CN106337932B

CN106337932B - Illuminated indicator

Info

Publication number: CN106337932B
Application number: CN201610529863.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯图尔特·C·萨尔特; 托德·杰瑞德·科内特
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2015-07-10
Filing date: 2016-07-06
Publication date: 2020-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-06
Also published as: CN106337932A; RU2718198C2; RU2016125263A; TR201609277A2; MX2016008848A; MX363903B; DE102016111950A1

Abstract

The invention provides a shift mechanism indicating assembly for a vehicle. The shift mechanism indicator assembly includes a member having a plurality of indicia thereon. The position indicator is configured to move with the shift lever. One or more light sources are disposed below the element and directed toward the photoluminescent structure. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to being excited by the light source to illuminate the symbol.

Description

Illuminated indicator

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly to vehicle lighting systems using one or more photoluminescent structures.

Background

The illumination produced by the use of photoluminescent structures provides a unique and attractive visual experience. Accordingly, it is desirable to implement such structures for various lighting applications in motor vehicles.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a shift mechanism indicator assembly is disclosed. The shift mechanism indicator assembly includes a light source disposed below a plurality of indicia. The first photoluminescent structure is adjacent to the sign and configured to luminesce in response to being excited by the light source. The first photoluminescent structure can selectively illuminate a single sign at a time.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The shift mechanism indicator assembly includes an element having a plurality of indicia thereon. The position indicator is configured to move with the shift lever. The position indicator cooperates with the flag to inform the occupant of the mode of the transmission. The light source is disposed below the sign. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to being excited by the light source to illuminate the symbol.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a shift mechanism indicator assembly is disclosed. The shift mechanism indicator assembly includes an element having one or more transmissive element portions positioned therein. The position indicator is configured to move with the shift lever. One or more light sources are disposed below the position indicator. The first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the position indicator. The photoluminescent structure is configured to emit light in response to excitation by the light source.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the figure:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure in the form of a coating for use within a shift mechanism indicator assembly according to one embodiment;

fig. 1B is a top view of a photoluminescent structure presented as discrete particles according to an embodiment;

fig. 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures presented as discrete particles and incorporated into separate structures;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior equipped with a lighting assembly for use within a shift mechanism indicator assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a shift mechanism indicator assembly that utilizes a lighting system in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, showing a light source, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, further illustrating a light source, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 showing an alternative light source according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, illustrating a light source having a light emitting structure separated by a light-transmissive portion disposed over the light source, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, illustrating an alternative light source having a light emitting structure disposed on the light source configured to convert a portion of light emitted from the light source from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a light emitting assembly having different types and concentrations of LED sources laterally along the light emitting assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a top view of an element showing a lighting system and a flag on the element for indicating to an occupant a current mode of a vehicle transmission, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2, showing the lighting system with the shift lever attached to the position indicator having the photo-luminescent structure thereon;

FIG. 7A is a top view of an element showing a lighting system and a flag located on the element for indicating to an occupant a current mode of a vehicle transmission, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2, showing the lighting system with the shift lever attached to the position indicator having a light source located thereon; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a vehicle and a lighting system.

Detailed Description

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 2. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some of the drawings may be exaggerated or minimized to present a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

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 can be used alone or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a mixture is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the mixture may contain a alone; b alone; c alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

The following disclosure describes a shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle, which is embodied as a luminous lighting system. The indicator assembly may advantageously employ one or more photoluminescent structures to illuminate in response to a predetermined event. The one or more photoluminescent structures may be configured to convert and re-emit light received from an associated light source at different wavelengths typically present in the visible spectrum.

Referring to fig. 1A-1C, there are shown a number of exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures 10, each photoluminescent structure 10 being capable of being attached to a substrate 12, the substrate 12 may correspond to a vehicle fixture or vehicle-related piece of equipment. In fig. 1A, photoluminescent structure 10 is shown generally as a coating (e.g., a thin film) that can be applied to a surface of substrate 12. In fig. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as discrete particles that can be bonded to the substrate 12. In fig. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that may be incorporated within a support medium 14 (e.g., a thin film), which support medium 14 may then be applied (as shown) or bonded to the substrate 12.

At a most basic level, a particular photoluminescent structure 10 includes a energy conversion layer 16, which energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more sub-layers, as exemplarily illustrated by dashed lines in fig. 1A and 1B. Each sub-layer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more photoluminescent materials 96 (fig. 4B) having energy conversion elements that utilize phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material 96 can be excited upon receiving light of a particular wavelength, thereby subjecting the light to a conversion process. The input light is converted to longer wavelength light output from the photoluminescent structure 10 according to the down conversion principle. Conversely, the input light is converted to light of a shorter wavelength output from the photoluminescent structure 10 according to the up conversion principle. When a plurality of different wavelengths of light are simultaneously output from the photoluminescent structure 10, the wavelengths of light may mix together and appear polychromatic.

In some embodiments, light that has been down-converted or up-converted may be used to excite other photoluminescent materials 96 present within the energy conversion layer 16. The process of exciting one photoluminescent material 96 using the converted light 102 output from another photoluminescent material 96 and so on is commonly referred to as an energy cascade and may be an alternative way to achieve various color representations. With respect to either conversion principle, the wavelength difference between the excitation light and the converted light 102 is called Stokes shift (Stokes shift) and serves as a main driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the wavelength variation of the light. In the various embodiments described herein, each photoluminescent structure 10 may operate according to any one of the conversion principles.

The energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material 96 in a polymer matrix using a variety of methods to form a homogeneous mixture. Such a method may include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation in the liquid carrier medium 14 and applying the energy conversion layer 16 to the desired substrate 12. The energy conversion layer 16 may be applied to the substrate 12 by painting (painting), screen printing, spraying, slot coating (slot coating), dip coating (dip coating), roller coating (rod coating), and bar coating (bar coating). Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by a method that does not use the liquid carrier medium 14. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 may be presented by dispersing the photoluminescent material 96 in a solid solution (homogeneous mixture in the dry state) that can be bonded to a polymer matrix that can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, and the like. The energy conversion layer 16 may then be incorporated into the substrate 12 using any method known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sub-layers, each sub-layer can be sequentially coated to form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sub-layers may be prepared separately and then laminated or stamped together to form the energy conversion layer 16. Still alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by co-extruding sub-layers.

Referring back to fig. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material 96 contained within the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilization layer 18 may be configured as a separate layer that is optically coupled to and adhered to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stabilization layer 18 may be integrated with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also optionally include a protective layer 20 optically coupled and adhered to the stabilizing layer 18 or other layers (e.g., the conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stabilizing layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage caused by environmental exposure. The stabilization layer 18 and/or the protective layer 20 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or stamping, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structure 10 is disclosed in a patent entitled "photolytically and environmentally stable multilayer structure for efficient electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission" filed on 8.11.2011 by Kingsley et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,533, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding the manufacture and utilization of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions refers to the patent filed on 6/5 of 2009, issued by bottz (Bortz) et al, entitled "photoluminescent fibers, compositions, and fabrics made from the photoluminescent fibers and compositions," U.S. patent No. 8,207,511; a patent entitled "photoluminescent indicia with functional coating" with U.S. patent No. 8,247,761, invented by argravol (Agrawal) et al, filed on 19/10/2011; a patent entitled "photolytically and environmentally stable multilayer structure for high efficiency electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission" of U.S. patent No. 8,519,359B2, invented by Kingsley et al, filed on 3, 4, 2013; a patent entitled "illumination delivery system for generating persistent secondary emission" of U.S. patent No. 8,664,624B2, filed on day 11, month 14, 2012, and invented by Kingsley et al; a patent application entitled "photoluminescent composition, method of making a photoluminescent composition, and novel uses thereof," U.S. patent publication No. 2012/0183677, invented by argravol (Agrawal) et al, filed 3/29/2012; a patent application entitled "photoluminescent object" having U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0065442a1, filed on 23/10/2012 and invented by Kingsley et al; and patent application entitled "chromium-emitting compositions and textiles" filed 2013, 12, 19, by Agrawal et al, U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0103258a1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to fig. 2, the lighting system 22 is disposed within the shift mechanism indicating assembly 24 of the vehicle 26, the lighting system 22 being configured to illuminate an area adjacent the shift lever 28 to inform occupants of the vehicle 26 of the current state of the vehicle transmission 30. The vehicle 26 shown in fig. 2 includes a seat assembly 32, a steering wheel 34, and a shift mechanism indicator assembly 24. It should be understood, however, that additional components may also be used with those described herein. Further, the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 described herein may be used with any vehicle 26, such as, but not limited to, a coupe, van, sport utility vehicle, van, and the like. Moreover, it should be understood that any lighting system already in any location on the vehicle 26 may be manufactured in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 may be mounted to the floor console 68. However, in alternative embodiments, the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 may be mounted to any other desired location within the vehicle 26, including, but not limited to, any portion of the steering column 36, the vehicle floor 38, and/or the instrument panel 40. The shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 may include a shift lever 28 that enables a vehicle operator to change the operating mode of the transmission 30. The trim panel 42 may be disposed around a portion of the shift lever 28 through which the shift lever 28 extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 is used with an automatic transmission 30, however the same principles disclosed herein may be applied to any vehicle 26 having any type of transmission 30.

A shift knob 44 may be provided at one end of the shift lever 28. Further, the housing 46 may be attached to the shift lever 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 46 is a boot 48 composed of a fluid-blocking material. The housing 46 is attached to the console 68 by an element 50 positioned between the housing 46 and the console 68, the element 50 likewise serving as a trim piece for the vehicle 26.

The shift lever 28 is movable to enable the passenger to select a gear, which selects a range of various gears from the transmission 30, such as gear "P" (parking gear), gear "R" (reverse gear), gear "N" (neutral gear), gear "D" (drive gear), "S" (manual shift) and other gears (not shown for simplicity) that are selectable subsequently after gear "S". A button 52 may be provided on or near the shift knob 44, which the driver presses to move out of gear "P" (parking gear) while the occupant also puts his/her foot on the brake, wherein the release from/to "P" is effected mechanically or electrically.

Referring to fig. 3, an exploded view of a portion of the components incorporated within the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. Element 50 may have a flag 54 corresponding to the gear located thereon. The shift lever 28 is operatively supported on the base for movement between gears. More specifically, the base may include a bottom portion 56 having an attachment flange 58, the attachment flange 58 for attachment to the vehicle floor 38 or other support structure on the vehicle 26. A pivot base 140 for pivotally supporting the shift lever 28 may extend upwardly from the side of the bottom portion 56 and is shaped to matingly receive a pivot pin 142. As shown, the arch 144 extends upwardly from the base 56 and may include notches for defining the gears.

The element 50 may include a fixed top 146 configured for fixed snap-fit attachment or threaded attachment to a base via the attachment flange 58. A slot 148 is formed in the member 50 to receive the shift lever 28. The slot 148 extends along the flag 54 and allows the shift lever 28 to move between gears. The flag 54 may be in any of a number of different configurations. The illustrated indicia 54 includes indicia letters "P", "R", "N", "D", and "S". As shown, the indicia 54 is adjacent the optically transparent member portion 150. In alternative embodiments, the indicia 54 may be disposed on and/or formed by the optically transmissive member portion 150. According to one embodiment, the element 50 and the flag 54 may be made of a single or multiple polymeric materials that are formed into the appropriate shape by multi-stage injection molding. However, it should be understood that the member 50 and the flag 54 may be made of any useful material known in the art. Further, it should also be understood that any of the components described herein may be formed using any known manufacturing process.

The shift lever 28 extends upwardly through a slot 148 in the member 50 and supports a shift lever handle for grasping by an occupant of the vehicle. A push button 52 is provided on the handle to modal engage and disengage the shift lever 28 from the plurality of transmissions 30.

At least one light source 62 is disposed below the element 50 and adjacent the sign 54. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the light source 62 is configured as a lighting assembly 60 that is disposed in a ribbon shape and powered using a vehicle power source (not shown) or other power source. The power source 62 and/or the lighting assembly 60 may include any form of light source 62, such as a fluorescent lighting device, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), a Polymer Light Emitting Diode (PLED), a solid state lighting device, and/or any other form of lighting device. The light assembly 60 may also include optics configured to diffuse or focus the light emitted by the light assembly 60. According to one embodiment, the lighting assembly 60 may include a flexible circuit board (e.g., a copper flex circuit) that is connected to the interior of the shift mechanism assembly. In such an arrangement, the flexible circuit board may flex with the interior to allow the light source 62 to be shaped to match the geometry of the shift mechanism assembly used. Moreover, additional lighting assemblies 60 may be attached to the element 50 and/or other bottom portions of the sign 54.

The position indicator 156 may be attached to the shift lever 28 by any means known in the art. Alternatively, the position indicator 156 may be integrally formed with a portion of the lever 28. The position indicator 156 may be adapted to the selected and restricted portion of the flag 54 that protrudes to indicate the selected gear of the shift lever 28. The position indicator 156 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque and may include a photoluminescent structure 10, the photoluminescent structure 10 containing at least one photoluminescent material 96 therein.

In operation, the photoluminescent structure 10 is configured to emit light in response to excitation by light emitted by the light-emitting assembly 60. More specifically, light emitted by the light emitting assembly 60 undergoes an energy conversion process in which the emitted light is converted by the photoluminescent material 96 and re-emitted from the photoluminescent material 96 at a different wavelength. The re-emitted light is then directed towards the sign 54, thereby backlighting the sign 54. The light emitted by the light emitting assembly 60 is referred to herein as input light 100 and is shown by solid arrows in fig. 4B-4E, while the light re-emitted by the photoluminescent material 96 is referred to herein as converted light 102 and is shown by dashed arrows in fig. 4B-4E. According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 96 may be prepared to convert the input light 100 to light of a longer wavelength, otherwise known as down-conversion. Alternatively, the photoluminescent material 96 may be prepared to convert the input light 100 into light of a shorter wavelength, otherwise referred to as upconversion. Either way, the light converted by the photoluminescent material 96 may then be output from the photoluminescent structure 10 or otherwise used in an energy cascade where the converted light 102 is used as input light 100 to excite further agents of the photoluminescent material 96 located in the energy conversion layer 16, whereby subsequent converted light 102 may then be output from the photoluminescent structure 10 or used as input light 100, and so on. With respect to the energy conversion process described herein, the wavelength difference between the input light 100 and the converted light 102 is referred to as stokes shift (stokes shift) and serves as the primary driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the wavelength variation of the light.

According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 96 may be prepared to have a stokes shift that produces converted light 102, the converted light 102 having an emission spectrum that exhibits a desired color that varies depending on the lighting application. For example, the energy conversion process may be performed by way of down-conversion, wherein the input light 100 comprises light at the lower end of the visible spectrum, such as blue light, violet light, or Ultraviolet (UV) light. This allows blue, violet or UV LEDs to be used as LEDs which can provide advantages over other colour LEDs or LEDs using the required colour alone and together with the relative cost advantages of omitting the photoluminescent structure 10.

Referring to fig. 4A-4E, cross-sectional views of a light source 62 that can be used on a vehicle 26 are shown, the light source 62 having an external photoluminescent structure 10, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in fig. 4A, the light source 62 may have a stacked arrangement including the light emitting assembly 60, the photoluminescent structure 10, the visible portion 64, and the overmolding material 66. It should be appreciated that the viewing portion 64 and the overmold material 66 may be two separate pieces or may be integrally molded as one piece.

The light emitting assembly 60 may correspond to a thin film or printed Light Emitting Diode (LED) assembly and includes the substrate 12 as its lowermost layer. Substrate 12 may comprise approximately 0.005 to 0.060 inch thick of polycarbonate, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material and is disposed over a desired vehicle surface upon which light source 62 is received (e.g., sign 54). Alternatively, as a cost-effective measure, the base 12 may correspond directly to an existing vehicle 26 structure (e.g., part of a shift assembly, part of the element 50, etc.).

The light emitting assembly 60 includes an anode 70 disposed over the substrate 12. Positive electrode 70 comprises a conductive epoxy such as, but not limited to, a silver or copper containing epoxy. The anode 70 is electrically connected to at least a portion of a plurality of LED sources 72, the LED sources 72 being disposed within a semiconductor ink 74 and applied over the anode 70. Likewise, the negative electrode 76 is also electrically connected to at least a portion of the LED source 72. A negative electrode 76 is disposed over semiconductor ink 74 and includes a transparent or translucent conductive material, such as, but not limited to, indium tin oxide. In addition, each of the positive and

negative electrodes

70, 76 is electrically connected to the controller 78 and the power source 80 by a corresponding

bus bar

82, 84 and

wire

86, 88. The bus bars 82, 84 may be printed along opposite edges of the positive 70 and negative 76 electrodes, and the connection points between the bus bars 82, 84 and the

leads

86, 88 may be located at opposite corners of each

bus bar

82, 84, thereby facilitating uniform current distribution along the bus bars 82, 84. It should be appreciated that the orientation of the components within the lighting assembly 60 may be varied in alternative embodiments without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, the negative electrode 76 may be disposed below the semiconductor ink 74 and the positive electrode 70 may be disposed above the semiconductor ink 74. Likewise, additional components, such as bus bars 82, 84, may also be provided in any orientation so that the light assembly 60 may emit light 100 toward a desired location.

The LED sources 72 are dispersed in the semiconductor ink 74 in a random or controlled manner and may be configured to emit focused or unfocused light toward the photoluminescent structure 10. The LED source 72 may correspond to a micro LED of gallium nitride elements approximately about 5 to about 400 microns in size and the semiconductor ink 74 may include a variety of binders and dielectric materials including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorous, and/or a translucent polymer binder.

Semiconductor ink 74 can be applied by a variety of printing processes, including ink-jet and screen printing processes to selected portions of positive electrode 70. More specifically, it is contemplated that the LED sources 72 are dispersed within the semiconductor ink 74 and are shaped and sized such that a substantial number of the LED sources 72 are aligned with the positive electrode 70 and the negative electrode 76 during deposition of the semiconductor ink 74. The portion of the LED source 72 that is ultimately electrically connected to the positive 70 and negative 76 poles may be illuminated by a combination of

bus bars

82 and 84, controller 78, power source 80, and

wires

86 and 88. According to one embodiment, the power supply 80 may correspond to an onboard power supply 80 operating at 12 to 16V DC. Additional information regarding the construction of the light emitting assembly 60 is disclosed in a patent application entitled "ultra thin printed LED layer removed from substrate" having U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0264396a1, filed 3, 12/3/2014 by Lowenthal et al.

Still referring to fig. 4A, the photoluminescent structure 10 is disposed over the cathode 76 as a coating, layer, film, or other suitable deposition layer. With respect to the presently described embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be provided as a multilayer structure including the energy conversion layer 16, the optional stabilizing layer 18, and the optional protective layer 20.

The visible portion 64 is disposed over the photoluminescent structure 10. In some embodiments, the viewing portion 64 may comprise a plastic, silicon, or polyurethane material and is molded over the photoluminescent structure 10 and the light-emitting assembly 60. Preferably, the viewing portion 64 should be at least partially light transmissive. In this manner, the viewable portion 64 can be illuminated by the photoluminescent structure 10 at any time during the energy conversion process. Furthermore, it may also serve to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 and the light-emitting assembly 60 by encapsulating the visible portion 64. The viewing portion 64 may be flat and/or curved to enhance its visibility. Similar to the photoluminescent structure 10 and the light-emitting assembly 60, the visible portion 64 may also benefit from a thin design, thus facilitating installation of the light source 62 into a small assembly space of the vehicle 26.

In some embodiments, a decorative layer 98 may be disposed between the viewable portion 64 and the photoluminescent structure 10. Decorative layer 98 may comprise a polymeric material or other suitable material and be configured to control or change the appearance of visible portion 64 of light source 62. For example, trim layer 98 may be configured to give visual portion 64 the appearance of trim on vehicle 26 when visual portion 64 is in an unlit state. In other embodiments, the decorative layer 98 may be colored any color to complement the photoluminescent structure 10 of the vehicle 26 receiving the light source 62. In any event, decorative layer 98 should be at least partially light transmissive so as not to prevent photoluminescent structure 10 from illuminating viewable portion 64 at any time during the energy conversion process.

The overmolding material 66 is disposed around the light emitting assembly 60 and/or the photoluminescent structure 10. The overmolding material 66 may protect the light emitting assembly 60 from physical and chemical damage caused by environmental exposure. The overmold material 66 may have viscoelastic properties (i.e., both viscous and elastic), a low young's modulus, and/or a high strain-to-failure compared to other materials such that the overmold material 66 may protect the light emitting assembly 60 when contacted. For example, the overmolding material 66 may protect the lighting assembly 60 from contact with additional components of the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 when the lever 28 is moved from the first position to the second position. It is also contemplated that the viewing portion may be formed from a portion of the overmold material 66.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be used separately and separately from the light-emitting assembly 60. For example, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be positioned on the indicia 54, the position indicator 156, and/or any surface adjacent to, but not in physical contact with, the light emitting assembly 60 (e.g., components near the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24). It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the photoluminescent structure 10 is contained in a different component separate from the light source 62, the light source 62 still has the same or similar structure as the light source 62 described with reference to fig. 4A.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an energy conversion process 104 for producing monochromatic luminescence is shown, according to one embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the energy conversion process 104 is described below using the light source 62 depicted in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion layer 16 of the photoluminescent structure 10 comprises a single photoluminescent material 96, the photoluminescent material 96 being configured to convert input light 100 received from the LED source 72 into output light 102 having a wavelength different from a wavelength associated with the input light 100. More specifically, the photoluminescent material 96 is prepared to have an absorption spectrum that includes the emission wavelength of the input light 100 supplied from the LED source 72. The photoluminescent material 96 is also prepared to have a stokes shift that produces converted visible light 102 having an emission spectrum that appears as a desired color, which can vary depending on each lighting application. The converted visible light 102 is output from the light source 62 through the visible portion 64, thereby illuminating the visible portion 64 with the desired color. The illumination provided by the visible portion 64 may provide a unique, generally uniform, and/or attractive visual experience that is difficult to replicate by non-photoluminescent means.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a second energy conversion process 106 for producing multiple colors of light is shown, according to one embodiment. To maintain consistency, the second energy conversion process 106 is also described below using the light source 62 shown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion layer 16 includes a first photoluminescent material 96 and a second photoluminescent material 108 dispersed in the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the

photoluminescent materials

96, 108 may be separate from one another, if desired. Likewise, it should be appreciated that the energy conversion layer 16 may include more than two

different photoluminescent materials

96 and 108, in which case the teachings provided below are equally applicable. In one embodiment, the second energy conversion process 106 occurs by way of down conversion using blue, violet, and/or UV light as an excitation source.

With respect to the presently illustrated embodiment, the excitation of the

photoluminescent materials

96, 108 does not intersect with one another. That is, the

photoluminescent materials

96, 108 are prepared to have non-overlapping absorption spectra and stokes shifts that produce different emission spectra. Likewise, in preparing the

photoluminescent materials

96, 108, it should be noted that the relevant stokes shift is chosen such that converted light 102 emitted from one of the

photoluminescent materials

96, 108 does not excite the other unless so desired. According to an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the LED source 72, illustratively shown as LED source 72a, is configured to emit input light 100 having an emission wavelength that excites only the photoluminescent material 96 and causes the input light 100 to be converted to visible light 102 of a first color (e.g., white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED source 72, exemplarily shown as LED source 72b, is configured for emitting input light 100 having an emission wavelength that excites only the second photoluminescent material 108 and causes the input light 100 to be converted into visible light 102 of a second color (e.g. red). Preferably, the first color and the second color are visually distinguishable from each other. In this manner, the controller 78 may be used to selectively activate the

LED sources

72a and 72b to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to emit light in various colors. For example, the controller 78 may only activate the LED source 72a to individually excite the photoluminescent material 96, causing the visible portion 64 to illuminate in the first color. Alternatively, the controller 78 may only activate the LED source 72b to individually activate the second photoluminescent material 108, causing the visible portion 64 to illuminate in the second color.

Still alternatively, the controller 78 may simultaneously activate the

LED sources

72a and 72b such that both

photoluminescent materials

96, 108 are activated to illuminate the viewable portion 64 with a third color, which is a mixed color of the first and second colors (e.g., pink). The intensity of the input light 100 emitted from each light source 62 may also be varied in proportion to each other to obtain additional colors. For energy conversion layers 16 comprising more than two different photoluminescent materials, a greater variety of colors can be achieved. Conceivable colors include red, green, blue and combinations thereof, including white, all of which may be achieved by selecting appropriate photoluminescent materials and operating the corresponding LED sources 72 appropriately.

Referring to fig. 4D, a third energy conversion process 110 is illustrated according to an alternative embodiment, the third energy conversion process 110 comprising a light emitting assembly 60 as described with reference to fig. 4A and a photoluminescent structure 10 disposed on the light emitting assembly 60. The photoluminescent structure 10 is configured to convert input light 100 received from the LED source 72 into visible light 102, the visible light 102 having a wavelength different from a wavelength associated with the input light 100. More specifically, the photoluminescent structure 10 is prepared to have an absorption spectrum that includes the emission wavelength of the input light 100 provided by the LED source 72. The photoluminescent material 96 is also prepared to have a stokes shift that produces converted visible light 102, the visible light 102 having an emission spectrum that exhibits a desired color, which can vary depending on the lighting application.

The photoluminescent structure 10 may be applied to only a portion of the light-emitting assembly 60, for example, in a stripe pattern. Between the photoluminescent structures 10 may be light-transmissive portions 112, the light-transmissive portions 112 allowing input light 100 emitted from the LED sources 72 to pass through the light-transmissive portions 112 at the first wavelength. The light-transmissive portion 112 may be an open space or may be a transparent or translucent material. Light 100 emitted through the light-transmissive portion 112 may be directed from the light-emitting assembly 60 toward the second photoluminescent structure 10, the second photoluminescent structure 10 being disposed adjacent to the light-emitting assembly 60. The second photoluminescent structure 10 may be configured to emit light in response to input light 100, the input light 100 being directed through the light-transmissive portion 112.

Referring to fig. 4E, a fourth energy conversion process 114 for producing multiple colors of light using the light emitting assembly 60 as described with reference to fig. 4A and the photoluminescent structure 10 disposed on the light emitting assembly 60 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 10 is disposed over the top 146 of the light emitting assembly 60. Excitation of the photoluminescent material 96 is prepared such that a portion of the input light 100 emitted from the LED source 72 passes through the photoluminescent structure 10 at the first wavelength (i.e., the input light 100 emitted from the light source 62 is not converted by the photoluminescent structure 10). The intensity of the emitted light 100 may be varied by pulse width modulation or current control to vary the amount of input light 100 emitted from the LED source 72 that passes through the photoluminescent structure 10 without being converted to the second output wavelength 102. For example, if the light source 62 is configured to emit light 100 at a low level, substantially all of the light 100 may be converted to the second wavelength 102. In this configuration, light 102 corresponding to the color of the photoluminescent structure 10 can be emitted from the light-emitting assembly 60. If the light source 62 is configured to emit input light 100 at a high level, only a portion of the first wavelength is converted by the photoluminescent structure 10. In this configuration, a first portion of the emitted light 100 may be converted by the photoluminescent structure 10 and a second portion of the light 100 may be emitted by the light-emitting assembly 60 at the first wavelength toward the additional photoluminescent structure 158 disposed adjacent to the light source 62. The further photoluminescent structure 158 may emit light in response to the light 100 emitted from the light source 62.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the LED source 72, illustratively shown as LED source 72d, is configured to emit input light 100 having a wavelength that excites the photoluminescent material 96 within the photoluminescent structure 10 and causes the input light 100 to be converted to visible light 102 of a first color (e.g., white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED source 72, exemplarily shown as LED source 72c, is configured for emitting input light 100 having a wavelength that passes through the photoluminescent structure 10 and excites a further photoluminescent structure 158 arranged adjacent to the illumination system 22, thereby illuminating in a second color. The first and second colors are visually distinguishable from each other. In this manner, the controller 78 may be used to selectively activate the

LED sources

72d and 72c to cause the illumination system 22 to emit light in various colors.

The light emitting assembly 60 may also include an optical device 116, the optical device 116 being configured to direct the light 100 emitted from the

LED sources

72d, 72c and the light 102 emitted from the photoluminescent structure 10 toward a predetermined location. For example, light 100, 102 emitted from the

LED sources

72d, 72c and the photoluminescent structure 10 can be directed and/or focused toward desired components and/or locations of the adjacent light sources 62.

Referring to fig. 5, a light assembly 60 is illustrated from a top view, the light assembly 60 having different types and concentrations of

LED sources

72a, 72d laterally along the light assembly 60, according to one embodiment. As shown, the first portion 118 of the light emission assembly 60 includes an LED source 72a, the LED source 72a configured to emit input light 100, the input light 100 having an emission wavelength within a first color (e.g., red) spectrum. Likewise, the second portion 120 of the light emission assembly 60 includes an LED source 72d, the LED source 72d configured to emit input light 100, the input light 100 having an emission wavelength within a second color (e.g., orange) spectrum. The first and

second portions

118, 120 of the light emitting assembly 60 may be separated from adjacently disposed portions by an isolating or non-conductive barrier 122 in any manner known in the art such that each

portion

118, 120 may be illuminated independently of any

other portion

118, 120. The insulating barrier 122 may also prevent a significant amount of emitted light 100 from nearby illuminated

light sources

72a, 72d from passing through the insulating barrier 122. Moreover, each

portion

118, 120 disposed within the lighting assembly 60 may include a

respective bus bar

82, 84, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 connected to the controller 78 and configured to illuminate the

respective portion

118, 120.

According to one embodiment, the first and second colors are visually distinguishable from each other. In this manner, the controller 78 may be used to selectively activate the

LED sources

72a and 72d to cause the

LED sources

72a, 72d to illuminate with different colors. For example, the controller 78 may activate only the LED sources 72a to individually illuminate the portion 118 of the lighting assembly 60 with the first color. Alternatively, the controller 78 may activate only the LED source 72d to individually illuminate the portion 120 of the lighting assembly 60 with the second color. It should be appreciated that the lighting assembly 60 may include any number of

sections

118, 120 having

different LED sources

72a, 72d, with the

sections

118, 120 being illuminated in any desired color. Moreover, it should also be appreciated that the portions having

different LED sources

72a, 72d may be oriented in any feasible manner and need not be disposed adjacent.

As described above, the photoluminescent structure 10 may be disposed on a portion of the light-emitting assembly 60. If desired, any of the

LED sources

72a, 72d may be used to excite any of the photoluminescent materials 96 disposed adjacent to the light-emitting assembly 60 and/or above the light-emitting assembly 60.

The semiconductor ink 74 may also contain various concentrations of the

LED sources

72a, 72d such that the density of the

LED sources

72a, 72d or the number of

LED sources

72a, 72d per unit area may be adjusted for various lighting applications. In some embodiments, the density of the

LED sources

72a, 72d may vary throughout the length of the lighting assembly 60. For example, the first portion 118 of the light assembly 60 may have a greater density of LED sources 72 than the optional portion 120, or vice versa. In such embodiments, the light source 62 and/or the sign 54 may appear brighter or have a greater illumination to preferentially illuminate the predetermined location. In other embodiments, the density of the

LED sources

72a, 72d may increase or decrease as the distance from the preselected point increases.

According to one embodiment, the lighting assembly 60 includes a higher concentration of LED sources 72a adjacent the indicia 54 having the "P" designation, thereby indicating that the vehicle 26 is in park and a lower concentration with respect to the other modes of the transmission 30. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of portions 188 may be more densely populated to inform the occupant of the selected operating mode.

Referring to fig. 6A-6B, a top view of the member 50 and a corresponding cross-sectional view of the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 are shown, respectively. The position indicator 156 is disposed above the plurality of light assemblies 60 and below the flag 54. Likewise, the position indicator 156 is attached to the shift lever 28 to move both components simultaneously. The position indicator 156 includes a photoluminescent structure 10 therein and/or thereon, the photoluminescent structure 10 being configured to emit light in response to excitation by input light 100 emitted by the plurality of light-emitting assemblies 60. Since the position indicator 156 is in close proximity to the symbol 54, the symbol 54 is backlit by the converted light 102 emitted by the photoluminescent structure 10. Since the position indicators are disposed under a single flag 54 at a time, the backlit flag 54 will inform the occupant of the vehicle 26 of the positional state of the shift lever 28, and thus the occupant of the current operating mode of the transmission 30. It should be understood, however, that the position indicator may be attached directly to the shift lever 28, attached to the shift lever 28 through the use of additional components, or otherwise move with the shift lever 28, depending on the shift mechanism indicating assembly 24 used in vehicle assembly, without departing from the concepts provided herein.

As shown, five light assemblies 60 are disposed longitudinally adjacent to one another and beneath each indicia 54 disposed on the element 50. Each light assembly 60 may be individually illuminated when position indicator 156 is positioned above. Alternatively, all of the lighting assemblies 60 may be illuminated simultaneously, with power being provided to the illumination source by the vehicle power source.

According to an embodiment, further photoluminescent structures 158 may be provided on the markings 54 and/or used to form the markings 54. In such a configuration, the light emitting assemblies 60 may be illuminated simultaneously and configured to output light at the first wavelength. The position indicator 156 has the first photoluminescent structure 10 located therein and/or thereon, the first photoluminescent structure 10 being configured to output light at the second wavelength in response to receiving the input light 100 from the light emitting assembly 60. Meanwhile, the further photoluminescent structure 158 may be configured to illuminate at a third wavelength. Thus, the position indicator may emit a first color from behind the flag 54 while the flag 54 may emit a second color. The first and second colors are visually distinguishable from each other. In such a configuration, the current mode of the transmission 30 may be illuminated by a combined color of the first color and the second color, while a mode not currently in use may be illuminated by only the second color.

Referring to fig. 7A-7B, a top view of the member 50 and corresponding cross-sectional views of the shift mechanism indicator assembly 24 are shown, respectively, according to an alternative embodiment. As shown, the photoluminescent structure 10 is disposed on the indicia 54 or is integrally formed with the indicia 54. The light assembly 60 is disposed on the position indicator 156 and/or forms the position indicator 156 to move simultaneously with the shift lever 28. In such a configuration, the light emitting assembly 60 emits light at the first wavelength toward the element 50, and the element 50 is disposed adjacent and above the light emitting assembly 60. The photoluminescent structure 10 is configured to emit light at a second wavelength in response to receiving light at the first wavelength.

As shown, the light assembly 60 is sized such that it is disposed under only one flag 54 at a time. Additional components may be added to the ends of the light emitting assembly 60 to further prevent light emitted from the light emitting assembly 60 from exciting nearby photoluminescent structures. Moreover, the electrical connector in this configuration may be disposed through the shift lever 28 so as not to interfere with any additional components of the shift mechanism assembly.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram of a vehicle 26 is shown in which the lighting system 22 is implemented. The lighting system 22 includes a controller 78 in communication with the lighting assembly 60. The controller 78 may include a memory 160 having instructions contained therein that are executed by a processor 162 of the controller 78. The controller 78 may provide electrical power to the light sources 62 or respective bus bars 82, 84 via a power source 80 located on the vehicle 26. Further, the controller 78 may be configured to control the light output by each light source 62 based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 164, such as, but not limited to, a body control module, an engine control module, a steering control module, a braking control module, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. By controlling the light output of the light sources 62, the lighting system 22 may illuminate in a variety of colors and/or patterns to provide an aesthetic appearance or may provide information about the vehicle to an intended observer. For example, the light assembly 60 may illuminate the sign 54 and/or the position indicator 156 within the vehicle 26 when the vehicle engine is on.

In operation, each photoluminescent structure 10 may exhibit constant monochromatic or polychromatic illumination. For example, the controller 78 may energize the light source 62 to emit light of only a first wavelength through the LEDs to illuminate the photoluminescent structure 10 in a first color (e.g., white). Alternatively, the controller 78 may energize the light source 62 to emit light of only a second wavelength through the LEDs to illuminate the photoluminescent structure in a second color (e.g., red). Still alternatively, the controller 78 may energize the light source 62 to simultaneously emit light of the first and second wavelengths to cause the photoluminescent structure to illuminate in a third color (e.g., pink), the third color being defined by the combined light of the first and second colors added. Also, additional photo-luminescent structures 158 may be added to the illumination system 22 that convert light emitted from the light source 62 to a different wavelength. Still alternatively, the controller 78 may energize the light source 62 to switch between periodically emitting light of the first wavelength and light of the second wavelength to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically illuminate by switching between the first color and the second color. The controller 78 may energize the light source 62 to periodically emit light at the first wavelength and/or light at the second wavelength at regular and/or irregular intervals.

In another embodiment, the lighting system 22 may include a user interface 166. The user interface 166 may be configured to allow a user to control the wavelength of light emitted by the LEDs and/or the LEDs that are illuminated. Such a configuration may allow a user to control which components are illuminated to facilitate placing the vehicle transmission 30 in a desired mode. The user interface 166 may be disposed within the vehicle cabin or on any surface accessible to a user during use of the lighting system 22 as described herein. The user interface 166 may use any type of controller known in the art for controlling the light source 62, such as, but not limited to, a proximity sensor.

With respect to the above example, the controller 78 may vary the intensity of the emitted light at the first and second wavelengths by pulse width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, the controller 78 may be configured to adjust the color of the emitted light 100 by sending a control signal that is used to adjust the intensity or energy output level of the light source 62. For example, if the light source 62 is configured to output the first emission at a low level, substantially all of the input light 100 may be converted to output visible light. If the light source 62 is configured to emit input light 100 at a high level, only a portion of the input light 100 may be converted to output light by the photoluminescent structure 10. In this configuration, light corresponding to a mixed color of the input light 100 and the output light may be output as the emitted light. In this manner, each controller 78 can control the output color of the emitted light.

Although the low and high intensity levels are illustrated with reference to input light 100, it should be understood that the intensity of input light 100 may be varied between various intensity levels to adjust the color hue corresponding to the light 100, 102 emitted from the illumination system 22. As described herein, the color of the output light may depend primarily on the particular photoluminescent material 96 used in the photoluminescent structure 10. Furthermore, the conversion capability of the photoluminescent structure 10 is largely dependent on the concentration of the photoluminescent material 96 used in the photoluminescent structure 10. By adjusting the intensity range emitted from the light source 62, the concentration and proportion of photoluminescent material 96 in the photoluminescent structure 10 and the type of photoluminescent material used in the photoluminescent structure 10 as described herein can be operated to produce multiple color shades of emitted light by mixing input light 100 with output light 102. It is also contemplated that the intensity of each light source 62 may be varied simultaneously or independently of any number of other light sources 62.

Accordingly, a lighting system embodied as a shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle has been advantageously described herein. The lighting system may provide a variety of benefits, including a simple and cost-effective means for creating a variety of lighting features that may be used as a styling feature and/or to assist an occupant when using the illuminated shift mechanism indicator assembly 24.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention and the construction of other components is not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise specified herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, connected (now), connected (now verbalized), connected (past), and the like) generally means that two components are directly or indirectly joined (electrically or mechanically) to each other. Such engagement may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single unitary body. Such engagement may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

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

It should be understood that any such procedures or steps within such procedures may be combined with other procedures or steps disclosed to form structures within the scope of the invention. The exemplary structures and procedures described herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations.

It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the above-described structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A shift mechanism indicating assembly comprising:

a light source disposed below the plurality of markers;

a position indicator configured to move with the shift lever; and

a first photoluminescent structure disposed on the position indicator, the first photoluminescent structure adjacent to the symbol and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source, wherein the first photoluminescent structure selectively illuminates a single symbol at a time.

2. The shift mechanism indicating assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source includes a plurality of printed LEDs.

3. The shift mechanism indicating assembly of claim 2, wherein the first photoluminescent structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to downconvert input light received from at least a portion of the light source to visible light, the visible light being output to a visible portion.

4. The shift mechanism indicating assembly of claim 3, wherein the input light includes one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light.

5. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a position indicator configured to move with a shift lever, wherein the light source is disposed on the position indicator and configured to direct light toward the first photoluminescent structure.

6. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second photoluminescent structure disposed on the sign, the second photoluminescent structure configured to emit light in a color different from a light emission color of the first photoluminescent structure in response to excitation by the light source.

7. A shift mechanism indicating assembly for a vehicle comprising:

an element having a plurality of indicia located thereon;

a position indicator configured to move with a shift lever, wherein the position indicator cooperates with the flag to inform an occupant of a transmission mode;

a light source disposed below the sign; and

a light emitting structure configured to emit light to illuminate one of the plurality of the signs in response to being excited by the light source.

8. The shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle of claim 7, wherein the emblem is formed by the light emitting structure.

9. The shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the light emitting structure is disposed on the position indicator.

10. The shift mechanism indicating assembly for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the light source is disposed on the position indicator.

11. The shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle of claim 7, wherein the light source includes a printed LED.

12. The shift mechanism indicator assembly for a vehicle of claim 11, wherein the light emitting structure comprises at least one luminescent material configured to down-convert input light received from at least a portion of the printed LED to visible light.

13. A shift mechanism indicating assembly comprising:

an element having one or more transmissive element portions therein;

a position indicator configured to move with a shift lever;

one or more light sources disposed below the position indicator; and

a first photoluminescent structure disposed on the position indicator, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source and selectively illuminate a single transmissive element portion at a time.

14. The shift mechanism indicating assembly of claim 13, wherein the light source includes a plurality of printed LEDs.

15. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 14, wherein the photoluminescent structure comprises at least one photoluminescent material configured to downconvert input light received from at least a portion of the light source to visible light.

16. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 13, wherein the transmissive element portion includes a flag disposed thereon, the flag being associated with an operating state of a vehicle transmission.

17. The shift mechanism indicating assembly of claim 15, wherein the input light includes one of blue light, violet light, and ultraviolet light.

18. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a second photoluminescent structure disposed adjacent to the transmissive element portion, the second photoluminescent structure configured to emit light in a color different from a light emission color of the first photoluminescent structure in response to excitation by the light source.

19. The shift mechanism indicator assembly of claim 13, wherein a current state of a vehicle transmission is illuminated by a flag disposed adjacent the transmissive element portion in a third color defined by the additive combination of the first and second photoluminescent structures.