Spoiler using photoluminescent illumination

• US 9,499,090 B2
• Filed: 02/09/2015
• Issued: 11/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Salter, Stuart C., Whitens, Michael James
• Primary Examiner(s): Han, Jason Moon
• Application Number:
  US14/617,177
• Publication Number:
  US 20150151673A1
• Time in Patent Office: 652 Days
• Field of Search: 362/487, 362510-511
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2607 comprising at least two indicating lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2661 mounted on parts having other functions on wheels B60Q1/326
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/30 for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/44 for indicating braking action or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/543 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/20 Multi-color single source or LED matrix, e.g. yellow blinker and red brake lamp generated by single lamp
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/30 Daytime running lights [DRL], e.g. circuits or arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 35/007 Rear spoilers B62D35/001 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/16 Laser light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/176 Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/145 Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/16 Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/00 Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An illumination system for a vehicle includes a rear spoiler with first and second photoluminescent portions disposed on the spoiler and at least one light source configured to emit an emission at a first wavelength. The first and second photoluminescent portions are configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength.

Claims

1. An illumination system for a vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle having a rear spoiler;

first and second photoluminescent portions disposed on the spoiler; and

at least one light source configured to emit an emission at a first wavelength,

wherein the first and second photoluminescent portions are configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength, wherein the first and second photoluminescent portions respectively illuminate different areas around the vehicle.

2. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein at least one light source is in physical contact with one of the first and second photoluminescent portions.

3. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is a printed light emitting diode sheet.

4. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle.

5. The illumination system of claim 4, wherein the first photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.

6. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate an area under the spoiler.

7. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the first and second photoluminescent portions are disposed on an underside of the spoiler.

8. An illumination system for a vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle having a rear spoiler;

a photoluminescent portion disposed on an underside of the rear spoiler; and

a light source located proximate the photoluminescent portion configured to emit light at a first wavelength, wherein the photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle.

9. The illumination system of claim 8, wherein the light source is in physical contact with the photoluminescent portion.

10. The illumination system of claim 9, wherein the light source is a printed light emitting diode sheet.

11. The illumination system of claim 8, wherein the photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.

12. The illumination system of claim 8, wherein the photoluminescent portion comprises first and second photoluminescent portions and a second photoluminescent portion is disposed on the body feature.

13. The illumination system of claim 12, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate an area under the spoiler.

14. A method for illuminating an exterior of a vehicle comprising:

activating a light source in response to a pre-defined event;

directing light at a first wavelength from the light source toward a photoluminescent portion disposed on an underside of a rear spoiler; and

converting light at the first wavelength to a second longer wavelength with the photoluminescent portion to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

illuminating an area underneath the spoiler with the light at the second wavelength.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of:

illuminating a surface located under the vehicle with the light at the second wavelength.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pre-defined event is the activation of a running light system of the vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pre-defined event is an electronic key fob of the vehicle entering within a predefined distance to the vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pre-defined event is an application of a braking system of the vehicle.