DE102015116702A1 - Vehicle lighting arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Here, a vehicle lighting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing containing a translucent portion and a photoluminescent portion. Both a first light source and a second light source are located within the housing. The light emitted from the first light source is output from the case via the light transmitting portion, while the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the case.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed on Nov. 21, 2013, entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination resulting from the use of photoluminescent structures provides a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desirable to implement such structures in automobiles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing containing a translucent portion and a photoluminescent portion. Both a first light source and a second light source are located within the housing. The light emitted from the first light source is output from the housing via the light transmitting portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle lighting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing containing a first compartment with a translucent section and a second compartment with a photoluminescent section. A first light source is located in the first compartment and a second light source is located in the second compartment. The light emitted from the first light source is output from the case via the light transmitting portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the case.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an aperture subassembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing containing a translucent portion and a photoluminescent portion. In the housing are both a first light source and a second light source. The light emitted from the first light source is output from the case via the light transmitting portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the case.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings show:

1A a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to an embodiment;

1B a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to another embodiment;

1C a photoluminescent structure coupled to a support member according to yet another embodiment;

2 a vehicle lighting assembly located at a rear portion of a vehicle;

3 one along the lines III-III after 2 taken cross-sectional view of a vehicle lighting arrangement;

4 an alternative embodiment of the vehicle lighting arrangement according to 3 ; and

5 an embodiment of a lighting arrangement of in 3 shown vehicle lighting arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein as required. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily for a detailed construction, and some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

The term "and / or" as used herein, when used in a list of two or more pieces, means that any one of the listed pieces may be used alone or that any combination of two or more of the listed pieces is used can be. If z. For example, when a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, composition A may be alone; B alone, C alone, A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C are included in combination.

The following disclosure describes a vehicle lighting assembly that advantageously utilizes one or more photoluminescent structures that are configured to translate the light received from an associated light source and re-emit the light at a different wavelength.

In the 1A - 1C are various exemplary embodiments of a photoluminescent structure 10 shown, each to a support element 12 can be coupled, which may correspond to a vehicle attachment or a vehicle-related device. In 1A is photoluminescent structure 10 shown generally as a coating (eg, a film) formed on a surface of the support member 12 can be applied. In 1B is the photoluminescent structure 10 shown generally as a discrete particle that forms a support element 12 can be integrated. In 1C is the photoluminescent structure 10 generally shown as multiple discrete particles in a carrier medium 14 (eg, a film), which is then applied (as shown) or to the support member 12 can be integrated.

At the most basic level contains a given photoluminescent structure 10 an energy conversion layer 16 which may contain one or more sublayers incorporated in the 1A and 1B exemplified by dashed lines. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may contain one or more photoluminescent materials having energy-converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Any photoluminescent material can be excited upon receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the principle of down conversion, the input light is converted into light having a longer wavelength than that of the photoluminescent structure 10 is issued. Conversely, according to the upconversion principle, the input light is converted to light having a shorter wavelength than that of the photoluminescent structure 10 is issued. When several different wavelengths of light from the photoluminescent structure 10 At the same time, the wavelengths of light can mix and be expressed as multicolored light.

In some embodiments, the light that has been down-converted or up-converted may be used to form another photoluminescent material (other photoluminescent materials) in the energy conversion layer 16 to find, to stimulate. The process of using the converted light output from a photoluminescent material to excite one another, etc., is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as an alternative to achieving different color expressions. With respect to each conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between the exciting light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift, serving as the principal driving mechanism for a power conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of the light. In the various implementations discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures may operate according to each conversion principle.

The energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared using various methods by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from a batch in a liquid carrier medium and the application of the energy conversion layer 16 to a desired carrier element. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied by brushing, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 produced by processes that do not use a liquid carrier medium. The energy conversion layer 16 can z. By dispersing the photoluminescent material in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state) which can be incorporated in a polymer matrix which can be formed by extrusion molding, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be integrated into a support using any of the methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 Sub-layers, each sub-layer can be sequentially applied to the energy conversion layer 16 to build. Alternatively, the backsheets can be made separately and later laminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer 16 to build. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 continue to be formed by the coextrusion of the sublayers.

Back in the 1A and 1B can the photoluminescent structure 10 optionally at least one stability layer 18 included to the photoluminescent material in the energy conversion layer 16 contained to protect against photolytic and thermal decomposition. The stability layer 18 may be configured as a separate layer that is optically attached to the energy conversion layer 16 is coupled to and at the energy conversion layer 16 liable. Alternatively, the stability layer 18 with the energy conversion layer 16 be integrated. The photoluminescent structure 10 can also optionally have a protective layer 20 that are visually attached to the stability layer 18 or another layer (eg, the conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 18 ) and at the stability layer 18 or another layer (eg, the conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 18 ) to protect the photoluminescent structure from physical and chemical damage resulting from the action of the environment. The stability layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 For example, sequential lamination or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other suitable means may be used with the energy conversion layer 16 be combined.

Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is available in U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", filed Jul. 31, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For additional information regarding the preparation and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve different light emissions, see U.S. Patent No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM", filed June 26, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", filed August 21, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", filed August 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION" filed Mar. 4, 2014; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES", filed July 19, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS", filed March 6, 2014; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al., entitled "CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES" filed April 17, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In 2 is a vehicle lighting arrangement 30 shown configured as an outer panel portion located at a rear portion 32 of a vehicle 34 located and above a rear license plate 36 of the vehicle is positioned. The lighting arrangement 30 contains a visible front section 38 and a lower portion (not shown) immediately adjacent to the license plate 36 and generally in front of the observers who are behind the vehicle 34 are hidden. According to one embodiment, which will be described in more detail below, the lighting arrangement 30 be configured to provide two different lighting functions. Specifically, the front section 38 the lighting arrangement 30 light to work as a stop lamp and / or a tail lamp, whereas the lower portion of the license plate 36 as a design feature can illuminate. In addition, the illumination of the license plate increases 36 also his visibility in dark conditions. Regarding the present embodiment, the lighting arrangement 30 be provided to the existing lighting on the vehicle 34 or may be provided as a replacement. The lighting arrangement described above 30 can z. For example, replace a conventional higher center brake light (CHMSL).

In 3 is a cross section of the lighting arrangement 30 according to one embodiment. The lighting arrangement 30 contains a housing 40 with a translucent section 42 who has the front section 38 which has been previously described herein may define a photoluminescent portion 44 which can define the lower portion previously described herein, and a rear portion 46 which can be attached to the back of a vehicle. The lighting arrangement 30 can also have a subdivision element 48 contained in it and that the housing 40 in a first compartment 50 and a second compartment 52 that is above the first subject 50 can be located, shares. The subdivision element 48 can be with the back section 46 and the photoluminescent portion 44 and / or the translucent section 42 are engaged. Furthermore, the dividing element 48 at an acute angle with respect to the photoluminescent portion 44 be positioned. Both the translucent section 42 , the photoluminescent section 44 , the rear section 46 as well as the subdivision element 48 may be constructed of a substantially rigid material (eg, plastic) and joined together by laser welding or other suitable means. The translucent section 42 may be metallized to have an outward metallic appearance while in an unlit state. The photoluminescent section 44 can be a light-dispersing optic 54 and at least one photoluminescent structure 56 attached to the light-dispersing optics 54 is coupled. The photoluminescent structure 54 can with the optics 54 integrated or otherwise applied thereto as a coating, paint, etc.

Still in 3 can the lighting arrangement 30 furthermore at least one light source 58 located in the first compartment, and at least one light source 60 that are in the second subject 52 is contained. The light sources 58 and 60 can be electrically coupled to a power source on board a vehicle and can each be mounted on a separate printed circuit board (PCB) 62 . 64 be provided on an inner surface 66 the rear section 46 is attached. In other embodiments, the light sources 58 . 60 be provided on a common PCB. Alternatively, one or both of the light sources 58 . 60 on the subdivision element 48 be provided. As in 4 by way of example, the light source may be 58 on one side 68 of the subdivision element 48 are located while the light source 60 on an opposite side 70 of the subdivision element 48 can be located. In the illustrated embodiment, the dividing element 48 a two-sided PCB match that with the light sources 58 . 60 electrically connected. In other embodiments, the light sources 58 . 60 be provided on separate PCBs (not shown) on the corresponding side 68 . 70 of the subdivision element 48 are attached.

The light sources 58 . 60 may include various types of light, including, but not limited to, halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), and polymer LEDs (PLEDs). For example purposes 5 a lighting arrangement for the in 3 shown lighting arrangement 30 , The lighting arrangement contains several LEDs 72 . 74 that are on the PCBs 62 respectively. 64 are provided. The PCBS 62 and 64 can move longitudinally over the back section 46 extend, with the LEDs 72 . 74 can be arranged in series or in parallel and via the corresponding PCB 62 . 64 longitudinally spaced. It should be recognized that the number of LEDs 72 . 74 on every PCB 62 . 64 is not limited to any specific number.

In operation, that is from the LEDs 72 emitted light from the housing 40 over the translucent section 42 output. Each of the LEDs 72 can emit red light and work as tail lights and / or brake lights, whereas that of the LEDs 74 emitted light the photoluminescent structure 56 of the photoluminescent section 44 stimulates to generate visible light from the housing 40 about the light-dispersing optics 54 is output to the rear license plate of the vehicle (eg, the rear license plate 36 of the vehicle). In one embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 56 configured to translate the light received from the LEDs down to light having a longer wavelength. That from the LEDs 74 emitted light may correspond to ultraviolet light (with a wavelength of ~ 10-400 nanometers), violet light (with a wavelength of ~ 380-450 nanometers) or blue light (with a wavelength of ~ 450-495 nanometers). That of the photoluminescent structure 56 emitted light converted may correspond to visible light containing the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye (with a wavelength of ~ 390-700 nanometers), and may be dislocated in different colors that are separated by a single wavelength ( red, green, blue, for example) or a mixture of several wavelengths (eg white) are defined. Consequently, it should be recognized that the photoluminescent structure 56 may be configured so that the converted light emitted by it is expressed as a monochrome or multicolor light.

Still in 5 can have a larger number of LEDs 72 on the PCB 62 be provided to uniformly distribute the light over the translucent section 42 provide. Further, the translucent portion 42 be configured by the LEDs 72 to disperse received light. As a cost-saving measure, a smaller amount of LEDs 74 on the PCB 64 be provided because of the LEDs 74 emitted light is not directly visible to an observer and a uniform light distribution over the license plate is generally less noticeable. For optimized light output, the first and the second compartment 50 . 52 be configured to reflect light internally. An inner surface 66 and the dividing element 48 can z. B. with a reflective material such. B. white color, be coated. In addition, the PCBs can 62 . 64 instead of the conventional green solder mask for additional light reflectance, a white solder mask. In such a configuration, the unpredictable light propagating within the first compartment becomes 50 finally, to the translucent section 42 diverted and spent by him. Similarly, the unpredictably spreading light that is within the second compartment becomes 52 finally, to the photoluminescent portion 44 redirected to either the photoluminescent structure 56 or via the light-dispersing optics 54 from the case 40 to be issued.

In the context of the first subject 50 should be recognized that with the unpredictable propagating light that of the LEDs 72 emitted light, which is not to the translucent section 42 spreads. This contains light coming from the translucent section 42 has been reflected off and to another surface of the first part 50 has been redirected. In the context of the second subject 50 should be recognized that with the unpredictable propagating light that of the LEDs 74 emitted light that is not related to the photoluminescent section 44 spreads. This contains light from the photoluminescent section 44 has been reflected off and to another surface of the second part 52 has been redirected. Where the photoluminescent structure 56 In essence, Lambertsch, it should also be recognized that with the unpredictable propagating light that of the photoluminescent structure 56 in the second compartment 52 emitted light is meant. In such a case, it is desirable to transfer the converted light back to the photoluminescent portion 44 divert it so that it has the light-dispersing optics 54 out of the case 40 can be output to thereby control the outward illumination passing through the photoluminescent section 44 is provided to enlarge.

Accordingly, a vehicle lighting device has been advantageously described herein. The vehicle lighting assembly provides various advantages, including simple and cost-effective means to produce various lights that may be implemented in addition to a license plate light as a tail lamp and / or a brake light.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it is stated that the terms "substantially" and "about" are used herein to represent an intrinsic degree of indeterminacy that may be attributable to any quantitative comparison, quantitative value, quantitative measure, or any of the following can be attributed to another representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are also used herein to indicate the degree to which a quantitative representation may differ from a reference presented without altering the basic function of the subject under discussion.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the structure mentioned above without departing from the concepts of the present invention, it being further understood that it is intended that such concepts be covered by the following claims if they follow these claims do not explicitly state otherwise by their language.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8232533 [0024]
• US 8207511 [0024]
• US 8247761 [0024]
• US 8519359 B2 [0024]
• US 8664624 B2 [0024]
• US 2012/0183677 [0024]
• US 2014/0065442 A1 [0024]
• US 2014/0103258 A1 [0024]

Claims (20)

A vehicle lighting assembly comprising: a housing containing a translucent portion and a photoluminescent portion; and a first light source and a second light source, each located within the housing; wherein the light emitted from the first light source is output from the housing via the light transmissive portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the housing. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is divided into a first compartment at least partially defined by the translucent section and a second compartment at least partially defined by the photoluminescent section. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 2, wherein the first light source is within the first compartment and the first compartment is configured to reflect the light internally such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the first compartment and emanating from the first light source. finally redirected to the translucent section. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 2, wherein the second light source is within the second compartment and the photoluminescent portion is substantially Lambertian; and wherein the second compartment is configured to internally reflect the light such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the second compartment and originating from the second light source and / or the photoluminescent portion is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent portion. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the translucent portion is metallized to have a metallic outer appearance while still allowing the light emitted from the first light source to pass therethrough. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 1, wherein the photoluminescent portion includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to a light dispersing optic; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform an energy conversion on the light emitted by the second light source and thereby produce visible light; and wherein the visible light has a different wavelength than the light emitted by the second light source. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 1 configured as an outer panel portion located at a rear portion of a vehicle and positioned over a rear license plate of the vehicle, the first light source being a brake light and / or a tail lamp of the vehicle; and wherein the visible light generated by the photoluminescent portion illuminates the license plate. A vehicle lighting assembly comprising: a housing containing a first compartment with a translucent section and a second compartment with a photoluminescent section; a first light source located in the first compartment and a second light source located in the second compartment; wherein the light emitted from the first light source is outputted from the case via the light transmitting portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the case. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 8, wherein the first compartment is configured to reflect the light internally, such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the first compartment and originating from the first light source is ultimately redirected to the translucent portion. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 8, wherein the photoluminescent portion is substantially Lambertsch; and wherein the second compartment is configured to internally reflect the light such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the second compartment and originating from the second light source and / or the photoluminescent portion is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent portion. A vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the translucent portion is metallized to have a metallic exterior appearance while still allowing the light emitted from the first light source to pass therethrough. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 8, wherein the photoluminescent portion includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to a light dispersing optic; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform energy conversion on the light emitted from the second light source and thereby to produce visible light; and wherein the visible light has a different wavelength than the light emitted by the second light source. The vehicle lighting assembly of claim 8 configured as an outer panel portion located at a rear portion of a vehicle and positioned over a rear license plate of the vehicle, wherein the first light source is a brake light and / or tail light of the vehicle; and wherein the visible light generated by the photoluminescent portion illuminates the license plate. Panel assembly comprising: a housing containing a translucent portion and a photoluminescent portion; and a first light source and a second light source, each located within the housing; wherein the light emitted from the first light source is output from the housing via the light transmissive portion, and the light emitted from the second light source excites the photoluminescent portion to generate visible light output from the housing. A panel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the housing is divided into a first compartment at least partially defined by the translucent section and a second compartment at least partially defined by the photoluminescent section. The panel assembly of claim 15, wherein the first light source is within the first compartment and the first compartment is configured to reflect the light internally such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the first compartment and emanating from the first light source. finally redirected to the translucent section. The panel assembly of claim 15, wherein the second light source is within the second compartment and the photoluminescent portion is substantially Lambertian; and wherein the second compartment is configured to internally reflect the light such that the unpredictably propagating light contained in the second compartment and originating from the second light source and / or the photoluminescent portion is ultimately redirected to the photoluminescent portion. An aperture assembly according to claim 14, wherein the translucent portion is metallized to have a metallic exterior appearance while still allowing light emitted by the first light source to pass therethrough. The panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the photoluminescent portion includes a photoluminescent structure coupled to a light-dispersing optic; wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to perform an energy conversion on the light emitted by the second light source and thereby produce visible light; and wherein the visible light has a different wavelength than the light emitted by the second light source. The fascia assembly of claim 1 configured as a high-mounted brake light located at a rear portion of a vehicle and positioned over a rear license plate of the vehicle, the first light source being a brake light and / or a tail light of the vehicle; and wherein the visible light generated by the photoluminescent portion illuminates the license plate.

Images