Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels

Abstract

A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate / foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and / or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 185,349, filed Feb. 26, 2000.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to interior vehicle lighting systems and lighted switch assemblies used for automotive applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Interior lighting systems for automotive and other vehicle applications are generally used for two purposes. One is to provide general area illumination and the other is feature lighting of specific objects, either for aesthetic or functional reasons. Traditionally, these interior lighting systems have utilized incandescent lamps for both area and feature lighting, often using lenses to control the shape and light intensity distribution of the emitted light. Although incandescent lamp systems can often be integrated into various vehicle interior trim components in a simple manner, various considerations do arise which complicates their use for automotive l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is directed to various interior vehicle assemblies that provide illumination using electroluminescent panels. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle interior component assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over either a substrate or foam layer (or both). An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate (or foam layer) and is configured to direct light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and an be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little, if any, space behind the interior component. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel.

[0010]In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle interior illumination system that includes a light source, a switch assembly, and an electronic circuit for energizing the light source. The switch assembly includes at least one light-transmissive touch switch and an electroluminescent panel that is located behind the touch switch to provide back lighting of the touch switch upon energization by the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is connected to the light source, touch switch, and electroluminescent panel, and is operable upon activation of the switch to energize the light source and to change energization of the electroluminescent panel.

Problems solved by technology

Although incandescent lamp systems can often be integrated into various vehicle interior trim components in a simple manner, various considerations do arise which complicates their use for automotive lighting.

For example, where heat from the lamp could damage adjacent components or otherwise cause problems, thermal management of that heat must be implemented.

Also, there is often little room in or behind a particular vehicle interior body panel or trim component for the lamp, socket, and lensing.

However, where the headliner thickness is to be kept to a minimum, the use of molded-in lamp soffits may not be practical.

However, while various automotive lighting uses of electroluminescent panels have been proposed, as exemplified by these patents, much of the prior art discloses the use of electroluminescent panels as a direct substitute for incandescent and / or LED lamps without taking full advantage of the unique structural features of the electroluminescent technology.

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