Dimmable visor lighting

Abstract

A visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer aligned around a perimeter of the reflecting polarizer and includes a plurality of light reflecting particles. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 05197T (GEN010 FP1403AWO)DIMMABLE VISOR LIGHTING FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a dimmable visor assembly with a lighting feature.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer aligned around a perimeter of the reflecting polarizer and includes a plurality of light reflecting particles. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer includes a plurality of light reflecting particles. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a loweredge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer includes a plurality of light reflecting particles located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a dimmable visor assembly with a lighting feature. More particularly, the visor assembly includes a dynamic reflective element and a light scattering layer with at least one illumination element oriented towards the light scattering layer. As a result, when the dynamic reflective element is in a reflective mode, the reflection appears to be floating for a more aesthetic appeal and reduced packaging. Likewise, when powered, the at least one illumination element illuminates the scattering layer and is scattered and reflected back towards an intended viewer providing an enhanced user experience in a variety of ambient lighting scenarios.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an interior of a vehicle that includes a visor assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front partially schematic view of a visor assembly with a light scattering layer, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an optical stack with a light scattering layer of a first construction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0011] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an optical stack with a light scattering layer of a second construction, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a dimmable visor assembly with a lighting feature. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0013] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0014] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0015] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3B, reference numeral 10 generally designates a visor assembly. The visor assembly 10 includes a visor body 12. The visor body 12 includes a front visor surface 14 and a rear visor surface 16 delimited by an outer perimeter 18. The outer perimeter 18 includes an upper edge 20 spaced from a lower edge 22 by a pair ofside edges 24. An optical stack 25 is located at least partially within the outer perimeter 18 and includes an electro-optic device 26 configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein light passes through the visor body 12 and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack 25 further includes a reflecting polarizer 27 configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer 28 is aligned (e.g., spaced from or co-planar) around a perimeter of the reflecting polarizer 27 and includes a plurality of light reflecting particles 30. At least one illumination element 32 is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer 28.

[0016] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the visor assembly 10 may include a connection member 34 connected to the visor body 12 and configured to connect the visor body 12 to an interior of a vehicle 36. The connection member 34 facilitates pivotal movement of the visor body 12 between a stowed position and a plurality of extended positions wherein the optical stack 25 can be utilized in a reflective state as a mirror, in the transmissive state, or in the blocking state or opaque state. In the extended positions, the front visor surface 14 may generally face a user. The electro-optic device 26 may may be configured to switch between transmissive states and may be configured as an electrochromic device configured to switch (e.g., dim) between a substantially transparent and a substantially opaque state, a liquid crystal device that dims or scatters light, other electro-active variably transmissive technologies, and / or the like. The electro-optic device 26 may include an electro-optic medium that is switchable between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened or reduced transmissive state based on energization. In the transmissive state, the optical stack 25 may operate as a window with varying levels of transmissivity. The visor assembly 10 may include a control system 100 for controlling functions of the visor assembly 10, such as energizing the at least one illumination element 32 and the electro-optic device 26. The control system 100 may be part of or otherwise in communication with other systems of the vehicle 36, for example, a steering system 38, a blind spot detection system 40, which may include a camera or other vision device located in a side mirror or another location of the vehicle 36, other vision systems monitoring the interior and / or exterior of the vehicle, vehicle health monitoring systems, and / or other vehicular systems. The control system 100 may be configured to generate an instruction to the illumination element 32 to generate the lightbased on a detection of a vehicle condition, such as a vehicle in a blind spot detected by the blind spot detection system, a turning signal detected by the steering system, and / or the like. Different vehicle conditions may be associated with different patterns of light generation and / or different colorations of the generated light. In some implementations, the control system 100 may be powered by a secondary battery located within the visor body 12 that may be charged via power systems of the vehicle 36. In this manner, the visor assembly 10 may be a standalone unit that may be powered through and in communication with a vehicular power system and other components of the vehicle 36 and / or otherwise charged by the secondary battery (e.g., when the vehicle 36 engine is powered off).

[0017] With reference now to FIG. 2, the optical stack 25 may further include a display 42 that generates images, videos, graphics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, at least one imager module 44 is located in the interior and / or exterior of the vehicle 36 and the display 42 may be configured to generate images captured by the imager module 44. In some embodiments, the at least one imager module 44 may be located in a rearview mirror assembly 46 (FIG. 1) for occupant monitoring assistance and / or the exterior of the vehicle 36 for monitoring environments exterior to the vehicle 36. As used herein, the terms the upper edge 20, the lower edge 22, and the side edges 24 are not meant to infer the shape of the visor body 12. More particularly, the upper edge 20, the lower edge 22, and the side edges 24 may be linear, curved, steps, or any combination thereof. For example, while not specifically depicted in the figures, the visor body 12 may be fully or partially circular, where the edges 20, 22, 24 can be deduced to equally split radians or curved distances. In some implementations, the visor body 12 may be selectively removable from the vehicle 36 and continually powered by the secondary battery as a standalone unit.

[0018] With continued reference to FIG. 2, when the optical stack 25 is referred to as located at least partially within the outer perimeter 18, it should be appreciated that the optical stack 25 may at least partially define the outer perimeter 18 or be recessed inside of and spaced from the outer perimeter 18. In the depicted arrangement, the light scattering layer 28 extends along the lower edge 22 and a majority of the side edges 24 to a visor header 48 (e.g., a portion of the visor body 12) located proximate to and defining the upper edge 20. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination element 32 mayfurther be located in the header 48 (e.g., spaced from the upper edge 20). The header 48 may contain one or more components of the control system 100. The at least one illumination element 32 may include a plurality of illumination elements 32 located in the header 48 or distributed in other locations of the visor body 12 around the perimeter of the optical stack 25. In such implementations, the illumination elements 32 may be oriented inwardly towards the light scattering layer 28. The illumination elements 32 may be directly aligned and oriented towards and outer edge of the light scattering layer 28 or towards the front visor surface 14 and back towards the light scattering layer 28. The illumination elements 32 may, for example, be light-emitting diodes ("LED") or other lightemitting devices. However, it should be appreciated that the illumination elements 32 may alternatively be located (e.g., embedded) in the optical stack 25 between the light scattering layer 28 and the front visor surface 14. The illumination elements 32 may be configured to emit different colors, brightnesses, in different groupings, and other light characteristics, which may be selected based on a user's interaction with the control system 100 (e.g., through a user interface). For example, the user interface may include buttons, toggles, touch screens, and / or the like which may be located on the visor body 12 such that the visor assembly 10 is a stand-alone component receiving power and / or otherwise in communication with the vehicle 36. Further, while the reflecting polarizer 27 and the light scattering layer 28 are shown as inset from an outer edge of the optical stack 25, it should be appreciated that at least the light scattering layer 28 may traverse along or proximate to the outer edge of the optical stack 25 and may therefore be shaped to match the outer edge of the optical stack 25.

[0019] With reference now to FIG. 3A, in a first construction, the portion of the light scattering layer 28 that contains the light reflecting particles 30 is a loop-shaped band (e.g., a closed loop or substantially complete loop) defining an internal space and the reflecting polarizer 27 is aligned with the internal space (e.g., as seen from the front visor surface 14). In some embodiments, the light scattering layer 28 is also looped shaped such that the light reflecting particles 30 are distributed throughout substantially the entirety of the light scattering layer 28 and the reflecting polarizer 27 is located in the internal space (e.g., aligned in a direction between the front visor surface 14 and the rear visor surface 16). However, in the depicted arrangement, the light scattering layer 28 is between the reflecting polarizer 27 and a viewing surface (e.g., from the front visor surface 14). Itshould also be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the light scattering layer 28 is a solid layer or film that is aligned with and substantially covers the reflecting polarizer 27 and the light reflecting particles 30 are only located proximate the outer edge of the light scattering layer 28 to define the internal space. In this manner, exposure of the reflecting particles 30 to light generated from the at least one illumination element 32 reflects the generated light around and outer edge of the reflecting polarizer 27, which may be beneficial for illuminating a user (e.g., when utilizing the reflective state) and portions of an internal cabin of the vehicle 36. However, it should be appreciated that the light reflecting particles 30 may be located on one or more outer edges of the light scattering layer 28 (e.g., associated with the associated edges of the electro-optic device 26). For example, the light reflecting particles 30 may be located on a lower outer edge, and upper outer edge, and / or one or more side outer edges of the light scattering layer 28 and / or the electro-optic device 26. In some implementations, the reflecting particles 30 may be located on opposing outer edges of the light scattering layer 28 and / or the electro-optic device 26, corners of the light scattering layer 28 and / or the electro-optic device 26, and / or the like.

[0020] With reference now to FIG. 3B, in a second construction, the light scattering layer 28 is a solid layer or film that is aligned with and substantially covers the reflecting polarizer 27 and the light reflecting particles 30 are distributed substantially throughout an entirety of the light scattering layer 28. In this manner, exposure of the reflecting particles 30 to light generated from the at least one illumination element 32 reflects the generated light in alignment with the reflecting polarizer 27, which may be beneficial for illuminating a user (e.g., when utilizing the reflective state) and portions of an internal cabin of the vehicle 36. In some embodiments, the reflecting particles 30 may be distributed in greater concentrations around the outer edge of the light scattering layer 28 (e.g., and outer edge of the electro-optic device 26). In other implementations, the reflecting particles 30 may be distributed in greater concentrations around one, two, or each of the outer edges of the light scattering layer 28 as described in reference to the construction in FIG. 3A. In still further implementations, the reflecting particles 30 may be distributed in greater concentrations internal of the outer edges of the light scattering layer 28 (e.g., centrally). The reflecting particles 30 may be in a pattern, such as a closed loop circle, square, rectangle, ellipse, star, and / or other shapes. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the light scatteringlayer 28 may be located between the reflecting polarizer 27 and a rear surface of the optical stack 25 (e.g., associated with the rear visor surface 16). For example, in the depicted arrangement, the light scattering layer 28 may be located on a rear surface of the electro-optic device 26. However, it should be appreciated that the light scattering layer 28 may alternatively be located on the between the reflecting polarizer 27 and the electrooptic device 26 (e.g., in contact with a rear surface of the reflecting polarizer 27, a front surface of the electro-optic device 26, or otherwise between the reflecting polarizer 27 and the electro-optic device 26 with intermediate layers.)

[0021] It should be appreciated, however, that the light scattering layer 28 (e.g., the location and / or concentration of the reflective particles 30) may include other constructions without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. For example, the light scattering layer 28 may include a partial loop. For example, the scattering layer 28 may extend around the lower edge 22 and at least partially along the side edges 24, around the upper edge 20 and at least partially along the side edges 24, or at least partially along at least one or more of the side edges 24 and the upper and lower edges 20, 22. Further, the scattering layer 28 (e.g., the location and / or concentration of the reflective particles 30) may be located in different groupings or regions within the outer perimeter 18, for example, the scattering layer 28 may be located in one or more vertical or horizontal bands. For example, a first vertical band located next to one of the side edges 24 and a second vertical band located next to the other of the side edges 24. In some implementations, the scattering layer 28 may include a first horizontal band located next to the top edge 20 and a second vertical band located next to the bottom edge 22. The concentration of reflective particles 30 may be reduced or increased based on proximity to the illumination element 32 and other internal sources of light. In some embodiments, the highest concentrations of the reflective particles 30 are proximate the outer perimeter 18 with reduced concentrations to inboard portions of the scattering layer 28. Lowering concentrations can add an aesthetic appeal to soften the border between areas with the reflective particles 30 and areas without the reflective particles 30 (e.g., such that the reflection from the reflective polarizer 27 appears to float).

[0022] With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the reflecting polarizer 27 defines an outer polarizer perimeter that may be inset from a perimeter of the light scattering layer 28. For example, the outer polarizer perimeter that may be inset from a perimeter of the lightscattering layer 28 by between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, for example, between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, between about 10 mm and about 25 mm, or about 25 mm. The concentration and distribution of the reflective particles 30 may be varied in certain regions of the light scattering layer 28. Further, the concentration and distribution of the reflective particles 30 may be selected to optimize the reflectivity of the light scattering layer 28 for aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. In some embodiments, the concentration and distribution of the reflective particles 30 may be selected to reflect the light generated from the at least one illumination element 32 towards a face of the user (e.g., when the visor body 12 is in the extended positions) and / or other locations of the user (e.g., towards the user's lap).

[0023] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the light scattering layer 28 may be located towards the rear visor surface 16 relative to the reflecting polarizer 27 but may also be located towards the front visor surface 14. The optical stack may further include an absorbing polarizer 52 and a liquid crystal element 54. The absorbing polarizer 52 may be configured to absorb the first linear polarization of light. The liquid crystal element 54 may be located towards the rear visor surface 16 relative to the absorbing polarizer 52 that is configured to selectively change the second linear polarization of light to the first linear polarization of light that is reflected by the reflecting polarizer 27 in the reflective state. A circular polarizer 56 may be located towards the rear visor surface 16 relative to the reflecting polarizer 27 that is configured to convert ambient light from the rear visor surface 16 to circularly polarized light. In this manner, the optical stack 25 may include, from the front visor surface 14 towards the rear visor surface 16, the absorbing polarizer 52, the liquid crystal element 54, the light scattering layer 28 (or both the light scattering layer 28 and the reflecting polarizer 27 when the light scattering layer 28 is band-shaped), the reflecting polarizer 27, the circular polarizer 56, and the electro-optic device 26. In some embodiments, the least one illumination element 32 is aligned with the light scattering layer 28 and / or otherwise located between the light scattering layer 28 and the front visor surface 14 (e.g., embedded within the optical stack 25).

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical stack 25 may further include a front substrate 58 (e.g., glass or plastic) on the front visor surface 14, a first layer of laminate 60 between the front substrate 58 and the absorbing polarizer 52, a second layer of laminate 62 between the circular polarizer 56 and the electro-optic device 26, and a third layer oflaminate 64 between the electro-optic device 26 and a rear substrate 66 (e.g., glass or plastic) on the rear visor surface 16. The layers of laminate 60-64 may be formed of polyvinyl butyral ("PVB"), ethylene-vinyl acetate ("EVA"), thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), the like, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments, the light scattering layer 28 is formed in one, two, or each of the laminate layers 60-64. For example, in some implementations, such as that depicted in FIG. 3A, the scattering layer 28 (e.g., the ring shaped scattering layer 28) is formed in or proximate to (e.g., in contact with) the first laminate layer 60. In other implementations, such as that depicted in FIG. 3B, the light scattering layer 28 is formed in or proximate to (e.g., in contract with) the third layer of laminate 64. During assembly, the reflecting particles 30 may be deposited on one or more of the laminate layers (e.g., the first laminate layer 60, the second layer of laminate 62, and / or the third laminate layer 64) and the one or more laminate layers is heated such that the reflecting particles form a concentration gradient through a thickness of the one or more laminate layers. The gradient defines the scattering layer 28, which may be only a portion of the laminate layer (e.g., the first laminate layer 60, the second layer of laminate 62, and / or the third laminate layer 64) thickness or the entire thickness. In this manner, more than one scattering layer 28 may be present along a thickness of the optical stack 25 (e.g., two or more scattering layers 28 in the same or a different laminate layer 60-64). The location of the reflecting particles 30 in each scattering layer 28 may be substantially the same or different. For example, the location of the reflecting particles 30 in each scattering layer 28 may be in one the arrangements described above (e.g., closed-loop, solid layer, bands, etc.). Alternatively, the location of the reflecting particles 30 in each scattering layer 28 may be different and, together, include two or more of the arrangements described above (e.g., closed-loop, solid layer, bands, etc.). Further in other implementations, the scattering layer 28 may be defined between any of the layers of the optical stack 25 (e.g., interfaces between layers, a front surface, or a rear surface). In some implementations, the reflecting particles 30 may be distributed in a pattern or graphic in the scattering layer 28. For example, the reflecting particles 30 may be distributed in an insignia or branding graphic that may be visible to the user of the visor assembly 10 (e.g., from the front visor surface 14) and / or may be positioned (e.g., in FIG. 3B) to be visible to a non-vehicle occupant (e.g., from the rear visor surface 16). Further, in implementations, where the scattering layer 28 is locatedin the second laminate layer 62, it may be aligned with (e.g., with respect to a direction between the front visor surface 14 and the rear visor surface 16) the reflecting polarizer 27. Such implementations, may be particularly beneficial when the scattering layer 28 is in a loop or other elongated shape such that it travels along a periphery of the reflecting polarizer 27.

[0026] In operation, light entering the front visor surface 14 enters the absorbing polarizer 52 and the first linear polarization of light is absorbed and the second linear polarization of light is transmitted to the liquid crystal element 54. The liquid crystal element 54 includes an LC medium that contains liquid crystal molecules. Application of an electrical field induces twisting and / or untwisting of liquid crystal molecules and results in the rotating of the polarization of the light (e.g., between the first linear polarization of light and the second linear polarization light of light). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal element 54 includes a twisted nematic configuration such that the liquid crystal molecules are in a twisted alignment until an electric field induces movement into an untwisted state. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 54 can be utilized to selectively transmit the second linear polarization of light, which is reflected from the reflecting polarizer 27 (e.g., in a mirror state) and selectively convert the second linear polarization of light to the first linear polarization of light that is transmitted through the reflecting polarizer 27 (e.g., in a transmissive or mirror state). When the first linear polarization of light that is transmitted through the reflecting polarizer 27 is passes through the electro-optic device 26 (e.g., the electro-optic medium) and can be further modified by switching the electro-optic medium between the substantially transmissive state and the substantially darkened or reduced transmissive state. The utilization of the electro-optic device 26 may be particularly beneficial in darkening the optical stack 25 in the window state. The circular polarizer 56, as explained previously, may be located towards the rear visor surface 16 relative to the electro-optic device 26 and converts ambient light from the rear visor surface 16 to circularly polarized light. In this manner, when the visor assembly 10 is operating as a mirror, light from the rear visor surface 16 is blocked. The circular polarizer 56 may be configured as one or more wave plates (e.g., quarter wave plates).

[0027] During operation, the at least one illumination element 32 can be selectively energized to illuminate the light scattering layer 28. For example, the at least one illumination element 32 may be energized automatically in response via a detectionreceived by the control system 100 and / or manually via a user input (e.g., on a user interface), when the vehicle 36 is unlocked, a door is opened, when the vehicle 36 is turned off, and / or when the visor body 12 is articulated from the stowed position. In some implementations, the control system 100 may be in operable communication with a light sensor to detect ambient light levels. The at least one illumination element 32 may only be automatically powered when the ambient light level is below a predetermined threshold. Further, it should be appreciated that, when the at least one illumination element 32 includes a plurality of illumination elements 32, at least some of the illumination elements 32 may further be oriented between the light scattering layer 28 and the rear visor surface 16. In this manner, light may be reflected towards the user even when the visor body 12 is in the stowed position. Further it should be appreciated that the light scattering layer 28 as used herein may be integral with, for example, a substrate (e.g., a back substrate) of the liquid crystal element 54. More particularly, the light reflecting particles 30 may be deposited (e.g., printed) on and / or in the substrate (e.g., a back substrate) of the liquid crystal element 54. The reflecting particles 30 extending around the outer polarizer perimeter may provide a floating mirror or window aesthetic that minimally impacts the transmission or reflection from the reflecting polarizer 27. Further, the illumination elements 32 are generally obscured by the visor body 12 (e.g., the header 48) such that they are not visually noticeable to the user. In some embodiments, the first linear polarization of light is horizontal linearly polarized light. In this manner, when a user is wearing polarized glasses (e.g., which typically only transmit vertical linearly polarized light), the transmission or reflection from the reflecting polarizer 27 is unobscured by the further polarization. Likewise, the presence of the circular polarizer 56 may convert the first polarization of light (e.g., horizontal linearly polarized light) passing through the front visor surface 14 such that the light is not absorbed by polarized glasses. In this manner, regardless of if the user is wearing polarized glasses, the user is able to view through the optical stack 25 from the front and rear visor surfaces 14, 16 depending on the orientation of the visor body 12 (e.g., front facing, side facing, stowed, etc.).

[0028] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer aligned around a perimeter of the reflecting polarizer and includes a plurality of light reflecting particles. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, a light scattering layer is a loop-shaped band defining an internal space and a reflecting polarizer is at least partially aligned with the internal space.

[0031] According to still another aspect, the scattering layer is located between the reflecting polarizer and a front viewing surface of the optical stack.

[0032] According to another aspect, a light scattering layer covers and at least partially overlaps a reflecting polarizer.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the light scattering layer is located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer.

[0034] According to still another aspect, an optical stack includes an absorbing polarizer configured to absorb a first linear polarization of light.

[0035] According to still yet another aspect, an optical stack includes a liquid crystal element located towards a rear visor surface relative to an absorbing polarizer that is configured to selectively change a second linear polarization of light to a first linear polarization of light.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first linear polarization of light is horizontal linearly polarized light.

[0037] According to another aspect, an optical stack further includes a circular polarizer located towards a rear visor surface relative to a reflecting polarizer that is configured to convert ambient light from the rear visor surface to circularly polarized light.

[0038] According to still yet another aspect, the plurality of illumination elements are configured to generate illumination in two or more colors.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer includes a plurality of light reflecting particles. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0040] According to another aspect, a visor assembly includes a control system in operable communication with the visor assembly. The control system is configured to detect a condition associated with a vehicle, and generate an instruction to the at least one illumination element to generate the light based on the detected condition.

[0041] According to still another aspect, the detection condition is when a vehicle door is opened.

[0042] According to yet another aspect, the at least one illumination element is configured to generate the light when the visor body is articulated from a stowed position to an extended position.

[0043] According to still yet another aspect, the light scattering layer is a loop-shaped band defining an internal space and the reflecting polarizer is aligned with the internal space.

[0044] According to another aspect, the light scattering layer includes reflective particles distributed in a graphical pattern.

[0045] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly includes a visor body. The visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges. An optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter and includes an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor bodyand a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees. The optical stack further includes a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light. A light scattering layer includes a plurality of light reflecting particles located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer. At least one illumination element is oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

[0046] According to another aspect, the light scattering layer is integrated with a laminate layer.

[0047] According to still another aspect, the visor body includes a header and the at least one illumination element is located in the visor and oriented to generate the light downwardly towards an outer edge of the light scattering layer.

[0048] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0049] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0050] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be furtherunderstood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0051] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0052] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0053] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structureswithin the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0054] 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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges; an optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter, the optical stack comprising: an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees; a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light; a light scattering layer aligned around a perimeter of the reflecting polarizer and including a plurality of light reflecting particles; and at least one illumination element oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

2. The visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the light scattering layer is a loop-shaped band defining an internal space and the reflecting polarizer is at least partially aligned with the internal space.

3. The visor assembly of claim 2, wherein the scattering layer is located between the reflecting polarizer and a front viewing surface of the optical stack .

4. The visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the light scattering layer covers and at least partially overlaps the reflecting polarizer.

5. The visor assembly of claim 4, wherein the light scattering layer is located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer.

6. The visor assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the optical stack further includes an absorbing polarizer configured to absorb the first linear polarization of light.

7. The visor assembly of claim 6, wherein the optical stack further includes a liquid crystal element located towards the rear visor surface relative to the absorbing polarizer that is configured to selectively change the second linear polarization of light to the first linear polarization of light.

8. The visor assembly of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first linear polarization of light is horizontal linearly polarized light.

9. The visor assembly of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the optical stack further includes a circular polarizer located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer that is configured to convert ambient light from the rear visor surface to circularly polarized light.

10. The visor assembly as in one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one illumination element includes a plurality of illumination elements.

11. The visor assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of illumination elements are configured to generate illumination in two or more colors.

12. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges; an optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter, the optical stack comprising: an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees;a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light; a light scattering layer including a plurality of light reflecting particles; and at least one illumination element oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

13. The visor assembly of claim 12, further including a control system in operable communication with the visor assembly, the control system configured to: detect a condition associated with a vehicle; and generate an instruction to the at least one illumination element to generate the light based on the detected condition.

14. The visor assembly of claim 13, wherein the detection condition is when a vehicle door is opened.

15. The visor assembly as in one of claims 12-14, wherein the at least one illumination element is configured to generate the light when the visor body is articulated from a stowed position to an extended position.

16. The visor assembly as in one of claims 12-14, wherein the light scattering layer is a loop-shaped band defining an internal space and the reflecting polarizer is aligned with the internal space.

17. The visor assembly as in one of claims 12-14, wherein the light scattering layer includes reflective particles distributed in a graphical pattern.

18. A visor assembly comprising: a visor body includes a front visor surface and a rear visor surface delimited by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter includes an upper edge spaced from a lower edge by a pair of side edges; an optical stack is located at least partially within the outer perimeter, the optical stack comprising:an electro-optic device configured to switch between a transmissive state wherein a substantial portion of the light passes through the visor body and a blocking state wherein light is absorbed to varying degrees; a reflecting polarizer configured to transmit a first linear polarization of light and reflect a second linear polarization of light; a light scattering layer including a plurality of light reflecting particles located towards the rear visor surface relative to the reflecting polarizer; and at least one illumination element oriented to generate light towards the light scattering layer.

19. The visor assembly of claim 18, wherein the light scattering layer is integrated with a laminate layer.

20. The visor assembly of claim 18, wherein the visor body includes a header and the at least one illumination element is located in the visor and oriented to generate the light downwardly towards an outer edge of light scattering layer.

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