Multi-colored and / or patterned illuminated components including illuminated graphics

Abstract

An optical system (10) includes: a plurality of light sources; a lens (12) including: one or more main surfaces (14) and one or more sub-surfaces (16), wherein the one or more sub-surfaces include one or more patterned regions (18), the one or more patterned regions including one or more patterns; wherein some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more main surfaces to provide first light, and some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more sub-surfaces such that the one or more patterns are illuminated within the one or more sub-surfaces, and wherein the optical system is configured to illuminate an area around a vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 443,621, filed February 16, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,519, filed November 9, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This teaching relates to an illuminated component that can generate more than one color using a monochromatic light source, and may include an illuminated graphic, an illuminated textured area, or a combination thereof. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles include many different types of lights. Some types of lights included on a vehicle are low beam headlights, high beam headlights, taillights, turn signals, fog lights, daytime running lights, or combinations thereof. Each of these lights extends outward from the vehicle's exterior surface, thus providing light to the driver or alerting other drivers. These lighting systems typically direct light outward from the vehicle. Some lights are also installed on vehicles to provide decorative or ornamental features around the vehicle.

[0004] An illuminated component is needed, which can be provided with multiple colors using one or more light sources of a single color. A component and a method for producing the illuminated component are needed, such that the component appears as a single color when unlit and then provides multiple colors when illuminated. A system and method are needed to illuminate the internal graphics of the illuminated component. It is desirable to have an illuminated component comprising textured areas that are illuminated to display a predetermined pattern. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This teaching provides: an optical system comprising: a plurality of light sources; a lens comprising: one or more primary surfaces and one or more secondary surfaces, wherein the one or more secondary surfaces comprise one or more patterned regions, the one or more patterned regions comprising one or more patterns; wherein some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more primary surfaces to provide first light, and some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more secondary surfaces such that the one or more patterns are illuminated within the one or more secondary surfaces, and wherein the optical system is configured to illuminate an area surrounding a vehicle.

[0006] This teaching provides: an optical system comprising: a plurality of light sources; a lens comprising: one or more primary surfaces and one or more secondary surfaces, the one or more secondary surfaces including one or more colorants within the one or more secondary surfaces, the one or more colorants providing color when some of the plurality of light sources are directed through the one or more secondary surfaces; wherein the one or more primary surfaces are transparent, and the one or more secondary surfaces have a different color than the one or more primary surfaces, and wherein the optical system is configured to illuminate an area around a vehicle.

[0007] This teaching provides: an optical system comprising: a first light source group and a second light source group; a lens comprising: one or more principal surfaces and one or more secondary surfaces; wherein the first light source group guides light through the one or more principal surfaces and the one or more secondary surfaces to provide first light; wherein the one or more second light source groups provide second light through all or a portion of the one or more principal surfaces, the one or more secondary surfaces, or both; and wherein the optical system is configured to illuminate an area around a vehicle.

[0008] This teaching provides a method comprising: forming a primary surface of a lens with a first material; forming one or more secondary surfaces with a second material different from the first material; and forming one or more of the following: (a) forming a colored portion within the second material; (2) forming one or more graphic regions within an optical system including the primary surface, the one or more secondary surfaces, or both; (3) illuminating the primary surface with two or more different colored lights; or (4) forming one or more patterns within the second material.

[0009] This teaching provides an illuminated component that can be provided with multiple colors using one or more light sources having a single color. This teaching provides a component and a method for producing the illuminated component such that the component appears as a single color when unlit and then provides multiple colors when illuminated. This teaching provides a system and method in which an illuminated component illuminates an internal graphic. This teaching provides an illuminated component including textured regions that are illuminated to display a predetermined pattern. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a side view of the vehicle including the lighting system.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The optical system along line II-II is shown in the front view plan.

[0012] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0013] Figure 4Showing Figure 2 The illuminated component is shown in a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0014] Figure 5 Showing Figure 4 The illuminated component is shown in a cross-sectional view along line VV.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a front view of the illuminated component. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The explanations and descriptions presented herein are intended to familiarize others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical applications. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the invention in various forms, such as those most suitable for the specific application required. Accordingly, as set forth, the specific embodiments of the invention are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of these teachings. Therefore, the scope of these teachings should be determined not with reference to the foregoing description, but rather alternatively with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. All disclosures in patent applications and publications, including articles and references, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible, such as those collected from the appended claims, which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] This teaching relates to an optical system. The optical system is located within a vehicle. Preferably, the optical system is part of the vehicle, such as an automobile, motorcycle, bus, truck, semi-truck, SUV, XUV, four-wheeled vehicle, off-road vehicle, tractor, combine harvester, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, industrial equipment, commercial equipment, or a combination thereof. The optical system can project light from front to rear, from rear to front, or a combination thereof in a forward, rearward, lateral, or vertical (e.g., z-axis) direction. Preferably, the optical system projects light from the outer surface of the vehicle to a position in front of the vehicle or at an angle relative to the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0018] A light system can direct some light toward the ground. A light system can direct some light above the ground. A light system can be integrated into the front, rear, or both of a vehicle. A light system can be a component. A light system can be a sealed light system integrated into a vehicle. A light system can be a sub-component included in a larger light system. A light system can be integrated into another light system and can be used as part of that light system. A light system can project light out of a vehicle. A light system can include multiple different lamps or photonic subsystems, each providing a different function. A light system can be multiple light systems or light sources stacked one on top of the other, stacked side by side, projecting in different planes, in the same plane and in different directions, integrated into a single light system, or combinations thereof. A light system can have multiple smaller light systems or light sources. A light system can be covered by one or more external lenses, or may not have external lenses.

[0019] An outer lens can form the outermost surface of an optical system. An outer lens can protect all or part of the optical system. An outer lens may not cover the illuminated components. An outer lens may cover the headlight but may not cover the illuminated components (e.g., grille, door handle, bumper). An outer lens can be a lens within the optical system, making it an outer lens. Every optical system may include an outer lens.

[0020] Multiple light systems can operate independently of each other, such that one light system does not affect another light system or another part of the light system. A light system can provide light with two or more colors, three or more colors, four or more colors, or combinations thereof. A light system can provide signals, symbols, words, images, patterns, decorations, embellishments, graphics, patterned appearances, textured appearances, or combinations thereof. A light system can provide illuminated components capable of providing two or more colors, three or more colors, or four or more colors. A light system can provide two or more different colors simultaneously. A light system can provide two different colors simultaneously and then change one of the colors to provide different color combinations. The lenses of a light system can be made of one or more materials, two or more materials, or three or more materials. A light system can include multiple lenses. A lens can be a lens covering high beam, low beam, turn signals, daytime running lights, taillights, parking lights, or combinations thereof, or a lens constituting part of them. The lenses discussed herein can primarily be daytime running lights or parts thereof.

[0021] A lens can guide light in one or more directions. A lens can emit light, brighten light, direct light outwards, or a combination thereof. A lens may include one or more surfaces. A lens can inform or indicate to surrounding drivers that a vehicle is nearby. A lens can have a predetermined shape. A lens can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, geometrically shaped, circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, C-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, or a combination thereof. A lens may include multiple surfaces.

[0022] The multiple faces may extend relative to each other in one or more faces. The multiple faces may each extend at an angle relative to each other. The multiple faces may extend in a certain direction to form an interior. The interior may be open, partially open, or closed. The interior may be formed within a primary face, a secondary face, or both, or may be formed by a primary face, a secondary face, or both.

[0023] A primary surface is used to provide attention, light, visibility, or a combination thereof when the sun is up. The primary surface may extend orthogonally to the direction of vehicle movement. The primary surface may extend in a direction such that oncoming traffic or people approaching the vehicle from its direction of movement can see it. The primary surface may be made of a first material, a first lightweight material, a first light color, a transparent material, or a combination thereof. The primary surface may allow light to extend through it without altering the color of the light from the light source. The primary surface may be a hot surface or a heated surface (e.g., brighter or lighter than any secondary surface). The primary surface may provide light of the first color and sometimes light of the second color. All portions of the primary surface may provide light of the first color. A portion of the primary surface may provide light of the second color. For example, if the primary surface extends in three directions, the first color may illuminate all three directions, and the second color may illuminate one of the three directions. The first light color may be a daytime running light. The second light color may be a turn signal. The turn signal may extend through a portion of the primary surface. The first light color may be generated by a first light source, and the second light color may be generated by a second light source. The first light color can still be generated when the second light color is provided. When generating a second light color, a portion of the first light color can be turned off. The primary light surface can be positioned close to one or more secondary light surfaces.

[0024] A secondary surface is used to provide light, attention, visibility, aesthetic appeal, or a combination thereof. The secondary surface extends from a first side, a second side, or both of the primary surface. The secondary surface may extend at an angle of approximately 175 degrees or less, approximately 160 degrees or less, approximately 145 degrees or less, or approximately 125 degrees or less. The secondary surface may also extend from a first side, a second side, or both of the primary surface at an angle of approximately 90 degrees or greater, approximately 105 degrees or greater, approximately 115 degrees or greater, approximately 120 degrees or greater, or approximately 135 degrees or greater. One secondary surface may extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to approximately 105 degrees. Another secondary surface may extend at an angle of approximately 125 degrees to approximately 145 degrees. The secondary surface may extend from opposite sides or opposite surfaces of the primary surface. Thus, the primary surface may extend along a first direction, and the secondary surface may extend at an angle relative to the primary surface. The secondary surface may be made of one or more materials.

[0025] A secondary surface can provide a different color than the primary surface. A secondary surface can provide a different color using the same light source extending through the primary surface. A secondary surface can provide light that appears as colored, shaped, textured, or a combination of these. A secondary surface can comprise a primary material, a secondary material, or both, or be made from them. The primary material can be used to make all of the primary surface and a portion of the secondary surface.

[0026] The first material can form the outer surface of the lens. The first material can form the outer surfaces of both the primary and secondary surfaces. The first material can be any material discussed herein. The first material can be made of or contain polycarbonate (PC), transparent polycarbonate (TPC), UV-stabilized polycarbonate (USPC), amorphous polycarbonate (APC), acrylic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polymethacrylamide (PMMI), methacrylate, acrylic glass, sodium hexafluoroaluminate, UV protective coating, UV protective additives, or combinations thereof. The first material can be free of any color, pigment, shading, opacity, or combinations thereof. The first material may not be aligned relative to a colored light source. A portion of the first material may be aligned with a light source having a colorless (e.g., white light) and a second color (e.g., amber or yellow). The first material can allow light to pass through without altering the color or appearance of the light. The first material may be connected to or positioned adjacent to a second material.

[0027] The second material may be the same as the first material, but may include one or more other components, such that the second material has a different composition. The substrate of the second material may be the same as the first material. The substrates of the first and second materials may be any material taught herein. The substrate of the first material, the second material, or both may be made of or contain polycarbonate (PC), transparent polycarbonate (TPC), UV-stabilized polycarbonate (USPC), amorphous polycarbonate (APC), acrylic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polymethacrylamide (PMMI), methacrylate, acrylic glass, sodium hexafluoroaluminate, UV protective coating, UV protective additive, or a combination thereof. The substrate of the first material, the second material, or both may be unpainted, uncoated, or without both. The first material, the second material, or both may have a melt flow rate of about 0.5 g / 10 min or greater, about 1 g / 10 min or greater, about 1.2 g / 10 min or greater, about 1.5 g / 10 min or greater, or about 2 g / 10 min or greater. The first material, the second material, or both may have a melt flow rate of about 10 g / 10 min or less, about 8 g / 10 min or less, about 6 g / 10 min or less, about 5 g / 10 min or less, about 4.5 g / 10 min or less, about 4 g / 10 min or less, about 3.5 g / 10 min or less, or about 3 g / 10 min or less. The first material, the second material, or both may have a Vicat softening temperature of about 50°C or higher, about 75°C or higher, about 100°C or higher, or about 110°C or higher (measured using ASTM D1525). The first material, the second material, or both may have a Vicat softening temperature of about 300°C or lower, about 250°C or lower, about 200°C or lower, about 175°C or lower, about 150°C or lower, or about 125°C or lower. The light transmittance of a 3 mm portion of the first material, the second material, or both may be about 75 or greater, about 80 or greater, about 85 or greater, or about 90 or greater. The light transmittance of a 3 mm portion of the first material, the second material, or both may be about 150 or less, about 125 or less, about 100 or less, or about 95 or less. The light transmittance of a 150 mm portion of the first material, the second material, or both may be about 25 or greater, about 35 or greater, about 40 or greater, about 45 or greater, or about 50 or greater. The light transmittance of a 150 mm portion of the first material, the second material, or both may be about 150 or less, about 125 or less, about 100 or less, about 90 or less, or about 80 or less.The first material, the second material, or both may have a light transmittance of about 50% or greater, about 60% or greater, about 70% or greater, about 75% or greater, about 80% or greater, about 85% or greater, or about 87% or greater. The light transmittance may be between about 80% and about 95%, between about 85% and 92%, or between about 88% and about 90%. The first material, the second material, or both may have a uniform light distribution. The first material, the second material, or both may allow light to pass through while the underlying light is not visible. The first material may be free of haze. The second material may include haze such that colors other than transparency are visible, displayed, or both visible and displayed.

[0028] The second material may be a material different from the first material. The second material may include one or more colors, one or more pigments, one or more coatings, one or more colorants, or combinations thereof, such that the second material provides a color different from the first material. The colorant may be a metallic pigment. The colorant may be or include aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, silicates, lapis lazuli, celestite, cobalt aluminate (II), cobalt stannate (ii), copper calcium silicate, copper carbonate hydroxide, copper carbonate, ferric cyanide, barium manganate (VI), or combinations thereof. The second material may provide light in the form of blue, green, yellow, purple, indigo, or combinations thereof. The second material may provide light with a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 495 nm. The wavelength may be about 380 nm or greater, about 400 nm or greater, about 420 nm or greater, about 440 nm or greater, about 450 nm or greater, about 460 nm or greater, or about 470 nm or greater. The wavelength may be about 495 nm or less, about 490 nm or less, about 480 nm or less, or about 475 nm or less. The second material can have a different color than the first material, making the first material appear hotter, brighter, or stronger than the second material. The second material can also appear cooler, darker, less intense, or a combination thereof than the first material.

[0029] The second material can form a boundary around the main surface, providing a cool-toned boundary around all or part of the main surface, making the second material appear to have a different color or texture than the main surface. The second material can form a secondary surface along one or more sides of the main surface. The second material can extend along two opposite sides of the main surface.

[0030] Lenses can be made of or contain polycarbonate (PC), vinyl, acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), amorphous copolyester (PETG), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), ionomer resin, polypropylene (PP), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), polystyrene, methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), or combinations thereof. Lenses can have some flexibility upon contact (e.g., can elastically deform 1-5 degrees) without breaking or plastic deformation. Lenses can be colored. Lenses can have a primary color, and coatings can provide additional coloring. Lenses can be formed from deposits of two or more materials, or deposits of three or more materials. When light extends through the lens, the coloring of the lens may not change the color of the light provided. The coloring of the lens may change the color of some light passing through the lens, and some light passing through the lens may not change color. Lenses can be formed into any shape discussed herein, or can be attached to another device. Lenses can be formed into articles that eliminate the need for other components. Lenses can direct light outward to a predetermined location. The predetermined location can be the location where micro-optical devices (e.g., textured portions, non-opaque portions, transparent portions, or a combination thereof) exist.

[0031] Micro-optical devices serve to prevent hot spots, provide a uniform light pattern, uniform light quantity, diffuse light, prevent light overlap from the light source, guide light out of the lens, or a combination thereof. When light is observed from an external location, an internal location, or both of the vehicle, micro-optical devices can provide a uniform illumination appearance. Micro-optical devices can be added to lenses. For example, micro-optical devices can be sprayed onto the lens, etched into the lens, mechanically added, mechanically formed, added during molding, or a combination thereof. Micro-optical devices can be located on the outer surface, inner surface, between the inner and outer surfaces, or a combination thereof. As light travels through the lens, micro-optical devices can guide light out of the lens. Micro-optical devices can change the direction of light. Micro-optical devices can allow light to exit from the surface of the lens. Micro-optical devices can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the lens. Some lenses may include micro-optical devices on or within the outer and inner surfaces. Micro-optical devices can create areas that exit from the lens. Micro-optical devices can allow light to extend out of the lens, change its direction within the lens, or both extend out of the lens and change its direction within the lens. The shape of a micro-optical device can be pyramidal, semi-circular, square, rectangular, zigzag pattern, line, cylindrical, tetrahedral, cubic, hexagonal, icosahedral, prism, pentagonal pyramid, cone, cuboid, symmetrical, asymmetrical, geometric, non-geometric, or a combination thereof. A micro-optical device can be located in one or more regions of a lens. Some micro-optical devices can overlap, be coplanar, be located in the same region, or a combination thereof. A micro-optical device can extend substantially the same length, width, or both as the lens. A micro-optical device can terminate at a texture cutoff such that it does not extend beyond the texture cutoff. The texture cutoff can be the region where the micro-optical device ends and light does not extend beyond the lens. A micro-optical device can be located near, adjacent to, aligned with, or a combination thereof of one or more patterned regions.

[0032] A primary face, secondary face, or both may include patterned areas. A primary face may not have any patterned areas. A secondary face may include one or more patterned areas. A secondary face may include an inner secondary face, an outer secondary face, or both. An inner secondary face may include an inner patterned area with one or more inner patterns. An outer secondary face may include an outer patterned area with one or more outer patterns.

[0033] The inner and outer patterned areas can be substantially identical, made of substantially the same material, and may include substantially the same texture or pattern, or a combination thereof. The inner and outer patterned areas can extend along all or part of a side surface. Patterned areas can be characterized by shape, pattern, texture, design, decoration, or a combination thereof. The inner and outer patterned areas can have substantially the same size, shape, area, length, width, or a combination thereof. The outer patterned area may be longer than the inner patterned area, and the outer and inner patterned areas can extend parallel to each other along their shapes. The inner patterned area may include an inner pattern, and the outer patterned area may include an outer pattern.

[0034] The internal pattern, external pattern, or both can be substantially the same. The internal pattern, external pattern, or both can be different. The internal pattern, external pattern, or both can be stripes, lines, shapes, geometric shapes, circles, squares, ovals, rectangles, stars, dots, dotted patterns, logos, trademarks, vertical lines, horizontal lines, or combinations thereof. The pattern can be visible when the light source is on, when the light source is off, or both. The pattern can provide a three-dimensional appearance. The pattern can provide a uniform appearance. The pattern can provide an appearance of two different colors within the internal patterned area, the external patterned area, or both.

[0035] The one or more patterned areas can be used to provide a pattern, shape, decoration, predetermined appearance, or a combination thereof for the lens. The patterned areas can be formed directly within the lens. The one or more patterned areas are used to change the color, shape, or both of light when light comes into contact with the one or more patterned areas. The one or more patterned areas can have a color that changes the color of light when light comes into contact with the one or more patterned areas. The color within the one or more patterned areas can change the wavelength of light. Each of the one or more patterned areas can provide a different color. All areas within the one or more patterned areas can provide the same color. The one or more patterned areas can be the only part of the illuminated component that provides light and / or color. The one or more patterned areas can reflect light or allow light to pass through them. The one or more patterned areas can be arranged in a predetermined pattern. The one or more patterned areas can be applied one above the other. For example, a first portion of the lens can have a first portion of patterned areas, and a second portion of the lens can have a second portion of patterned areas. The one or more patterned areas can form a pattern that is stripes, vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, diagonal stripes, circles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, ellipses, octagons, dot patterns, or a combination thereof. The patterned area or region may be transparent. The patterned area or region may be substantially transparent. All or part of the patterned area or region may be transparent, colorless, colored, or a combination of the above.

[0036] The color of the patterned area can be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, brown, or a wavelength of color between these colors. The color can be added to all or part of the lens, a layer of the lens, a region of the lens, or a combination thereof. Therefore, for example, pigment can be added to the lens material so that the lens includes a colorant when it is formed. The pigment can be liquid, solid, powder, or a combination thereof.

[0037] Patterns (e.g., internal and / or external patterns) may be formed within a first material, a second material, or both. Patterns may be formed having the colors discussed herein. Patterns may have pattern gaps, pattern fingers, or both.

[0038] Pattern gaps can be devoid of material. Pattern gaps are used to receive different materials. For example, a first material can form a first pattern gap, and a second material can include second pattern fingers that extend into the first pattern gap to fill all or part of it. Pattern gaps can function as if no material exists between the first and second materials. For example, a pattern gap can consist only of air. Pattern gaps can be located between pattern fingers.

[0039] Patterned fingers extend into patterned gaps. Patterned fingers and patterned gaps can hold a first material and a second material together. Patterned fingers and patterned gaps can create shapes. Patterned fingers and patterned gaps can create patterns, shapes, textures, images, graphics, or combinations thereof. A first patterned finger can mirror the shape of a second patterned gap. A second patterned finger can mirror the shape of a first patterned gap. Gaps and patterns can mirror each other (e.g., a first patterned gap mirrors a second patterned gap). Variations in thickness of the patterned fingers and patterned gaps extending therein can create the appearance of a pattern within the lens. The absence of material between the patterned gap and the patterned fingers can create the appearance of a pattern within the lens (e.g., a secondary surface). Patterned fingers and patterned gaps can alternate. Patterned fingers, patterned gaps, or both can include colors, color patterns, or colors and color patterns that create color, color coatings, or colors and color coatings within the lens, secondary surface, or both. Patterned fingers, patterned gaps, or both can be positioned adjacent to one or more connectors, one or more contrasting fingers, or both.

[0040] The one or more joints are used to join two different materials together. The one or more joints can be mortises or tenons. The one or more joints can be recesses where the second material is inserted into the first material. The joints can form boundaries, patterns, unpatterned areas, surface stops, or combinations thereof. The one or more joints can be positioned adjacent to one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions.

[0041] The one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions are used to create boundaries or edges. These one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions may be different from the patterned areas. The one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions may be located at the ends of a face, in the middle of a face, or in between. The one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions may be unpatterned parts of the face. Alternatively, if the face is unpatterned, the contrasting finger-shaped portions may be patterned. The contrasting finger-shaped portions may be a different color from the sub-face, the patterned areas, or both. The contrasting finger-shaped portions may be transparent, colorless, or both transparent and colorless. The one or more contrasting finger-shaped portions may be aligned with the coating or may not be covered by a coating.

[0042] The coating can produce color when light comes into contact with or extends into it. The coating can change the color of light when it is reflected by or passes through it. The coating can be made of or contain phosphorus, photochromic components, silicate phosphors, chemiluminescent coatings, zinc phosphate, chromium, zinc, vanadates, zirconium, manganese, iron, or a combination thereof. The coating can contain a phosphor, a host material, and an activator. The coating can contain copper zinc sulfide, silver zinc sulfide, oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides, sulfides, selenides, halides, zinc silicates, cadmium, manganese, aluminum, silicon, rare earth metals, nickel, or a combination thereof. The coating can be fluid or solid before application. The coating can be a sheet or film that can adhere to a lens. The coating can be a liquid that can be deposited on a lens. The coating can be deposited by spraying, brushing, rolling, atomizing, airless spraying, electrostatic application, dipping, brushing, or a combination thereof. The coating can be applied to one or more sides of the lens. The coating can be applied to a single side of the lens. A coating can be applied between the layers of a lens. The coating can be dried after application. Heat can be applied to the coating to dry it. The coating can be dried under ambient conditions. The coating can be applied to the lens such that when a light source comes into contact with or extends through the coating, the coating provides light of a predetermined color. The lens may have no coating. The lens may have areas without a coating. The lens may include opaque areas, patterned areas, or both opaque and patterned areas.

[0043] Opaque regions are used to prevent light from extending beyond a portion of the optical system. An opaque region can allow light to extend beyond a part of the optical system, a lens, or both, while preventing some light from extending beyond the optical system, lens, or both. An opaque region can be a layer formed on a portion of the optical system. An opaque region can be a coating. An opaque region can be a material injected into a portion of a lens to partially cover the lens. An opaque region is black, thick enough to block light, or both. An opaque region can be added to a portion of the optical system such that it includes an opaque portion attached to the portion of the optical system, the lens, or both. An opaque region can form one or more patterned areas.

[0044] A graphic area is used to provide a predetermined graphic, shape, decoration, illustration, or a combination thereof that is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The graphic area may be located inside the lens (e.g., an internal graphic area). The internal graphic area may not be located at or on the lens. The internal graphic area may be located at the center of the lens, such that it is illuminated by another light source, a light source of the lens, or both. An internal graphic area can be formed by passing through an opaque region where no opaque portion of the material is present. The internal graphic area can be a shape, image, graphic, or both formed within the optical system such that the graphic is visible when the headlights are on. An external graphic area may be formed adjacent to the internal graphic area.

[0045] The external graphic area can be located on, inside, or both of the lens. The external graphic area can serve to provide a graphic, image, or a combination of graphics and images within or on a portion of the lens. The external graphic area can be illuminated by a light source that illuminates the lens. The external graphic area can be formed by a coating extending onto a portion of the lens. The external graphic area can be formed by a graphic located within the lens. The external graphic area can be formed with patterned gaps and patterned finger-like portions. The external graphic area can include opaque portions forming an image, graphic, or an image and graphic. The external graphic area can be visible within the lens, the main surface, or both. The external graphic area can be formed on the surface of the lens, within the lens, within a first material, within a second material, between the first and second materials, with a first patterned gap, a second patterned gap, a first patterned finger-like portion, a second patterned finger-like portion, or a combination thereof. The internal graphic area, the external graphic area, or both can be positioned adjacent to or within the same area as the near beam, the far beam, or both.

[0046] The low beam, high beam, or both can be located within the lens. The lens can extend around the low beam, high beam, or both. The low beam, high beam, or both can be standard low beam, standard high beam, or both. The low beam can be a standard beam headlight. The high beam can be a standard high beam headlight.

[0047] A light source is used to generate light, direct light into a lens, or both generate and direct light into a lens. A light source can be one or more devices that create light, and the light extends outward from the light source. A light source can produce high beams, low beams, mixed beams, daytime running lights, turn signals, brake lights, warning lights, communication devices, decorations, signals, embellishments, or combinations thereof. A light source can have different functions. For example, one light source can provide daytime running lights, another light source can be a turn signal, and yet another light source can provide signals, communication, embellishments, or decorations. A light source can include multiple lamps or can be a single light source within a group of light sources. Multiple lamps can be in a group or cluster of light sources. A light source can be a single lamp that projects light. In another example, a light source can direct light in a first direction. Multiple different light sources can be located within and through a lens of the optical system. Each of the multiple different light sources can be directed to a different area of ​​the optical system, and each area of ​​the optical system can provide a different color of light, a different function, or both. Multiple light sources can direct light in a first direction. A lens can direct light from the light sources in a second direction.

[0048] The light source can be any type of lighting device that produces light, such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, halogen lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), high-intensity discharge lamps (HID); halogen lamps, xenon lamps, laser diodes, phosphor bulbs, or combinations thereof. The light source can be a single lamp or bulb. Preferably, the light source is part of a group of light sources comprising multiple lamps, bulbs, diodes, or combinations thereof. The light source can be part of a group of light sources comprising two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, seven or more, nine or more, or eleven or more light sources that produce light and are combined to form light extending from the light system. A group of light sources can include fewer than 20, 18, 16, or 14 lamps that produce light (e.g., each group of light sources can include eight light sources, or alternatively, all groups in these groups, when combined, can include eight or two light sources). For example, a group of light sources can be the contents of a single printed circuit board performing the same lighting function, and this group of light sources can be eight lamps. The number of light sources in a lamp can depend on the size of the area being illuminated or the size of the area being illuminated. Therefore, there can be one or more lamps, two or more lamps, or three or more lamps. Light sources can be static. Light sources can be freely movable. Light sources can be fixed. Light sources can be static and can be manually or physically adjusted so that the light source is guided to a desired position. Light sources can be fixed, and light from the light source can be moved, bent, guided, or a combination thereof by optical elements, textured parts, micro-optics, or reflectors (e.g., lenses or portions of lenses). Each device of the light source (e.g., lamps or LEDs) can be turned on and off. Light sources can be located within the light system relative to a lens, the edge of a lens, the side of a lens, or a combination thereof. These light sources can work together as a group of light sources to create light. All light sources can be the same color or provide light of the same color. For example, all light can be white light or colorless light. All light sources can be monochromatic. Some light sources can be of a first color, and some light sources can be of a second color.

[0049] The function of this light source group is to fill light strips, lenses, housings, external lenses, light blades, lenses, lens edges, lens sides, or combinations thereof, so that light is projected outward to perform a certain function. The light source group can be a single function (e.g., high beam, low beam, mixed beam, daytime running lights, turn signals, brake lights, decorative lights, displays, signaling, or combinations thereof). Each light source group can perform a single function. The light sources can extend in rows, columns, lines, or a combination of both. The light sources can be aligned with the lenses that provide light to perform a certain function. All lamps within the light source group can provide the same light (e.g., color, color temperature, or wavelength). The light source group may include lamps that can be yellow, orange, red, or white (e.g., OEM white, off-white, pure white, or crystal white, e.g., with a color temperature between 4300K ​​and 6000K). Light from the light system can be directed to predetermined locations based on the functionality of the light from the light source group. Light from the light source can be directed outwards from the vehicle, making the light visible from outside the vehicle. The light source can be controlled by one or more controllers. In one example, the light system may include multiple light sources, some of which may be white light, and some of which may be yellow, orange, or colored light. White light may predominate over yellow light. White light may be present in a ratio of approximately 2:1 or more, 3:1 or more, 4:1 or more, or even 5:1 or more to yellow, orange, or colored light. The light source can be controlled by one or more controllers.

[0050] The controller's function is to individually control a light source or the lamps within that light source. The controller can be part of the vehicle, part of the lighting system, or both. A single controller can control all the lamps. The controller can illuminate (e.g., turn on) the lamps sequentially, individually, by mode, in a predetermined manner, in a predetermined order, randomly, upon receiving input (e.g., bright, dark, on, off, parking, turn signal activation), or a combination thereof. The controller can be programmable, including preset programs, or both. The controller can be accessed from inside the vehicle, allowing the user to change the lighting settings of the lighting system. The controller can communicate with the light source via one or more printed circuit boards.

[0051] Light sources (and lamps) can be located on or connected to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). A PCB can provide power, signals, support, or a combination of these to one or more light sources. A PCB can be mounted within the optical system. Each PCB can be connected to multiple light sources. A PCB can be electrically, mechanically, or both connected to one or more light sources discussed herein. A PCB can aim light from a light source. A PCB can align a light source with a lens or an area to be illuminated.

[0052] The teachings of this document produce an illuminated component that can be manufactured through one or more steps taught herein. The illuminated component can be formed by any method. The illuminated component can be formed by molding, injection molding, or both. The illuminated component can be formed by injecting a first material. The first material can form all or part of a primary surface, all or part of a secondary surface, or both. The first material can form part of two or more secondary surfaces. A second material can cover all or part of the first material or be connected to all or part of the first material. The first and second materials can be combined to form a secondary surface. The first and second materials can interlock to form a single lens. The first and second materials can be spaced apart by one or more patterned gaps, one or more patterned fingers, or both. The first material, the second material, or both can be colored, stained, or both, such that when light shines on the lens, the light has color. The lens can be formed from a coating located between the first and second materials.

[0053] A lens can be aligned relative to one or more light sources. The light source can be guided through the edge, side, or both of the lens. A lens can provide light of a single color. Light can be extended into the lens in a first color and then emitted from the illuminated part in two or more different colors. The color of the light can be a primary light color. The primary light color can be changed to a first-level light color by a first coating. The primary light color can be changed to a second-level light color. If more than two coatings and / or colors are applied, a third-level light color, a fourth-level light color, or both can exist. For example, a lens can provide light as a combination of white, blue, orange, amber, or more.

[0054] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle 2 including a light system 10 is shown. The light system 10 provides light around the vehicle 2. The light system 10 is located at the front end 4 of the vehicle 2, but may be located at the rear end 6 of the vehicle 2. The light system 10 may be controlled jointly or individually by one or more controllers 8.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a front view of lens 12 of optical system 10. Lens 12 includes a primary surface 14 and a secondary surface 16. The secondary surface 16 extends on opposite sides of the primary surface 14. The secondary surface 16 has a first surface with an inner patterned region 18 and a second surface with an outer patterned region 20. The inner patterned region 18 and the outer patterned region 20 may be the same or different. The inner patterned region 18 and the outer patterned region 20 may provide a pattern different from that of the primary surface 14. The inner patterned region 18 and the outer patterned region 20 may provide light of the same color as the light passing through the primary surface 14. The light passing through the secondary surface 16 may be a different color than the light passing through the primary surface 14.

[0056] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of lens 12 of optical system 10 along line III-III. Lens 12 includes a primary surface 14 and two opposing secondary surfaces 16. The secondary surfaces 16 extend along the interior and exterior of lens 12. The internal secondary surface 16 has an internal patterned region 18 having an internal pattern 22. The internal secondary surface 16 of lens 12 may include a first material 30 and a secondary material 32. The first material 30 may be transparent, and the second material 32 may include the internal pattern 22. The external secondary surface 16 of lens 12 has an external patterned region 20 and an external pattern 24. The external secondary surface 16 of lens 10 may include the first material 30 and the secondary material 32. The first material 30 may be transparent, and the second material 32 may include the external pattern 24. Optical system 10 includes a printed circuit board 50 having a light source 52. Light source 52 can guide light through primary surface 14 to provide a first light color 34. Light source 52 can guide light through secondary surface 16 to provide a second light color 36. The inner pattern 22 and the outer pattern 24 can provide a different appearance from the main surface 14.

[0057] Figure 4 When viewed from a top-down plan Figure 2 The lens 12 is shown in a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV. The lens 12 includes a primary surface 14 and two opposing secondary surfaces 16. The primary surface is entirely made of a first material 30. Some of the first material 30 extends outward from the primary surface 14 to form the secondary surfaces 16. The first material 30 may originate from an outer surface or an external surface of the lens 12. A second material 32 may be formed behind the first material 30. The second material 32 may be the same material as the first material 30 or a different material. The second material 32 may be patterned or textured, making the secondary surfaces 16 appear different from the primary surface 14. The first material 30 and the second material 32 are joined together at one or more joints 46. The joints 46 help to hold the first material 30 and the second material 32 as a whole to form the lens 12. The secondary surfaces 16 may include one or more contrasting finger portions 48. The contrasting finger portions 48 may be without patterned finger portions, patterned gaps, or both, so that no pattern is visible in the contrasting finger portions 48. The contrasting finger portions 48 may form a boundary around a patterned area. The contrasting finger shape 48 can be the same color as the patterned area or a different color. The contrasting finger shape 48 can form a boundary.

[0058] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A cross-sectional view along line VV of one of the sub-surfaces 16 of lens 12. Sub-surface 16 is made of a first material 30 and a second material 32. The first material 30 has a first patterned gap 38 and a first patterned finger 40 formed in an alternating manner. The first patterned gap 38 may be absent from the first material 30 and the second material 32. The first patterned gap 38 may be filled with the second material 32. The second material 32 may include a second patterned gap 42 and a second patterned finger 44 opposite to the first material 30. A printed circuit board 50 having a light source 52 guides light 34 into sub-surface 16. As light 34 passes through sub-surface 16, light 34 changes shape, color, or both, such that light 34 manifests as a second light 36 having a second color or pattern.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a front plan view of an optical system 10 with lens 12. Lens 12 includes a primary surface 14 and a secondary surface 16, the secondary surface being divided into an inner secondary surface 16' and an outer secondary surface 16''. The interior of lens 12 may include an inner graphic region 60, wherein the graphic within the inner graphic region 60 is illuminated. Lens 12 may include an outer graphic region 62. The outer graphic region 62 may illuminate the graphic within the outer secondary surface 16''; however, the graphic region may be located on the inner secondary surface 16'. The inner graphic region 60, the outer graphic region 62, or both may have an opaque region 64. The opaque region 64 may prevent light from extending through all or part of the optical system. Near beam 70 and high beam 72 may be located within lens 12. Lens 12 may extend completely or partially around the near beam 70, the high beam 72, or both. The primary surface 14 may have a region extending through the primary surface 14 to provide a second light type 80. The second light type 80 may extend from a second light source (not shown), provide a second color, or both. The second light type 80 can illuminate the entire main surface 14 before the first light type. The second light type 80 can be a turn signal 82 with an amber color.

[0060] Any numerical values ​​referenced herein include all values ​​ranging from lower to higher values ​​in one-unit increments, provided that there is an interval of at least two units between any lower and any higher value. For example, if the value of a quantity or process variable describing a component (e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is, for example, 1 to 90, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 70, then values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc., are intended to be explicitly listed in this specification. For values ​​less than 1, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 (as the case may be). These are merely examples of specific intent, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​are to be considered as explicitly described in this application in a similar manner.

[0061] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” with respect to ranges applies to both ends of the range. Therefore, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, including at least the specified endpoints.

[0062] All disclosures in patent applications and publications, including articles and references, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination shall include identified elements, components, parts, or steps, and shall also include such other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not materially affect the essential and novel features of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also considers embodiments that are substantially constituted by or even solely composed of elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0063] Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps may be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step may be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" describing an element, component, part, or step is not intended to exclude additional elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0064] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications, in addition to the examples provided, will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined not with reference to the above description, but rather by reference instead to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. All disclosures, including those in patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims is not a disclaimer of liability for such subject matter, nor should it be construed as the inventor not considering such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0065] Element list 2 vehicles 4 front 6 Rear 8 controllers 10 optical systems 12 lenses 14 main sides 16 sides 18 Internal patterned areas 20 External Patterned Areas 22 Internal Pattern 24 External Patterns 30 First Material 32 Second Material 34 First light color 36 Second Light Color 38 First Pattern Gap 40 First pattern finger shape 42 Second Pattern Gap 44 Second pattern finger shape 50 Printed Circuit Boards 52 light sources 60 Internal Graphic Area 62 External Graphic Area 64 opaque areas 70 low beam 72 High Beam 80 Second Light Type 82 Turn signal.

Claims

1. An optical system, comprising: Multiple light sources; Lenses, including: One or more main faces, and One or more sub-faces, wherein the one or more sub-faces include one or more patterned regions, and the one or more patterned regions include one or more patterns; Wherein, some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more main faces to provide first light, and some of the plurality of light sources are aligned with the one or more sub-faces, such that the one or more patterns are illuminated within the one or more sub-faces, and The light system is configured to illuminate the area around the vehicle.

2. The optical system as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more secondary faces are two opposing secondary faces extending along opposite sides of the one or more primary faces.

3. The optical system as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more main surfaces comprise only the first material.

4. The optical system as described in claim 3, wherein, The one or more sub-faces include the first material and a second material different from the first material.

5. The optical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The one or more sub-faces include: A first material, the first material forming a first portion of the one or more sub-faces, wherein the first material forms: The first pattern gap, the first pattern finger-shaped portion, or the first pattern gap and the first pattern finger-shaped portion, and A second material, the second material forming a second portion of the one or more sub-faces, wherein the second material forms: Second pattern gap, second pattern finger-shaped part, or second pattern gap and second pattern finger-shaped part; Wherein, the first pattern gap is aligned with the second pattern finger-shaped portion; the second pattern gap is aligned with the first pattern finger-shaped portion, or the first pattern gap is aligned with the second pattern finger-shaped portion and the second pattern gap is aligned with the first pattern finger-shaped portion.

6. The optical system as described in claim 5, wherein, The first pattern gap forms a shape, texture, design, decoration, or a combination thereof.

7. The optical system as claimed in claim 5, wherein, Air gaps are located between the first pattern gap and the second pattern finger, between the second pattern gap and the first pattern finger, or between the first pattern gap and the second pattern finger and between the second pattern gap and the first pattern finger, such that when light from some or all of the plurality of light sources extends through the one or more sub-surfaces, the shape, texture, design, decoration, or a combination thereof is visible.

8. An optical system, comprising: Multiple light sources; Lenses, including: One or more main faces, and One or more sub-faces, the one or more sub-faces including one or more colorants within the one or more sub-faces, the one or more colorants providing color when some of the plurality of light sources are directed through the one or more sub-faces; Wherein, the one or more main surfaces are transparent, and the one or more secondary surfaces have a different color than the one or more main surfaces, and The light system is configured to illuminate the area around the vehicle.

9. The optical system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, One or more colorants are coatings on or within the one or more sub-surfaces.

10. The optical system of claim 8, wherein, The one or more sub-faces include: The first material has a first composition, and A second material having a second composition, the second material comprising the one or more colorants; The first material and the second material are joined together to form the one or more sub-faces.

11. The optical system of claim 10, wherein, The first material includes: One or more first pattern gaps, one or more first pattern finger-shaped portions, or one or more first pattern gaps and one or more first pattern finger-shaped portions, wherein the one or more first pattern gaps, the one or more first pattern finger-shaped portions, or the one or more first pattern gaps and the one or more first pattern finger-shaped portions form one or more shapes or patterns within the one or more sub-surfaces.

12. The optical system of claim 10, wherein, The second material includes: One or more second pattern gaps, one or more second pattern finger-shaped portions, or one or more second pattern gaps and one or more second pattern finger-shaped portions, wherein the one or more second pattern gaps, the one or more second pattern finger-shaped portions, or the one or more second pattern gaps and the one or more second pattern finger-shaped portions form one or more shapes or patterns within the one or more sub-surfaces.

13. The optical system of claim 11, wherein, The second material includes: One or more second pattern gaps that receive all or part of the one or more first pattern finger portions, one or more second pattern finger portions that extend partially or completely into the one or more first pattern gaps, or one or more second pattern gaps and one or more second pattern finger portions.

14. The optical system of claim 8, wherein, The intensity of light passing through the one or more secondary surfaces is less than the intensity of light passing through the one or more primary surfaces.

15. An optical system, comprising: The first light source group, and Second light source group; Lenses, including: One or more main faces, and One or more secondary faces; The first light source group guides light through the one or more main surfaces and the one or more secondary surfaces to provide first light; Wherein, the one or more second light source groups provide second light that passes through all or a portion of the one or more main surfaces, the one or more secondary surfaces, or both; and The light system is configured to illuminate the area around the vehicle.

16. The optical system of claim 15, wherein, The second light source group guides the light through a portion of the one or more main surfaces to provide a steering signal.

17. The optical system of claim 16, wherein, The one or more main surfaces are transparent, and the second light source group is amber.

18. The optical system of claim 15, further comprising: A graphic region, which generates a graphic when the second light source group is guided through the graphic region.

19. The optical system of claim 18, wherein, The graphic area is located on or in the main surface, or inside the lens, such that the lens extends along both or more sides of the graphic area.

20. The optical system of claim 15, wherein, The one or more secondary faces extend along opposite sides of the one or more primary faces.

Images