Illuminated trim panel

• US 9,827,903 B1
• Filed: 08/18/2016
• Issued: 11/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Salter, Stuart C., Singer, Jeffrey, Surman, James J., Gardner, Cornel Lewis
• Primary Examiner(s): Han, Jason Moon
• Application Number:
  US15/240,071
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 362487-488, 362501, 362503-504, 362509-511
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/217 Doors, e.g. door sills; Steps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/54 Lighting devices embedded in interior trim, e.g. in roof liners
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/62 using light guides
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/64 for a single lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/68 using ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/78 for generating luminous strips, e.g. for marking trim component edges
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0243 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0287 integrating other functions or accessories

Abstract

A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes a trim panel having an upper portion disposed proximately to an opening. A light guide is coupled to the panel. The light guide has an upper portion disposed between the trim panel and the opening and is configured to direct an excitation light therethrough. A light transmissive member is operably coupled with the light guide having a photoluminescent structure configured to convert an excitation light into a converted light. The converted light is directed towards a trim panel feature.

Claims

1. A light system for a vehicle, comprising:

a trim panel having an upper portion disposed proximately to a window of the vehicle;

a light guide coupled to the trim panel, the light guide having an upper portion disposed between the trim panel and the window and configured to direct an excitation light from an outside environment therethrough; and

a light transmissive member operably coupled with the light guide having a photoluminescent structure configured to convert an excitation light into a converted light, wherein the converted light is directed towards a trim panel feature.

2. The light system for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the light guide includes a decorative layer thereon.

3. The light system for a vehicle of claim 2, wherein the window allows UV light to pass therethrough.

4. The light system for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the photoluminescent structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to convert an excitation light received from an environmental light source into a visible, converted light.

5. The light system for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the light transmissive member is disposed between an upper trim panel and a lower trim panel, the upper trim panel being laterally offset from the lower trim panel.

6. The light system for a vehicle of claim 5, wherein the light transmissive member is separated from the light transmissive member.

7. The light system for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the trim panel feature is configured as a release handle.

8. A light system for a vehicle, comprising:

a light guide coupled to a door panel, wherein an upper portion of the light guide is disposed between the panel and a window and accepts UV light therethrough from an outside environment; and

a first photoluminescent structure disposed on a light transmissive member and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the UV light that is directed through the light guide.

9. The light system for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the light transmissive member is configured as a lens that directs a converted light in a desired direction.

10. The light system for a vehicle of claim 9, wherein the converted light is directed towards a vehicle release handle.

11. The light system for a vehicle of claim 10, wherein a second photoluminescent structure is disposed on a vehicle feature and configured to luminesce in response to receiving UV light that is transmitted by the light guide.

12. The light system for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the light guide includes a reflective material on a peripheral portion thereof.

13. The light system for a vehicle of claim 12, wherein the light guide is coupled to an outer surface of the panel and is configured to direct UV light into one side of the light transmissive member.

14. A light system for a vehicle, comprising:

a door panel having a light transmissive member therein;

a light guide attached to the panel, the light guide having an upper portion disposed between the panel and a window; and

a first photoluminescent structure disposed on the light transmissive member and configured to luminesce in response to receiving an excitation light from an outside environment.

15. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein the first photoluminescent structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to convert an excitation light received from an environmental light source into a visible, converted light.

16. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, further comprising:

a second photoluminescent structure disposed on the light transmissive member and configured to luminesce in a color different from that of the first photoluminescent structure.

17. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein a bottom surface of the light transmissive member includes a decorative layer thereon.

18. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein the light guide directs the excitation light through a side surface of the light transmissive member, the light transmissive member having a reflective material on a top surface thereof such that a converted light is directed through the opposing, bottom surface.

19. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein the light guide is attached to an outer surface of the panel and a decorative layer is disposed between the light guide and the panel.

20. The light system for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein the light guide is attached to an inner surface of the panel and configured to direct excitation light through a top surface of the light transmissive member and wherein the light transmissive member is separated from the light guide.