18 and the engine compartment 14, the perception of light illumination with a first wavelength λ ₁ can be limited. Limited visible or perceived illumination of the first wavelength λ ₁ may occur due to the first wavelength λ ₁ located in blue or near ultraviolet spectral ranges of color. Due to the limited sensitivity of the human eye to light with such short wavelengths (for example, blue light), the first radiation may go unnoticed by the observer of the lighting system 12. Thus, each of the plurality of photoluminescent portions 22 can be highlighted so that the activation source of the photoluminescent portions 22 is indistinguishable to provide perception of complex outdoor lighting.

In response to the first wavelength λ _{1 of the} first radiation 24 received by the first photoluminescent portion 28, the energy conversion layer 44 may be excited and emit a second radiation 26. As previously discussed, the second radiation 26 may comprise a plurality of lengths λ ₂ , λ ₃ , λ ₄ waves to create essentially white light. The second radiation 26 is generally directed towards the engine compartment 14 so that a plurality of features 96 are highlighted. The configuration of the total light 32 of the first photoluminescent portion 28 can provide uniform illumination throughout the engine compartment 14.

Further in FIG. 6, the first radiation 24 is additionally directed downward from the light source 16 to the engine compartment 14 to excite the conversion layer 44 in one or more photoluminescent sections 82 deposited in the form of a coating and / or located in a matrix (for example, a polymer matrix 50), any number of a variety features 96. For example, a second photoluminescent portion 30 may be included in the engine cover plate 98; the third photoluminescent portion 84 may be included in the air intake 100 and the strut 102 of the front struts. In response to receiving a first radiation 24 containing a first wavelength λ ₁ , each of the plurality of photoluminescent portions 82 can be excited. Excitation may cause the second photoluminescent portion 30 to emit a third radiation 86, and the third photoluminescent portion 84 to emit a fourth radiation 88. For clarity, various details corresponding to the first photoluminescent portion 28 are omitted in FIG. 6.

Although the plurality of photoluminescent plots 82 are particularly discussed with reference to three exemplary plots, the plurality of photoluminescent plots 82 may correspond to any number of plots close to the engine compartment according to other embodiments. Each of the plurality of photoluminescent sections 82 may further include various energy conversion layers including various photoluminescent materials configured to emit a wide variety of colors in response to the first radiation 24. In this regard, the lighting system 12 can be used with many settings for providing total light 32 and / or backlighting and highlighting any number of signs 96.

The plurality of features 96 may include any feature related to the vehicle 10, which may be located generally close to the engine compartment 14 and the cover 18. Any of the multiple features 96 may include a photoluminescent structure coated and / or dispersed in the structure material that can illuminate and emit light in response to receiving the first wavelength λ _{1 of the} first radiation 24. Each of the photoluminescent portions 82 can be highlighted in one color or multiple colors to provide the desired color palette and appearance to highlight multiple features 94. Photoluminescent portions 82 may further be used to identify one or more of the multiple features 94 for easy identification during maintenance.

In some embodiments, the at least one fluid fill cap 104, the stylus, or any other feature 94 may include at least one photoluminescent structure 42 capable of emitting radiation (e.g., third radiation 86, fourth radiation 88, etc. .) containing the identifying color. An identifying color may be emitted in response to the reception by the sign 94 of the first radiation 24. The identifying color may be adapted to match the color described in the vehicle user's manual or maintenance instructions. In some embodiments, the plurality of photoluminescent portions 82 may correspond to a plurality of identifying colors configured to identify, classify, and / or provide a visual difference between a first feature 106 having a first color and a second feature 108 having a second color. Thus, the lighting system can provide additional functionality by providing decorative lighting, which can serve to facilitate the identification of various features 94 located near the engine compartment 14.

Further in FIG. 7, a lighting system 120 is shown adjacent to a cover 122 of a vehicle 124. In some embodiments, cover 122 may correspond to a vehicle hood or trunk lid. Lighting system 120 may include elements and features similar to lighting system 12. The lighting system 120 may comprise a controller in communication with a vehicle control module and / or a user interface, such as a human machine interface (HMI). In response to input from a vehicle control module or user interface, the controller is configured to selectively illuminate at least one photoluminescent portion 126 located on the inner surface 127 of cover 122. As shown in FIG. 7, the photoluminescent portion may be located on the hood insulator connected to the inner surface 127. Like the lighting system 12, the lighting system 120 may illuminate by excitation radiation 128 from at least one light source 130 located near the outer portion 131 or the access area to a vehicle compartment, for example, an engine compartment 132.

In some embodiments, at least one photoluminescent portion 126 may comprise a first photoluminescent portion 126a and a second photoluminescent portion 126b. As shown in FIG. 7, the first photoluminescent portion 126a may correspond to the total light 134, and the second photoluminescent portion 126b may correspond to the image 135. Image 135 may correspond to labels, symbols, shapes, patterns, outlines, or any other form of image. In an exemplary embodiment, image 135 may correspond to an emergency message that may selectively be activated by the controller in the event of an accident.

At least one light source 130 may correspond to a first light source 130a and a second light source 130b. Light sources 130a, 130b may be selectively activated to output at least one output radiation from one of the first photoluminescent portion 126a and the second photoluminescent portion 126b. Each of the light sources 130a and 130b may comprise a first emitter and a second emitter. The first emitter may be configured to output the first excitation radiation 128a, and the second emitter may be configured to output the second excitation radiation 128b. Each of the excitation radiation 128a, 128b may correspond to an absorption range of one or more photoluminescent materials located in the first photoluminescent portion 126a and the second photoluminescent portion 126b, respectively. In this configuration, the lighting system 120 may be configured to illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 126a and the second photoluminescent portion 126b substantially independently.

In order to provide substantially independent illumination of the photoluminescent portions 126a, 126b, the respective energy conversion layers may be configured to have excitation absorption ranges corresponding to the wavelength of the first excitation radiation 128a and the second excitation radiation 128b, respectively. For example, specific photoluminescent materials can be selected so that the first photoluminescent portion 126a contains a first peak absorption at a wavelength of approximately 480 nm. Photoluminescent materials can also be selected so that the second photoluminescent portion 126b contains a second peak absorption at a wavelength of approximately 440 nm. In this configuration, system 132 may be configured to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 126a and the second photoluminescent portion 126b substantially independently. Although specific wavelengths of 440 nm and 480 nm are discussed with reference to the present embodiment, it should be understood that photoluminescent materials having different absorption ranges can be used to adjust the absorption ranges of the photoluminescent portions 126.

Each of the emitters may correspond to one or more LED emitters configured to selectively emit the first excitation radiation 128a or the second excitation radiation 128b. The first excitation radiation 128a may be configured to emit a wavelength of light substantially corresponding to the first peak absorption at a wavelength of approximately 480 nm. The second excitation radiation 128b may be configured to emit a wavelength substantially corresponding to the second peak absorption at a wavelength of approximately 440 nm. In this configuration, the controller may be configured to selectively activate a first emitter and / or a second emitter of at least one light source 130 for selectively emitting a first excitation radiation 128a and / or a second excitation radiation 128b. Thus, the system 120 can provide a controller with the ability to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 126a and / or the second photoluminescent portion 126b.

Although the excitation radiation 128 is called specific energy wavelengths, each of the excitation radiation can be configured to selectively activate one or more photoluminescent materials located in the first photoluminescent section 126a or the second photoluminescent section 126b. Excitation radiation 128 may be in a blue spectral range containing a wavelength range generally represented as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some embodiments, the execution of the wavelength corresponding to one or more radiation 128 of the excitation may contain wavelengths near the ultraviolet color range (~ 390-450 nm). In some embodiments, each of the excitation radiation 128 may be less than about 500 nm, such that the excitation radiation 128 is substantially invisible. Although light source emitters are called LED emitters, each of the emitters can correspond to any form of light source, for example, halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PSIDs), solid state lighting, or any other form lighting configured to output excitation radiation 128.

In some embodiments, the lighting system 120 may further be configured to activate each of the photoluminescent portions 126 to emit light of a plurality of intensities. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust the intensity of the output of the excitation radiation 128 from at least one light source 130. The intensity of the excitation radiation 128 can be controlled by changing the magnitude and / or duty cycle of the voltage / current supplied to one or more respective emitters. In some embodiments, at least one 130 light source may include at least one LED emitter.

The LED emitter may be configured to vary in intensity. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to drive an LED light source with a first intensity within the normal operating range for the LED emitter. Additionally, the controller may be configured to drive a light source with a second intensity, which may exceed the normal operating range and have a higher intensity than the first intensity. As described here, the normal operating range for an LED emitter may correspond to a full duty cycle and operating temperatures below a threshold temperature (e.g., approximately 45 ° C). At temperatures lower than the threshold temperature, the controller can drive a light source with a first intensity or a second intensity.

The operating temperature of the at least one light source 130 can be identified as the ambient temperature near the light source 130 using a thermometer or any temperature measuring device that may be in communication with the controller. If the controller identifies that the operating temperature is above the threshold temperature, the controller can only activate the light source with the first intensity and exclude operation with the second intensity. The second intensity of the excitation radiation can be used to excite the photoluminescent portion 126 so that the output radiation 136 emitted from the photoluminescent portion 126 can illuminate at least a portion of the surface located in front of the vehicle 124 in a general configuration. Although the lighting system 120 is illustrated in the form of a hood of a vehicle 124, the lighting system may be implemented in a cover, for example, a boot lid for a trunk or a luggage compartment.

In some embodiments, each of the photoluminescent sites discussed herein (e.g., 126) may comprise an organic or inorganic fluorescent dye configured to convert the excitation radiation 128 to output radiation 136. For example, the photoluminescent sections 126 may contain a photoluminescent structure of rylene, xanthenes porphyrins, phthalocyanines or other materials suitable for a particular Stokes shift, limited by the first absorption range and fluorescence emitted and I. In some embodiments, the execution of the photoluminescent sections 126 may be made of at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. The inorganic luminescent material may more specifically be from the group of cerium-doped garnets, such as yttrium-aluminum garnet-cerium. In this regard, each of the photoluminescent sections 126 can be selectively activated using a wide range of wavelengths received from the excitation radiation 128, configured to excite a particular photoluminescent material and output radiation having the desired color.

Further in FIG. 8 shows a lighting system 120 including a screen 142, which may be implemented as a removable or retractable sign. The shield may be removably coupled to the inner surface 127 of the lid 122, or in some embodiments may be folded into the case 143. The housing may be connected to the inner surface 127 and / or integrated as a portion of the lid 122. The shield 142 may be made of many materials, for example, polymer, metal, etc. In some embodiments, the shield 142 can be flexible and can be held in the extended position (shown) by the retractable spring assembly 144 and one or more connecting members 146. In some embodiments, the shield 142 can be made of essentially rigid material or essentially flexible material that can be attached to the vehicle 124 by means of connecting elements and placed near the compartment 132 of the engine. In any of the arrangements for positioning the screen near the engine compartment, the screen 142 can be arranged so that the output radiation 136 from at least one of the photoluminescent portions 126 is incident on the masking surface 148 of the screen 142.

The screen 142 may comprise one or more images 150 and / or letters disguised, cut out or removed from the masking surface 148 to form a cutout portion 152. Although referred to as a cutout portion, images 150 or letters may correspond to a portion having increased or decreased transmittance of the relative masking surface 148. In each of the illustrative embodiments of the screen 142 discussed herein, one or more images 150 may be configured to have a different level of the lowering of the light of the masking surface 148 relative to the images. Thus, the output radiation 136 emitted from at least one of the photoluminescent portions 126 can highlight images 150 or the outline of images 150 so that images 150 are visible and highlighted.

One or more images 150 and / or letters may correspond to message 154, which may be illuminated in a backlit configuration. The message may take the form of a symbol, for example, a danger symbol, a word and / or various symbols. As shown in FIG. 8, the message forms the word “help”, displayed as an emergency message, which can be displayed to alert others about the accident. In some embodiments, the screen may be interchangeable so that one of the plurality of characters or messages can be highlighted on the screen 142. Thus, the lighting system 120 provides a message display when the hood or any cover 122 of the vehicle 124 is oriented in the open position.

Further in FIG. 9, a lighting system 120 is shown including an adjustable light transmitting assembly 160. The assembly 160 may include a reflector 162 or an adjustable photoluminescent portion 164 located on the adjustable bracket 166. In the various embodiments discussed herein, the adjustable bracket 166 may be configured in a quick coupler configuration with one or more brackets located close to engine compartment 132. In this configuration, the light transmitting assembly 160 may be adjustable to provide illumination of a plurality of places near the vehicle 124. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the assembly 160 is positioned such that an adjustable output light emission 168 is directed to a niche 170 of the wheel of the vehicle 124.

In some embodiments, a reflector 162 can be used to reflect a portion of the output radiation 136 emitted from at least one of the photoluminescent portions 126. In such embodiments, the output radiation 136 is received after being converted from the excitation radiation 128. In some embodiments, an adjustable photoluminescent portion 164 may be used to receive excitation radiation 128 from at least one of the light sources 130. In response to receiving the excitation radiation 128, the adjustable photoluminescent portion 164 can convert the excitation radiation 128 to an adjustable output radiation 168 that can be projected to illuminate a plurality of features located close to the vehicle 124. Various embodiments of the adjustable light transmitting assembly 160 may provide light sources 130 for highlighting numerous areas near vehicle 124. Such areas may be near the hood and / or the trunk of the vehicle 124 and provide task lighting for ease of maintenance of the vehicle 124, and improve security.

Further in FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lighting system 120 showing a controller 172 configured to control the backlight of at least one light source 130 to illuminate photoluminescent portions 126. The controller 172 may be in communication with a vehicle communication bus 174. Communication bus 174 may be configured to transmit signals to a controller 172 identifying various vehicle conditions. For example, the communication bus 174 may be configured to inform the controller 172 of the choice of vehicle transmission, ignition status, hazard signal or indicator, remote activation of the light source 16 or any other information or control signals that can be used to control or adjust the backlight of the lighting system 120 .

The controller 172 may be configured to receive at least one signal identifying the speed, intensity and / or amplitude of each of the operating conditions. Such signals can be communicated to the controller 172 using various vehicle systems, for example, a tachometer, temperature gauge, speedometer, etc. In this configuration, the controller 172 of the lighting system 120 may be configured to provide information to the operator of the vehicle 124 corresponding to the operating state (e.g., engine speed, engine temperature, vehicle speed, direction indicator status, etc.) by selective illumination a first emitter 176a or a second emitter 176b of the light source 130. In this configuration, the controller 172 is configured to selectively activate the first emitter 176a and the second emitter 176b to illuminate the first photoluminescent element 126a and the second photoluminescent element 126b essentially independently.

The controller 172 may include a processor 178 containing one or more circuits configured to receive signals from a communication bus 174 and output signals to control a light source 130 for emitting a first excitation radiation 138a, a second radiation 138b, and various combinations thereof. The processor 178 may be in communication with a memory 180 configured to store instructions for controlling the activation of the light source 130. The controller 172 may further be in communication with the ambient light sensor 182. The external light sensor 182 may be configured to report a light state, for example, a brightness level or an intensity of external light near the vehicle 124. In response to the external light level, the controller 172 may be configured to adjust the light output intensity from one or more emitters 176a 176b of each of the light sources 130. The intensity of the light output from the light source 130 can be controlled by controlling the duty cycle, current, or voltage supplied to the light source 130.

In some embodiments, the controller 172 may be in communication with the vehicle control module and / or the user interface via a communication bus 174. The user interface may correspond to a human machine interface (HMI) 184. In response to input from the vehicle control module or user of the interface controller 172 is configured to selectively illuminate at least one photoluminescent portion 126 located on the inner surface 127 of the lids and 122. Although the controller 172 is discussed with reference to the lighting system 120, the controller 172 can be used in a similar manner with the lighting system 12.

For the purpose of describing and defining these intentions, we note that the expressions “essentially” and “approximately” are used here to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The expressions "essentially" and "approximately" are also used here to represent the extent to which the quantitative presentation may differ from the above links without changing the main function of the subject matter of the invention.

It should be understood that changes and transformations of the above structure can be made without deviating from the ideas of the present invention, and it should further be understood that such ideas are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, unless otherwise indicated in this claims.

Claims (23)

1. A lighting system for a vehicle compartment, comprising: a photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the engine compartment cover; a light source located near the lid and configured to emit excitation with a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion, the photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength; and a controller configured to selectively illuminate a light source, wherein the controller is configured to illuminate a light source for emitting light with a first intensity or a second intensity, the controller configured to supply an increased voltage with a reduced duty cycle to create a second intensity relative to the first intensity 2. The lighting system according to claim 1, in which the lid is a hood made with the possibility of closing the engine compartment. 3. The lighting system according to claim 1, in which the light source is located near the front of the engine compartment. 4. The lighting system according to claim 1, in which the second intensity is configured to emit light having an increased brightness. 5. The lighting system according to claim 1, in which the controller is configured to receive a temperature signal. 6. The lighting system according to claim 5, in which the controller is configured to exclude a second intensity in response to a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature exceeding a threshold temperature value. 7. A lighting system for a vehicle compartment, comprising: at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the engine cover; and at least one light source located near the outer portion of the compartment and configured to emit light with a first wavelength, wherein the photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength, while the site corresponds to the access area to the compartment. 8. The lighting system according to claim 7, in which the photoluminescent portion contains a coating located on at least a portion of the hood insulator. 9. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the at least one photoluminescent portion comprises a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. 10. The lighting system according to claim 9, in which at least one light source corresponds to a first emitter configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion, and a second emitter configured to excite the second photoluminescent portion. 11. The lighting system of claim 10, wherein the first excitation radiation is configured to illuminate the first photoluminescent portion substantially independently of the second excitation radiation configured to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion. 12. A lighting system for a vehicle compartment, comprising: at least one photoluminescent portion located on the inner surface of the engine cover; at least one light source located near the outer portion of the compartment and configured to emit light with a first wavelength, the photoluminescent portion configured to convert the first wavelength into at least a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength, and radiation of the second wavelengths in the direction of the compartment, and a screen extending from the inner surface of the lid to the surface near the access area to the compartment. 13. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein the lid is configured to selectively close the compartment. 14. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein the screen corresponds to a mask configured to transmit output radiation from the photoluminescent portion through the cut-out portion. 15. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein the cut-out portion forms at least one of a letter and an image selectively illuminated by the output radiation.

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