Illuminated badge for a vehicle

Abstract

Plaque, including: a housing with a visible part and a sign located near the visible part; a plurality of first LED sources disposed within the housing configured to emit light through the viewing portion; and a first light guide arranged above the first LED sources and below the characters, each first LED source being illuminated independently and light emitted therefrom of the plaque emerging through the viewing part, characterized in that the plaque comprises a plurality of second LED sources configured to illuminate a background area of the display portion in a second color, wherein the plurality of second LED sources emit variable hues of a light color while the plurality of first LED sources sequentially illuminate characters arranged on the display portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 203,257, filed August 10, 2015, entitled "ILLUMINATED BADGE FOR A VEHICLE." The aforementioned related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly to an illuminated badge utilizing multiple light sources therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Illumination using multiple light sources provides a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desirable to implement such structures in automotive vehicles for various lighting applications.

[0004] Document DE 10 2008 050 480 A1 discloses a method for using an instrument cluster backlight whose dynamic configuration provides a situation-dependent warning to the vehicle driver. Document DE 36 39 008 A1 discloses a display device for measured values, function, status, fault indicators, and the like on a liquid crystal cell having areas with different coloring of the displays. Various lighting systems for displays in motor vehicles are disclosed in documents DE 195 47 375 A1 and DE 10 2004 029 248 A1. Document US 2004 / 0 250 457 A1 shows an electronic display with multiple LEDs provided for displaying characters of a message. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on the prior art, a plaque is created with the features of independent patent claims 1 and 5. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a badge is disclosed. The badge includes a display portion with indicia thereon. A plurality of first LED sources are configured to emit light toward the display portion. A light guide extends between the display portion and the first LED sources. A plurality of second LED sources are configured to emit light toward the display portion. The first LED sources illuminate a first area of the display portion, and the second LED sources illuminate a second area of the display portion.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a badge for a vehicle is disclosed. The badge includes a housing with a visible portion. The visible portion has indicia thereon and a background area. A first light source is configured to illuminate the indicia. A second light source is configured to illuminate the background area.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a badge is disclosed. The badge includes a housing having a viewing portion. Indicia are disposed near the viewing portion. A plurality of first LED sources are disposed within the housing, which is configured to emit light through the viewing portion. A light guide is disposed above the first LED sources and below the indicia. Each of the first LED sources is illuminated independently, and light emitted therefrom exits through the viewing portion of the badge.

[0009] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a badge mounted on a front part of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the badge according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the plaque along lines III-III of Fig. 1 with a plurality of light sources arranged near a plurality of light guides terminating close to a visible part; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a badge mounted on the front part of a vehicle and configured to illuminate it; Fig. 5 a perspective cross-sectional view of the plaque along the line VV of Fig. 2 with multiple light sources configured to illuminate multiple parts of the plaque; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a plurality of light guides forming a first portion of indicia disposed within the plaque; Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a plurality of light guides forming a second portion of indicia disposed within the plaque; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the badge, according to an embodiment, along the lines VII-VII of Fig. 6A, which illustrates the badge with a light guide extending over several LED sources; Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the badge according to one embodiment; and Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the badge, according to one embodiment, having a plurality of first light guides extending outwardly from the light source and a transversely extending second light guide disposed over a front portion of the plurality of first light guides; and Fig. 10 a block diagram of the vehicle and the sticker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall refer to the invention as described in Fig. 2. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may take various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics are not to be considered limiting with respect to the presently disclosed embodiments unless expressly stated to the contrary in the claims.

[0012] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily contain a detailed structure, and some schematic representations may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are, therefore, not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention.

[0013] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0014] The following disclosure describes an illuminated badge for a vehicle. The badge may advantageously utilize one or more light sources configured to illuminate at predetermined frequencies. The badge may further include one or more light guides configured to sequentially direct illuminated light through a portion of the badge based on a predetermined pattern.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1 generally depicts a badge 10 mounted on a front end 12 of a vehicle 14. In other embodiments, the badge 10 may be located elsewhere, such as, but not limited to, the rear portion 16 or the side(s) 18 of the vehicle 14. The badge 10 may be configured as an insignia presented as an identification mark of a vehicle manufacturer and include a viewing portion 20 prominently displayed generally on the vehicle 14. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the badge 10 is centrally located on a grille assembly 22, thereby making the badge 10 readily visible to a viewer directly facing the vehicle 14. As will be described in more detail below, the light sources 24 within the badge 10 may illuminate sequentially to provide the vehicle 14 with a noticeable design element.

[0016] With reference to Fig. In Figure 2, the badge 10 is illustrated, by way of example, according to one embodiment, with a housing 26 including the viewing portion 20 located centrally at a front portion 28 thereof, a peripheral portion 30, and a rear portion 32. The viewing portion 20 may be made of a transparent and / or translucent material including a background area 34 and indicia 36. The indicia 36 may designate the make, model, or any other information desired to communicate about the vehicle 14 to which the badge 10 is affixed.

[0017] A first light source 38 is mounted within a portion of the badge 10. The first light source 38 may include any type of light source. For example, fluorescent lighting, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid-state lighting, or any other type of lighting configured to emit light may be used. The light source 38 may be powered by a vehicle power supply 40 ( Fig. 10) or any other power supply 40 located in the vehicle 14. The light source 38 is located behind and aligned with the viewing part 20.

[0018] As illustrated, the plaque 10 includes first, second, and third light sources 38, 42, 44, each configured to illuminate a portion of the plaque 10. The first light source 38 is configured as a plurality of first LED sources 46 that emit light through the indicia 36 on the viewing portion 20 of the plaque 10. The second light source 42 is configured as a plurality of second LED sources 48 that emit light through the background area 34. The plurality of second LED sources 48 can be configured to emit light at different intensities or wavelengths so that the background area 34 can have perceived shadow areas. The third light source 44 can be configured as a third plurality of LED sources that emit light through a peripheral portion 30 of the plaque 10. Each light source 38, 42, 44 can emit any desired color of light.According to one embodiment, each light source 38, 42, 44 emits a different color of light. For example, the first light source 38 may emit a neutral white light, the second light source 42 may emit blue light, and the third light source 44 may emit bright white light. However, it should be understood that the badge 10 could include any number of light sources 38, 42, 44 illuminating any desired color without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0019] Light emitted by the plurality of first LED sources 46 may be guided by one or more light guides 52 to predetermined locations located near the visible portion 20 of the badge 10, thereby causing the indicia 36 on the visible portion 20 or indicia 36 formed by the light guides 52 to illuminate. According to one embodiment, the indicia 36 may illuminate when a plurality of first LED sources 46 are illuminated, and the background region 34 may illuminate when a plurality of second LED sources 48 are illuminated.

[0020] Each LED source 46, 48, 50 within the badge 10 can be independently operated to emit light onto a predetermined location and / or desired area of the badge 10. For example, according to one embodiment, the first light source 38 includes approximately 80 independently controlled LED sources. According to the same embodiment, the second light source 42 includes approximately 100 independently controlled second LED sources 48, and the third light source 44 includes approximately 40 independently controlled third LED sources 50.

[0021] Further with reference to Fig. 2 is a control 54 ( Fig. 10) is configured, according to one embodiment, to illuminate the plurality of first LED sources 46 in a sequential manner. Specifically, the plurality of first LED sources 46 are activated such that a first end portion of a first letter of the characters 36 is illuminated first. In succession, adjacently disposed first LED sources 46 are illuminated sequentially. Once all of the first LED sources 46 constituting the first letter are illuminated, a first LED source 46 disposed at an end portion of a second letter illuminates until each letter of the characters 36 is illuminated in stages. Once all of the first LED sources 46 constituting the first light source 38 are illuminated, the first LED sources 46 remain illuminated until the controller 54 resets each first LED source 46 to an unlit state.In other words, as each additional first LED source 46 is illuminated, the first LED sources 46 that were previously illuminated remain illuminated until all of the first LED sources 46 are illuminated. The length of time that the first LED source 46 illuminates before the adjacent first LED source 46 is illuminated can be specifically adjusted by a time constant in the controller 54.

[0022] The controller 54 that controls the sequential illumination of the first LED sources 46 may be any circuit suitable for the purposes described herein. According to one embodiment, the controller 54 delays the illumination of each respective first LED source 46 by 75 milliseconds. This sequence repeats by illuminating the adjacently disposed first LED source 46 until each first LED source 46 within the first light source 38 is illuminated. According to one embodiment, the time period of the sequence until the middle LED is illuminated may be 3 seconds. All of the first LED sources 46 may remain illuminated for a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds, assuming the time of the sequence is 8 seconds. The sequence may then be repeated. It is understood that the time values given herein are for exemplary purposes by way of a non-limiting example.

[0023] Additionally, each light source 38, 42, 44 can be supplied with a variable current to adjust the level of illumination emitted by each light source 38, 42, 44. For example, the current can vary from 1 to 5 times the quiescent current. Furthermore, each light source 38, 42, 44 disposed within the plaque 10 can illuminate in multiple colors and / or hues based on the wavelength and / or light intensity emitted by each light source 38, 42, 44.

[0024] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plaque 10 along the line III-III of Fig. 1, which illustrates one embodiment of the illuminated badge 10. The badge 10 includes a housing 26 having the above-described viewing portion 20, the peripheral portion 30, and the rear portion 32, which may be adapted to be mounted to a vehicle 14. According to the illustrated embodiment, the viewing portion 20 may be arcuate, whereas the rear portion 32 may be substantially linear. However, it should be understood that the badge 10 and portions thereof may be configured in any desired and / or convenient shape. According to one embodiment, the viewing portion 20, the rear portion 32, and the peripheral portion 30 may be constructed of a rigid material, such as, but not limited to, a polymeric material, and assembled using ultrasonic or laser welding.Alternatively, the visible portion 20, the rear portion 32, and the peripheral portion 30 may be assembled by low pressure insert injection molding or any other method known in the art, such as the use of adhesives.

[0025] Portions of the housing 26 that are readily visible (e.g., the peripheral portion 30 and the viewing portion 20) may be colored any color or may be metallized to impart a metallic appearance to any desired portion of the badge 10. With reference to the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral portion 30 may be metallized to impart a metallic appearance to the badge 10 thereon. For example, a metal layer may be applied to the peripheral portion 30 by partial vacuum deposition. The metal layer should be transparent and / or translucent to allow light to pass from an inner side 56 to an outer side 58.

[0026] Similarly, the indicia 36 disposed on the visible portion 20 may also impart a metallic appearance. According to one embodiment, the indicia 36 may have a metal layer disposed thereon, applied by partial vacuum deposition. Accordingly, the indicia 36 may illuminate when the first LED sources 46 are illuminated, imparting a metallic appearance in the illuminated state.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, a metal layer may be applied to any portion of the housing 26 by electroplating a thin layer of chromium thereon. Further alternatively, an imitation chromium finish may be used for aesthetic purposes. The metal layer should be translucent to allow light to pass therethrough from an inner surface 56 to an outer surface 58. Alternative processes, as known in the art, may be used to color or coat a portion of the housing 26 without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0028] The background area 34 may also be colored in any desired color and / or include a metallized finish on portions thereof. According to one embodiment, the background area 34 utilizes a translucent blue color, thereby partially concealing the components of the badge 10 located behind the visible portion 20.

[0029] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the first, second, and third light sources 38, 42, 44 may be provided on a substrate 60, which may be configured as a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 62 mounted inside the housing 26. The light source(s) 38, 42, 44 may be arranged on the PCB 62 and aligned with the viewing part 20. A plurality of first LED sources 46 may each be positioned under respective light guides 52 to direct light to a desired location near the viewing part 20. Optionally, the first, second, or third LED sources 46, 48, 50 may include focusing optics to help concentrate light to the corresponding locations and / or to a particular light guide 52. The PCB 62 may include a white solder mask 64 to reflect light incident thereon. With respect to the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, a portion of the light emitted by the light sources 38, 42, 44 may be transmitted through the viewing portion 20. Another portion of the converted light may be emitted into the interior of the housing 26 and incident on the white solder mask 64 of the PCB 62. As a result, the light may be redirected to the viewing portion 20 and output from the housing 26. This may help ensure that the viewing portion 20 has an optimal amount of illumination.

[0030] A plurality of third LED sources 50 may be disposed outside the first and second LED sources 48 on the PCB 62. A reflective member 66 may be disposed substantially in front of the plurality of third LED sources 50 and within the housing 26. The reflective member 66 may be configured to direct light emitted by the plurality of third LED sources 50 outward through the peripheral portion 30 of the badge 10. The light emitted by the peripheral portion 30 may be of any color and may be directed to any desired feature 68 ( Fig. 4) of the vehicle 14 located near the badge 10. Alternatively, the third plurality of LED sources 50 may be directed toward the periphery 30. For example, the third plurality of LED sources 50 may be disposed on the reflective member 66 and directed outward therefrom.

[0031] As in Fig. 4, the badge 10 may be centrally located on the grille assembly 22 of the vehicle 14. Any convenient means may be used to attach the badge 10 to the vehicle 14. The rear portion 32 may be substantially linear and may be formed of a dark, high-gloss material, thereby concealing any circuitry of the badge 10 and any attachment points.

[0032] The peripheral portion 30 of the badge 10 may be formed from a translucent or transparent material so that light can be emitted therethrough, as described above. The light emitted by the peripheral portion 30 may be configured to act as a washlight to illuminate a feature 68 of the vehicle 14, such as part or substantially all of the grille assembly 22 of the vehicle 14. Accordingly, optics may be used so that the light emitted by the peripheral portion 30 can be directed to specific locations at variable distances from the badge 10. More specifically, grille assemblies 22 generally have a rectangular configuration. Therefore, light emitted from the side portions of the peripheral portion 30 can be directed a farther distance than light emitted from the top and bottom portions of the peripheral portion 30.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the badge 10 may also be configured to simultaneously illuminate a second vehicle feature 70 located proximate the badge 10. For example, the badge 10 may also direct a portion of light through the lower portion of the peripheral portion 30 to the bumper 72 of the vehicle 14 to highlight the features 68, 70 thereof. The controller 54 may control the illumination of multiple vehicle features 68, 70. For example, the controller 54 may illuminate a first portion of the plurality of third LED sources 50 configured to direct light to a single desired feature 68. Alternatively, the controller 54 may illuminate a second portion of the third LED sources 50 configured to simultaneously illuminate multiple vehicle features 68, 70 located proximate the badge 10.

[0034] It should be understood that the badge 10 may be disposed on any desired portion of a vehicle 14. Accordingly, the badge 10 may illuminate any external feature 68 and / or any area located immediately outside the vehicle 14 without departing from the teachings provided herein. For example, the badge 10 may be disposed on the rear portion 16 (e.g., the tailgate) of the vehicle 14 and illuminate portions of the particular tailgate, a license plate, a rear bumper, a step integrally formed on the vehicle 14, a hook attached to the vehicle 14, and / or a portion of the ground located near the rear of the vehicle 14.

[0035] As in Fig. 5, the controller 54 is configured as an independent component disposed within the badge 10. The badge 10 can function independently with an independent controller 54 while relying on the vehicle 14 for the power supply 40. However, it should be understood that the badge 10 can also include its own power supply 40. Furthermore, the controller 54 can be disposed within the vehicle 14 and configured to control the illumination of the badge 10 and / or any other vehicle function.

[0036] The badge 10 includes a plurality of first LED sources 46 arranged beneath respective light guides 52. In some embodiments, the plurality of first LED sources 46 may be arranged directly beneath respective light guides 52. The light guides 52 guide light emitted by the plurality of first LED sources 46 to the viewing portion 20. The plurality of second LED sources 48 are randomly scattered on the PCB 62. According to one embodiment, the second LED sources 48 are scattered on the PCB 62 through a printing process. However, in alternative embodiments, the plurality of second LED sources 48 may be arranged in any desired manner to create any desired illumination effect of the badge 10. The plurality of third LED sources 50 emit light toward the reflective member 66, which consequently guides light through the peripheral portion 30 of the housing 26.As discussed above, each first, second, and third LED source 46, 48, 50 that generates each respective first, second, and third light source 38, 42, 44 may be independently controllable. Accordingly, each light source 38, 42, 44 and the LED sources 46, 48, 50 therein may illuminate independently for any desired reason.

[0037] In operation, each light source 38, 42, 44 can be activated using a variety of means. For example, the badge 10 can include a user interface 74 on the badge 10 and / or within the vehicle 14. The user interface 74 can be configured to allow a user to control the wavelength of input light emitted by each light source 38, 42, 44 and / or the LED sources that comprise each light source 38, 42, 44. Alternatively, the user interface 74 can be used to cycle the badge 10 through multiple modes and / or functions. The user interface 74 can utilize any control known in the art for controlling the light source 38, 42, 44, such as, but not limited to, switches (e.g., proximity sensors, push buttons), and can be located in any convenient location.Additionally or alternatively, the light source 38, 42, 44 may be automatically activated by an on-board vehicle system, such as the vehicle security system and / or another vehicle system. For example, sequential illumination may occur as part of a welcome or farewell sequence, meaning that the sequential illumination may occur as an occupant of the vehicle 14 moves away from and / or approaches the vehicle 14 using the illuminated badge 10. It is contemplated that the badge 10 may have a wide range of target positions so that the badge 10 may be used for a variety of functions.

[0038] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 5, according to one embodiment, the plurality of first LED sources 46 may illuminate in a first color and the plurality of second LED sources 48 may illuminate in a second color. For example, the plurality of first LED sources 46 may be configured to emit white light, and the plurality of second LED sources 48 may be configured to emit blue light. Furthermore, the plurality of second LED sources 48 may impart a shadowy appearance to the viewing portion 20 when illuminated. Such an appearance may be created by varying the wavelength of light emitted by each respective second LED source 48. For example, an upper region 78 of the PCB 62 may include second LED sources 48, exemplified as 76a, that emit light at a first wavelength.The lower region 80 of the PCB 62 may include a combination of second LED sources 48 having the first wavelength, exemplified as 76a, and second LED sources 48, exemplified as 76b, having a shorter, second wavelength that emit a deeper blue color, thereby causing the lower region 80 to glow a darker color than the upper region 78. Alternatively, the second LED sources 48 disposed on the upper region 78 of the PCB 62 may operate at a higher intensity than the second LED sources 48 disposed on the lower region 80 of the PCB 62. By using second LED sources 48 with variable color tones, the background region 34 can present a shadowy appearance in any environment.

[0039] Since lighting conditions can vary depending on a variety of factors, including, among others, the current time, date, and weather conditions, the controller 54 can adjust the intensity of any light source 38, 42, 44 so that the illumination of the plaque 10 can be perceived under any condition. For example, the light intensity in Florida on a clear summer afternoon will generally be higher than the light intensity in Michigan on a cloudy summer morning. By passing this type of information to the controller 54, the controller 54 can thus adjust each light source 38, 42, 44 accordingly.

[0040] The controller 54 can modify the intensity of the light emitted by any light source 38, 42, 44 through pulse width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, the controller 54 can be configured to adjust a color of the emitted light by sending control signals to adjust an intensity or power output level of any of the light sources 38, 42, 44. By adjusting the range of intensities that can be output by each light source 38, 42, 44, the plurality of second LED sources 48 within the badge 10 can render any desired effect (e.g., a shadowy appearance) through the viewing portion 20. Furthermore, varying the range of intensities of the light sources 38, 42, 44 can emphasize any appearance features of the badge 10.

[0041] As in the Fig. 6A-6B, each light guide 52 is arranged over a respective first LED source 46, which is independently controlled by the controller 54. As shown in Fig. 6A, a single letter may be formed from the multiple light guides 52. Or alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6B, the plurality of light guides 52 may be arranged proximate to and connected to additional letters so that multiple letters may be formed as one component.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 52 is constructed of a clear acrylic material or other transparent and / or translucent thermoplastic. Although the light guide 52 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the light guide 52 could be tubular, elliptical, or have a discontinuous perimeter.

[0043] An opaque material 82 may be disposed on a longitudinal outer surface of each light guide 52 to prevent light directed through one light guide 52 from leaking into a second, nearby light guide 52. The opaque material 82 may also prevent light from the second and / or third LED sources 48, 50 from being directed through the light guides 52 and outward to form and / or through the indicia 36.

[0044] A variety of multi-material injection molding processes can be used to manufacture the light guides 52 that illuminate the characters 36. Due to the manufacturing and assembly steps performed in the molds, injection-molded multi-material objects allow for significant reductions in assembly and production lead times. Furthermore, product quality can be improved, and the likelihood of manufacturing defects and overall manufacturing costs can be reduced. In multi-material injection molding, several different materials are injected into a multi-stage mold. The sections of the mold that are not to be filled during an injection stage are temporarily blocked. After the first injected material has settled, one or more blocked portions of the mold are opened, and the next material is injected. The process continues until the desired multi-material piece is produced.

[0045] Furthermore, with reference to the Fig. 6A-6B, according to one embodiment, a multi-shot injection molding process is used to create the indicia 36. Additional optics may also be injected into the indicia 36 during the multi-material injection molding process. Initially, the visible portion 20 of the housing 26 is formed by a first injection molding step. Thereafter, a plurality of light guides 52 are molded and coupled to the visible portion 20 in a second injection molding step. In alternative embodiments, additional components may be added during any injection molding step or during additional sequential injection molding operations to adhere additional components to the badge 10. For example, the opaque material 82 disposed on the longitudinal surface of the light guide 52 may be injection molded onto each respective light guide 52.Additional coloring may be applied to any component of the plaque 10 to achieve a desired color or to produce a surface with a specific property, such as a desired level of reflectivity.

[0046] A metallic material may be applied to the visible portion 20, forming the indicia 36 thereon. The light guides 52 may contact an inner surface of the visible portion 20 and direct light through the indicia 36 onto the visible portion 20. Alternatively, a top surface of each light guide 52 may have a metallic appearance, such that the indicia 36 are formed by the light guides 52 and appear metallic in an unlit state. As a further alternative, a metallic, light-transmitting material may be disposed between the visible portion 20 and the light guides 52.

[0047] Furthermore, with reference to the Fig. 6A-6B, each respective light guide 52 directs light emitted by the first LED sources 46 to the viewing portion 20 of the badge 10 while each respective LED source 46 is illuminated. Such a configuration enables the badge 10 to illuminate portions thereof sequentially or in stages. For example, the plurality of first LED sources 46 may sequentially illuminate portions of the characters 36 so that the characters 36 illuminate as if the characters 36 on the badge 10 were written with a desired font. While each first LED source 46 is illuminated, the controller 54 may gradually increase the intensity of the emitted light. The sequential illumination may occur as part of a welcome or farewell sequence, meaning that the sequential illumination may occur as an occupant of the vehicle 14 moves away from and / or approaches the vehicle 14 using the illuminated badge 10.It should be understood, however, that the badge 10 may illuminate in any pattern for any desired reason and / or based on any predetermined event.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 7, a single light guide 52 extending over a plurality of first LED sources 46 is disposed above the plurality of first LED sources 46 and below the viewing portion 20. As illustrated, the light guide 52 includes a plurality of inverted U-shaped portions 84 connected to adjacently disposed portions 86. A distal portion 88 of each U-shaped portion 84 is disposed proximate the viewing portion 20 of the badge 10. A proximal portion 90 is disposed proximate each individually controlled first LED source 46. As each first LED source 46 is illuminated, the distal portion(s) 88 of the light guide 52 disposed proximate the first LED source 46 can emit light therefrom. As the first LED sources 46 are simultaneously illuminated, the characters 36 disposed proximate the distal portions 88 of the light guide 52 are progressively illuminated.The sequential illumination can create an appearance as if the 36 characters are written by hand, since each letter is illuminated sequentially.

[0049] A reflective material 92 may be disposed on portions of the light guide 52 so that incident light (i.e., light from the plurality of second LED sources 48) may be prevented from mixing with light emitted by the plurality of first LED sources 46. The reflective material 92 may be an additional layer of material, such as paint, adhered to the desired portions of the light guide 52. Accordingly, the characters 36 may maintain a desired color while substantially preventing light emitted from other portions from combining and affecting the color of the illuminated characters 36 displayed on the viewing portion 20.

[0050] A light diffuser 94 may be molded or alternatively mounted between the viewing portion 20 of the housing 26 and the light guides 52. For example, the light diffuser 94 may be a layer applied to the underside of the viewing portion 20 by partial vacuum deposition. The diffuser 94 may be transparent or translucent and generally functions to scatter the light from the light guides 52, eliminating hot spots and shadows. The inner surface 96 and / or the outer surface 98 of the viewing portion 20 may be coated, roughened, or microfaceted to contribute to the light scattering performance. Additionally or alternatively, the diffuser 94 may be applied to a portion of the light guide 52 to optimize the light scattering effect. In alternative embodiments, a light-diffusing material 94 may be applied to or disposed on some or all of the light sources 38, 42, 44 disposed within the badge 10.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 8, a first LED source 46 is arranged beneath each respective light guide 52 so that light can be independently directed in a desired pattern from each first LED source 46 to the viewing portion 20. A plurality of second LED sources 48 are arranged in a random manner around the plurality of first LED sources 46.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the badge 10 may flash or otherwise illuminate based on the occurrence of a predetermined condition. For example, if an occupant is outside a predetermined distance from the vehicle 14, for example, 15 feet from the vehicle 14 but not approaching the vehicle 14, the badge 10 may illuminate in a predetermined pattern. According to an alternative embodiment, the characters 36 may be illuminated and then slowly return to a substantially unlit state centered on the central location of the characters 36. When a substantially unlit state (e.g., almost, but not all, of the first and second LED sources 46, 48 are in an unlit state) is reached, the first and second LED sources 46, 48 may begin to re-illuminate the characters 36.

[0053] According to an alternative embodiment, the plurality of first LED sources 46 may maintain an unlit state, thereby imparting a metallic appearance to the characters 36. Simultaneously, the plurality of second LED sources 48 may illuminate at variable intensities such that the intensity of the light emitted by the background region 34 is varied over time. A central region 100 of the viewing portion 20 may remain illuminated as the plaque 10 varies the intensity of the light emitted therefrom. As a further alternative, both the first and second LED sources 46, 48 may simultaneously vary the intensity of the light emitted therefrom such that the plaque 10 illuminates with different light intensities in multiple colors simultaneously. During illumination, both the first and second LED sources 46, 48 may direct a light of higher intensity or amount to a predetermined location (e.g.,a central area 100) of the visible part 20.

[0054] The controller 54 may include correction algorithms that allow precise adjustment of the light sources 38, 42, 44 to compensate for color shifts, etc., over time. Furthermore, when the first LED sources 46 within the badge 10 are illuminated sequentially, specific algorithms may be executed to effect a smooth transition, which does not necessarily represent a linear adjustment of each respective color. Thus, a linear adjustment could introduce an undesirable effect in the transition when adjusting the brightness from 0% to 100%. Thus, in one embodiment, specific lookup tables (LUTs) may be provided that are used by the control processor 106 ( Fig. 10) and / or the controls 54, which contain the required brightness values for correct adjustment during the transition. The control can be compromised by using software algorithms specifically designed to create desired patterns and control the transitions thereof.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 9, according to one embodiment, a plurality of first light guides 52 extend in front of the plurality of first light sources 46 and to the viewing portion 20 of the badge 10. The first light guides 52 may have a uniform thickness or, alternatively, may have a variable thickness along the indicia 36. A second, transversely extending light guide 102 may extend along a forward portion of the first light guide 52 or a plurality of adjacently disposed first light guides 52. The second light guide 102 may be configured to mix and / or diffuse light emitted by each of the first light guides 52 while each sequential first light source 38 is illuminated. It is understood that the badge may include any number of second light guides 102 extending across any number of first light guides 52.For example, the second light guide 102 may extend over a single first light guide in some parts of the badge 10, and an alternative second light guide 102 may extend over multiple first light guides 52 in alternative parts of the badge 10.

[0056] The first light guide 52 and the second light guide 102 may be comprised of a single, integrally formed component. For example, the first light guide 52 and the second light guide 102 may be formed by an injection molding process or any other suitable process known in the art. Alternatively, the first light guide 52 and the second light guide 102 may be attached and / or coupled together by any means known in the art. Additionally, the second light guide 102 may be in an oblique and / or relational alignment with the first light guide 52 and need not be disposed transversely thereto, such that the first light guide 52 and the second light guide 102 are optically coupled to each other.

[0057] Because light emitted from the sequential illumination of each first light source 38 is passed through the first light guide 52 and the second light guide 102, uniform mixing can be achieved. Furthermore, the thickness of the second light guide 102 can be varied to influence its mixing properties. For example, a thinner second light guide 102 can create brighter, more pronounced spots in front of the plurality of first light guides 52. Alternatively, a thicker second light guide 102 can result in smaller, defined bright spots and more uniform mixing while each sequential first light source 46 is illuminated. It should be understood that the thickness of the second light guide 102 can also be varied along its length so that the second light guide 102 has different mixing properties therealong.

[0058] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 9, each first light guide 52 may have a gap therebetween. The gap between each first light guide 52 may assist in directing light to predetermined locations while also preventing light directed through a first light guide 52 from illuminating adjacently disposed first light guides 52. As discussed above, a reflective or light-absorbing material 92 may be disposed on portions of the first light guide 52 such that incident light is further reflected from adjacently disposed components of the badge 10.

[0059] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 9, the badge 10 may include a circumferential extension 104 projecting forward from the rear portion 32 of the badge 10. The circumferential extension 104 may provide support for the peripheral portion 30. Additionally or alternatively, the third plurality of light sources 44 may be disposed on the circumferential extension 104 and directed outwardly therefrom. The circumferential extension 104 may be a separate component or integrally formed with any other portion of the badge 10.

[0060] With reference to Fig.10 illustrates a box diagram of a vehicle 14 implementing an illuminated badge 10. The badge 10 includes a controller 54 in communication with the first, second, and third plurality of LED sources 46, 48, 50. The controller 54 may include a memory 108 having instructions embodied therein that are executed by a processor 106 of the controller 54. The controller 54 may power each light source 38, 42, 44 via a power supply 40 located within the vehicle 14 and / or within the badge 10. Additionally, the controller 54 may be configured to independently control the light output of each LED source 46, 48, 50 based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 110, such as, but not limited to, a body control module, an engine control module, a steering control module, a brake control module, or the like, or a combination thereof.By independently controlling the light output of each of the first, second, and third LED sources 46, 48, 50, the badge 10 can illuminate in a variety of colors and / or patterns to provide an aesthetic appearance, such as the appearance of written text, or can provide vehicle information to an intended viewer. For example, the illumination provided by the badge 10 can be used for numerous vehicle applications, including, but not limited to, an aesthetic feature, a car tracking feature, a remote start indicator, a door lock indicator, a door ajar indicator, a driving light, etc.

[0061] In operation, the badge 10 may exhibit constant single-color or multi-color illumination. For example, the controller 54 may cause a first LED source 46 within the badge 10 to illuminate in a first color, thereby illuminating the indicia 36 affixed to the badge 10. Simultaneously, a second LED source 48 may illuminate in a second color to illuminate a background area 34 of the display portion 20. A third LED source may emit light toward a reflective member 66, thereby directing light through a peripheral portion 30 of the housing 26. As discussed above, each light source 38, 42, 44 may be independently illuminated by the controller 54, allowing the display portion 20 to illuminate in multiple predetermined patterns.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the plaque 10 may include a plurality of first LED sources 46 that illuminate sequentially so that the characters 36 on the display portion 20 are illuminated in stages. The controller 54 may also vary the power to each light source 38, 42, 44 from 1 to 5 times the quiescent current to vary the color and brightness of the light emitted by each respective light source 38, 42, 44. The light sources 38, 42, 44 may also illuminate multiple colors simultaneously, thereby creating additional color configurations.

[0063] In another embodiment, the controller 54 illuminates only the first, second, or third light sources 38, 42, 44 independently. For example, the controller 54 may cause the first light source 38 to sequentially illuminate the characters 36 arranged on the viewing portion 20 of the plaque 10. Alternatively, the controller 54 may cause a plurality of second LED sources 48 to have different intensities such that the background area 34 of the viewing portion 20 appears shadowy. As a further alternative, the controller 54 may cause the third LED source 44 to emit light that is directed outward through the peripheral portion 30 of the housing 26. The controller 54 may cause each light source 38, 42, 44 to illuminate a unique color, or each of the light sources 38, 42, 44 may emit a color of a common wavelength.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the badge 10 may include a user interface 74. The user interface 74 may be configured to allow a user to control the wavelength of the input light emitted by each light source 38, 42, 44. Such a configuration may allow a user to control which components of the badge 10 and / or features 68 thereof are illuminated.

[0065] With reference to the above examples, the controller 54 may modify the intensity of the light emitted by any of the light sources 38, 42, 44 through pulse width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, the controller 54 may be configured to adjust a color of the emitted light by sending control signals to adjust an intensity or power output level of any of the light sources 38, 42, 44. By adjusting the range of intensities that can be output by each light source 38, 42, 44, the first, second, and / or third LED sources 46, 48, 50 may be operable to produce a range of color tones of emitted light. In addition, varying the intensity range of any of the light sources 38, 42, 44 may emphasize any appearance features (e.g., shadowy appearance) of the badge 10.

[0066] Accordingly, an illuminating badge for a vehicle has been advantageously described herein. The badge provides several advantages, including an efficient and cost-effective means of generating illumination, which can act as a unique design element that enhances the sophistication of a vehicle, or any other product that may have a badge mounted thereon.

[0067] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as apparent from the exemplary embodiments, are merely exemplary. While only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, the function of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise different, the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be different, the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be different. 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 and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0068] It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0069] It is to be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

[1] Plaque, comprising: a housing with a visible part and a sign located near the visible part; a plurality of first LED sources disposed within the housing configured to emit light through the viewing portion; and a first light guide arranged above the first LED sources and below the characters, each first LED source being illuminated independently and light emitted therefrom of the plaque emerging through the viewing part, characterized by , that the plaque comprises a plurality of second LED sources configured to illuminate a background area of the display portion in a second color, wherein the plurality of second LED sources emit variable hues of a light color while the plurality of first LED sources sequentially illuminate characters arranged on the display portion. [2] The plaque of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first LED sources illuminate sequentially so that the characters are illuminated in stages. [3] A plaque according to claim 2, further comprising: a controller configured to control sequential illumination of the first LED sources at a predetermined rate between illumination of each respective first LED source, wherein the sequential illumination repeats by illuminating adjacently disposed first LED sources until each first LED source is illuminated. [4] The plaque of claim 1, further comprising: a second light guide extending transversely along a front portion of the first light guide, configured to mix emitted light from each first light guide disposed therebehind. [5] A badge according to the preamble of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of second LED sources configured to illuminate a background area of the viewing part in a second color, and third, a plurality of light sources configured to emit light through a peripheral portion of the housing to illuminate a feature of a vehicle located proximate the badge

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