Automotive window glazings

A vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a transparent substrate defining a first surface with a decorative layer positioned on the first surface defining an indicium. A light source is positioned on the decorative layer. A conductive lead is electrically coupled to the light source and extends along the first surface of the substrate away from the light source. The at least one conductive lead is substantially transparent and a transparent layer is positioned over the decorative layer and substrate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle decorative features, and, more particularly, relates to automotive glazings incorporating decorative features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Decorative features of vehicles offer a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to implement such structures in automotive vehicles for various glazing applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a transparent substrate defining a first surface with a decorative layer positioned on the first surface defining an indicium. A light source is positioned on the decorative layer. A conductive lead is electrically coupled to the light source and extends along the first surface of the substrate away from the light source. The at least one conductive lead is substantially transparent and a transparent layer is positioned over the decorative layer and substrate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A decorative layer is positioned on the first surface. The decorative layer defines an indicium which is raised relative to the decorative layer. A first silicone layer is positioned over the decorative layer and the first surface of the substrate and a second silicone layer is positioned over the second surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle window glazing is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A decorative layer is positioned on the first surface. The decorative layer defines an indicium which is raised relative to the decorative layer. A phosphorescent layer is positioned between the decorative layer and the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, reference numeral10generally designates a vehicle. The vehicle10includes a body14and a roof18. The body14includes a plurality of doors22. The doors22include a driver door22A and a rear passenger door22B. The vehicle includes an A-pillar26, a B-pillar30and a C-pillar34. The pillars26,30and34are separated by the doors22. Each of the doors22includes a window38. The window38may be made of a glass or other substantially transparent material. Disposed in positions proximate the A-pillar26and the C-pillar34are quarter windows42. The quarter windows42may be stationary (e.g., always closed) or openable. In the depicted example, the quarter windows42are in contact with the A-pillar26and the C-pillar34, however, in other examples, the quarter windows42may be positioned within the A-pillar26, B-pillar30or C-pillar34(i.e., as opera windows). In examples utilizing the quarter window42proximate the A-pillar26, the quarter window42may be disposed vehicle forward of the driver door22A or extend from the driver door22A. Similarly, in examples where the quarter window42is proximate the C-pillar34, the quarter window42may be positioned behind, or vehicle rearward, of the rear passenger door22B, or extend therefrom.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the quarter window42is surrounded by a seal50. The seal50may be composed of a polymeric material configured to provide a weather tight (e.g., rain and air resistant) seal between the quarter window42, the windows38(FIG. 1) and the pillars26,30and34(FIG. 1). The seal50extends around the quarter window42such that a viewing area54is defined in a central portion of the quarter window42. The viewing area54may be substantially transparent such that occupants within the vehicle10, and observers exterior to the vehicle10, may see through the quarter window42to an opposite side. Positioned within the viewing area54of the quarter window42may be a decorative layer58. As explained in greater detail below, the decorative layer58may define one or more indicia62. The indicia62may be raised or lowered relative to a flat portion66of the decorative layer58. The decorative layer58may be substantially transparent, substantially translucent or opaque such that the indicia62are visible to the observers and the occupants. In a specific example, just the indicia62may be opaque while the flat portion66is translucent and/or clear. The decorative layer58may be a polymer, a metal (e.g., a metallic foil) and/or a vacuum metalized surface.

Referring now toFIG. 3, the quarter window42includes a window substrate74which defines a first surface78and a second surface82. The window substrate74may be composed of an optically clear polymer (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, a liquid crystal polymer, cyclo-olefin copolymer, etc.). The window substrate74may include a colorant (e.g., to color or filter the light passing through the quarter window42), an ultra violet inhibitor or blocker (e.g., a hindered amine or benzoyl), or infrared blocking material (e.g., aluminosilicates and/or metal oxides). In the depicted example, the first surface78may be an exterior side (i.e., outboard) and the second surface82may be an interior side (i.e., inboard) relative to the vehicle10. The window substrate74may be between about 1.0 mm and about 12.0 mm, or between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm thick from the first surface78to the second surface82.

Positioned on the first surface78may be a first polymeric layer86and disposed on the second surface82may be a second polymeric layer90. The first and second polymeric layers86,90may have a transparency to light in a visible spectrum (e.g., about 400 nm to about 700 nm) of greater than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 99%. The first and second polymeric layers86,90may be composed of the same polymeric material or a different polymeric material. For example, the first and second polymeric layers86,90may be composed of silicone, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, fluorosilicate, fluoroelastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate, other soft polymeric materials and/or combinations thereof. The first and second polymeric layers86,90may have a thickness of between about 0.01 mm to about 10.0 mm, or between about 0.25 mm to about 0.5 mm. In silicone examples of the first and second polymeric layers86,90, the first and second polymeric layers86,90may have a density of about 1150 kg/m2. Use of the first and second polymeric layers86,90may allow for the dampening or reduction of acoustical energy through the quarter windows42. For example, use of the first and second polymeric layers86,90on the substrate74may allow for an acoustic power reduction of greater than about 1 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB, or greater than 20 dB. In some examples, the first and/or second polymeric layers86,90may include a colorant (e.g., to color or filter the light passing through the quarter window42), an ultra violet inhibitor or blocker (e.g., a hindered amine or benzoyl), or infrared blocking material (e.g., aluminosilicates and/or metal oxides). Further, use of the first and second polymeric layers86,90provides a protective layer to the quarter windows42which may create a slick and hydrophobic surface which may repel rain, oils and/or road grime which will allow the quarter windows42to stay cleaner. The first and second polymeric layers89,90may have a viscoelasticity (i.e., having both viscosity and elasticity), a low Young's modulus, and/or a high failure strain compared with other materials, so that the first and second polymeric layers89,90may protect the quarter windows42when contact is made thereto (i.e., to prevent scratches, protect against impact, reduce vibration, etc.).

The first and second polymeric layers86,90may be formed by over-molding the window substrate74and/or the quarter window42using a liquid polymer. The over-molding liquid polymer may have a viscosity of less than about 2000 pa·s, less than about 1000 pa·s, or less than about 100 pa·s when over-molded onto the window substrate74and/or the quarter window42. Preferably, forming the first and second polymeric layers86,90is performed using an injection molding process. The liquid polymer may then be solidified to form the first and second polymeric layers86,90.

The decorative layer58may be positioned in a stack of materials/structures on the first surface78of the window substrate74. In the depicted example, the decorative layer58is positioned on top of a phosphorescent layer94, a light assembly98and an adhesive layer102. It will be understood that although described in connection with the first surface78, the decorative layer58, the phosphorescent layer94, the light assembly98and the adhesive layer102may be positioned on the second surface82of the window substrate74without departing from the teachings provided herein. The adhesive layer102may be used to secure the decorative layer58and/or the light assembly98in place during formation of the first and second polymeric layers86,90. It will be understood that the decorative layer58, the phosphorescent layer94, the light assembly98and the adhesive layer102may be positioned on different surfaces (e.g., the decorative layer58and the phosphorescent layer94on the first surface78and the light assembly98on the second surface82, each being secured to the window substrate74by an adhesive layer102) without departing from the teachings provided herein. The adhesive layer102may be a clear pressure sensitive adhesive. It will be understood that the adhesive layer102is optional.

The decorative layer58, as explained above, defines both the indicia62and the flat portion66. The indicia62may be embossed, textured, engraved, or otherwise modified in thickness to produce the indicia62. The indicia62may be raised or lowered relative to the flat portion66of the decorative layer58. The indicia62may include a symbol, alpha numeric text, a picture, a number, or a combination thereof. The decorative layer58may define one or more discrete indicia62(e.g., multiple separate indicia62spaced across the flat portion66). The decorative layer58may be a polymeric material, a metal, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the decorative layer58may be a metal or metallic foil. In metallic examples of the decorative layer58, the decorative layer may have a luster or shine configured to reflect light. In polymeric examples of the decorative layer58, the decorative layer58may have a vacuumized metal surface configured to reflect light. The decorative layer58may be painted, or otherwise colored or dyed, to produce aesthetically pleasing colors.

Electrically coupled to the light-producing assembly98and extending across the first surface78of the substrate74is at least one conductive lead106. The at least one conductive lead106is electrically coupled with the light assembly98. The conductive lead106extends across the first surface78of the substrate74toward the seal50. The conductive lead106may be electrically coupled with a power source or electrical system of the vehicle10(FIG. 1). In a specific example, there may be two conductive leads106(e.g., positive and negative polarity). The conductive leads106may extend parallel to one another, or may extend in opposite directions from one another. The conductive leads106may be transparent such that observers of the quarter windows42may not see the leads106. The conductive leads106may include a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide), transparent nanowires (e.g., single nanowires or in a mesh), other transparent conductive materials and/or combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG. 3, the phosphorescent layer94may be prepared by dispersing one or more persistent phosphorescent materials in a polymer matrix to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. For example, the phosphorescent layer94may be rendered by dispersing the phosphorescent materials into a solid state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) that may be incorporated in a polymer matrix formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, etc. Additionally or alternatively, a phosphorescent structure may be disposed on an exterior surface of the decorative layer58which may incorporate the phosphorescent materials and be applied by painting, screen printing, flexography, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, bar coating, and/or any other methods known in the art.

The persistent phosphorescent materials may be defined as being able to store an activation emission and release light gradually (i.e., a perceptible glow), for a period of several minutes or hours, once the activation emission is no longer present. The decay time may be defined as the time between the end of excitation from the activation emission and the moment when the light intensity of the phosphorescent structure drops 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.

The persistent phosphorescent material, 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 persistent phosphorescent material may be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m2after a period greater than 30 minutes, greater than 60 minutes, greater than 2 hours, greater than 5 hours, greater than 10 hours or greater than 24 hours. Accordingly, the persistent phosphorescent material may continually illuminate in response to excitation through a plurality of excitation sources emitting an activation emission, including, but not limited to, ambient light (e.g., the sun), light from the light assembly98, and light sources located within the interior of vehicle10. The periodic absorption of the activation emission from the excitation sources may provide for a substantially sustained charge of the persistent phosphorescent materials to provide for a consistent passive illumination. For example, the lighting assembly98may be pulsed, or otherwise periodically activated to charge the phosphorescent materials, such that the decorative layer58provides a constant or changing level of emitted phosphorescent light. In some embodiments, a light sensor may monitor the light illumination intensity of the phosphorescent material and initiate an excitation source (e.g., light from the light assembly98) when the illumination intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m2, or any other predefined intensity level.

In examples where the light assembly98is configured to charge the phosphorescent materials, the light assembly98may incorporate one or more blue, ultraviolet or high blue content (e.g., greater than about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the emitted light is blue) light sources (e.g., light bulb and/or light emitting diode). In examples where the light is colored, an optically transparent portion may be formed on the light assembly98such that blue light may reach the phosphorescent materials and not be filtered out.

The persistent phosphorescent materials 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 an activation emission is no longer present. The persistent phosphorescent materials may be doped with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare earth elements, for example, Eu2+, Tb3+ and Dy3+. The polymeric material of the phosphorescent layer94may include between about 0.1% to about 25.0% of the persistent phosphorescent material either by weight or mole fraction. In embodiments utilizing the phosphorescent material on a viewing side of the decorative layer58, the decorative layer58may have the phosphorescent material applied having phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier 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 phosphorescent material, according to one embodiment, may be a translucent white color when unilluminated. Once the phosphorescent material receives the activation emission of a particular wavelength, the phosphorescent material may emit white light, blue light, red light, green light or combinations thereof therefrom. The light emitted from the phosphorescent material, and, thereby, the indicia62and/or the flat portion66of the decorative layer58may have a sufficient brightness such that the decorative layer58is visible. According to one embodiment, the blue emitting phosphorescent material may be Li2ZnGeO4and may be prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction method or through any other practicable method and/or process. The blue afterglow may last for a duration of two to eight hours and may originate from an activation emission and d-d transitions of Mn2+ ions.

According to an alternate exemplary embodiment, 100 parts of a commercial solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace resin 107-268, having 50% solid polyurethane in Toluene/Isopropanol, 125 parts of a blue green long persistent 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 phosphorescent structure or be used in the phosphorescent layer94. It will be understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art may be utilized as the phosphorescent material or structure without departing from the teachings provided herein. Moreover, it is contemplated that any long persistent phosphor known in the art may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Additional information regarding the production of long persistence luminescent 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,” issued Apr. 24, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding long persistent phosphorescent structures, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,536 to Yen et al., entitled “LONG PERSISTENT PHOSPHORS AND PERSISTENT ENERGY TRANSFER TECHNIQUE,” issued Oct. 11, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,362 to Yen et al., entitled “LONG-PERSISTENCE BLUE PHOSPHORS,” issued Sep. 12, 2000; 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,” issued Feb. 10, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Additionally or alternatively, the phosphorescent layer94may be mixed with or include a structure including one or more photoluminescent materials. Such photoluminescent materials may have energy converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. For example, the photoluminescent material may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines, or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the photoluminescent material may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as YAG:Ce. The photoluminescent material may be formulated to have a Stokes shift resulting in the conversion of visible or non-visible light into visible light having an emission spectrum expressed in a desired color, which may vary per lighting application. Such photoluminescent material may have a limited persistence (e.g., less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 1 minute or no human perceivable persistence).

Referring toFIGS. 4A-4E, the light assembly98capable of use on the vehicle10ofFIG. 1with the external photoluminescent structure110and phosphorescent structure94is shown, according to various embodiments. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the light assembly98may have a stacked arrangement that includes a light-producing assembly114and the photoluminescent structure110.

The light-producing assembly114may correspond to a thin-film or printed light emitting diode (LED) assembly and includes a substrate122as its lowermost layer. The substrate122may include a polycarbonate, poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on the order of 0.005 to 0.060 inches thick and is arranged over the intended vehicle substrate on which the light assembly98is to be received (e.g., the window substrate74ofFIG. 3). Alternatively, as a cost saving measure, the substrate122may directly correspond to a preexisting structure (e.g., window substrate74).

The light-producing assembly114includes a positive electrode126arranged over the substrate122. The positive electrode126includes a conductive epoxy such as, but not limited to, a silver-containing or copper-containing epoxy. The positive electrode126is electrically connected to at least a portion of a plurality of LED sources130arranged within a semiconductor ink134and applied over the positive electrode126. Likewise, a negative electrode138is also electrically connected to at least a portion of the LED sources130. The negative electrode138is arranged over the semiconductor ink134and includes a transparent or translucent conductive material such as, but not limited to, indium tin oxide. Additionally, each of the positive and negative electrodes126,138are electrically connected to a controller142and a power source146via a corresponding bus bar150,154and conductive elements158,162(e.g., the conductive leads106ofFIG. 3). The bus bars150,154may be printed along opposite edges of the positive and negative electrodes126,138and the points of connection between the bus bars150,154and the conductive leads158,162may be at opposite corners of each bus bar150,154to promote uniform current distribution along the bus bars150,154. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the orientation of components within the light-producing assembly114may be altered without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure. For example, the negative electrode138may be disposed below the semiconductor ink134and the positive electrode126may be arranged over the aforementioned semiconductor ink134. Likewise, additional components, such as the bus bars150,154, may also be placed in any orientation such that the light-producing assembly114may emit outputted light166(FIG. 4B) toward a desired location.

The LED sources130may be dispersed in a random or controlled fashion within the semiconductor ink134and may be configured to emit focused or non-focused light toward the photoluminescent structure110. The LED sources130may correspond to micro-LEDs of gallium nitride elements on the order of about 5 to about 400 microns in size and the semiconductor ink134may include various binders and dielectric material including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorous, and/or translucent polymeric binders.

The semiconductor ink134can be applied through various printing processes, including ink jet and silk screen processes, to selected portion(s) of the positive electrode126. More specifically, it is envisioned that the LED sources130are dispersed within the semiconductor ink134, and shaped and sized such that a substantial quantity of the LED sources130align with the positive and negative electrodes126,138during deposition of the semiconductor ink134. The portion of the LED sources130that ultimately are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes126,138may be illuminated by a combination of the bus bars150,154, controller142, power source146, and conductive leads158,162. According to one embodiment, the power source146may correspond to a vehicular power source146operating at 12 to 16 VDC. Additional information regarding the construction of light-producing assemblies114is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0264396 A1 to Lowenthal et al. entitled “ULTRA-THIN PRINTED LED LAYER REMOVED FROM SUBSTRATE,” filed Mar. 12, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now toFIG. 4A, the photoluminescent structure110is arranged over the negative electrode138as a coating, layer, film or other suitable deposition. With respect to the presently illustrated embodiment, the photoluminescent structure110may be arranged as a multi-layered structure, including an energy conversion layer112, optional stability layer182, and optional protective layer186, as described above.

The decorative layer58is arranged over the photoluminescent structure110. In some embodiments, the decorative layer58is molded over the photoluminescent structure110and light-producing assembly114. As explained above, the decorative layer58may be at least partially light transmissible. In this manner, the decorative layer58will be illuminated by the photoluminescent structure110whenever an energy conversion process is underway.

An overmold material118is disposed around the light-producing assembly114and/or photoluminescent structure110. The overmold material118may protect the light-producing assembly114from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure. The overmold material118may have viscoelasticity (i.e., having both viscosity and elasticity), a low Young's modulus, and/or a high failure strain, compared with other materials, so that the overmold material118may protect the light-producing assembly114when contact is made thereto. For example, the overmold material118may protect the light-producing assembly114from the environmental containments, such as dirt and water, which may come in contact with the light assembly98during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure110may be employed separate and away from the light-producing assembly114. For example, the photoluminescent structure110may be positioned on a vehicle interior side of the decorative layer58(FIG. 3) (e.g., on the second surface82of the window substrate74), another location of the quarter window42(FIG. 3), the seal50(FIG. 3) and/or any surface proximate, but not in physical contact with, the light-producing assembly114. It will be understood that the photoluminescent structure110may be positioned on the first surface78of the window substrate74, and the light-producing assembly114positioned on the second surface82of the window substrate74(seeFIG. 3), without departing from the teachings provided herein. It will also be understood that in embodiments where the photoluminescent structure110is incorporated into distinct components separated from the light assembly98, the light assembly98might still have the same or similar structure to the light assembly98described in reference toFIG. 4A.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, the energy conversion process170for producing single color luminescence is illustrated, according to one embodiment. For purposes of illustration, the energy conversion process170is described below using the light assembly98depicted inFIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion layer112of the photoluminescent structure110includes the single photoluminescent material174, which is configured to convert inputted light178received from LED sources130into the outputted light166having a wavelength different than that associated with the inputted light178. More specifically, the photoluminescent material174is formulated to have an absorption spectrum that includes the emission wavelength of the inputted light178supplied from the LED sources130. The photoluminescent material174is also formulated to have a Stokes shift resulting in the converted visible outputted light166having an emission spectrum expressed in a desired color, which may vary per lighting application. The converted visible outputted light166is outputted from the light assembly98via the decorative layer58, thereby causing the decorative layer58to illuminate in the desired color. The illumination provided by the decorative layer58may offer a unique, substantially uniform, and/or attractive, viewing experience that may be difficult to duplicate through non-photoluminescent means.

Referring toFIG. 4C, a second energy conversion process190for generating multiple colors of light is illustrated, according to one embodiment. For consistency, the second energy conversion process190is also described below using the light assembly98depicted inFIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion layer112includes the first photoluminescent material174and a second photoluminescent material194that are interspersed within the energy conversion layer112. Alternatively, the photoluminescent materials174,194may be isolated from each other, if desired. Also, it should be appreciated that the energy conversion layer112may include more than two different photoluminescent materials174and194, in which case, the teachings provided below similarly apply. In one embodiment, the second energy conversion process190occurs by way of down conversion using blue, violet, and/or UV light as the source of excitation.

With respect to the presently illustrated embodiment, the excitation of photoluminescent materials174,194is mutually exclusive. That is, photoluminescent materials174,194are formulated to have non-overlapping absorption spectrums and Stoke shifts that yield different emission spectrums. Also, in formulating the photoluminescent materials174,194, care should be taken in choosing the associated Stoke shifts such that the converted outputted light166emitted from one of the photoluminescent materials174,194, does not excite the other, unless so desired. According to one exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the LED sources130, exemplarily shown as LED sources130a, is configured to emit an inputted light178having an emission wavelength that only excites photoluminescent material174and results in the inputted light178being converted into a visible outputted light166of a first color (e.g., white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED sources130, exemplarily shown as LED sources130b, is configured to emit an inputted light178having an emission wavelength that only excites second photoluminescent material194and results in the inputted light178being converted into a visible outputted light166of a second color (e.g., red). Preferably, the first and second colors are visually distinguishable from one another. In this manner, LED sources130aand130bmay be selectively activated using the controller142to cause the photoluminescent structure110to luminesce in a variety of designable colors. For example, the controller142may activate only LED sources130ato exclusively excite photoluminescent material174, resulting in the decorative layer58illuminating in the first color. Alternatively, the controller142may activate only LED sources130bto exclusively excite the second photoluminescent material194, resulting in the decorative layer58illuminating in the second color.

Alternatively still, the controller142may activate LED sources130aand130bin concert, which causes both of the photoluminescent materials174,194to become excited, resulting in the decorative layer58illuminating in a third color, which is a color mixture of the first and second colors (e.g., pinkish). The intensities of the inputted light178emitted from each portion of the LED sources130a,130amay also be proportionally varied to one another such that additional colors may be obtained. For energy conversion layers112containing more than two distinct photoluminescent materials174, a greater diversity of colors may be achieved. Contemplated colors include red, green, blue, and combinations thereof, including white, all of which may be achieved by selecting the appropriate photoluminescent materials174and correctly manipulating the corresponding LED sources130.

Referring toFIG. 4D, a third energy conversion process198includes a light-producing assembly114, such as the one described in reference toFIG. 4A, and a photoluminescent structure110disposed thereon, according to an alternate embodiment. The photoluminescent structure110is configured to convert inputted light178received from LED sources130into a visible outputted light166having a wavelength different than that associated with the inputted light178. More specifically, the photoluminescent structure110is formulated to have an absorption spectrum that includes the emission wavelength of the inputted light178supplied from the LED sources130. The photoluminescent material174is also formulated to have a Stokes shift resulting in the converted visible outputted light166having an emission spectrum expressed in a desired color, which may vary per lighting application.

The photoluminescent structure110may be applied to a portion of the light-producing assembly114, for example, in a stripped manner. Between the photoluminescent structures110may be light transmissive portions202that allow inputted light178emitted from the LED sources130to pass therethrough at the first wavelength. The light transmissive portions202may be an open space, or may be a transparent or translucent material. The inputted light178emitted through the light transmissive portions202may be directed from the light-producing assembly114towards the decorative layer58such that the decorative layer58may emit a colored light corresponding to the inputted light178that is directed through the light transmissive portions202.

Referring toFIG. 4E, a fourth energy conversion process206for generating multiple colors of light utilizing the light-producing assembly114, such as the one described in reference toFIG. 4A, and a photoluminescent structure110disposed thereon is illustrated. In this embodiment, the photoluminescent structure110is disposed over a top portion of the light-producing assembly114. The excitation of photoluminescent material174is formulated such that a portion of inputted light178emitted from LED sources130c,130dpasses through the photoluminescent structure110at the first wavelength (i.e., the inputted light178emitted from the light assembly98is not converted by the photoluminescent structure110). The intensity of the emitted light (i.e., the combination of the inputted light178and outputted light166) may be modified by pulse-width modulation or current control to vary the amount of inputted light178emitted from the LED sources130c,130dthat pass through the photoluminescent structure110without converting to a second, outputted light166wavelength. For example, if the light assembly98is configured to emit inputted light178at a low level, substantially, all of the inputted light178may be converted to outputted light166. In this configuration, a color of outputted light166corresponding to the photoluminescent structure110may be emitted from the light-producing assembly114. If the light assembly98is configured to emit inputted light178at a high level, only a portion of the first wavelength may be converted by the photoluminescent structure110. In this configuration, a first portion of the emitted light may be converted by the photoluminescent structure110and a second portion of the emitted light may be emitted from the light-producing assembly114at the first wavelength towards additional photoluminescent structures disposed proximately to the light assembly98. The additional photoluminescent structures may luminesce in response to the inputted light178emitted from the light assembly98.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the LED sources130, exemplarily shown as LED sources130c, is configured to emit an inputted light178having a wavelength that excites the photoluminescent material174within the photoluminescent structure110and results in the inputted light178being converted into a visible outputted light166of a first color (e.g., white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED sources130, exemplarily shown as LED sources130d, are configured to emit an inputted light178having a wavelength that passes through the photoluminescent structure110and excites additional photoluminescent structures disposed proximately to the quarter window42, thereby illuminating in a second color. The first and second colors may be visually distinguishable from one another. In this manner, LED sources130cand130dmay be selectively activated using the controller142to cause the decorative layer58to luminesce in a variety of colors.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a block diagram of the vehicle10is shown in which the decorative layer58is positioned within the quarter window42. The vehicle10includes the controller142in communication with the light-producing assembly114. The controller142may include a memory210having instructions contained therein that are executed by a processor214of the controller142. The controller142may provide electrical power to the light-producing assembly114via the power source146located onboard the vehicle10. In addition, the controller142may be configured to control the light output of the light-producing assembly114based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules. The controller142may be configured to operate the LED sources130(FIGS. 4A-4E), the first portion of LEDs130aand/or the second portion of LEDs130bseparately and/or in an alternating manner (e.g., via current direction manipulation) in order to achieve a specific lighting appearance for the quarter window42. For example, one or more of the LED sources130, the first portion of LEDs130aand/or the second portion of LEDs130bmay be configured to activate the phosphorescent layer94. In some embodiments, the light-producing assembly114may be operated such that portions of the light-producing assembly114are activated and other portions are not such that the decorative layer58appears to be multicolored, has a pulsing effect, a specific feature (e.g., the indicia62) is/isn't illuminated (i.e., or is a different color than the flat portion66) and/or has a gradient to the color or intensity of light. By activating the light-producing assembly114, the color of the illumination from the decorative layer58may change from a first color to a second color. The change in color of the decorative layer58may serve to communicate information (e.g., speed, transmission state, occupancy, indicate a turn), provide aesthetic lighting (e.g., pulse with music, provide warm ambient lighting, pulse with a sensed heartbeat) or to provide large area ambient illumination to an exterior of the vehicle10. Further, the controller142may be configured to pulse the light-producing assembly114such that the phosphorescent structure94may keep a predetermined level of charge and luminance.

Use of the vehicle window glazing set forth in the present disclosure may allow several advantages. First, use of polymeric materials as the window substrate74may allow for the formation of the quarter glass42in a variety of shapes. For example, due to the ease at which polymeric materials may be formed, relative to glass, the quarter windows42may take a variety of complex shapes (e.g., curves, undulations, etc.) which may be unattainable by glasses. Second, use of polymeric materials as the window substrate74may allow for decreased thermal transfer of energy across the quarter glass42. Such a decrease in thermal transfer across the quarter glass42of the vehicle10may allow for an increase in HVAC efficiency (e.g., which may allow for an increase in fuel efficiency). Third, use of a less dense material (e.g., polymeric materials) for the quarter window42instead of denser materials (e.g., glass) may lead to a weight savings (e.g., upwards of 50% compared to glass) in the vehicle10which may allow for an overall fuel efficiency increase for the vehicle10. Fourth, use of a polymeric material as the window substrate74of the quarter window42may allow for coloring of the quarter window42. For example, dyes, pigments, tints, and other colorings may be added to the window substrate42and/or the first and second polymeric layers86,90to color the quarter window42in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Fifth, use of the first and second polymeric layers86,90may allow for a better seal of the decorative layer58and/or the light assembly98. Increased sealing of the quarter window42may be advantageous in preventing penetration of moisture which may cause clouding, hazing or degradation of the decorative layer58and/or the light assembly98.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods 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. Further, the claims as set forth below, are incorporated into and constitute part of this Detailed Description.