RU2716730C2 - Engine compartment with illumination (embodiments) and lighting system of engine compartment with illumination for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation; lighting.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Motor compartment with illumination for a vehicle comprises a light generating unit, first and second luminescent parts and a controller for controlling the state of actuation of the light-generating assembly in response to the state associated with the vehicle. First luminescent part is located on the light-generating assembly and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light-generating unit. Second luminescent part is located on the element in the engine compartment of the vehicle and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light-generating unit.EFFECT: higher quality of lighting.16 cl, 6 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of a US patent No. 14 / 603,636, filed January 23, 2015, entitled "DOOR ILLUMINATION AND WARNING SYSTEM", which is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of a US patent under No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE” FOR VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM. The above related applications are hereby incorporated by reference, as fully set forth in the materials of the present description.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and in particular to vehicle lighting systems using one or more photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND

Lighting created using 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

In one aspect, an illuminated engine compartment for a vehicle is provided, comprising:

light generating unit;

a first luminescent portion located on the light generating unit and configured to luminesce in response to the excitation of the light generating unit;

a second luminescent part located on the element in the engine compartment of the vehicle and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light-generating unit, and

a controller for controlling the state of commissioning of the light generating unit in response to at least one state associated with the vehicle.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the light generating unit comprises a printed LED.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the light generating unit comprises a plurality of LED sources, and the first and second luminescent parts comprise at least one photoluminescent material, wherein each photoluminescent material is adapted to down-convert the input light received from at least least parts of a variety of LED sources in visible light.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the input light comprises one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the first luminescent portion partially covers the upper surface of the light generating unit.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the controller determines at least one of an intensity of light emission and a length of time of light emission of the light generating unit.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the light emitted from the light generating unit comprises one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light.

In one of the additional aspects of the proposed lighting system of the engine compartment with backlight for a vehicle, comprising:

a printed LED configured to attach to a vehicle surface;

a first photoluminescent structure partially covering the printed LED and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the printed LED;

a translucent portion adjacent to the first photoluminescent structure; and

a second photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to the light emitted from the printed LED, the second photoluminescent structure located on the element in the engine compartment for receiving light from the printed LED through the translucent part.

In one embodiment, a system is proposed in which the first photoluminescent structure glows in the first color, and the second photoluminescent structure glows in the second color.

In a still further aspect, an illuminated engine compartment for a vehicle is provided, comprising:

a light generating unit emitting light of a first wavelength;

a first photoluminescent part located above the light-generating unit, configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light-generating unit, wherein part of the light passes through the photoluminescent part at the first wavelength for use as an auxiliary lamp; and

a second photoluminescent portion located in the compartment that luminesces in response to light of the first wavelength to illuminate at least one element of the engine compartment.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the light generating unit comprises a printed LED.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which a light generating unit is attached to the hood.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which a light generating unit is attached to an internal vertical wall surrounding the engine compartment.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which a light generating unit is located near the front of the engine compartment.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided that further comprises a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light generating unit.

In one embodiment, a compartment is provided in which the light generating unit comprises a plurality of LED sources, and the first photoluminescent part contains at least one photoluminescent material, wherein at least one photoluminescent material is configured to down-convert the input light received from at least parts from a plurality of LED sources into visible light.

These and other aspects, objectives, and elements of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by those skilled in the art to study the following description of the invention, claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure, presented in the form of a coating, for use in a luminescent finisher assembly according to one embodiment;

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

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

FIG. 2 illustrates a general view of a vehicle engine compartment using a backlight system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 illustrating a light source according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 further illustrating a light source according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 illustrating an alternative light source according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a light generating unit according to one embodiment having varying types and concentrations of LED sources transversely across the light generating unit;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a vehicle engine compartment using a backlight system, further including luminescent engine elements;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 5A illustrating a motor compartment of a vehicle using a backlight system according to an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a vehicle and a backlight lighting system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein. However, it should be understood that the described 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 representation of the function. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of the present description should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for training a person skilled in the art to make different use of the present invention.

As used in the materials of the present description, 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 elements 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 invention describes an illuminated engine compartment for a vehicle. The compartment may advantageously employ one or more photoluminescent structures to glow in response to predetermined events. One or more photoluminescent structures may be configured to convert light received from a coupled light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength typically found in the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the light source can realize a thin structure, thereby helping to fit the light source into a small vehicle layout space in cases where traditional light sources may not be practicable.

With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures 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 in the form of 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 a very basic level, this photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers, which are illustratively 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 ensuring that the light undergoes a conversion process. According to the principle of conversion with decreasing frequency, the input 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 input 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 multi-color light.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the light, which was converted with decreasing frequency or converted with increasing frequency, can be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) located in the layer 16 of the energy conversion. 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 regards one or another conversion principle, the wavelength difference between the excitation light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principal driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the wavelength of light. In the various embodiments discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures 10 may act on one or another of the conversion principles.

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 liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 16 on a desired basis. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the substrate 12 by dyeing, screen printing, sputtering, crevice coating, dipping coating, rolling and plating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be reproduced by 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 may 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, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilizing layer 18 can be made in the form of a layer optically connected and glued to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stabilizing layer 18 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 can also optionally include a protective layer 20 optically bonded and spliced with a stabilizing layer 18 or another layer (for example, a conversion layer 16 in the absence of a stabilizing layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage that occurs from exposure to environmental factors. The stabilizing layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by successively coating or printing each layer, successively layering or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the structure of photoluminescent structures 10 is described in US 8,232,533 (IPC G01N21 / 64, H01L31 / 0232, published July 31, 2012) by Kingsley and others, entitled SUSTAINABLE PHOTOLYTICALLY AND RELATED TO SINGLE-QUALIFEROUSLY AND LONG-TERM RESEARCH OF SECONDARY RADIATION ”(“ PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”), the present description of which is included in the materials. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions, you can refer to document US 8,207,511 (IPC B32B1 / 00, C09K11 / 06, published 26.06.2012) on Bortts and others, entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITES AND FABRIC MADE FROM THEM "(" PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM "); to the document US 8,247,761 (IPC B05D5 / 06, G01N21 / 64, published August 21, 2012) on Agrawal and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYS" ("PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAY"; to US Pat. HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION "); to the document US 8,664,624 B2 (IPC F21V9 / 16, published 04.03.2014) on Kingsley and others, entitled "SYSTEM OF SUPPLY OF ILLUMINATION FOR THE FORMATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE SECONDARY EMISSION" ("ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SECIAL TEMPORARY; to the document US 2012/0183677 (IPC B05D5 / 06, C09K11 / 06, published July 19, 2012) on Agrawal and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, PRODUCTION METHODS AND NEWEST APPLICATIONS" ("PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS NOVELTIES AND METHODS ); to the document US 2014/0065442 A1 (IPC B32B19 / 00, C09K11 / 77, published 06.03.2014) on Kingsley and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS" ("PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS"); and to document US 2014/0103258 A1 (IPC C09K11 / 06, published April 17, 2014) on Agrawal and others entitled “COLORED LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS” (“CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”), all of which are included in the present description by reference in its entirety.

With reference to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a vehicle 22 is shown, showing a lighting system 24 configured to illuminate a portion of a vehicle engine compartment 26. The lighting system 24 may include a light source 28 located on the inner surface 30 of the periphery 32 of the engine compartment 26, and a photoluminescent part 42. The photoluminescent part 42 includes at least one photoluminescent material. As discussed herein, compartment 26 may include a guard that corresponds to a hood 34, a cover, a lid, or a door configured to enclose an opening, such as a compartment of a vehicle 22. In exemplary embodiments, the guard may refer to at least one of the hood 34 of the vehicle, configured to enclose the engine compartment 26, and / or the convertible top lid, the boot lid, configured to enclose the cargo compartment. In alternative embodiments, the guard may correspond to a hatch or door of a vehicle 22.

The light source 28 may be located under a portion of the periphery 32 of the engine compartment 26 and is configured to illuminate the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle when the vehicle hood 34 is in the open position. The light source 28 can be located in the form of a strip and can be powered using the vehicle power source 36 (Fig. 3A). Additionally, the light source 28 may include one or more light emitting diodes 40 (light emitting diodes, LEDs, LEDs) and may also include optics 38 configured to diffuse or focus the light emitted from it. For example, optics 38 can be used to direct the first part of the light emitted from the light source 28 along a portion of the periphery 32 to illuminate the compartment 26. The second part of the light emitted from the light source 28 can be directed to the engine compartment 26 and / or any components located in him. The light source 28 can be located on any surface in the compartment 26. According to one embodiment, the light source 28 is located on the periphery 32 of the compartment to reduce exposure to heat during operation of the vehicle 22. Additionally, when the hood 34 is closed, the light source 28 may be located near the radiator or other cooling surface, so that the light source 28 is not damaged by thermal radiation from the engine.

In some embodiments, implementation, many photoluminescent parts 42, 44 may be located within the lighting system 24. The light source 28 is configured to produce a first wavelength of light 76 (FIG. 3A). In response to receiving light 76 at a first wavelength, any of the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44 may become luminous and emit light at at least a second wavelength, as described above. Additionally, each photoluminescent portion 42, 44 can be illuminated with light in response to a different wavelength of light, so that certain elements 46 can be selectively highlighted.

The plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44 may correspond to any number of elements 46 located in the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle. Additionally, any number of photoluminescent parts 42, 44 may be located on and / or in surfaces closest to the light source 28, such as on the inner surface 30 of the hood 34 of the vehicle 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 24 comprises a first photoluminescent part 42 located on the part of the light source 28 and the second photoluminescent part 44 located on the element 46 in the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle. The first photoluminescent part 42 may correspond to an auxiliary lamp configured to emit high intensity light to illuminate the engine compartment 26. The second photoluminescent part 44 may be configured to illuminate at least one element 46 to facilitate identification and / or illumination of the element 46 in the engine compartment 26.

Each of the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44 may comprise one or more of the photoluminescent structures 10 configured to emit light of a particular color in response to excitation generated in response to light 76 emitted from the light source 28. In some embodiments, a combination of photoluminescent structures 10 may be used in the photoluminescent portions 42, 44 to output different wavelengths corresponding to different colors of light. For example, the auxiliary light may be configured to emit a combination of red light, green light, and blue light to form a light having a substantially white appearance. The lighting system 24 can provide various benefits, including a cost-effective way of lighting the engine compartment 26 and incorporating ambient light into at least one element 46 closest to the engine compartment 26.

With reference to FIG. 3A-3C, a cross-sectional view of a light source 28 capable of being used on a vehicle 22 is shown with an external photoluminescent portion 42 according to one embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the light source 28 may have a stacked arrangement that includes a light generating unit 48, a photoluminescent part 42 having a photoluminescent structure 10 therein, a visible part 50 and molded material 94 surrounding the light generating unit 48 and a portion of the photoluminescent part 42. It should be understood that the visible part 50 and the molded material 94 may be two separate components or may be formed as a whole part as a single component.

The light generating unit 48 may correspond to a unit of thin film or printed light emitting diodes (printed light emitting diodes) and include a base 52 as the lowermost layer. Base 52 may include polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material of a thickness of the order of 0.005 to 0.060 inches and is located on top of the intended vehicle surface on which the light source 28 must be received (for example, the inner surface 30 of the hood 34 vehicle). Alternatively, as a cost-saving measure, the base 52 may directly correspond to a previously existing vehicle structure (for example, the periphery 32 of the engine compartment 26, the inner surface of the hood 34, the outer panels and / or the inner panels).

The light generating unit 48 includes a positive electrode 54 located on top of the substrate 52. The positive electrode 54 includes a conductive epoxy resin, such as, but not limited to, containing silver or copper-containing epoxy. The positive electrode 54 is electrically connected to at least a portion of the LED sources 40 located in the semiconductor paste 58 and deposited on top of the positive electrode 54. Similarly, the negative electrode 60 is also electrically connected to at least a portion of the LED sources 40. The negative electrode 60 is located on top of semiconductor paste 58 and includes a transparent or translucent conductive material, such as, but not limited to, indium and tin oxide. Additionally, each of the positive and negative electrodes 54, 60 is electrically connected to the controller 62 and the power supply 36 through a corresponding conductive bus 64, 66 and conductive hoses 68, 70. The conductive busbars 64, 66 can be printed along opposite edges of the positive and negative electrodes 54 , 60, and the connection points between the conductive busbars 64, 66 and the conductive hoses 68, 70 may be in opposite corners of each conductive bus 64, 66 to facilitate uniform distribution of on conductive buses 64, 66.

Semiconductor paste 58 can be applied through various printing processes, including processes with ink nozzles 58 and silk stencils, on selected part (s) of the positive electrode 54. In particular, it should be understood that the LED sources 40 are dispersed in the semiconductor paste 58 In addition, the LED sources 40 can be endowed with a shape and size so that a substantial amount thereof is aligned with the positive and negative electrodes 54, 60 during the coating of the semiconductor oh paste 58. Part of the LED sources 40, which are ultimately electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes 54, 60, can be illuminated by a combination of conductive busbars 64, 66, controller 62, power supply 36 and conductive leads 68, 70. According to one embodiment implementation, the power source 36 may correspond to the power source 36 of the vehicle, operating at 12 to 16 volts DC. Additional information regarding the construction of light-generating units is disclosed in document US 2014/0264396 A1 (IPC H01L33 / 08, published September 18, 2014) on Lowvental and others, entitled “ULTRA-LAYER OF PRINTED LEDS REMOVED FROM THE SUPPORT” (“ULTRA-THIN PRINTED LED” LAYER REMOVED FROM SUBSTRATE "), with a filing date of March 12, 2014, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, the first photoluminescent portion 42 is located on top of the negative electrode 60 in the form of a coating, layer, film or other suitable coating, as described above. With reference to the presently illustrated embodiment, the photoluminescent portion 42 may be arranged as a multilayer structure including an energy conversion layer 16, a possible stabilizing layer 18, and a possible protective layer 20. The photoluminescent portion 42 is structured with the translucent parts 72 between them. Thus, the first part of the light 76 emitted from the first source 28 passes through the photoluminescent part 42, while the second part of the light 76 emitted from the light source 28 does not pass through the photoluminescent part 42 and, therefore, is emitted in the direction of the motor compartment 26 without conversion to a different wavelength than that emitted from the light source 28.

The energy conversion layer 16 includes a photoluminescent material having energy conversion elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent particles. For example, the photoluminescent material may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes, including rylene, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines. Additionally or alternatively, the photoluminescent material may include phosphors from the group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce. An energy conversion layer 16 may be applied to the negative electrode 60 by coloring, screen printing, flexography, sputtering, slit coating, immersion coating application by rolling and plating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be reproduced by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be enclosed in a polymer matrix formed by extrusion, injection molding, injection molding, extrusion, high-temperature molding , etc.

To protect the photoluminescent material contained in the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation, the photoluminescent portion 42 may include a stabilizing layer 18. The stabilizing layer 18 may be made in the form of a layer optically bonded and glued to the energy conversion layer or otherwise combined with him. The photoluminescent portion 42 may also include a protective layer 20 optically bonded and spliced to the stabilizing layer 18 or another layer (for example, the energy conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stabilizing layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent portion 42 from physical and chemical damage resulting from environmental factors.

In action, the photoluminescent material in each photoluminescent portion 42, 44 is structured so that the input light 76 undergoes an energy conversion process and is reradiated at a different wavelength 78. According to one embodiment, a photoluminescent material may be constituted to convert the input light 76 into a longer wavelength light 78, which is otherwise known as a down-conversion. Alternatively, a photoluminescent material may be constituted to convert the input light 76 into light 78 with a shorter wavelength, which is otherwise known as up-conversion. According to any approach, the light 78 converted by the photoluminescent material can be immediately removed from the photoluminescent part 42 or otherwise used in the energy cascade, while the converted light 78 serves as input light to excite another composition of the photoluminescent material located in the energy conversion layer 16, therefore, the next converted light can then be outputted from the photoluminescent portion 42 or used as input light, and so on. As for the energy conversion processes described in the materials of the present description, the wavelength difference between the input light 76 and the converted light 78, is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principal driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the wavelength of light.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the visible portion 50 is located on top of the first photoluminescent portion 42 and the translucent portions 72. In some embodiments, the visible portion 50 may include plastic, silicone, or urethane material that is molded onto the first photoluminescent portion 42 and the light generating unit 48. Preferably, the visible portion 50 should be transparent or at least translucent with respect to the converted light 78 released from the first photoluminescent portion 42. Thus, the visible portion 50 will be highlighted be the first photoluminescent part 42 whenever the energy conversion process is carried out. Additionally, by overmolding the visible portion 50, it can also function to protect the photoluminescent structure and the light-generating unit 48. The visible portion 50 may be arranged in a flat and / or arched shape to enhance its visibility when it is in the illuminated and / or luminescent state. Like the first photoluminescent portion 42 and the light generating unit 48, the visible portion 50 can also benefit from a thin structure, thereby helping to accommodate the light source 28 in the small arrangement spaces of the vehicle 22 (for example, on the inner surface 30 of the hood 34).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the decorative layer 74 may be disposed between the visible portion 50 and the first photoluminescent portion 42 and the translucent parts 72. The decorative layer 74 may include a polymeric material or other suitable material and is configured to control or modify the outer view of the visible portion 50 of the light source 28. For example, the decorative layer 74 may be configured to impart a metallic appearance to the visible portion 50 when the visible portion 50 is in an unlit state. In one embodiment, the decorative layer 74 may be tinted in any color to complement the design of the vehicle 22 on which the light source 28 should be located. In any case, the decorative layer 74 should be transparent or at least translucent, so that the photoluminescent part 42 or the light source (s) 28 of the visible part 50 are not prevented whenever the light source (s) 28 is illuminated.

The decorative layer 74 may also provide information about the vehicle 22 or the elements 46 contained therein. For example, the text may be located in the decorative layer 74, which includes the same photoluminescent material as the element 46, which the text describes, thereby creating a pointer for the elements 46 that glow in response to the light source 28. According to one exemplary embodiment, the oil filler cap 82 (FIG. 5A) includes a photoluminescent portion 44 thereon. Text having the same photoluminescent material in it can be located in the decorative layer 74 so that the user can quickly identify the location of the oil filler cap 82 and the purpose of the container that covers the cap 82.

Molded material 94 is located around the light generating unit 48 and the photoluminescent portion 42. Molded material 94 can protect the light generating unit 48 from a variety of environmental conditions, for example, by preventing moisture from affecting the light generating unit 48. The molded material 94 may have viscoelasticity (i.e. possessing both viscosity and elasticity), low Young's modulus and / or high fracture deformation in comparison with other materials, so that the molded material 94 can protect generating Light assembly 48 from the contact.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the photoluminescent portion 42 may be used in the light generating unit 48 and / or separately and outside the light generating unit 48. For example, the photoluminescent part 42 may be located on the vehicle element 46 or the surface closest to, but not in physical contact with light generating unit 48, as described in the materials of the present description. It should be understood that any additional photoluminescent parts 44 may have a structure similar to the photoluminescent part 42 located on the part of the light source 28.

With reference to FIG. 3B, a light generating unit 48 having a first photoluminescent portion 42 located in a portion or portion thereof is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. The first photoluminescent part 42 is configured to convert the input light 76 received from the LED sources 40 into visible light 78 having a wavelength other than the wavelength associated with the input light 76. More precisely, the first photoluminescent part 42 is constituted to have an absorption spectrum which includes the wavelength of the radiation of the input light 76 supplied from the LED sources 40. The photoluminescent material is also constituted to have a Stokes shift, resulting in converted visible light 78 having emission spectrum expressed in the desired color, which may vary according to the application of lighting. The converted visible light 78 is output from the light generating unit 48 through the visible portion 50, thereby causing the visible portion 50 to glow in the desired color. In one embodiment, the first photoluminescent portion 42 uses down-conversion, whereby the input light 76 includes light at the lower edge of the visibility spectrum, such as blue, violet or ultraviolet (UV) light. The action thus enables blue, violet or ultraviolet LEDs to be used as LED sources 40, which can offer a relative cost advantage over simply using LEDs of the desired color and the foregoing energy conversion process together. Moreover, the backlight provided by the visible portion 50 offers a unique and attractive viewing experience, which may be difficult to repeat using a non-photoluminescent means.

The first photoluminescent portion 42 can only be applied to a portion of the light generating unit 48. The translucent parts 72, which allow the light 76 emitted from the LED sources 40, to pass through them at the first wavelength, can be located in places that do not include the first photoluminescent portion 42. The translucent portions 72 may be open space or may be a transparent or translucent material that provides light 76 emitted from the light source 28 with Strongly pass through it. Light 76 emitted through the translucent portions 72 may be directed from the light generating unit 48 to the vehicle engine compartment 26. As described herein, the elements 46 in the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle may have photoluminescent parts 44 disposed therein that luminesce in response to the light 76 emitted from the light generating unit 48 and directed through the translucent parts 72.

With reference to FIG. 3C, an alternative embodiment of the light generating unit 48 and the first photoluminescent portion 42 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the first photoluminescent portion 42 is located over a substantial portion of the negative electrode 60 of the light generating node 48. In addition, it should be appreciated that the conversion layer 16 energy may include more than one photoluminescent material, in this case, the terms and approaches given in the materials of the present description are applied in a similar way. In one embodiment, the second energy conversion process occurs by down-converting using blue, violet and / or ultraviolet light as an excitation source.

As for the currently described embodiment, the excitation of the photoluminescent material is set so that a portion of the light 76 emitted from the light-generating unit 48 passes through the first photoluminescent part 42 at the first wavelength (i.e., light 76 emitted from the light-generating unit 48 is not converted by the first photoluminescent part 42). The intensity of the emitted light 76 can be modified by pulse width modulation or by adjusting the current to change the amount of light 76 emitted from the LED sources 40, which passes through the first photoluminescent portion 42 without conversion to a second wavelength 78. For example, if the light source 28 is configured to emit light 76 at a low level, essentially all of the light 76 can be converted to a second wavelength 78. In this configuration, the color of the light corresponding to the first photoluminescent portion 42 may be emitted from the light generating unit 48 and sent to the engine compartment 26 for use as an auxiliary lamp. If the light source 28 is configured to output the first wavelength 76 at a high level, only a portion of the first wavelength 76 can be converted by the first photoluminescent part 42. In this configuration, the first fraction of the emitted light 76 can be converted by the first photoluminescent part 42, and the second fraction of light 76 may be emitted from the light generating unit 48 at a first wavelength to additional photoluminescent parts 44 in the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle.

When compiling photoluminescent materials, attention should be paid to the selection of coupled Stokes shifts, so that the converted light 78 emitted from one of the photoluminescent materials does not excite the other photoluminescent part, if this is not desired. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first part of the LED sources, illustratively shown as LED sources 40, is configured to emit input light 76 having a wavelength that excites the photoluminescent material in the first photoluminescent part 42 and converts the input light 76 into visible light 78 of the first color (for example, white). Similarly, the second part of the LED sources, illustratively shown as LED sources 80, is configured to emit an input light 76 having a wavelength that passes through the translucent parts 72 of the first photoluminescent part 42 and excites additional photoluminescent parts 44 located in the engine compartment 26 thereby glowing in a second color. The first and second colors can be visually distinguishable from each other. Thus, the LED sources 40, 80 can be selectively activated using the controller 62 to induce the photoluminescent structure to be luminescent with a variety of colors. For example, the controller 62 can only activate LED sources 40 to excite exclusively the first photoluminescent portion 42, causing the visible portion 50 to glow with a first color. Alternatively, the controller 62 can only activate LED sources 80 to excite exclusively the photoluminescent parts 44, 82 located in the engine compartment 26, resulting in minimal illumination of the visible part 50 and luminescence of the desired elements 46 in the engine compartment 26. As alternatives, in addition, the controller 62 can activate the LED sources 40, 80 together, which causes any of the photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 to become excited, resulting in a simultaneous luminescence of and 50 and elements 46 in the engine compartment 26. Estimated colors include red, green, blue, and combinations thereof, including white, all of which can be achieved by selecting the proper photoluminescent materials and properly manipulating the appropriate LED sources 40, 80.

The light generating unit 48 may also include optics 38 or lenses that are configured to direct light 76 emitted from the LED sources 40, 80, and light 78 emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 42, at predetermined locations. For example, light 76 emitted from the LED sources 40, 80 and the first photoluminescent portion 42 may be directed and / or focused on a desired element 46 and / or a place in the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 4, the light generating unit 48 according to one embodiment is illustrated in a plan view having various types and concentrations of LED sources 56 transversely along the light generating unit 48. As illustrated, the first part 98 of the light generating unit 48 includes LED sources 56, illustratively shown in the form of LED sources 56a, which are configured to emit an input light 98 having a radiation wavelength in a first color spectrum (eg, white). Similarly, the second part 100 of the light-generating unit 48 includes LED sources 56, illustratively shown as LED sources 56b, which are configured to emit an input light 98 having a radiation wavelength in a second color spectrum (e.g., red). The first and second parts of the light generating unit 48 can be separated by insulating or non-conductive barriers 102 from the parts located in close proximity due to any means known in the art, so that each part 98, 100 can be illuminated independently of any other part 98, 100. In addition, each part 98, 100 located in the light-generating unit 48 may include a corresponding conductive bus 64, 66, 104, 106, 108, 110 connected to the controller 62 and configured to illuminate accordingly the existing part 98, 100.

Preferably, the first, second colors are visually distinguishable from each other. Thus, the LED sources 56a and 56b can be selectively activated using the controller 62 to cause the LED sources 56a, 56b to glow in a variety of colors. For example, the controller 62 can only activate LED sources 56a to illuminate only part 98 of the light generating unit 48 in a first color. Alternatively, the controller 62 may only activate the LED sources 56b to illuminate only part 100 of the light generating unit 48 in a second color. It should be understood that the light generating unit 48 may include any number of parts 98, 100 having various LED sources 56a, 56b, which may glow with any desired color. Moreover, it should be understood that parts having various LED sources 56a, 56b can be oriented in any practical manner and are not necessarily located side by side.

As described above, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be located on the portion of the light-generating unit 48. If desired, any of the LED sources 56a, 56b can be used to excite any photoluminescent material 10 located in close proximity to and / or on the light source 28.

Semiconductor paste 58 may also contain various concentrations of LED sources 56a, 56b, so that the density of LED sources 56a, 56b or the number of LED sources 56a, 56b per unit area can be adjusted for various lighting applications. In some embodiments, the density of the LED sources 56a, 56b may vary along the length of the light source 28. For example, the central part 100 of the light-generating unit 48 may have a higher density of LED sources 56 than the peripheral parts 98, or vice versa. In such embodiments, the light source 28 may appear brighter or have greater luminosity to preferably illuminate predetermined locations. In other embodiments, the density of the LED sources 56a, 56b may increase or decrease with increasing distance from a preselected point. In some embodiments, LED sources 56 and semiconductor paste 58 can be supplied from Nth Degree Technologies Worldwide.

With reference to FIG. 5A, the light source 28 may be configured to direct light 76 emitted from the light source 28 to the photoluminescent parts 42, 44 and / or the engine compartment 26 of the vehicle. For example, the light source 28 can be connected to the periphery 32 of the engine compartment 26 so that the light 76 emitted from the light source 28 is focused in the center in the engine compartment 26 and at the same time in a downward direction along the periphery 32. The center-focused light can illuminate the elements compartment 26. The downward light may provide backlight for compartment 26.

In response to receiving light 76 emitted from the light source 28 by the first photoluminescent portion 42, the energy conversion layer 16 may become excited and emit light 78 at a second wavelength. As previously discussed herein, light 78 at a second wavelength may contain multiple wavelengths to form substantially white light. Light 78 at a second wavelength is typically directed to the engine compartment 26 so that a plurality of elements 46 can be illuminated. The configuration of the auxiliary lamp of the first photoluminescent portion 42 can provide uniform illumination throughout the engine compartment 26.

The light 76 emitted from the light source 28 is additionally directed from the light source 28 to the engine compartment 26 to excite the conversion layer 16 in one or more photoluminescent portions 44, 82, deposited as a coating on and / or located in a matrix (for example, a polymer matrix ) on any number of the many compartments or elements 46 in the engine compartment 26. For example, the second photoluminescent part 44 may be included in the composition on the air intake and engine cover; a third photoluminescent portion 82 may be included on the lid of the fluid reservoir. In response to receiving light 76 at a first wavelength, each of the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 can become excited. The excitation may cause the second photoluminescent portion 44 to emit light at wavelengths other than the light 76 emitted from the light source 28.

Although the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 are specifically discussed, referring to four exemplary parts, the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 may correspond to any number of parts closest to the engine compartment 26, according to other embodiments. Each of the plurality of photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 may further include various energy conversion layers including various photoluminescent materials configured to emit a wide variety of colors in response to light 76 emitted from the light source 28. Essentially, the lighting system 24 can be used in a variety of arrangements to provide an auxiliary lamp and / or highlight and accent any number of elements 46.

The plurality of elements 46 may comprise any element related to the vehicle 22, which may be located generally close to the engine compartment 26 and / or the cover (e.g., hood 34). Any of the plurality of elements 46 may comprise a photoluminescent structure 10 deposited as a coating and / or dispersed in a material structure that can glow and emit light 78 in response to receiving light 76 emitted from light source 28. Each of the photoluminescent parts 42, 44, 82 may be luminous in a single color or multiple colors to provide the desired color palette and appearance for highlighting a plurality of elements 46. The photoluminescent parts 44, 82 may further be used to identify one or more of the many elements 46 for easy identification during maintenance and repair.

With reference to FIG. 5A and 5B, a lighting system 24 is illustrated having a light generating unit 48 located on a vertical inner surface 30 of a wall 96 of a vehicle engine compartment. The light generating unit 48 may be attached to the wall 96 by any known means, such as by means of an adhesive, on the rear side of the light generating unit 48. Alternatively, a magnet may be located on the back of the light generating unit 48 so that the light generating unit 48 could be moved and attached to the desired location in the engine compartment 26.

As described above, the light generating unit 48 may include a plurality of LED sources 40, 80. The light generating unit 48 may be configured to function as an auxiliary lamp around any part of the compartment 26 and / or may be configured to excite the photoluminescent parts 44 , 82, located in a plurality of elements 46 in the engine compartment 26.

In some embodiments, at least one filler cap 82, an oil dipstick and / or other element 46 may include a photoluminescent portion 44 configured to emit an identifying color. An identifying color may be emitted in response to the reception by the element 46 of the light 76 emitted from the light source 28. The identifying color may be adapted to match the color described in the user manual or vehicle maintenance instructions. In some embodiments, the plurality of photoluminescent portions 42, 44, 82 may correspond to a plurality of identifying colors configured to identify, categorize, and / or provide for a first element 46 having a first color to be visually distinguishable from a second element 46 having a second color . Thus, the lighting system 24 can provide additional utility by providing decorative lighting that can serve to help identify the various elements 46 located close to the engine compartment 26.

With reference to FIG. 5B, an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lighting system 24 connected to a lower surface around the periphery 32 of the engine compartment 26 is illustrated. Lighting system 24 includes a light generating unit 48 similar to that described in FIG. 3A, having an outer portion 112 with a first photoluminescent portion 42 located thereon. When illuminated, the outer portion 112 may provide a backlight for the engine compartment 26.

The interior 114 of the light generating unit 48 may include a translucent part 72, thereby emitting light from the light generating unit 48 at a first wavelength 76. The light emitted at the first wavelength 76 can be directed to the elements 46 in the engine compartment 26 having photoluminescent parts 44 on them that glow in response to the emitted light 76. The light 76 can be directed to predetermined locations through the use of optics 38, as described above . In addition, the optics 38 used may direct the light partially in a direction that is offset up to 180 degrees from the light emitted from other parts of the light generating unit 48. In some embodiments, the light source 28 may be located vertically above most of the elements 46 in the engine compartment 26, so that the light source 28 can be able to illuminate any location in the compartment 26. It should be understood that the lighting system 24 can be installed and / or connected in any position of the compartment. Additionally, it should also be understood that any number of parts of the world can be directed in any desired direction.

With reference to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a vehicle 22 is shown in which a lighting system 24 is implemented. The lighting system 24 includes a controller 62 in communication with the light source 28. The controller 62 may include a memory 86 having instructions contained therein that are executed by the processor 90 of the controller 62. The controller 62 may provide power to the light source 28 or to the corresponding conductive bus 64, 66 through a power source 36 located on board the vehicle 22. In addition, the controller 62 may be configured to control the light output 76 of each light source 28 based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 88 but, such as, but not limited to, a body control module, an engine control module, a steering module, a brake control module, and the like, and / or a combination thereof. By controlling the light output 76 of the light source 28, the lighting system 24 may be lit with a variety of colors and / or configurations to provide an aesthetic appearance, or may provide vehicle information to a targeted observer. For example, when the vehicle hood 34 is ajar, the light generating unit 48 may be lit and / or the elements 46 in the engine compartment 26 may be illuminated or excited.

In action, each photoluminescent portion 42, 44 may exhibit a constant, single or multi-color glow. For example, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to emit only the first wavelength of light 76 through the LED 56 to cause the photoluminescent portion 42, 44 to glow in the first color (for example, white). Alternatively, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to emit only a second wavelength of light through the LEDs 80 to cause the photoluminescent parts 42, 44 to glow in a second color (e.g., red). Alternatively, in addition, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to simultaneously emit the first and second wavelengths of light to cause the photoluminescent parts 42, 44 to glow in a third color (e.g., pinkish) defined by an additive mixture of light of the first and second colors. Moreover, additional photoluminescent portions 82 can be added to the lighting system 24, which transforms the light 76 emitted from the light source 28 into a different wavelength.

In yet another embodiment, the lighting system 24 may include a user interface 92. The user interface 92 may be configured so that the user can control the wavelength of light 76 that is emitted from the LED 40 and / or LEDs that are illuminated. Such a configuration may provide the user with the ability to control which elements 46 are highlighted to assist in locating the desired element 46 (e.g., oil filler cap 82). The user interface 92 may be located in the cab of the vehicle 22 or on any surface that is accessible to the user while using the lighting system 24 described in the materials of the present description. User interface 92 may use any type of control known in the art to control light source 28, such as, but not limited to, presence or proximity sensors.

In an alternate embodiment, the photoluminescent portions 42, 44 may exhibit a periodic single or multi-color glow. For example, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to periodically emit only the first wavelength and light intensity 76 by the LED 40 to cause the photoluminescent parts 42 to periodically glow with the first color. Alternatively, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to periodically emit only a second wavelength of light through the LED 80 to cause the photoluminescent portions 42, 44 to periodically glow with a second color. Alternatively, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of light to cause the photoluminescent portions 42, 44 to periodically glow with a third color defined by an additive mixture of light of the first and second colors. Alternatively, in addition, the controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to alternate between periodically emitting the first and second wavelengths of light to cause the photoluminescent portion 42 to periodically glow, alternating between the first and second colors. The controller 62 may cause the light source 28 to periodically emit the first and / or second wavelengths of light at equal time intervals and / or unequal time intervals.

Regarding the above examples, the controller 62 may modify the intensity of the emitted first and second wavelengths of light by pulse width modulation or current regulation. In some embodiments, the controller 62 may be configured to adjust the color of the emitted light by sending control signals to adjust the output level of intensity or energy of the light source 28. For example, if the light source 28 is configured to output the first radiation at a low level, essentially all of the input light 76 can be converted to the output, visible light 78. If the light source 28 is configured to emit the input light 76 at a high level, only part of the input light 76 can be converted to the output light 78 by the photoluminescent portion 42. In this configuration, the color of the light corresponding to the mixture of the input light 76 and the output light 78 can be output as emitted light. Thus, each of the controllers 62 can control the output color of the emitted light.

Although a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed with respect to the input light 76, it will be understood that the intensity of the input light 76 may vary among a variety of intensity levels to adjust the color tone corresponding to the light emitted from the lighting system 24. As described herein, the color of the output light 78 may be substantially dependent on the particular photoluminescent structures 10 used in the photoluminescent portion 42. Additionally, the conversion ability of the photoluminescent portion 42 may be highly dependent on the concentration of the photoluminescent structures 10 used in photoluminescent portion 42. By adjusting the range of intensities that can be emitted from the light source 28, the concentration and proportions of the photolumines of noncentric structures 10 in the photoluminescent portion 42, and the types of photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent portion 42 discussed in the materials of the present description, can be operable to form ranges of color tones of the emitted light by mixing the input light 76 with the output light 78. It is also assumed that the intensity each light source 28 may vary simultaneously or independently of any number of other light sources 28.

Accordingly, the illumination system of the illuminated compartment has been primarily described in the materials of the present description. A lighting system can provide various benefits, including a simple and cost-effective means of creating a variety of lights that can be used as an decoration element / or to assist a passenger or driver in using a backlit engine compartment.

In addition, it is important to note that the design and layout of the elements of the invention, as shown in exemplary embodiments, are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who analyze the present invention will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (for example, deviations in size, dimensions, designs and proportions of various elements, values parameters, mounting layouts, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.), without actually departing from the latest doctrines and advantages of the stated object of the invention. For example, the elements shown as being formed as an integer part can be constructed from multiple parts, or the elements shown in numerous parts can be formed as an integer part, the operation of the interface devices can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or the width of structures and / or structural elements or connectors or other elements of systems, the nature or number of provisions of the adjustments provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be constructed from any wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other replacements, modifications, changes and exceptions may be made in the design, operating conditions and layout of the required and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It should be understood that any of the described sequences of operations or steps within the described sequences of operations can be combined with other described sequences of operations or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary designs and processing sequences disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

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 in addition, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless the claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

Claims (27)

1. The engine compartment with a backlight for a vehicle, comprising: light generating unit; a first luminescent portion located on the light generating unit and configured to luminesce in response to the excitation of the light generating unit; a second luminescent part located on the element in the engine compartment of the vehicle and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light-generating unit, and a controller for controlling the state of commissioning of the light generating unit in response to at least one state associated with the vehicle. 2. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the light generating unit comprises a printed LED. 3. The compartment of claim 2, wherein the light generating unit comprises a plurality of LED sources, and the first and second luminescent parts comprise at least one photoluminescent material, wherein each photoluminescent material is configured to down-convert the input light received from at least parts from a plurality of LED sources into visible light. 4. The compartment of claim 3, wherein the input light comprises one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light. 5. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the first luminescent portion partially covers the upper surface of the light generating unit. 6. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the controller determines at least one of an intensity of light emission and a length of time of light emission of the light generating unit. 7. The compartment of claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the light generating unit comprises one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light. 8. An illuminated engine compartment lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a printed LED configured to attach to a vehicle surface; a first photoluminescent structure partially covering the printed LED and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the printed LED; a translucent portion adjacent to the first photoluminescent structure; and a second photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to the light emitted from the printed LED, the second photoluminescent structure located on the element in the engine compartment for receiving light from the printed LED through the translucent part. 9. The lighting system according to claim 8, in which the first photoluminescent structure glows in the first color, and the second photoluminescent structure glows in the second color. 10. An illuminated engine compartment for a vehicle, comprising: a light generating unit emitting light of a first wavelength; a first photoluminescent part located above the light-generating unit, configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light-generating unit, wherein part of the light passes through the photoluminescent part at the first wavelength for use as an auxiliary lamp; and a second photoluminescent portion located in the compartment that luminesces in response to light of the first wavelength to illuminate at least one element of the engine compartment. 11. The backlit compartment of claim 10, wherein the light generating unit comprises a printed LED. 12. The backlit compartment of claim 10, wherein the light generating unit is attached to the hood. 13. The illuminated compartment of claim 10, wherein the light generating unit is connected to an internal vertical wall surrounding the engine compartment. 14. The backlight compartment of claim 10, wherein the light generating unit is located near the front of the engine compartment. 15. The backlit compartment of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light generating unit. 16. The backlight compartment of claim 10, wherein the light generating unit comprises a plurality of LED sources, and the first photoluminescent part comprises at least one photoluminescent material, wherein at least one photoluminescent material is adapted to be converted with decreasing input light frequency, received from at least a portion of a plurality of LED sources into visible light.

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