DE102016100332A1 - Lighting system for the back of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An illumination system for the rear of a vehicle is provided herein. The system includes a rear window and a plurality of photoluminescent structures, each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation. A plurality of light sources are each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated based on a position of a turn signal lever.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of US Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, entitled "Vehicle Lightning System with Photoluminescent Structure," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Lighting through the use of photoluminescent structures provides a unique and attractive visual experience. Therefore, it is desirable to use such structures for various lighting applications in motor vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for the rear of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a rear window and a plurality of photoluminescent structures, each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to excitation of light. A plurality of light sources are each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated based on a position of a turn signal lever.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for the rear of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a rear window and a plurality of photoluminescent structures, each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to excitation of light. A plurality of light sources are each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated in conjunction with a turn signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a backside illumination system of a vehicle having a rear window and a plurality of photoluminescent structures each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to excitation of light. A plurality of light sources are each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated in conjunction with a left turn signal or a right turn signal.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings show:

1A a photoluminescent structure connected to a substrate according to one embodiment;

1B a photoluminescent structure connected to a substrate according to another embodiment;

1C a photoluminescent structure connected to a substrate according to another embodiment;

2 a rear vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment;

3 a plan view of the vehicle lighting system 2 ;

4 - 6 a luminescence pattern for indicating a left turn; and

7 - 9 a luminescence pattern for displaying a hazard warning light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments illustrate the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms, by way of example only. The figures are not necessarily detailed engineering drawings and some schematic representations may be exaggerated or oversimplified to provide an overview of the functions. Therefore, certain structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for informing one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any of the listed items may be used alone or that any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used , For example, if a composition containing components A, B and / or C is described, then the composition can only be A; only B, only C; A and B in combination, A and C in combination; B and C in combination or A, B and C in combination.

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

Referring to 1A - 1C are various exemplary embodiments of a photoluminescent structure 10 shown, each with a substrate 12 can be connected, which may correspond to a vehicle mount or related to the vehicle equipment. In 1A is the photoluminescent structure 10 generally shown as a coating (eg, a foil) applied to a surface of the substrate 12 can be applied. In 1B is the photoluminescent structure 10 generally shown as a discrete particle that interacts with a substrate 12 can be integrated. In 1C is the photoluminescent structure 10 generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles contained in a carrier medium 14 (eg, a film), which may then be applied (as shown) or to the substrate 12 can be integrated.

Basically, a given photoluminescent structure has 10 an energy conversion layer 16 which may have one or more sublayers exemplified by dashed lines in FIG 1A and 1B are shown. Each sub-layer of the energy conversion layer 16 may comprise one or more photoluminescent materials with energy-converting elements having phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material can be excited when it receives light of a certain wavelength, thereby causing a process of converting the light. Under the principle of down conversion, the input light is converted to light having a longer wavelength than that of the photoluminescent structure 10 is delivered. Conversely, under the principle of up-conversion, the input light is converted to light having a shorter wavelength than that of the photoluminescent structure 10 is delivered. When several distinct wavelengths of light from the photoluminescent structure 10 be emitted simultaneously, the wavelengths of light can mix and be expressed as multi-colored light.

In some embodiments, light that has been down-converted or up-converted may be used to excite other photoluminescent materials included in the energy conversion layer 16 can be found. The process of using converted light output from one photoluminescent material to excite another is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as an alternative to obtaining different color expressions. With respect to both conversion principles, the difference in wavelength between the excitation light and the converted light is known as Stokes shift and serves as a basic drive mechanism for a power conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of light. In the various implementations discussed herein, each of the photoluminescent structures can operate under both conversion principles.

The 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 different methods. These methods include the production of the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and the coating of a desired substrate with the energy conversion layer 16 , The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller painting and roller coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 prepared by processes which do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 by dispersing the photoluminescent material into a solid phase solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state) which can be incorporated into a polymer matrix which can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be incorporated into a substrate using any of the methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 Partial layers, each sub-layer sequentially to form the energy conversion layer 16 be coated. Alternatively, the sublayers can be made separately and later to form the energy conversion layer 16 laminated or embossed. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 be formed by coextrusion of the sub-layers.

Referring again to 1A and 1B can the photoluminescence structure 10 optionally at least one stability layer 18 for protecting the photoluminescent material contained in the energy conversion layer 16 contained before photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 18 may be formed as a separate layer that optically with the energy conversion layer 16 connected and attached to it. Alternatively, the stability layer 18 into the energy conversion layer 16 to get integrated. The photoluminescent structure 10 can also optionally a protective layer 20 having the optical with the stability layer 18 or another layer (eg, conversion layer 16 in the absence of a stability layer 18 ) and attached thereto to the photoluminescent structure 10 protect against physical and chemical damage due to environmental exposure. The stability layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 can with the energy conversion layer 16 by sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any suitable means.

Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures is in US. Patent No. 8,232,533 by Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGHLY EFFICIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND CONTINUOUS SECONDARY EMISSION," filed July 31. 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For more information on the preparation and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve different light emissions, see US. Patent No. 8,207,511 by Bortz et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENE FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND SUBSTANCES," filed June 26, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 by Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENCE MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL SURPLUSES," filed Aug. 21, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 by Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGHLY EFFICIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND CONTINUOUS SECONDARY EMISSION," filed Aug. 27, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 by Kingsley et al., entitled "LIGHTING DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR GENERATING THE CONTINUATION OF SECONDARY EMISSION," filed Mar. 4, 2014; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 by Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENCE COMPOSITIONS, PREPARATION AND NOVEL USES," filed July 19, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 by Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENZGEGENSTÄNDE," filed Mar. 6, 2014; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 by Agrawal et al., entitled "CHROMICAL LUMINESCENCE COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES," filed Apr. 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring to 2 is a rear vehicle lighting system 22 shown according to one embodiment. The system 22 has a rear window 24 of a vehicle 26 and a variety of photoluminescent structures that are known as photoluminescent structures 28a -F are shown and each at a rear window location 30a Are arranged and designed to luminesce in response to light excitation. The photoluminescent structures 28a -F can be on an upper section 32 the rear window 24 be arranged and are generally not visible when they are in an un-energized state. According to the embodiment currently shown, the photoluminescent structures are 28a -C arranged to indicate a left turn, and the photoluminescent structures 28d -F are arranged to display a law turn. For example, the photoluminescent structures 28a C are each arranged as arrows, which are aligned horizontally one behind the other and to the left side of the vehicle 26 , seen from the rear of the vehicle 26 , demonstrate. Conversely, the photoluminescent structures 28d -F be arranged as arrows, which are aligned horizontally one behind the other and to the right side of the vehicle 26 demonstrate.

Referring to 3 can any photoluminescence structure 28a -F on a to the interior of the vehicle 26 pointing section 34 the rear window 24 applied or otherwise arranged. In one embodiment, the photoluminescent structures 28a -F on a light-blocking layer 36 be applied to a section 34 the rear window 24 covered. The light-blocking layer 36 may be present as a film designed to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby preventing sunlight from entering the photoluminescent structures 28a -F excited. In alternative embodiments, the light-blocking layer 36 be designed to absorb light of a different wavelength.

Further referring to 3 are a variety of light sources that act as light sources 38a Are shown, each designed, a clearly associated photoluminescent structure 28a -F to supply light. For example, the light source functions 38a as a source of excitement for the Photolumineszenzstruktur 28a , the light source 38b acts as a source of excitation for the photoluminescent structure 28b , the light source 38c acts as the excitation source for the photoluminescent structure 28c and so on.

Further referring to 3 are a variety of light sources that act as light sources 38a Are shown, each designed, a clearly associated photoluminescent structure 28a -F to supply light. For example, the light source functions 38a as a source of excitation for the photoluminescent structure 28a , the light source 38b acts as a source of excitation for the photoluminescent structure 28b , the light source 38c acts as the excitation source for the photoluminescent structure 28c and so on. The light sources 38a -F can with a headliner 40 of the vehicle 26 be connected and are selectively controlled by a control unit 42 , such as a body control device of the vehicle controlled. As can be seen, the control unit communicates 42 also with other equipment of the vehicle and / or controls these, including but not limited to headlights 44a . 44b , Side mirror lighting 46a . 46b , Tail lights 48a . 48b , Turn signal device (eg turn signal lever 50 ) and hazard switch 52 ,

In operation, the headlights 44a . 44b , the side mirror lights 46a . 46b , the tail ends 48a . 48b and the light sources 38a -F based on a position of the turn signal lever 50 actuated. When the turn signal lever 50 For example, is moved in a left-turn position, the control unit 42 generate a left turn signal and cause the headlight 44a , the side mirror lighting 46a and the tail light 48a blink together, indicating a left turn. In addition, the light sources can 38a -C are operated in conjunction with the left turn signal. According to one embodiment, the light sources 38a -C is applied to the associated photoluminescent structures 28a C to supply light so that the photoluminescent structures 28a -C intermittently luminesce. The light sources 38a For example, -c may be simultaneously actuated to periodically transmit light to the associated photoluminescent structures 28a C so that the photoluminescent structures 28a -C in a similar flashing pattern as the headlight 44a , the side mirror lighting 46a and the tail light 48a to shine.

Alternatively, light sources 38a Are each actuated at different time intervals so that the associated photoluminescent structures 28a C intermittently and sequentially luminesce. When the turn signal lever 50 For example, in the left turn position is moved, the light source 38c be operated exclusively to luminescence of the photoluminescent structure 28c for the approximate duration of the first flashing of the taillight 48a to initiate ( 4 ). Subsequently, the light source 38b be operated exclusively to luminescence of the photoluminescent structure 28b for the approximate duration of the second flashing of the taillight 48a to trigger 5 ). Finally, the light source 38a be operated exclusively to luminescence of the photoluminescent structure 28a for the approximate duration of the third flashing of the taillight 48a to trigger 6 ). The above-mentioned luminescence pattern can be repeated as long as the turn signal lever 50 remains in the left turn position, causing an observer outside the vehicle 26 The impression arises that the arrows repeats laterally across the vehicle 26 move.

When the turn signal lever 50 is moved to the right turn position, the control unit 42 generate a right turn signal, causing the headlight 44b , the side mirror lighting 46b and the tail light 48b to flash together, indicating that the vehicle is turning right. The light sources 38d -F may also be actuated in conjunction with the right turn signal and in any of the ways described above with respect to the operation of the light sources 38a -C are served.

According to one embodiment, the control unit 42 also generate a hazard warning light when the hazard switch 52 is turned on. In such a case, the hazard warning light may be the headlights 44a . 44b , the side mirror lighting 46a . 46b and the tail lights 48a . 48b cause them to flash together. In addition, the light sources 38a -F can be actuated in various combinations to luminesce the associated photoluminescent structures 28a -F in a similar flashing pattern as the headlights 44a . 44b , the side mirror lighting 46a . 46b and the tail lights 48a . 48b trigger. For example, the light sources 38a -F be actuated so that the associated photoluminescent structures 28a -F together or sequentially luminesce as described above. In one embodiment, the light sources 38c and 38d be operated together to luminescence of the photoluminescent structures 28c and 28d for the approximate duration of the first flashing of the taillights 48a and 48b to trigger 7 ). Subsequently, the light sources can 38b and 38e be operated together to luminescence of the photoluminescent structures 28b and 28d for the approximate duration of the second blink of the tail lights 48a and 48b to trigger 8th ). Finally, the light sources 38a and 38f be operated together to luminescence of the photoluminescent structures 28a and 28f for the approximate duration of the third blink of the tail lights 48a and 48b to trigger 9 ). This above mentioned luminescence pattern can be repeated, as long as the hazard switch 52 is turned on. Although not shown, it is further contemplated that the light sources 38a -F can be operated in any combination in conjunction with a brake signal or other vehicle status signal.

With respect to the above-described embodiments, the light sources 38a Each be designed to emit light having a wavelength of approximately 450-495 nanometers (eg, blue light) and be present as light emitting diodes (LED). In alternative embodiments, the light sources 38a -F to emit light of a different wavelength, such as UV light or violet light. In response, the photoluminescent structures 28a -F be designed to light that from the associated light sources 38a -F was subjected to down-conversion to light having a wavelength in the visible spectrum (about 390-700 nanometers wavelength). In one embodiment, each photoluminescent structure is 28a -F designed to convert blue light into red light with a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm or other visible light.

Thus, a rear vehicle lighting system has been described advantageously herein. The system benefits from one or more photoluminescent structures designed to luminesce to provide an indication of vehicle status.

To describe and define the present teachings, it should be understood that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent level of uncertainty that may be due to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation differs from a given reference value without resulting in a change in the basic function of the pending object.

It should be understood that modifications and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned construction without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless expressly stated otherwise say.

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)

Illumination system for the rear of a vehicle, comprising: a rear window; a plurality of photoluminescent structures each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation; and a plurality of light sources each configured to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated based on a position of a turn signal lever. The system of claim 1, wherein each photoluminescent structure is configured to indicate a left turn or right turn when in an energized state. The system of claim 1, wherein when the turn signal lever is moved to the left turn position or to the right turn position, the corresponding light sources are operated so that the associated photo luminescent structures intermittently and sequentially luminesce. The system of claim 3, wherein when the turn signal lever is moved to the left turn position or to the right turn position, the corresponding light sources are operated so that the associated photo luminescent structures intermittently and sequentially luminesce. The system of claim 1, wherein each light source is configured to emit blue light. The system of claim 1, wherein each light source is connected to a headliner of the vehicle. The system of claim 1, wherein each light source is operated in conjunction with a hazard warning light. Illumination system for the rear of a vehicle, comprising: a rear window; a plurality of photoluminescent structures each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation; a plurality of light sources each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated in conjunction with a turn signal. The system of claim 8, wherein each photoluminescent structure is configured to indicate a left turn or right turn when in an energized state. The system of claim 8, wherein each light source is actuated to emit light when the flashing signal indicates a left turn or right hand turn. The system of claim 10, wherein when the turn signal indicates a left turn or right hand turn, the respective light sources are actuated such that the associated photoluminescent structures intermittently and sequentially luminesce. The system of claim 8, wherein each light source is configured to emit blue light. The system of claim 8, wherein each light source is connected to a headliner of the vehicle. The system of claim 8, wherein each light source is operated in conjunction with a hazard warning light. Illumination system for the rear of a vehicle, comprising: a rear window; a plurality of photoluminescent structures each disposed at a rear window location and configured to luminesce in response to light excitation; a plurality of light sources each adapted to supply light to a uniquely associated photoluminescent structure and to be actuated in conjunction with a left turn signal or a right turn signal. The system of claim 15, wherein each photoluminescent structure is configured to indicate a left turn or right turn when in an energized state. The system of claim 15, wherein the light sources are actuated such that the associated photoluminescent structures intermittently and sequentially luminesce. The system of claim 15, wherein each light source is configured to emit blue light. The system of claim 15, wherein each light source is connected to a headliner of the vehicle. The system of claim 15, wherein each light source is operated in conjunction with a hazard warning light.

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