Vehicle badge

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.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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.

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures10are shown, each capable of being coupled to a substrate12, which may correspond to a vehicle fixture or vehicle related piece of equipment. InFIG. 1A, the photoluminescent structure10is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g., a film) that may be applied to a surface of the substrate12. InFIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure10is generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being integrated with a substrate12. InFIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure10is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that may be incorporated into a support medium14(e.g., a film) that may then be applied (as shown) or integrated with the substrate12.

At the most basic level, a given photoluminescent structure10includes an energy conversion layer16that may include one or more sublayers, which are exemplarily shown through broken lines inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer16may include one or more photoluminescent materials18having energy converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material18may become excited upon receiving an excitation light24of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. Under the principle of down conversion, the excitation light24is converted into a longer wavelength, converted light26that is outputted from the photoluminescent structure10. Conversely, under the principle of up conversion, the excitation light24is converted into a shorter wavelength light that is outputted from the photoluminescent structure10. When multiple distinct wavelengths of light are outputted from the photoluminescent structure10at the same time, the wavelengths of light may mix together and be expressed as a multicolor light.

Light emitted by a light source42(FIG. 3) is referred to herein as excitation light24and is illustrated herein as solid arrows. In contrast, light emitted from the photoluminescent structure10is referred to herein as converted light26and is illustrated herein as broken arrows. The mixture of excitation light24and converted light26that may be emitted simultaneously is referred to herein as outputted light.

The energy conversion layer16may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material18in a polymer matrix to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer16from a formulation in a liquid carrier support medium14and coating the energy conversion layer16to a desired substrate12. The energy conversion layer16may be applied to a substrate12by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer16may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier support medium14. For example, the energy conversion layer16may be rendered by dispersing the photoluminescent material18into 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 layer16may then be integrated into a substrate12using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer16includes sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively still, the energy conversion layer16may be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

In some embodiments, the converted light26that has been down converted or up converted may be used to excite other photoluminescent material(s)18found in the energy conversion layer16. The process of using the converted light26outputted from one photoluminescent material18to 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 light24and the converted light26is 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 structures10may operate under either conversion principle.

Referring back toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure10may optionally include at least one stability layer20to protect the photoluminescent material18contained within the energy conversion layer16from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer20may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively, the stability layer20may be integrated with the energy conversion layer16. The photoluminescent structure10may also optionally include a protective layer22optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer20or other layer (e.g., the conversion layer16in the absence of the stability layer20) to protect the photoluminescent structure10from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure. The stability layer20and/or the protective layer22may be combined with the energy conversion layer16through sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures10is 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.

According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material18may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and/or phthalocyanines. Additionally, or alternatively, the photoluminescent material18may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as YAG:Ce and may be a short persistence photoluminescent material18. For example, an emission by Ce3+is based on an electronic energy transition from 5d1to 4f1as a parity allowed transition. As a result of this, a difference in energy between the light absorption and the light emission by Ce3+is small, and the luminescent level of Ce3+has a ultra-short lifespan, or decay time, of 10−8to 10−7seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time may be defined as the time between the end of excitation from the excitation light24and the moment when the light intensity of the converted light26emitted from the photoluminescent structure10drops below a minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd/m2. A visibility of 0.32 mcd/m2is 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.

According to one embodiment, a Ce3+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, Ce3+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 material18with ultra-short persistence characteristics, which can emit the converted light26by absorbing purple to blue excitation light24emitted from a light source42. According to one embodiment, a ZnS:Ag phosphor may be used to create a blue converted light26. A ZnS:Cu phosphor may be utilized to create a yellowish-green converted light26. A Y2O2S:Eu phosphor may be used to create red converted light26. 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.

Additionally, or alternatively, the photoluminescent material18, according to one embodiment, disposed within the photoluminescent structure10may include a long persistence photoluminescent material18that emits the converted light26, once charged by the excitation light24. The excitation light24may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light source42, such as the sun, and/or any artificial light source42). The long persistence photoluminescent material18may be defined as having a long decay time due to its ability to store the excitation light24and release the converted light26gradually, for a period of several minutes or hours, once the excitation light24is no longer present.

The long persistence photoluminescent material18, according to one embodiment, may be operable to emit light at or above an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m2after a period of 10 minutes. Additionally, the long persistence photoluminescent material18may be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m2after 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 material18may continually illuminate in response to excitation from a plurality of light sources42that emit the excitation light24, including, but not limited to, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and/or any artificial light source42. The periodic absorption of the excitation light24from any excitation source may provide for a substantially sustained charge of the long persistence photoluminescent material18to provide for consistent passive illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor may monitor the illumination intensity of the photoluminescent structure10and actuate an excitation source when the illumination intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m2, or any other predefined intensity level.

The long persistence photoluminescent material18may 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 light24is no longer present. The long persistence photoluminescent material18may be doped with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare earth elements, for example, Eu2+, Tb3+and/or Dy3. According to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent structure10includes 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.

The photoluminescent structure10, according to one embodiment, may be a translucent white color, and in some instances reflective, when unilluminated. Once the photoluminescent structure10receives the excitation light24of a particular wavelength, the photoluminescent structure10may 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 Li2ZnGeO4and 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 light24and d-d transitions of Mn2+ions.

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 structure10. 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 structure10without 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.

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.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a badge28is generally shown mounted on a front portion30of a vehicle32. In other embodiments, the badge28may be located elsewhere, such as, but not limited to, other locations of the front portion30, a side portion, or a rear portion of the vehicle32. Alternatively, the badge28may be disposed inside the vehicle32. The badge28may be configured as an insignia that is presented as an identifying mark of a vehicle manufacturer and includes a viewable portion34that is generally prominently displayed on the vehicle32. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the badge28is centrally located on a grille assembly36of the vehicle32, thus allowing the badge28to be readily viewed by an observer looking head-on at the vehicle32. As will be described below in greater detail, one or more light sources42may be disposed within the badge28and may illuminate in a plurality of manners to provide a distinct styling element to the vehicle32.

Referring toFIG. 3, the viewable portion34of the badge28is exemplarily shown according to one embodiment. The viewable portion34may include a light transmissive portion38, which may correspond with indicia on the badge28, and one or more substantially opaque portions40, which may correspond to a background region of the badge28and may be configured as opaque coatings applied to the viewable portion34. In alternative embodiments, the opaque portions40may be left open to the front portion30of the vehicle32. The badge28may also include one or more light sources42disposed therein. The light source42may 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 source42may be configured to emit a wavelength of excitation light24that is characterized as ultraviolet light (˜10-400 nanometers in wavelength), violet light (˜380-450 nanometers in wavelength), blue light (˜450-495 nanometers in wavelength), and/or infrared light (IR)(˜700 nm-1 mm in wavelength) to take advantage of the relative low cost attributable to those types of LEDs.

Additionally, according to one embodiment, any light source42within the badge28may be configured to sparkle, or flash in one or more colors. The locations of the light sources42that sparkle may be chosen to correspond to a corner or edge of the viewable portion34. The sparkle effect at each location may be produced by light emitted from a corresponding light source42that is disposed inside the badge28. Each light source42may be operated to pulse light onto the corresponding sparkle location. According to one embodiment, a pulse of light from a given light source42may last approximately 1/10 to 1/100 of a second and the light sources42may be pulsed randomly or in a pattern.

Referring toFIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the badge28is shown according to an one embodiment taken along the line IV-IV ofFIG. 3. The badge28includes a housing44having the viewable portion34described above and a substrate46that may be capable of being secured to the vehicle32. The viewable portion34may be arcuate whereas the substrate46may be substantially linear. The housing44and/or the substrate46may 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 housing44and the substrate46may be assembled together through the use of adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively still, the housing44and the substrate46may be integrally formed as a single component.

With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the light source42may be provided on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB)48that may be secured to the substrate46. The PCB48may include a white solder mask50to reflect light incident thereon.

The badge28may further include an optic52, such as any form of lens or prism, to help concentrate light onto pre-defined locations. The optic52may 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 optic52may 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 optic52may be painted or otherwise tinted to prevent light escape.

According to one embodiment, the optic52may have a generally concave front face54and a generally linear rear face56. Although in other embodiments, the rear face56may be concave or convex, depending on the desired focusing properties of the lens. Additionally, the side wall58may have convex, flat, or concave, as desired in order to achieve the desired light focusing properties. Although a particular configuration of the optic52is illustrated inFIG. 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.

In operation, the optic52may interact with the light source42in various manners dependent upon, for example, the position of light source42. For instance, in some embodiments, when the light source42is far away from optic52(e.g., a narrow angle position), a small fraction of the excitation light24emitted from the light source42may interact with optic52. Conversely, when light source42is near the optic52, the optic52may influence a second, larger fraction of the beam pattern in a desired manner. Thus, in various embodiments, optic52may enable wide angle light distribution, with little effect on narrow angle distribution. Thus, in various embodiments where the optic52is in a position closer to the light source42, the bulk of the excitation light24from light source42will pass through central focusing element, and will be directed in a wide beam pattern.

Conversely, in various embodiments when the optic52is in a forward position (e.g., toward the housing44), a small portion of the excitation light24from the light source42will pass through optic52. Instead, the excitation light24from the light source42will reflect off of a reflective member60. The reflective member60may extend along at least part of a contoured inner cavity of the badge28. The reflective member60may 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 member60may be one or more separate components disposed within the badge28. According to one embodiment, the reflective member60is geometrically similar to a typical radiation pattern of an LED, as is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The reflective member60may be configured to reflect a specific wavelength of light in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, natural excitation light24(e.g., emitted from the sun) may penetrate the housing44of the badge28and be reflected off of the reflective member60and back towards desired portions of the housing44. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the reflective member60may have any geometry for reflecting excitation light24in any desired direction.

According to one embodiment, a photoluminescent structure10is disposed between the reflective member60, or the optic52, and the housing44. The excitation light24emitted from the light source(s)42is converted by the photoluminescent structure10into light of a longer wavelength and outputted therefrom. The converted light26corresponds to a visible light, which includes the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye (˜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 structure10may be configured such that the converted light26outputted therefrom is capable of being expressed as unicolored or multicolored light. According to one embodiment, the light sources42are configured to emit blue light and the photoluminescent structure10is configured to convert the blue light into a neutral white light having a color temperature of approximately 4000K to 5000K. The converted light26escapes from the badge28via the viewable portion34.

According to one embodiment, a central portion62of the viewable portion34may illuminate in a brighter manner than the peripheral portions64of the viewable portion34due to the increased amount of excitation light24received by the photoluminescent structure10disposed on the central portion62of the photoluminescent structure10. Accordingly, the central portion66of the photoluminescent structure10may have a higher concentration of the photoluminescent material18than the peripheral portions68of the photoluminescent structure10. Additionally, or alternatively, the central portion66of the photoluminescent structure10may have a different photoluminescent material18therein such that the excitation light24that is transmitted through the optics52illuminates the viewable portion34in a first color while the excitation light24that is not transmitted through the optics52illuminates the viewable portion34in a second color.

A light scattering layer70may be disposed above the first photoluminescent structure10and is molded, or alternatively disposed, within the badge28. The light scattering layer70may include clear, translucent, and/or opaque portions and may be any desired color. The light scattering layer70generally functions to diffuse the excitation light24emitted from the light sources42and/or converted light26emitted from the photoluminescent structure10so that unwanted hot spots and shadows may be minimized. According to one embodiment, the light scattering layer70may include glass particles that provide additional light scattering effects to further enhance the attractiveness of the badge28.

The light scattering layer70may 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 layer70may be fabricated according to various methods as known in the art. For example, the light scattering layer70may be made using injection molding tools, equipment, and processing conditions. Further, the light scattering layer70is attached to the housing44and/or the substrate46via 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.

Referring toFIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the badge28is shown according to an alternate embodiment taken along the line IV-IV ofFIG. 3. As described above, the badge28includes the substrate46that is capable of being secured to a vehicle32through attachment points72. Any practicable means may be used for attaching the badge28to the vehicle32including, but not limited to, fasteners, adhesives, welding, integrally forming the badge28with a vehicle component, and/or any other method known in the art. The substrate46may be a dark, high gloss material, thereby concealing any circuitry of the badge28and attachment points72.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the light scattering layer70is 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 layer70. Additionally, the photoluminescent structure10may be disposed within the beads in some embodiments.

With reference toFIG. 5, the badge28includes a first photoluminescent structure10that is disposed between the light scattering layer70and the light source42in a uniform or non-uniform manner, as described above. Accordingly, the light scattering layer70may partially, or substantially conceal, the inward layers and/or components of the badge28. For example, the light scattering layer70may conceal the photoluminescent structure10, and more particularly, the color or natural hue of the photoluminescent structure10. Additionally, the light scattering layer70may also conceal the optic52, the reflective member60, and/or any other components disposed between the housing44and the substrate46.

A second photoluminescent structure74may be disposed within the optic52such that excitation light24enters the optic52and a second converted light76exits the optic52. According to one embodiment, the first photoluminescent structure10emits blue converted light26and the second photoluminescent structure74emits white converted light76. However, it will be appreciated that the first and/or second photoluminescent structures10,74may emit any color of converted light26.

According to one embodiment, the first photoluminescent structure10contains a long persistence photoluminescent material18that may be excited by natural excitation light24(e.g., the sun) in addition to the excitation light24emitted by the light source42. The natural excitation light24may enter the badge28from outside of the housing44and excite the first photoluminescent structure10. Some of the natural excitation light24that enters through the housing44may pass through the first photoluminescent structure10. The natural excitation light24may then be reflected off of the reflective member60and redirected back towards the first photoluminescent structure10to further excite the photoluminescent materials18therein.

With further reference toFIG. 5, the badge28may include a decorative layer78that is forwardly of the first and/or second photoluminescent structures10,74. The decorative layer78may include a polymeric material or any other suitable material and is configured to control or modify an appearance of the viewable portion34. For example, the decorative layer78may be configured to confer a metallic appearance to the viewable portion34. The metallic appearance can be disposed rearwardly of the housing44through 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 badge28. 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.

Accordingly, a light transmissive portion38may illuminate when the light source42is illuminated and confer a metallic appearance in the unilluminated state. The opaque portions40, if disposed on the badge28, may also be colored any desired color and/or incorporate a metallized finish on portions thereof. In other embodiments, the decorative layer78may be tinted any color to complement the vehicle structure on which the badge28is to be received. In any event, the decorative layer78should be at least partially light transmissible such that the converted light26is not prevented from illuminating the viewable portion34whenever an energy conversion process is underway. Alternate processes may be used for coloring or layering material onto a portion of the housing44and/or the substrate46, as known in the art without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Referring still toFIG. 5, the badge28may include a plurality of independently illuminable light sources42,80disposed both inwardly (e.g., light source42) and outwardly (e.g., light source80) of the reflective member60. Accordingly, a first portion82of excitation light24emitted by a centrally disposed light source42may be directed through the optic52, which may be reemitted as the second converted light76, and towards a first portion62of the viewable portion34. A second portion84of the excitation light24emitted by the centrally disposed light source42may reflect off of the reflective member60and through a larger portion64of the viewable portion34. It will be appreciated that the excitation light24emitted from the centrally disposed light source42may be emitted through any portion of the viewable portion34without departing from the teachings provided herein.

One or more peripheral light sources80may be disposed outwardly of the reflective member60and configured to emit excitation light24towards a peripheral portion68of the first photoluminescent structure10thereby illuminating the peripheral portion of the viewable portion34. The excitation light24emitted by the peripheral light sources80may be reflected off of an outwardly facing surface86of the reflective member60prior to exciting the first photoluminescent structure10.

Referring toFIG. 6, the light source42may be operably coupled with an optical grade light guide88, which is a substantially transparent or translucent guide suitable for transmitting light. The light guide88may 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 guide88.

Further, the light guide88may be a flexible light guide, wherein a suitable flexible material is used to create the light guide88. Such flexible materials include urethanes, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other like optical grade flexible materials. Whether the light guide88is flexible or rigid, the light guide88, when formed, is substantially optically transparent and/or translucent and capable of transmitting light. The light guide88may 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 guide88to the badge28include the bonding of a preformed light guide88within the badge28by adhesion, such as by using a double-sided tape, or by mechanical connections such as brackets that are formed into the substrate46.

According to an alternate embodiment, the light source42may be configured as a plurality of LEDs that may be printed onto the substrate46, the PCB48, or any other component of the badge28to direct light towards the viewable portion34. 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.

Referring toFIG. 7, a block diagram of a vehicle32is generally shown in which the badge28is implemented. The badge28includes a controller90in communication with the light source42. The controller90may include memory92having instructions contained therein that are executed by a processor94of the controller90. The controller90may provide electrical power to the light source42via a power source96that may be located onboard the vehicle32. In addition, the controller90may be configured to control the excitation light24emitted from each light source42within the badge28based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules98such 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 source42, the badge28may 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 badge28may 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.

In operation, the first and/or the second photoluminescent structures10,74receive the excitation light24and, in response, emits the converted light26therefrom. The first and/or the second photoluminescent structure(s)10,74may contain a long persistent photoluminescent material18such that the photoluminescent structure10,74continues to emit the converted light26for a period of time after the excitation light24is no longer present. For example, according to one embodiment, the first and/or the second photoluminescent structure10,74may continue to emit light for eight hours after the removal of the excitation light24. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and/or the second photoluminescent structure(s)10,74may contain a short persistent photoluminescent material18such that the photoluminescent structure10,74stops emitting the converted light26shortly after the excitation light24is no longer present.

In an alternate embodiment, the light source42may pulse light at predefined times, such as every five minutes, to re-excite the photoluminescent material18disposed within the first and/or the second photoluminescent structures10,74to continuously emit the converted light26above a pre-defined intensity therefrom. The controller90may pulse light from any light source42at any frequency without departing from the teachings provided herein.

The photoluminescent structure(s)10,74may exhibit periodic unicolor or multicolor illumination. For example, the controller90may prompt the light source42to periodically emit only the first wavelength of excitation light24to cause the first photoluminescent structure10to periodically illuminate in the first color. Alternatively, the controller90may prompt the light source42to periodically emit only the second wavelength of excitation light24to cause the second photoluminescent structure74to periodically illuminate in the second color. Alternatively, the controller90may prompt the light source42to simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of excitation light24to cause the first and second photoluminescent structures10,74to simultaneously illuminate in a third color defined by an additive light mixture of the first and second colors. Alternatively still, the controller90may prompt the light source42to alternate between periodically emitting the first and second wavelengths of excitation light24to cause the first and second photoluminescent structures10,74to periodically illuminate by alternating between the first and second colors. The controller90may prompt the light source42to periodically emit the first and/or the second wavelengths of excitation light24at a regular time interval and/or an irregular time interval.

In another embodiment, the badge28may include a user interface100. The user interface100may be configured such that a user may control the wavelength of excitation light24that is emitted by the light source42. Such a configuration may allow a user to control the illumination patterns of the badge28.

With respect to the above examples, the controller90may modify the intensity of the emitted first and second wavelengths of excitation light24by pulse-width modulation or current control. Also, the controller90may vary power to each light source42from 1 to 5 times steady state current to vary the color and brightness of each illumination. The controller90may also illuminate multiple colors within a single multicolored light source42concurrently, thereby producing additional color configurations.

In some embodiments, the controller90may 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 source42. For example, if the light source(s)42are configured to emit excitation light24at a low level, substantially all of excitation light24may be converted to the converted light26by the first and/or the second photoluminescent structures10,74. In this configuration, a color of light corresponding to the converted light26may correspond to the color of the emitted light from the badge28. If the light source(s)42are configured to emit excitation light24at a high level, only a portion of the excitation light24may be converted to the converted light26by the first and/or the second photoluminescent structures10,74. In this configuration, a color of light corresponding to mixture of the excitation light24and the converted light26may be output as the emitted light. In this way, the controller90may control an output color of the emitted light.

Though a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed in reference to the excitation light24, it shall be understood that the intensity of the excitation light24may be varied among a variety of intensity levels to adjust a hue of the color corresponding to the emitted light from the badge28. The variance in intensity may be manually altered, or automatically varied by the controller90based on predefined conditions. According to one embodiment, a first intensity may be output from the badge28when a light sensor senses daylight conditions. A second intensity may be output from the badge28when the light sensor determines the vehicle32is operating in a low light environment.

As described herein, the color of the converted light26may be significantly dependent on the particular photoluminescent materials18utilized in the first and second photoluminescent structures10,74. Additionally, a conversion capacity of the first and second photoluminescent structures10,74may be significantly dependent on a concentration of the photoluminescent material18utilized in the photoluminescent structures10,74. By adjusting the range of intensities that may be output from the light source(s)42, the concentration, types, and proportions of the photoluminescent materials18in the photoluminescent structures10,74discussed herein may be operable to generate a range of color hues of the emitted light by blending the excitation light24with the converted light26. Moreover, the first and second photoluminescent structures10,74may include a wide range of photoluminescent materials18that are configured to emit the converted light26for varying lengths of time.

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.