ILLUMINATED VEHICLE CONSOLE

Abstract

Illuminated console for a vehicle, comprising: one outside compartment (62); an inner compartment (66) located in the outer compartment (62); a light source (70) located in the outer compartment (62) and configured to emit light into the inner compartment (66); a first support element (54) and a second support element (58) located above the inner compartment (66) and the outer compartment (62); and at least one wireless charger (74) located near the inner compartment (66).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lighting device, and more particularly to an illuminated console for a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Consoles in a vehicle can be configured to charge various electronic devices. Illuminated charging consoles can provide a unique and attractive viewing experience.

[0003] WO 2014 / 148853 A1 discloses a wireless charger. US 2013 / 0257363 A1 discloses a console device with a charging indicator. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an illuminated center console includes an exterior compartment and an interior compartment located within the exterior compartment. A light source is located within the exterior compartment and is configured to emit light into the interior compartment. The first and second support members are located above the interior compartment and the exterior compartment. At least one wireless charger is located near the interior compartment.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an illuminated console includes a housing defining an elongated opening, a first support member and a second support member located within the housing and configured to extend across the elongated opening, an interior compartment having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a light source located at a bottom of the interior compartment, and at least one wireless charger located at the exterior surface of the interior compartment, wherein at least one of the first support member and the second support member comprises an at least partially light-transmissive material configured to receive a first emission.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an illuminated console includes a housing defining an elongated opening, an interior compartment within the housing defining an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior compartment being accessible through the elongated opening, a reflective coating on the interior surface, the reflective coating including a photoluminescent structure or material excitable by light from a light source, and a wireless charger located on the exterior surface of the interior compartment.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after reading the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings: Fig. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure obtained as a coating for use in a vehicle light strip according to one embodiment; Fig. 1B is a plan view of a photoluminescent structure obtained as a discrete particle according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures obtained as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through line II of Fig. 2 according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view through line III of Fig. 2 according to one embodiment; and Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the vehicle according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be learned by practicing the invention as described in the following description, taken together with the claims and appended drawings.

[0010] When the phrase "and / or" is used herein in a list of two or more objects, it is understood that each of the listed objects may be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed objects may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0011] In this document, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used only to distinguish one entity or act from another entity or act, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or acts. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or peculiar to such process, method, article, or device. An element that "comprises"...a" does not exclude, without further limitation, the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus comprising that element.

[0012] In relation to Fig. 1A-1C show various exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures 1, each of which can be connected to a substrate 2, which can correspond to a vehicle mount or a vehicle-related equipment element. Fig. 1A, the photoluminescent structure 1 is generally shown as a structure obtained as a coating (e.g., a film) that can be applied to a surface of the substrate 2. In Fig. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 1 is generally shown as a discrete particle that can be integrated into a substrate 2. In Fig. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 1 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that can be incorporated into a support medium 3 (e.g., a film), which can then be applied (as shown) or integrated into the substrate 2.

[0013] At the lowest level, a respective photoluminescent structure 1 includes an energy conversion layer 4, which may include one or more sublayers indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 4 can include one or more photoluminescent materials 5 having energy conversion elements with photoluminescence or fluorescence properties. Each photoluminescent material 5 can be excited after receiving an excitation emission 8 of a specific wavelength, causing the light to undergo a conversion process. According to the principle of down-conversion, the excitation emission 8 is converted into converted light 9 with a longer wavelength, which is emitted by the photoluminescent structure 1. Conversely, according to the principle of up-conversion, the excitation emission 8 is converted into light with a shorter wavelength, which is emitted by the photoluminescent structure 1.If several different light wavelengths are emitted simultaneously by the photoluminescent structure 1, the light wavelengths can mix and be reproduced as multicolored light.

[0014] Light emitted by a light source 70 ( Fig. 3) is referred to here as the excitation emission 8 or excitation light and is represented by solid arrows. In contrast, light emitted by the photoluminescent structure 1 is referred to here as converted light 9 and is represented by dashed arrows. The mixture of excitation emission 8 and converted light 9, which can be emitted simultaneously, is referred to here as output light.

[0015] The energy conversion layer 4 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material 5 in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 4 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium 3 and coating the energy conversion layer 4 on a desired substrate 2. The energy conversion layer 4 can be applied to a substrate 2 by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roll coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 4 can be prepared by methods that do not utilize a liquid carrier medium 3.For example, the energy conversion layer 4 can be obtained by dispersing the photoluminescent material 5 into a solid-state solution (homogeneous mixture in the dry state), which can be enclosed in a polymer matrix formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 4 can then be incorporated into a substrate 2 using any method known to those skilled in the art. If the energy conversion layer 4 includes sublayers, each sublayer can be coated sequentially to form the energy conversion layer 4. Alternatively, the sublayers can be manufactured separately and later laminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer 4. Furthermore, the energy conversion layer 4 can alternatively be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the converted light 9 that has been down- or up-converted can be used to excite another photoluminescent material(s) 5 found in the energy conversion layer 4. The process of using the converted light 9 emitted by one photoluminescent material 5 to excite another, and so on, is commonly known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative for achieving different color expressions. With respect to each of the conversion principles, the wavelength difference between the excitation emission 8 and the converted light 9 is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the fundamental driving mechanism for an energy conversion process that corresponds to a change in the wavelength of light.In the various embodiments described herein, each of the photoluminescent structures 1 may function according to each of the conversion principles.

[0017] Again with regard to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 1 may optionally include at least one stability layer 6 to protect the photoluminescent material 5 contained in the energy conversion layer 4 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 6 may be configured as a separate layer optically connected and adhered to the energy conversion layer 4. Alternatively, the stability layer 6 may be integrated into the energy conversion layer 4. The photoluminescent structure 1 may also optionally include a protective layer 7 optically connected and adhered to the stability layer 6 or another layer (e.g., the conversion layer 4 in the absence of the stability layer 6) to protect the photoluminescent structure 1 from physical and chemical damage due to environmental exposure.The stability layer 6 and / or the protective layer 7 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 4 by sequentially coating or printing each layer, sequentially laminating or embossing, or any other suitable means.

[0018] Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures 1 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding the preparation and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM"; U.S. Patent No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS"; U.S. Patent No. 8,519,359 to Kingsley et al. entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”; US Patent No.No. 8,664,624 to Kingsley et al., entitled "ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION"; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0183677 to Agrawal et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES"; U.S. Patent No. 9,057,021 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS"; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0103258 to Agrawal et al., entitled "CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 5 may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes, including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. Additionally or alternatively, the photoluminescent material 5 may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets, such as YAG:Ce, and it may be a photoluminescent material 5 with a short afterglow period. Emission by Ce 3+ is based, for example, on an electronic energy transfer of 5 d1 to 4 f1 as a parity-enabled transmission. As a result, there is an energy difference between the light absorption and light emission by Ce 3+ low and the luminescence level of Ce 3+ has an ultra-short lifetime or decay time of 10 -8 up to 10 -7seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time can be defined as the time between the end of the excitation from the excitation emission 8 and the time at which the light intensity of the converted light 9 emitted by the photoluminescent structure 1 falls below a minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd / m 2 A visibility of 0.32 mcd / m 2 corresponds roughly to 100 times the sensitivity of the dark-adapted human eye, which corresponds to a general background illumination level used by an average person skilled in the art.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a Ce 3+ Garnet can be used, which has a peak excitation spectrum that can be in a shorter wavelength range than that of conventional YAG:Ce phosphors. Accordingly, Ce 3+a short afterglow, so its decay time can be 100 milliseconds or less. Thus, in some embodiments, the Ce phosphor-type rare earth aluminum garnet can serve as the photoluminescent material 5 with ultrashort afterglow times, which can emit the converted light 9 by absorbing purple to blue excitation emission 8 emitted from the light source 70. According to one embodiment, a ZnS:Ag phosphor can be used to generate a blue converted light 9. A ZnS:Cu phosphor can be used to generate a yellowish-green converted light 9. A Y2O2S:Eu phosphor can be used to generate a red converted light 9. Furthermore, the above-mentioned phosphorescent materials can be combined to form a wide spectrum of colors, including white light.It is understood that any short-lived photoluminescent material known in the art may be used without departing from the teachings provided herein. Additional information regarding the preparation of short-lived photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,163,201 to Kingsley et al., entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 5 arranged in the photoluminescent structure 1 may comprise a long-persistent photoluminescent material 5 that emits the converted light 9 once it has been charged by the excitation light 8. The excitation emission 8 may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light source such as the sun and / or any artificial light source 70). The long-persistent photoluminescent material 5 may be defined to have a long decay time due to its ability to store the excitation emission 8 and gradually release the converted light 9 over a period of several minutes or hours once the excitation light 8 is no longer present.

[0022] The long-lasting photoluminescent material 5 may, according to one embodiment, be effective to produce a long-lasting photoluminescent material after a period of 10 minutes of light at or above an intensity of 0.32 mcd / m 2 In addition, the long persistence photoluminescent material 5 may be effective to emit light above or with an intensity of 0.32 mcd / m 2to emit. Accordingly, the long-lasting photoluminescent material 5 can continuously glow in response to excitation from any light source emitting the excitation emission 8, including, among others, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and / or any artificial light source 70. The regular absorption of the excitation emission 8 from any excitation source can provide a substantially sustainable charge of the long-lasting photoluminescent material 5 to provide continuous indirect illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor can monitor the illumination intensity of the photoluminescent structure 1 and activate an excitation source when the illumination intensity falls below 0.32 mcd / m 2 or any other predefined intensity level.

[0023] The long-lived photoluminescent material 5 may correspond to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example, doped disilicates or any other compound capable of emitting light for a period of time after the excitation emission 8 is no longer present. The long-lived photoluminescent material 5 may be doped with one or more ions containing rare earth elements, for example, Eu 2+ , Tb 3+ and / or Dy 3, may correspond. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 1 includes a phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a polymeric resin in the range of about 15% to about 35%, a stabilizing additive in the range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and performance-enhancing additives in the range of about 0% to about 5%, each based on the weight of the formulation.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 1 may have a translucent white color in the unilluminated state and, in some cases, be reflective. Once the photoluminescent structure 1 receives the excitation emission 8 of a particular wavelength, the photoluminescent structure 1 may emit light of any color (e.g., blue or red) therefrom at any desired brightness. According to one embodiment, a blue-emitting phosphorescent material may have the structure Li2ZnGeO4 and may be produced by a high-temperature solid-state reaction process or by any other possible methods and / or processes. The afterglow may last for a period of two to eight hours and may be caused by an excitation emission 8 and dd transitions of Mn 2+ -ions.

[0025] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment, 100 parts of a commercially available solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace Resin 107-268 containing 50% solid polyurethane in toluene / isopropanol, 125 parts of a long-lasting blue-green phosphor, such as Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of a dye solution containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane can be mixed to obtain a low rare earth mineral photoluminescent structure 1. It is understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art can be used in the photoluminescent structure 1 without departing from the teachings provided herein.Furthermore, it is contemplated that any long-life phosphor known in the art may also be used without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0026] Additional information regarding the production of long-lasting photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,163,201 to Agrawal et al., entitled "HIGH-INTENSITY, PERSISTENT PHOTOLUMINESCENT FORMULATIONS AND OBJECTS, AND METHODS FOR CREATING THE SAME," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding long-lasting phosphorescent structures can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,953,536 to Yen et al., entitled "LONG PERSISTENT PHOSPHORS AND PERSISTENT ENERGY TRANSFER TECHNIQUE"; U.S. Patent No. 6,117,362 to Yen et al., entitled "LONG-PERSISTENT BLUE PHOSPHORS"; and U.S. Patent No. 8,952,341 to Kingsley et al. entitled “LOW RARE EARTH MINERAL PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND STRUCTURES FOR GENERATING LONG-PERSISTENT LUMINESCENCE”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] Now with reference to Fig. 2, a vehicle 10 is shown including an interior 14. At least one seat 18 is located within the interior 14 of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two seats 18, but it should be understood that more than two seats 18 may be located within the vehicle interior 14. A console assembly 22 is located between the seats 18. Although illustrated as a center console, it should be understood that the description of the console assembly 22 set forth below may equally apply to consoles elsewhere within the vehicle 10. For example, the console assembly 22 may be positioned in a rear seating area of the interior 14, in an instrument panel, in a door panel, or in other locations within the interior 14. The console assembly 22 includes a console 26 and a front portion 30.In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 30 includes a cup holder 34 and a gear shift lever 38 and is located lower than the console 26. As explained in more detail below, the console 26 may be configured to hold and charge at least one electronic device 42.

[0028] Now with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the console 26 includes a housing 50, a first support member 54, a second support member 58, an exterior compartment 62, an interior compartment 66, a light source 70, and a wireless charger 74. The first and second support members 54, 58, the interior compartment 66, and the light source 70 cooperate to support the electronic device 42 within the console 26. The housing 50 defines an elongated opening 78 at a top surface of the console 26. Proximate the elongated opening 78 are the first and second support members 54, 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support members 54, 58 are located within the housing 50, but may be supported beneath the housing without departing from the teachings provided herein. In the illustrated configuration, the housing 50 defines pockets 82 in which the first and second support members 54, 58 are located.The pocket 82 in which the first support member 54 is located is deeper than the first support member 54 so that the first support member 54 can be variably placed inside and outside the housing 50. A biasing force can be applied to the first support member 54 via a spring-loaded assembly 86, such as a spring in the pocket 82. Although shown as fixed, the second support member 58 can be configured substantially similarly to the first support member 54 so that it can be variably positioned within the housing 50. The first and second support members 54, 58 extend out of the housing 50 and into the elongated opening 78. The elongated opening 78 is configured to provide access to the interior compartment 66. In operation, the electronic device 42 can be placed within the interior compartment 66 by compressing the spring-loaded assembly 86 to separate the first and second support members 54, 58 from each other.As discussed above, the spring-loaded assembly 86 can provide a biasing force to the first support member 54 toward the second support member 58 such that a compressive force is exerted by the first and second support members 54, 58 onto the electronic device 42, thereby securing the electronic device 42 in position. Although illustrated as monolithic bodies extending along the length of the elongated opening 78, the first and second support members 54, 58 can instead be replaced with a plurality of support bodies extending from the housing 50. Such an embodiment can assist in providing more secure storage for the electronic device 42, as well as an aesthetically pleasing appearance, since a gap the width of the electronic device 42 may not be formed along the length of the elongated opening 78.The first and second support elements 54, 58 may be formed from a plastic or metal material. In plastic embodiments, the first and / or second support elements 54, 58 may be at least partially translucent, translucent, transparent, or clear. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the first and / or second support elements 54, 58 may include the photoluminescent structure 1, which is excited by the light source 70, as described in more detail below.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 42 extends through the elongated opening 78 and rests on the light source 70 in the interior compartment 66. The light source 70 in the interior compartment 66 may be positioned (e.g., height of the interior compartment 66) such that a portion of the electronic device 42 protrudes from the console 26 (i.e., between the first and second support members 54, 58). The interior compartment 66 defines an interior surface 98 and an exterior surface 102. A reflective layer 106 is located on the interior surface 98 of the interior compartment 66. The reflective layer 106 may be a colored pigment or other layer configured to reflect visible and non-visible light emanating from the light source 70 as well as ambient sources external to the console 26. For example, the reflective layer 106 may be a white paint finish, a vapor-deposited surface, or other reflective surface.Furthermore, according to the invention, the reflective layer 106 encloses the photoluminescent structure 1 or the photoluminescent material 5, which can be excited by the light (e.g., the excitation emission 8) from the light source 70. The interior compartment 66 is generally shaped such that light from the light source 70 is reflected upward toward the elongated opening 78 and the first and second support members 54, 58. Furthermore, the walls of the interior compartment 66 can be shaped such that the electronic device 42 is guided toward the light source 70 or a stable position within the interior compartment 66. The interior compartment 66 and the elongated opening 78 can be sized such that a human finger fits into the interior compartment 66, so that foreign objects and dirt (e.g., coins, jewelry, pens, etc.) that may interfere with the charging or positioning of the electronic device 42 can be removed from the interior compartment 66.

[0030] Now with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the wireless charger 74 is located on the outer surface 102 of the interior compartment 66. In the illustrated embodiment, five wireless chargers 74 are located on the interior compartment 66, however, it should be understood that more or fewer wireless chargers 74 may be used. The wireless chargers 74 may be configured to wirelessly charge the electronic device 42. For example, the electronic device 42 may include a charging coil 114 configured to receive electromagnetic waves from one or more wireless chargers 74. It should be understood that in examples utilizing more than one wireless charger 74, multiple electronic devices 42 may be located within the interior compartment 66 and may be charged separately.For example, the electronic devices 42 may be stacked in a side-by-side arrangement along the length of the elongated opening 78, with each electronic device 42 supported by the first and second support members 54, 58. The wireless chargers 74 may be loosely or firmly coupled to the charging coil 114 of the electronic device 42.

[0031] Surrounding the inner compartment 66 is the outer compartment 62. The outer compartment 62 encloses the light source 70, the inner compartment 66, and the wireless charger 74. The outer compartment 62 is located within the housing 50. The outer compartment 62 may be made of a plastic or metal having conductivity. For example, in plastic embodiments, the outer compartment 62 may include conductive particles, fibers, films, and / or coatings. In operation, the conductive outer compartment 62 may function as an electromagnetic radiation shield, protecting the occupants of the interior 14 of the vehicle 10 from electromagnetic radiation from the wireless charger 74 (i.e., minimizing the flow of electromagnetic radiation through the outer compartment 62). Additionally, the outer compartment 62 may serve to prevent electromagnetic radiation from interfering with the charging of the electronic device 42 by the wireless charger 74.

[0032] As explained above, the light source 70 is configured to emit light to the interior compartment 66. The light source 70 is located in the exterior compartment 62 and at a bottom of the interior compartment 66. The light may be colored, white, or non-visible light. According to various embodiments, the emitted light may be the excitation emission 8. The light source 70 is operable to provide the excitation emission 8, provide ambient illumination, and provide indicator illumination (e.g., to indicate when the wireless chargers 74 are in use or the type of use). The light source 70 may include an emitter 118, a waveguide 122, and a lens 126. The emitter 118 is configured to emit light to the waveguide 122.The waveguide 122 may be a glass component or a polymeric component and is configured to emit diffused light through the interior compartment 66, generally radiating toward the elongated opening 78. The waveguide 122 extends the length of the interior compartment 66. In one embodiment, the waveguide 122 may be a light pipe. The waveguide 122 is configured to emit light along the length of the waveguide 122 such that the entire interior compartment 66 is illuminated. At an opposite end of the waveguide 122 is the lens 126. The lens 126 is configured to receive light from the waveguide 122 and emit light to illuminate the front portion 30 of the console assembly 22. It is understood that the waveguide 122 may be replaced with a plurality of light-emitting diodes, incandescent bulbs, or other sources of visible and non-visible light.

[0033] Now with reference to Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the vehicle 10 in which the console 26 is implemented. The vehicle 10 includes a controller 130 in communication with the light source 70. The controller 130 may include a memory 134 having instructions embodied therein that are executed by a processor 138 of the controller 130. The controller 130 may supply electrical power to the light source 70 via a power source 142 located onboard the vehicle 10. Additionally, the controller 130 may be configured to control the light output of the light source 70 based on feedback received from one or more modules of the vehicle 10. The controller 130 may be configured to operate the light source 70 and the waveguide 122 to achieve a particular illumination appearance for the console 26.

[0034] Instructions contained in memory 134 may relate to a variety of different charging and lighting scenarios based on the presence of an occupant or a measured charge status of the electronic device 42. For example, when the electronic device 42 is initially located in the console 26, the ambient illumination color of the light source 70 changes to an appropriate color to indicate charging and returns to the ambient color after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). A specific key fob number may be recorded for later use to identify the owner of the electronic device 42.According to one usage, if the device 42 is charging and the ignition is off, the ambient light from the light source 70 flashes in the corresponding color at 3 times the normal intensity to prompt the owner to remember to take the electronic device 42 with them. Further, the memory 134 may trigger a sound or other warning to remind the owner to remove the electronic device 42. In another example, the light from the light source 70 may indicate the charging status of the electronic device 42. For example, the color of the light from the light source 70 may be defined as red for less than 15% charge and change to yellow and finally green at 80% or more charge. The change in the color of the light may be discrete or a continuous spectrum.If the owner does not remove the electronic device 42, the ambient lighting is turned off and it continues to charge until it is 100% charged. If the electronic device 42

[0035] If device 42 is charging while the vehicle 10 is unoccupied and a door is opened, the light source 70 may flash at triple intensity (to attract attention because the electronic device 42 may be hidden or not visible), provided that an owner's key fob (e.g., owner's key fob is defined as the fob that was in the vehicle 10 when the device 42 was placed in the console 26) returns to the vehicle 10. Additionally, the light source 70 may not flash if a spare fob or no fob returns to the vehicle 10 when the door is opened. Such an example may reduce the likelihood of theft of the electronic device 42. If a foreign object (e.g., coins or metal) is detected in the console 26 and the wireless charging devices 74 cannot be operated, the light source 70 may emit red light until the object is removed.While the electronic device 42 is stored in the console 26, stored preferences (e.g., ambient light) may be obtained from the device 42 once charging communication has been established, and the preferences may be applied from the vehicle 10.

[0036] Use of the present disclosure can provide a variety of advantages. First, the electronic device 42 can be located on its side to enable concealed charging. Second, by constructing the outer compartment 62 from a conductive material, an electromagnetic interference shield can be formed to prevent electromagnetic radiation from passing into and out of the console 26. Third, the shape of the inner compartment 66 reflects light from the light source 70 while pressing the electronic device 42 into position for charging.

[0037] Fourth, the use of the photoluminescent structure 1 provides a unique and attractive lighting experience.

[0038] Modifications to the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

[0039] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the 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 otherwise described herein.

[0040] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupling, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are directly or indirectly connected to one another. Such connection may be stationary or movable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements integrally as a single unitary body with each other or with the two components. Such connection may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or detachable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0041] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is only illustrative. While only some embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art, upon review of this disclosure, will readily recognize that numerous 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 recited subject matter.For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise altered, the length or width of the structures and / or elements or links or other elements of the system may be varied, and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be altered. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such variations 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 embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0042] It is understood that any described processes or steps in the 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 for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0043] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned structures and methods 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 by their language. Furthermore, the claims, as set forth below, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this Detailed Description.

Claims

[1] Illuminated console for a vehicle, comprising: one outside compartment (62); an inner compartment (66) located in the outer compartment (62); a light source (70) located in the outer compartment (62) and configured to emit light into the inner compartment (66); a first support element (54) and a second support element (58) located above the inner compartment (66) and the outer compartment (62); and at least one wireless charger (74) located near the inner compartment (66). [2] The console of claim 1, further comprising: a housing (50) located around the outer compartment (62), the housing (50) defining an elongated opening (78) configured to provide access to the inner compartment (66). [3] The console of claim 2, wherein the first support member (54) and the second support member (58) are located in the housing (50) and are configured to cover the elongated opening (78). [4] The console of claim 1, wherein the interior compartment (66) comprises a reflective layer (106) disposed on an interior surface (98) of the interior compartment (66). [5] The console of claim 4, wherein the at least one wireless charger (74) is located on an outer surface (102) of the interior compartment (66). [6] The console of claim 1, wherein the outer compartment (62) comprises a conductive material configured to minimize electromagnetic interference in the outer compartment (62). [7] The console of claim 1, wherein a plurality of wireless chargers (74) are arranged along an outer surface (102) of the interior compartment (66). [8] The console of claim 1, wherein the light source (70) is a light guide (122) extending over a length of the interior compartment (66). [9] Illuminated console for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (50) defining an elongated opening (78); a first support member (54) and a second support member (58) located in the housing (50) and configured to extend across the elongated opening (78); an inner compartment (66) having an inner surface (98) and an outer surface (102); a light source (70) located at a bottom of the inner compartment (66); and at least one wireless charger (74) located on the outer surface (102) of the inner compartment (66). wherein at least one of the first support element (54) and the second support element (58) comprises an at least partially light-transmissive material configured to receive a first emission. [10] The console of claim 9, wherein the first support member (54) and the second support member (58) are configured to hold an electronic device (42). [11] The console of claim 10, wherein the at least one wireless charger (74) is configured to charge the electronic device (42). [12] The console of claim 11, wherein the at least one wireless charger (74) is a loosely coupled charger. [13] Console according to claim 9, wherein the light source (70) comprises a light guide (122). [14] The console of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first support member (54) and the second support member (58) is movable. [15] Illuminated console for a vehicle, comprising: a housing (50) defining an elongated opening (78); an interior compartment (66) located in the housing (50) defining an interior surface (98) and an exterior surface (102), the interior compartment (66) being accessible through the elongated opening (78); a reflective coating (106) located on the inner surface (98), the reflective coating (106) including a photoluminescent structure (1) or a photoluminescent material (5) that can be excited by light from a light source (70); and a wireless charger (74) located on the outer surface (102) of the inner compartment (66). [16] Console according to claim 15, further comprising: an outer compartment (62) located around the inner compartment (66), the outer compartment (62) comprising a conductive material. [17] Console according to claim 16, further comprising: a light tube (122) located at a bottom of the interior compartment (66) and configured to emit light into the interior compartment (66). [18] The console of claim 17, wherein the at least one wireless charger (74) is configured to charge an electronic device (42) in the interior compartment (66). [19] Console according to claim 18, further comprising: a reflective layer (106) located on the inner surface (98) of the inner compartment (66).

Images