U.S. patent application number 16/662248 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-20 for vehicle badge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Kenneth Dellock, Michael A. Musleh, Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey Singer, James J. Surman.
Application Number | 20200055461 16/662248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58456234 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-20 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200055461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salter; Stuart C. ; et
al. |
February 20, 2020 |
VEHICLE BADGE
Abstract
A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a substrate
attached to a housing. The housing includes a viewable portion. A
light source is operably coupled with an optic. A reflective member
is further disposed within the badge. A first portion of an
excitation light emitted from the light source is directed through
the optic toward a first portion of the viewable portion. A second
portion of the excitation light is reflected by the reflective
member towards a second portion of the viewable portion.
Inventors: |
Salter; Stuart C.; (White
Lake, MI) ; Singer; Jeffrey; (Plymouth, MI) ;
Dellock; Paul Kenneth; (Northville, MI) ; Musleh;
Michael A.; (Canton, MI) ; Surman; James J.;
(Clinton Township, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
58456234 |
Appl. No.: |
16/662248 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15061087 |
Mar 4, 2016 |
10501025 |
|
|
16662248 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 2013/145 20130101;
F21V 7/00 20130101; G09F 13/14 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
F21V 9/32 20180201; G09F 21/04 20130101; B60R 13/005 20130101; F21V
13/14 20130101; F21V 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 13/00 20060101
B60R013/00; F21V 7/00 20060101 F21V007/00; F21V 3/00 20060101
F21V003/00; F21V 9/30 20060101 F21V009/30; G09F 21/04 20060101
G09F021/04; G09F 13/14 20060101 G09F013/14 |
Claims
1. A badge, comprising: a substrate attached to a housing having a
viewable portion; a light source and an optic disposed between the
substrate and housing, wherein the light source emits an excitation
light towards the viewable portion; a first photoluminescent
structure within the optic that emits a first converted light after
receiving the excitation light; a reflective member; and a second
photoluminescent structure excited by the excitation light that is
reflected by the reflective member.
2. The badge of claim 1, wherein the second photoluminescent
structure is configured to convert the excitation light emitted
from the light source into second converted light of a different
wavelength than the first photoluminescent structure.
3. The badge of claim 1, wherein the first photoluminescent
structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material
configured to convert an excitation light received from at least a
portion of the light source into a visible light that is outputted
through a central portion of the viewable portion.
4. The badge of claim 1, wherein the first photoluminescent
structure includes a short persistence photoluminescent material
therein that is configured to illuminate for 100 milliseconds or
less after the excitation light is removed.
5. The badge of claim 1, wherein the second photoluminescent
structure includes a long persistence photoluminescent material
therein that is configured to illuminate for at least 6 hours after
the excitation light is removed.
6. The badge of claim 1, wherein the optic emits neutral white
converted light through a central portion of the viewable portion
in response to receiving a blue excitation light.
7. The badge of claim 1, further comprising: a controller for
controlling an activation state of the light source in response to
at least one vehicle predefined condition.
8. The badge of claim 1, wherein the excitation light comprises at
least one of blue light, violet light, IR, and UV light.
9. A badge for a vehicle, comprising: a housing having a viewable
portion; a varying width light scattering layer disposed rearwardly
of the viewable portion; a decorative layer rearwardly of the light
scattering layer; an optic operably coupled with a light source,
wherein the light source is configured to emit an excitation light;
a first photoluminescent structure disposed rearwardly of the
decorative layer configured to emit a first converted light in
response to receiving the excitation light; and a second
photoluminescent structure disposed within the optic and configured
to emit a second converted light in response to receiving the
excitation light.
10. The badge for a vehicle of claim 9, wherein the excitation
light comprises one of blue light, violet light, and UV light.
11. The badge for a vehicle of claim 9, wherein the excitation
light comprises at least one of blue light, violet light, IR, and
UV light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/061,087, filed on Mar. 4, 2016, entitled VEHICLE BADGE,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting
systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems
employing one or more photoluminescent structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Illumination arising from the use of photoluminescent
structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is
therefore desired to implement such structures in automotive
vehicles for various lighting applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a badge is
disclosed. The badge includes a substrate attached to a housing.
The housing has a viewable portion. A light source is operably
coupled with an optic. The badge further includes a reflective
member. A first portion of an excitation light emitted from the
light source is directed through the optic toward a first portion
of the viewable portion and a second portion of the excitation
light is reflected by the reflective member towards a second
portion of the viewable portion.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
badge is disclosed. The badge includes a substrate attached to a
housing. The housing has a viewable portion. A light source
configured to emit an excitation light is operably coupled with an
optic. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the
optic that is configured to emit a first converted light in
response to receiving the excitation light. The badge further
includes a reflective member. A second photoluminescent structure
is excited by the excitation light that is reflected off of the
reflective member.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
badge is disclosed. The badge includes a housing having a viewable
portion. A varying width light scattering layer is disposed
rearwardly of the viewable portion. A decorative layer is disposed
rearwardly of the light scattering layer. An optic is operably
coupled with a light source. The light source is configured to emit
an excitation light. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed
rearwardly of the decorative layer and is configured to emit a
first converted light in response to receiving the excitation
light.
[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure
rendered as a coating for use in a vehicle badge according to one
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a top view of a photoluminescent structure
rendered as a discrete particle according to one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a side view of a plurality photoluminescent
structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a
separate structure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped
with an illuminated badge on a grille assembly of a vehicle,
according to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the badge, according to one
embodiment, having a light source therein;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the badge taken along
line IV-IV of FIG. 3 having an optic and a light scattering layer
that includes glass particles disposed within the badge, according
to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the badge taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 having a
photoluminescent structure disposed within the optic and the light
scattering layer that includes a plurality of beads, according to
one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the badge taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 having a
plurality of light sources therein; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the vehicle including the badge
and the lighting control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be
exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0019] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0020] The following disclosure describes an illuminated badge that
may be attached to a vehicle. The badge may include one or more
photoluminescent structures configured to convert an excitation
light received from an associated light source to a converted light
at a different wavelength typically found in the visible
spectrum.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of
photoluminescent structures 10 are shown, each capable of being
coupled to a substrate 12, which may correspond to a vehicle
fixture or vehicle related piece of equipment. In FIG. 1A, the
photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown rendered as a
coating (e.g., a film) that may be applied to a surface of the
substrate 12. In FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is
generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being integrated
with a substrate 12. In FIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10
is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that may be
incorporated into a support medium 14 (e.g., a film) that may then
be applied (as shown) or integrated with the substrate 12.
[0022] At the most basic level, a given photoluminescent structure
10 includes an energy conversion layer 16 that may include one or
more sublayers, which are exemplarily shown through broken lines in
FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16
may include one or more photoluminescent materials 18 having energy
converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties.
Each photoluminescent material 18 may become excited upon receiving
an excitation light 24 of a specific wavelength, thereby causing
the light to undergo a conversion process. Under the principle of
down conversion, the excitation light 24 is converted into a longer
wavelength, converted light 26 that is outputted from the
photoluminescent structure 10. Conversely, under the principle of
up conversion, the excitation light 24 is converted into a shorter
wavelength light that is outputted from the photoluminescent
structure 10. When multiple distinct wavelengths of light are
outputted from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time,
the wavelengths of light may mix together and be expressed as a
multicolor light.
[0023] Light emitted by a light source 42 (FIG. 3) is referred to
herein as excitation light 24 and is illustrated herein as solid
arrows. In contrast, light emitted from the photoluminescent
structure 10 is referred to herein as converted light 26 and is
illustrated herein as broken arrows. The mixture of excitation
light 24 and converted light 26 that may be emitted simultaneously
is referred to herein as outputted light.
[0024] The energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by dispersing
the photoluminescent material 18 in a polymer matrix to form a
homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may
include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation
in a liquid carrier support medium 14 and coating the energy
conversion layer 16 to a desired substrate 12. The energy
conversion layer 16 may be applied to a substrate 12 by painting,
screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller
coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion
layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid
carrier support medium 14. For example, the energy conversion layer
16 may be rendered by dispersing the photoluminescent material 18
into a solid state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state)
that may be incorporated in a polymer matrix, which may be formed
by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring,
thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 may then be
integrated into a substrate 12 using any methods known to those
skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes
sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form the
energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be
separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to
form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively still, the
energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by coextruding the
sublayers.
[0025] In some embodiments, the converted light 26 that has been
down converted or up converted may be used to excite other
photoluminescent material(s) 18 found in the energy conversion
layer 16. The process of using the converted light 26 outputted
from one photoluminescent material 18 to excite another, and so on,
is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as an
alternative for achieving various color expressions. With respect
to either conversion principle, the difference in wavelength
between the excitation light 24 and the converted light 26 is known
as the Stokes shift and serves as the principle driving mechanism
for an energy conversion process corresponding to a change in
wavelength of light. In the various embodiments discussed herein,
each of the photoluminescent structures 10 may operate under either
conversion principle.
[0026] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent
structure 10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20
to protect the photoluminescent material 18 contained within the
energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation.
The stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer
optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 16.
Alternatively, the stability layer 20 may be integrated with the
energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 may
also optionally include a protective layer 22 optically coupled and
adhered to the stability layer 20 or other layer (e.g., the
conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 20) to
protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and
chemical damage arising from environmental exposure. The stability
layer 20 and/or the protective layer 22 may be combined with the
energy conversion layer 16 through sequential coating or printing
of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other
suitable means.
[0027] Additional information regarding the construction of
photoluminescent structures 10 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY
EMISSION," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. For additional information regarding fabrication and
utilization of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light
emissions, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al.,
entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE
THEREFROM"; U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled
"PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS"; U.S. Pat.
No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY
EMISSION"; U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled
"ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY
EMISSION"; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et
al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF
MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES"; U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,021 to Kingsley et
al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS"; and U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al., entitled
"CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES," all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material
18 may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including
rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and/or phthalocyanines.
Additionally, or alternatively, the photoluminescent material 18
may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as
YAG:Ce and may be a short persistence photoluminescent material 18.
For example, an emission by Ce.sup.3+ is based on an electronic
energy transition from 5d.sup.1 to 4f.sup.1 as a parity allowed
transition. As a result of this, a difference in energy between the
light absorption and the light emission by Ce.sup.3+ is small, and
the luminescent level of Ce.sup.3+ has a ultra-short lifespan, or
decay time, of 10.sup.-8 to 10.sup.-7 seconds (10 to 100
nanoseconds). The decay time may be defined as the time between the
end of excitation from the excitation light 24 and the moment when
the light intensity of the converted light 26 emitted from the
photoluminescent structure 10 drops below a minimum visibility of
0.32 mcd/m.sup.2. A visibility of 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2 is roughly 100
times the sensitivity of the dark-adapted human eye, which
corresponds to a base level of illumination commonly used by
persons of ordinary skill in the art.
[0029] According to one embodiment, a Ce.sup.3+ garnet may be
utilized, which has a peak excitation spectrum that may reside in a
shorter wavelength range than that of conventional YAG:Ce-type
phosphors. Accordingly, Ce.sup.3+ has short persistence
characteristics such that its decay time may be 100 milliseconds or
less. Therefore, in some embodiments, the rare earth aluminum
garnet type Ce phosphor may serve as the photoluminescent material
18 with ultra-short persistence characteristics, which can emit the
converted light 26 by absorbing purple to blue excitation light 24
emitted from a light source 42. According to one embodiment, a
ZnS:Ag phosphor may be used to create a blue converted light 26. A
ZnS:Cu phosphor may be utilized to create a yellowish-green
converted light 26. A Y.sub.2O.sub.2S:Eu phosphor may be used to
create red converted light 26. Moreover, the aforementioned
phosphorescent materials may be combined to form a wide range of
colors, including white light. It will be understood that any short
persistence photoluminescent material known in the art may be
utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.
Additional information regarding the production of short
persistence photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,163,201 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY
EMISSION," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0030] Additionally, or alternatively, the photoluminescent
material 18, according to one embodiment, disposed within the
photoluminescent structure 10 may include a long persistence
photoluminescent material 18 that emits the converted light 26,
once charged by the excitation light 24. The excitation light 24
may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light
source 42, such as the sun, and/or any artificial light source 42).
The long persistence photoluminescent material 18 may be defined as
having a long decay time due to its ability to store the excitation
light 24 and release the converted light 26 gradually, for a period
of several minutes or hours, once the excitation light 24 is no
longer present.
[0031] The long persistence photoluminescent material 18, according
to one embodiment, may be operable to emit light at or above an
intensity of 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2 after a period of 10 minutes.
Additionally, the long persistence photoluminescent material 18 may
be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32
mcd/m.sup.2 after a period of 30 minutes and, in some embodiments,
for a period substantially longer than 60 minutes (e.g., the period
may extend 24 hours or longer, and in some instances, the period
may extend 48 hours). Accordingly, the long persistence
photoluminescent material 18 may continually illuminate in response
to excitation from a plurality of light sources 42 that emit the
excitation light 24, including, but not limited to, natural light
sources (e.g., the sun) and/or any artificial light source 42. The
periodic absorption of the excitation light 24 from any excitation
source may provide for a substantially sustained charge of the long
persistence photoluminescent material 18 to provide for consistent
passive illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor may
monitor the illumination intensity of the photoluminescent
structure 10 and actuate an excitation source when the illumination
intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2, or any other predefined
intensity level.
[0032] The long persistence photoluminescent material 18 may
correspond to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example
doped di-silicates, or any other compound that is capable of
emitting light for a period of time once the excitation light 24 is
no longer present. The long persistence photoluminescent material
18 may be doped with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare
earth elements, for example, Eu.sup.2-, Tb.sup.3+ and/or Dy.sup.3.
According to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the
photoluminescent structure 10 includes a phosphorescent material in
the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier support
medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a polymeric resin in
the range of about 15% to about 35%, a stabilizing additive in the
range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and performance-enhancing
additives in the range of about 0% to about 5%, each based on the
weight of the formulation.
[0033] The photoluminescent structure 10, according to one
embodiment, may be a translucent white color, and in some instances
reflective, when unilluminated. Once the photoluminescent structure
10 receives the excitation light 24 of a particular wavelength, the
photoluminescent structure 10 may emit any color light (e.g., blue
or red) therefrom at any desired brightness. According to one
embodiment, a blue emitting phosphorescent material may have the
structure Li.sub.2ZnGeO.sub.4 and may be prepared by a high
temperature solid-state reaction method or through any other
practicable method and/or process. The afterglow may last for a
duration of two to eight hours and may originate from the
excitation light 24 and d-d transitions of Mn.sup.2+ ions.
[0034] According to an alternate non-limiting exemplary embodiment,
100 parts of a commercial solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace
resin 107-268, having 50% solids polyurethane in
Toluene/Isopropanol, 125 parts of a blue green long persistence
phosphor, such as Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of
a dye solution containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane may
be blended to yield a low rare earth mineral photoluminescent
structure 10. It will be understood that the compositions provided
herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the
art may be utilized within the photoluminescent structure 10
without departing from the teachings provided herein. Moreover, it
is contemplated that any long persistence phosphor known in the art
may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided
herein.
[0035] Additional information regarding the production of long
persistence photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,163,201 to Agrawal et al., entitled "HIGH-INTENSITY,
PERSISTENT PHOTOLUMINESCENT FORMULATIONS AND OBJECTS, AND METHODS
FOR CREATING THE SAME," the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference. For additional information
regarding long persistence phosphorescent structures, refer to U.S.
Pat. No. 6,953,536 to Yen et al., entitled "LONG PERSISTENT
PHOSPHORS AND PERSISTENT ENERGY TRANSFER TECHNIQUE"; U.S. Pat. No.
6,117,362 to Yen et al., entitled "LONG-PERSISTENT BLUE PHOSPHORS";
and U.S. Pat. No. 8,952,341 to Kingsley et al., entitled "LOW RARE
EARTH MINERAL PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND STRUCTURES FOR
GENERATING LONG-PERSISTENT LUMINESCENCE," all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, a badge 28 is generally shown
mounted on a front portion 30 of a vehicle 32. In other
embodiments, the badge 28 may be located elsewhere, such as, but
not limited to, other locations of the front portion 30, a side
portion, or a rear portion of the vehicle 32. Alternatively, the
badge 28 may be disposed inside the vehicle 32. The badge 28 may be
configured as an insignia that is presented as an identifying mark
of a vehicle manufacturer and includes a viewable portion 34 that
is generally prominently displayed on the vehicle 32. In the
presently illustrated embodiment, the badge 28 is centrally located
on a grille assembly 36 of the vehicle 32, thus allowing the badge
28 to be readily viewed by an observer looking head-on at the
vehicle 32. As will be described below in greater detail, one or
more light sources 42 may be disposed within the badge 28 and may
illuminate in a plurality of manners to provide a distinct styling
element to the vehicle 32.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the viewable portion 34 of the badge 28
is exemplarily shown according to one embodiment. The viewable
portion 34 may include a light transmissive portion 38, which may
correspond with indicia on the badge 28, and one or more
substantially opaque portions 40, which may correspond to a
background region of the badge 28 and may be configured as opaque
coatings applied to the viewable portion 34. In alternative
embodiments, the opaque portions 40 may be left open to the front
portion 30 of the vehicle 32. The badge 28 may also include one or
more light sources 42 disposed therein. The light source 42 may
include any form of light source. For example, fluorescent
lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs),
polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid state lighting, or any other form of
lighting configured to emit light may be utilized. According to one
embodiment, the first and/or second light source 42 may be
configured to emit a wavelength of excitation light 24 that is
characterized as ultraviolet light (.about.10-400 nanometers in
wavelength), violet light (.about.380-450 nanometers in
wavelength), blue light (.about.450-495 nanometers in wavelength),
and/or infrared light (IR)(.about.700 nm-1 mm in wavelength) to
take advantage of the relative low cost attributable to those types
of LEDs.
[0038] Additionally, according to one embodiment, any light source
42 within the badge 28 may be configured to sparkle, or flash in
one or more colors. The locations of the light sources 42 that
sparkle may be chosen to correspond to a corner or edge of the
viewable portion 34. The sparkle effect at each location may be
produced by light emitted from a corresponding light source 42 that
is disposed inside the badge 28. Each light source 42 may be
operated to pulse light onto the corresponding sparkle location.
According to one embodiment, a pulse of light from a given light
source 42 may last approximately 1/10 to 1/100 of a second and the
light sources 42 may be pulsed randomly or in a pattern.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the badge 28
is shown according to an one embodiment taken along the line IV-IV
of FIG. 3. The badge 28 includes a housing 44 having the viewable
portion 34 described above and a substrate 46 that may be capable
of being secured to the vehicle 32. The viewable portion 34 may be
arcuate whereas the substrate 46 may be substantially linear. The
housing 44 and/or the substrate 46 may be constructed from a rigid
material such as, but not limited to, plastic and may be assembled
together via sonic or laser welding and/or low-pressure insert
molding. Alternatively, or additionally, the housing 44 and the
substrate 46 may be assembled together through the use of adhesives
or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively still, the housing 44 and
the substrate 46 may be integrally formed as a single
component.
[0040] With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the light source
42 may be provided on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 48
that may be secured to the substrate 46. The PCB 48 may include a
white solder mask 50 to reflect light incident thereon.
[0041] The badge 28 may further include an optic 52, such as any
form of lens or prism, to help concentrate light onto pre-defined
locations. The optic 52 may be formed from a single piece of solid,
transparent material, including glass, acrylate polymers, such as
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and thermoplastic polymers, such as
polycarbonate plastics, molded or otherwise formed as a single
piece. In some embodiments, the optic 52 may be formed from a
single piece of solid, injection-molded acrylic Optionally, some
portions of the integrated piece may be tinted or coated, for
example with a light-reflecting or obstructing coating, and/or
portions of the optic 52 may be painted or otherwise tinted to
prevent light escape.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the optic 52 may have a
generally concave front face 54 and a generally linear rear face
56. Although in other embodiments, the rear face 56 may be concave
or convex, depending on the desired focusing properties of the
lens. Additionally, the side wall 58 may have convex, flat, or
concave, as desired in order to achieve the desired light focusing
properties. Although a particular configuration of the optic 52 is
illustrated in FIG. 4, one of skill in the art will appreciate that
other combinations of flat and/or curved lens surfaces may be
substituted to fit a particular application and/or set of beam
focusing requirements.
[0043] In operation, the optic 52 may interact with the light
source 42 in various manners dependent upon, for example, the
position of light source 42. For instance, in some embodiments,
when the light source 42 is far away from optic 52 (e.g., a narrow
angle position), a small fraction of the excitation light 24
emitted from the light source 42 may interact with optic 52.
Conversely, when light source 42 is near the optic 52, the optic 52
may influence a second, larger fraction of the beam pattern in a
desired manner. Thus, in various embodiments, optic 52 may enable
wide angle light distribution, with little effect on narrow angle
distribution. Thus, in various embodiments where the optic 52 is in
a position closer to the light source 42, the bulk of the
excitation light 24 from light source 42 will pass through central
focusing element, and will be directed in a wide beam pattern.
[0044] Conversely, in various embodiments when the optic 52 is in a
forward position (e.g., toward the housing 44), a small portion of
the excitation light 24 from the light source 42 will pass through
optic 52. Instead, the excitation light 24 from the light source 42
will reflect off of a reflective member 60. The reflective member
60 may extend along at least part of a contoured inner cavity of
the badge 28. The reflective member 60 may be formed from a
polymeric material or any other suitable material known in the art.
The reflector surface may be shaped to generate any desired
lighting pattern. It should be appreciated that the reflective
member 60 may be one or more separate components disposed within
the badge 28. According to one embodiment, the reflective member 60
is geometrically similar to a typical radiation pattern of an LED,
as is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0045] The reflective member 60 may be configured to reflect a
specific wavelength of light in some embodiments. According to some
embodiments, natural excitation light 24 (e.g., emitted from the
sun) may penetrate the housing 44 of the badge 28 and be reflected
off of the reflective member 60 and back towards desired portions
of the housing 44. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art that the reflective member 60 may have any geometry for
reflecting excitation light 24 in any desired direction.
[0046] According to one embodiment, a photoluminescent structure 10
is disposed between the reflective member 60, or the optic 52, and
the housing 44. The excitation light 24 emitted from the light
source(s) 42 is converted by the photoluminescent structure 10 into
light of a longer wavelength and outputted therefrom. The converted
light 26 corresponds to a visible light, which includes the portion
of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human
eye (.about.390-700 nanometers in wavelength) and may be expressed
in a variety of colors defined by a single wavelength (e.g., red,
green, blue) or a mixture of multiple wavelengths (e.g., white).
Thus, it should be understood that the photoluminescent structure
10 may be configured such that the converted light 26 outputted
therefrom is capable of being expressed as unicolored or
multicolored light. According to one embodiment, the light sources
42 are configured to emit blue light and the photoluminescent
structure 10 is configured to convert the blue light into a neutral
white light having a color temperature of approximately 4000K to
5000K. The converted light 26 escapes from the badge 28 via the
viewable portion 34.
[0047] According to one embodiment, a central portion 62 of the
viewable portion 34 may illuminate in a brighter manner than the
peripheral portions 64 of the viewable portion 34 due to the
increased amount of excitation light 24 received by the
photoluminescent structure 10 disposed on the central portion 62 of
the photoluminescent structure 10. Accordingly, the central portion
66 of the photoluminescent structure 10 may have a higher
concentration of the photoluminescent material 18 than the
peripheral portions 68 of the photoluminescent structure 10.
Additionally, or alternatively, the central portion 66 of the
photoluminescent structure 10 may have a different photoluminescent
material 18 therein such that the excitation light 24 that is
transmitted through the optics 52 illuminates the viewable portion
34 in a first color while the excitation light 24 that is not
transmitted through the optics 52 illuminates the viewable portion
34 in a second color.
[0048] A light scattering layer 70 may be disposed above the first
photoluminescent structure 10 and is molded, or alternatively
disposed, within the badge 28. The light scattering layer 70 may
include clear, translucent, and/or opaque portions and may be any
desired color. The light scattering layer 70 generally functions to
diffuse the excitation light 24 emitted from the light sources 42
and/or converted light 26 emitted from the photoluminescent
structure 10 so that unwanted hot spots and shadows may be
minimized. According to one embodiment, the light scattering layer
70 may include glass particles that provide additional light
scattering effects to further enhance the attractiveness of the
badge 28.
[0049] The light scattering layer 70 may have a varied transverse
thickness and may be coated with a curable, liquid-based coating
that results in a translucent layer for added durability. The light
scattering layer 70 may be fabricated according to various methods
as known in the art. For example, the light scattering layer 70 may
be made using injection molding tools, equipment, and processing
conditions. Further, the light scattering layer 70 is attached to
the housing 44 and/or the substrate 46 via various mechanical,
chemical, and/or thermal techniques that provide a durable seal
therebetween. These attachment techniques include, but not limited
to, sonic welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, rotational
welding, and adhesive joining.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the badge 28
is shown according to an alternate embodiment taken along the line
IV-IV of FIG. 3. As described above, the badge 28 includes the
substrate 46 that is capable of being secured to a vehicle 32
through attachment points 72. Any practicable means may be used for
attaching the badge 28 to the vehicle 32 including, but not limited
to, fasteners, adhesives, welding, integrally forming the badge 28
with a vehicle component, and/or any other method known in the art.
The substrate 46 may be a dark, high gloss material, thereby
concealing any circuitry of the badge 28 and attachment points
72.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the light scattering layer 70 is
configured as a plurality of beads. The beads may be formed from a
glass and/or a polymeric material. The beads, according to one
embodiment, are substantially monodispersed in size and/or shape.
According to an alternate embodiment, the beads may be configured
in a variety of sizes and/or shapes that are randomly distributed
within the light scattering layer 70. Additionally, the
photoluminescent structure 10 may be disposed within the beads in
some embodiments.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 5, the badge 28 includes a first
photoluminescent structure 10 that is disposed between the light
scattering layer 70 and the light source 42 in a uniform or
non-uniform manner, as described above. Accordingly, the light
scattering layer 70 may partially, or substantially conceal, the
inward layers and/or components of the badge 28. For example, the
light scattering layer 70 may conceal the photoluminescent
structure 10, and more particularly, the color or natural hue of
the photoluminescent structure 10. Additionally, the light
scattering layer 70 may also conceal the optic 52, the reflective
member 60, and/or any other components disposed between the housing
44 and the substrate 46.
[0053] A second photoluminescent structure 74 may be disposed
within the optic 52 such that excitation light 24 enters the optic
52 and a second converted light 76 exits the optic 52. According to
one embodiment, the first photoluminescent structure 10 emits blue
converted light 26 and the second photoluminescent structure 74
emits white converted light 76. However, it will be appreciated
that the first and/or second photoluminescent structures 10, 74 may
emit any color of converted light 26.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the first photoluminescent
structure 10 contains a long persistence photoluminescent material
18 that may be excited by natural excitation light 24 (e.g., the
sun) in addition to the excitation light 24 emitted by the light
source 42. The natural excitation light 24 may enter the badge 28
from outside of the housing 44 and excite the first
photoluminescent structure 10. Some of the natural excitation light
24 that enters through the housing 44 may pass through the first
photoluminescent structure 10. The natural excitation light 24 may
then be reflected off of the reflective member 60 and redirected
back towards the first photoluminescent structure 10 to further
excite the photoluminescent materials 18 therein.
[0055] With further reference to FIG. 5, the badge 28 may include a
decorative layer 78 that is forwardly of the first and/or second
photoluminescent structures 10, 74. The decorative layer 78 may
include a polymeric material or any other suitable material and is
configured to control or modify an appearance of the viewable
portion 34. For example, the decorative layer 78 may be configured
to confer a metallic appearance to the viewable portion 34. The
metallic appearance can be disposed rearwardly of the housing 44
through any method known in the art, including, but not limited to,
sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating),
electroplating, or directly printing onto any component of the
badge 28. The metallic appearance may be chosen from a wide range
of reflective materials and/or colors, including, but not limited
to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, any other metallic
material, and/or any imitator thereof. Additionally, an imitator of
any metallic material may also be utilized without departing from
the teachings provided herein.
[0056] Accordingly, a light transmissive portion 38 may illuminate
when the light source 42 is illuminated and confer a metallic
appearance in the unilluminated state. The opaque portions 40, if
disposed on the badge 28, may also be colored any desired color
and/or incorporate a metallized finish on portions thereof. In
other embodiments, the decorative layer 78 may be tinted any color
to complement the vehicle structure on which the badge 28 is to be
received. In any event, the decorative layer 78 should be at least
partially light transmissible such that the converted light 26 is
not prevented from illuminating the viewable portion 34 whenever an
energy conversion process is underway. Alternate processes may be
used for coloring or layering material onto a portion of the
housing 44 and/or the substrate 46, as known in the art without
departing from the teachings provided herein.
[0057] Referring still to FIG. 5, the badge 28 may include a
plurality of independently illuminable light sources 42, 80
disposed both inwardly (e.g., light source 42) and outwardly (e.g.,
light source 80) of the reflective member 60. Accordingly, a first
portion 82 of excitation light 24 emitted by a centrally disposed
light source 42 may be directed through the optic 52, which may be
reemitted as the second converted light 76, and towards a first
portion 62 of the viewable portion 34. A second portion 84 of the
excitation light 24 emitted by the centrally disposed light source
42 may reflect off of the reflective member 60 and through a larger
portion 64 of the viewable portion 34. It will be appreciated that
the excitation light 24 emitted from the centrally disposed light
source 42 may be emitted through any portion of the viewable
portion 34 without departing from the teachings provided
herein.
[0058] One or more peripheral light sources 80 may be disposed
outwardly of the reflective member 60 and configured to emit
excitation light 24 towards a peripheral portion 68 of the first
photoluminescent structure 10 thereby illuminating the peripheral
portion of the viewable portion 34. The excitation light 24 emitted
by the peripheral light sources 80 may be reflected off of an
outwardly facing surface 86 of the reflective member 60 prior to
exciting the first photoluminescent structure 10.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, the light source 42 may be operably
coupled with an optical grade light guide 88, which is a
substantially transparent or translucent guide suitable for
transmitting light. The light guide 88 may be formed from a rigid
material that is comprised of a curable substrate such as a
polymerizable compound, a mold in clear (MIC) material or mixtures
thereof. Acrylates are also commonly used for forming rigid light
pipes, as well as poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a known
substitute for glass. A polycarbonate material may also be used in
an injection molding process to form the rigid light guide 88.
[0060] Further, the light guide 88 may be a flexible light guide,
wherein a suitable flexible material is used to create the light
guide 88. Such flexible materials include urethanes, silicone,
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other like optical grade
flexible materials. Whether the light guide 88 is flexible or
rigid, the light guide 88, when formed, is substantially optically
transparent and/or translucent and capable of transmitting light.
The light guide 88 may be referred to as a light pipe, a light
plate, a light bar or any other light carrying or transmitting
substrate made from a clear or substantially translucent plastic.
Known methods of attaching the light guide 88 to the badge 28
include the bonding of a preformed light guide 88 within the badge
28 by adhesion, such as by using a double-sided tape, or by
mechanical connections such as brackets that are formed into the
substrate 46.
[0061] According to an alternate embodiment, the light source 42
may be configured as a plurality of LEDs that may be printed onto
the substrate 46, the PCB 48, or any other component of the badge
28 to direct light towards the viewable portion 34. Additional
information regarding the construction of vehicle components
incorporating printed LEDs therein is disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/851,726 to Salter et al., entitled
"ILLUMINATED STEERING ASSEMBLY," filed Sep. 11, 2015, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram of a vehicle 32 is
generally shown in which the badge 28 is implemented. The badge 28
includes a controller 90 in communication with the light source 42.
The controller 90 may include memory 92 having instructions
contained therein that are executed by a processor 94 of the
controller 90. The controller 90 may provide electrical power to
the light source 42 via a power source 96 that may be located
onboard the vehicle 32. In addition, the controller 90 may be
configured to control the excitation light 24 emitted from each
light source 42 within the badge 28 based on feedback received from
one or more vehicle control modules 98 such as, but not limited to,
a body control module, engine control module, steering control
module, brake control module, the like, or a combination thereof.
By controlling the light output of the light source 42, the badge
28 may illuminate in a variety of colors and/or patterns to provide
an aesthetic appearance, such as a prismatic appearance, or may
provide vehicle information to an intended observer. For example,
the badge 28 may illuminate based on a variety of vehicle
predefined conditions, such as, but not limited to, a car finding
feature, a remote start indicator, a door lock indicator, a door
ajar indicator, a running light, etc.
[0063] In operation, the first and/or the second photoluminescent
structures 10, 74 receive the excitation light 24 and, in response,
emits the converted light 26 therefrom. The first and/or the second
photoluminescent structure(s) 10, 74 may contain a long persistent
photoluminescent material 18 such that the photoluminescent
structure 10, 74 continues to emit the converted light 26 for a
period of time after the excitation light 24 is no longer present.
For example, according to one embodiment, the first and/or the
second photoluminescent structure 10, 74 may continue to emit light
for eight hours after the removal of the excitation light 24.
Additionally, or alternatively, the first and/or the second
photoluminescent structure(s) 10, 74 may contain a short persistent
photoluminescent material 18 such that the photoluminescent
structure 10, 74 stops emitting the converted light 26 shortly
after the excitation light 24 is no longer present.
[0064] In an alternate embodiment, the light source 42 may pulse
light at predefined times, such as every five minutes, to re-excite
the photoluminescent material 18 disposed within the first and/or
the second photoluminescent structures 10, 74 to continuously emit
the converted light 26 above a pre-defined intensity therefrom. The
controller 90 may pulse light from any light source 42 at any
frequency without departing from the teachings provided herein.
[0065] The photoluminescent structure(s) 10, 74 may exhibit
periodic unicolor or multicolor illumination. For example, the
controller 90 may prompt the light source 42 to periodically emit
only the first wavelength of excitation light 24 to cause the first
photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate in the
first color. Alternatively, the controller 90 may prompt the light
source 42 to periodically emit only the second wavelength of
excitation light 24 to cause the second photoluminescent structure
74 to periodically illuminate in the second color. Alternatively,
the controller 90 may prompt the light source 42 to simultaneously
and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of
excitation light 24 to cause the first and second photoluminescent
structures 10, 74 to simultaneously illuminate in a third color
defined by an additive light mixture of the first and second
colors. Alternatively still, the controller 90 may prompt the light
source 42 to alternate between periodically emitting the first and
second wavelengths of excitation light 24 to cause the first and
second photoluminescent structures 10, 74 to periodically
illuminate by alternating between the first and second colors. The
controller 90 may prompt the light source 42 to periodically emit
the first and/or the second wavelengths of excitation light 24 at a
regular time interval and/or an irregular time interval.
[0066] In another embodiment, the badge 28 may include a user
interface 100. The user interface 100 may be configured such that a
user may control the wavelength of excitation light 24 that is
emitted by the light source 42. Such a configuration may allow a
user to control the illumination patterns of the badge 28.
[0067] With respect to the above examples, the controller 90 may
modify the intensity of the emitted first and second wavelengths of
excitation light 24 by pulse-width modulation or current control.
Also, the controller 90 may vary power to each light source 42 from
1 to 5 times steady state current to vary the color and brightness
of each illumination. The controller 90 may also illuminate
multiple colors within a single multicolored light source 42
concurrently, thereby producing additional color
configurations.
[0068] In some embodiments, the controller 90 may be configured to
adjust a color of the emitted light by sending control signals to
adjust an intensity or energy output level of the light source 42.
For example, if the light source(s) 42 are configured to emit
excitation light 24 at a low level, substantially all of excitation
light 24 may be converted to the converted light 26 by the first
and/or the second photoluminescent structures 10, 74. In this
configuration, a color of light corresponding to the converted
light 26 may correspond to the color of the emitted light from the
badge 28. If the light source(s) 42 are configured to emit
excitation light 24 at a high level, only a portion of the
excitation light 24 may be converted to the converted light 26 by
the first and/or the second photoluminescent structures 10, 74. In
this configuration, a color of light corresponding to mixture of
the excitation light 24 and the converted light 26 may be output as
the emitted light. In this way, the controller 90 may control an
output color of the emitted light.
[0069] Though a low level and a high level of intensity are
discussed in reference to the excitation light 24, it shall be
understood that the intensity of the excitation light 24 may be
varied among a variety of intensity levels to adjust a hue of the
color corresponding to the emitted light from the badge 28. The
variance in intensity may be manually altered, or automatically
varied by the controller 90 based on predefined conditions.
According to one embodiment, a first intensity may be output from
the badge 28 when a light sensor senses daylight conditions. A
second intensity may be output from the badge 28 when the light
sensor determines the vehicle 32 is operating in a low light
environment.
[0070] As described herein, the color of the converted light 26 may
be significantly dependent on the particular photoluminescent
materials 18 utilized in the first and second photoluminescent
structures 10, 74. Additionally, a conversion capacity of the first
and second photoluminescent structures 10, 74 may be significantly
dependent on a concentration of the photoluminescent material 18
utilized in the photoluminescent structures 10, 74. By adjusting
the range of intensities that may be output from the light
source(s) 42, the concentration, types, and proportions of the
photoluminescent materials 18 in the photoluminescent structures
10, 74 discussed herein may be operable to generate a range of
color hues of the emitted light by blending the excitation light 24
with the converted light 26. Moreover, the first and second
photoluminescent structures 10, 74 may include a wide range of
photoluminescent materials 18 that are configured to emit the
converted light 26 for varying lengths of time.
[0071] Accordingly, an illuminating badge for a vehicle has been
advantageously described herein. The badge provides various
benefits including an efficient and cost-effective means to produce
illumination that may function as a distinct styling element that
increases the refinement of a vehicle, or any other product that
may have a badge disposed thereon.
[0072] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the
exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system might be constructed from any of the wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
the wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,
operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
present innovations.
[0073] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0074] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *