RU2692312C2 - Method of applying photoluminescent material - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method of applying photoluminescent material on the surface of molded polymer material of a vehicle. Method includes a step whereat photoluminescent material is dissolved in water to create a solution. Temperature of the solution is maintained at a given temperature. Surface is brought into contact with solution at preset temperature for preset time with introduction of photoluminescent material into surface. After termination of contact, the solution is washed off the surface with flushing fluid.

EFFECT: invention provides photoluminescent panel-finished panels on any vehicle section for illumination and attractive unique lighting.

19 cl, 5 dwg, 1 ex

Description

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of US patent application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE”. The above related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The technical field to which the invention relates.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method for applying a material to a vehicle structure, and more specifically, a method for applying a photoluminescent material to the surface of a polymer portion of a vehicle.

The level of technology

[0003] The backlight emanating from photoluminescent materials provides a unique and attractive visual impression. In this regard, it is required to include such photoluminescent materials in the vehicle sections in order to provide outdoor and working lighting.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for applying a photoluminescent material to a surface of a polymeric material is disclosed. The method comprises the step of dissolving the photoluminescent material in water to create a solution. The temperature of the solution is then maintained at a predetermined temperature. The surface is brought into contact with the solution at a given temperature for a predetermined time, thereby introducing photoluminescent material into the surface. After a predetermined time, the solution is removed from the surface by washing the surface with water.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for applying a photoluminescent material to a surface of a polymeric material is disclosed. The method includes a step in which dissolve the photoluminescent material in a liquid to create a solution. The temperature of the solution is then maintained at a predetermined temperature. The surface is immersed in a solution at a given temperature for a specified time, thereby introducing photoluminescent material into the surface. After a specified time, the solution is removed from the surface by rinsing the surface with a washing liquid.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for applying a photoluminescent material to a surface of a polymeric material is disclosed. The method comprises the step of dissolving the photoluminescent material in a fluid to create a solution. The temperature of the solution is then maintained at a predetermined temperature. The surface is immersed in a solution at a given temperature for a specified time, thereby introducing photoluminescent material into the surface. After a specified time, the solution is removed from the surface by rinsing the surface with a washing liquid. The set time is reduced in response to an increase in the set temperature.

[0007] These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by a person skilled in the art when studying the following description, claims and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior area of the vehicle, showing the lighting system;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a vehicle structure having a photoluminescent portion deposited on surfaces;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a backlit configuration in front of an illumination device configured to illuminate a panel surface;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illuminated configuration at the back of a lighting device configured to convert a first wavelength of light into at least a second wavelength; and

[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method for applying a photoluminescent material on a vehicle panel.

The implementation of the invention

[0014] In accordance with the requirements, embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the invention are merely exemplary disclosures that may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or understated to show an overview of the functions. In this regard, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a characteristic basis for the training of a specialist in this field of technology for various applications of the present invention.

[0015] As used herein, the expression “and / or” when used in a list of two or more elements means that any of the listed elements can be applied by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only b; only with; A and B together; A and C in combination; B and C combined; or A, B and C in combination.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle 6, showing the lighting system 8. The disclosure provides methods for applying a photoluminescent material to a vehicle 10 panel 6. By applying a photoluminescent material on at least one surface 14 of a panel 10, panel 10 can be used, as in lighting system 8, to emit light from a surface containing a photoluminescent material. The method may include various steps of preparing and incorporating a photoluminescent material into at least one surface 14 of panel 10. As described herein, panel 10 may correspond to various internal and / or external panels of a vehicle 6. In some embodiments, the panel 10 can be made of a polymeric material that can be cast in various shapes and proportions and used for various surfaces, components and / or transport devices The means 6. The various embodiments of the invention discussed in the materials of the present application can provide panels that can be used in any part of the vehicle 6 to illuminate at least one surface 14 to provide attractive illumination for the vehicle 6.

[0017] As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the panel 10 may correspond to different panels and / or parts of the vehicle 6. For example, the panel 10 may correspond to at least a portion of the steering wheel 16, a pressure gauge 18, an instrument panel 20, a vehicle console 22, an inner door panel 24, a seat panel 26 and / or various other panels located on the vehicle 6. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the panel 10 may correspond to various panels of the vehicle, in particular panels made of a polymeric material. For example, the panel 10 may correspond to a molded polymer part attached to the inner region or outer region of the vehicle 6. Although the specific panels and structures of the vehicle 6 are specifically considered in the materials of this application, one skilled in the art will take into account the existence of other suitable inner and / or external vehicle structures located throughout the vehicle 6, including various trim panels / components, which photoluminescent materials may be included, as disclosed herein.

[0018] The panel 10 may be illuminated by a light source 30 configured to emit a first radiation of 32 light. The light source 30 may be configured to emit the first radiation 32 or excite radiation with a first wavelength to excite the surface 14 of the panel 10 containing the photoluminescent material. The surface 14 of the panel 10 containing the photoluminescent material may be referred to as a photoluminescent portion 34. The photoluminescent portion 34 may be configured to convert the first wavelength to a second wavelength or output radiation. The first wavelength may correspond to the first color of light, and the second wavelength may correspond to a second color of light, different from the first color. In various embodiments of the invention, the source of light 30 may be located at various locations of the vehicle 6 in both the backlit configuration and the front illuminated configuration, which are discussed with reference to FIG. 3 and 4. Although the various embodiments of the invention of the lighting system 8 described in the materials of the present application relate to specific structures demonstrated for at least one automobile vehicle, it should be taken into account that the vehicle lighting system can be used in various applications.

[0019] As further discussed with reference to FIG. 2 and 5, the panel 10 may be manufactured using a method of applying a photoluminescent material on at least a portion of the surface of the panel 10. A method of applying a photoluminescent material may include the step of bringing at least a portion of the surface of a plastic or polymer product (for example, panel 10 ) in contact with the processing composition containing photoluminescent material dispersed in a liquid solution. In some embodiments of the invention, the photoluminescent material may be dispersed in a fluid or liquid, such as water, and the plastic product may be immersed in the processing composition for a predetermined period of time. The temperature of the processing composition can be maintained at a predetermined temperature, which can ensure the appropriate application or incorporation of photoluminescent material into the surface area of the plastic product. The disclosure provides various methods that can be used to apply a photoluminescent material to various plastic products.

[0020] Now with reference to FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure 42 (eg, panel 10) of a vehicle 6, showing a photoluminescent portion 34 deposited on surfaces 14. A structure 42 having photoluminescent material 44 located on surface 14 is shown. Photoluminescent material 44 is shown as a plurality of particles 46 embedded in the polymer material 48 of the design 42. As described in the materials of the present application, the design 42 may correspond to any surface or part of the vehicle, for example, panel 1 0

[0021] The photoluminescent portion 34 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material. Photoluminescent materials can be designed with the ability to convert the input electromagnetic radiation from the source 30 of the light into the output electromagnetic radiation, generally having a longer wavelength and representing a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is called the Stock shift and serves as the main mechanism for activating the energy conversion process corresponding to a change in the wavelength of light, often called a downconversion. In various embodiments of the invention, considered in the materials of this application, each of the wavelengths of light (for example, the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

[0022] Structure 42 may correspond to a molded or pressure molded plastic made in accordance with a specific application, for example, panel 10. Photoluminescent material 44 may be applied 50 on surface 14 of structure 42 by bringing at least surface 14 into contact with the processing composition, containing photoluminescent material 44 dispersed in a liquid solution. The depth 52 and the concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 44 can be controlled in the manner described in the materials of this application. For example, to control the depth 52 and / or the concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 44 located on the surface 14, the method can bring the surface 14 into contact with the processing composition for a predetermined amount of time. Additionally, a depth of 52 and / or a concentration 54 can be controlled by maintaining the treatment composition at a given temperature. Thus, the disclosure provides a method for applying the photoluminescent material 44 to the surface 14 in an appropriate and effective manner for various applications.

[0023] The depth 52 of the photoluminescent material 44 can ensure that the photoluminescent properties of the photoluminescent portion 34 are maintained throughout the life of the structure 42. For example, by bringing the surface 14 of the structure 42 into contact for longer periods of time, the depth of the photoluminescent material 44 can increase and provide higher resistance to wear, which can affect the surface 14 over time. The concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 44 can control the intensity and / or hue of the second radiation emitted from the photoluminescent portion 34 in response to receiving the first radiation 32 from the source 30 of the light. By bringing the surface 14 of the structure 42 into contact for longer periods of time, the concentration of the photoluminescent material 44 can increase so that the intensity or shade of the color of the light corresponding to the second radiation can also increase. Other variables can be controlled in a method for controlling the depth 52 and the concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 44, including maintaining the temperature of the processing composition and controlling the concentration of the photoluminescent material dispersed in it.

[0024] The design 42 may, optionally, include at least one resistance layer 56 to protect the photoluminescent material 44 contained in the construction 42 from photolytic and thermal decomposition. Resistance layer 56 can be made as a separate layer glued to photoluminescent section 34, and in some embodiments of the invention can be applied to surface 14 like photoluminescent material 44. In some embodiments of the invention, resistance layer 56 can be applied to surfaces 14 so that that the stability layer 56 is integrated with the photoluminescent material 44 in the structure 42. The photoluminescent section 34 may also contain a protective layer 58 optically glued or applied izi surface 14. The protective layer 58 may correspond to a plurality of materials adapted to protect the photoluminescent material 44 from physical and chemical damage arising from the environment.

[0025] As discussed herein, the processing composition may correspond to a water-based fluid containing a concentration of photoluminescent material dispersed in it. The processing composition may additionally contain one or more surfactants and / or performance enhancing additives. For example, to improve the absorption of the photoluminescent material and / or the additives that enhance the characteristics of the construction 42, a surfactant may be included in the treatment composition. A surfactant may correspond to a variety of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and / or polyalkyl-substituted phenols. The combination of surfactants may also be included in the processing composition. Depending on the particular dye of the photoluminescent material used in the processing composition, amphoteric surfactants like lauryl sulfobetaine can also be used; dihydroxy ethyl alkyl betaine.

[0026] Various additive enhancing properties may also be included in the processing composition. For example, the enhancement characteristics of the additive may include at least one of UV stabilizers, optical brighteners, antistatic agents, thermal stabilizers, IR absorbers, and antimicrobial agents (substances or formulations). The enhancement characteristics of the additives may correspond to the stability layer 56 and / or the protective layer 58. Each of the stability layer 56 and the protective layer 58 may be included in the processing composition. In such embodiments of the invention, the layer 56 of sustainability and / or the protective layer 58 can be combined in a photoluminescent portion 44 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure. Additionally, the stability layer 56 and the protective layer 58 can be dispersed in the polymer material 48 in a separate processing composition and / or deposited on the surface 14 of the structure 42 as one or more coatings or outer layers.

[0027] The photoluminescent materials discussed in the materials of the present application may include Rylen dyes, terylene, quarterrelene, and phosphorescent pigments, for example, zinc sulfide and strontium aluminate. Photoluminescent materials can be designed with the ability to convert the input electromagnetic radiation into the output electromagnetic radiation, generally having a longer wavelength and representing a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. Additional information relating to the performance of photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent vehicle section of the KEYS CREATMENT CREATMENTS KEYSHOTTING CUSTOMERS is USED US Patent No. 8,232,533, Kingsley et al., KARTS, KEY, and others. ”With the filing date July 31, 2012, the entire contents of which are included in the materials of this application by reference.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 3, an illumination system 8 is shown in accordance with a configuration 62 with an illuminated front. In this configuration, the first radiation 32 or exciting radiation is emitted by the light source 30 and converted to a second radiation 64 by the photoluminescent portion 34. The first radiation 32 contains the first length λ _{1 of the} wave, and the second radiation 64 contains at least the second wavelength. The lighting system 8 comprises photoluminescent material 44 located in the photoluminescent portion 34. The photoluminescent material 44 is dispersed in the surface 14 of the structure 42 so that the construct contains the photoluminescent portion 34 integrated into the polymeric material 48.

[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the structure 42 may additionally include a layer 56 of stability and / or a protective layer 58. In response to the activation of the source 30 of the light, the first radiation 32 is received by the photoluminescent material 44 and converted from the first wavelength λ ₁ to the second radiation 64 or output radiation having at least a second wavelength. The second radiation 64 may contain multiple wavelengths, made with the possibility of emission of any color of light from each of the photoluminescent areas considered in the materials of this application. In some embodiments of the invention, the output radiation (for example, the second radiation 64) produced by one or more photoluminescent areas, considered with reference to the vehicle panel 10, may correspond to different colors of light. The light colors of the output radiation may correspond to the photosensitive structure of each of the photoluminescent areas. Thus, the output radiation from a variety of surfaces corresponding to photoluminescent areas can be made with the possibility of emitting different colors of light in response to receiving excitation radiation.

[0030] In order to create multiple wavelengths for the second radiation 64, the photoluminescent material 44 may contain one or more photoluminescent materials configured to emit the second radiation 64 as multiple wavelengths of light in the red, green and / or blue spectra . Such photoluminescent materials can be further combined to create a wide variety of colors of light for output radiation. For example, emitting red, green, and blue light, photoluminescent materials can be used in a variety of proportions and combinations to control the output color of the output radiation.

[0031] Each of the photoluminescent materials considered in the materials of the present application may vary in output intensity, output wavelength and peak absorption wavelength depending on the particular photosensitive structure and combinations of photosensitive structures used in the photoluminescent material 44. In addition or alternatively radiating red, green and blue light photoluminescent materials, other photoluminescent materials can be used separately and in various combinations of To create output radiation of a wide variety of colors. Thus, the lighting system 8 can be configured to many applications to provide the desired color and lighting effect for the vehicle.

[0032] To achieve the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent materials described in the materials of the present application, the lighting system 8 can use any form of photoluminescent materials, for example, phospholuminescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve different emissions, see US Patent No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM”, with a filing date of June 26, 2012; US Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS”, filed on August 21, 2012; to US Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION” with a date of 27 August 27, a date of 27 August, 27 days, 27 days 27 days to US Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 Kingsley et al. entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION” with a filing date of March 4, 2014; US Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”, filed on July 19, 2012; to US Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 Kingsley et al. entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS” dated March 6, 2014, and to US Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 Agrawal et al. entitled “CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES ”With the filing date of April 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated into the materials of this application by reference in full.

[0033] The light source 30 may also be referred to as an excitation source, and is configured to emit at least the first radiation 32 or any of the exciting radiation considered in the materials of this application. The light source 30 may comprise any form of light source, for example, halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PSIDs), solid-state lighting or any other form of illumination made with the possibility of outputting exciting radiation . Excitation radiation from the source 30 of the light can be performed so that the first wavelength λ ₁ corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials of the photoluminescent material 44. In response to receiving light with the first length λ _{1 of the} wave, the photoluminescent material 44 can be excited and output one or more output wavelengths, for example, a second radiation 64 having at least a second wavelength λ ₂ . The first radiation 32 provides an excitation source for the photoluminescent material 44 by targeting the absorption wavelengths of the particular photoluminescent material or combinations thereof used in it. In this regard, the photoluminescent portion 34 can be configured to output the second radiation 64 with the required intensity and color of light.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, light source 30 comprises LEDs configured to emit a first wavelength λ ₁ wave, which may correspond to a blue spectral, violet, and / or ultraviolet color range. The spectral range of blue contains a range of wavelengths, generally presented in the form of blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some embodiments of the invention, the first wavelength λ ₁ may contain a wavelength in the ultraviolet and near to the ultraviolet color range (~ 100-450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first wavelength λ ₁ may be approximately equal to 470 nm. Although the particular wavelengths and wavelength ranges are considered with reference to the first wavelength λ ₁ , the first wavelength λ ₁ can be configured to excite in general any photoluminescent material.

[0035] The first wavelength λ ₁ may be approximately less than 500 nm. The spectral range of blue and shorter wavelengths can be used as an excitation source for the illumination system 8 due to these wavelengths having a limited sharpness of perception in the visible spectrum of the human eye. Using shorter wavelengths for the first wavelength λ ₁ and converting the first wavelength using the photoluminescent material 44 to at least one longer wavelength, the illumination system 8 creates the visual effect of light coming from the panel 10 rather than the light source 30. In this configuration, the photoluminescent portion 34 can provide an economical system for providing illumination at a variety of locations.

[0036] As discussed herein, each of a plurality of wavelengths corresponding to the second radiation 64 may correspond substantially to a different spectral range of color. Additionally, each of the panels 10 of the vehicle 6 may contain different photoluminescent materials so that each of them is configured to emit a second radiation 64 of a different color. The second wavelength may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths made to look substantially like white light. A variety of wavelengths can be produced by a photoluminescent material emitting red light, having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm, a photoluminescent material emitting green light, having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm, and a photoluminescent material emitting blue or blue-green light, having a wavelength longer the first wavelength λ ₁ and about 430-525 nm in one embodiment of the invention. A variety of wavelengths can be used to create a wide variety of colors of light from each of the photoluminescent portions transformed from the first wavelength λ ₁ .

[0037] With reference to FIG. 4 generally shows an illumination system 8 according to a backlit configuration 72 for converting a first radiation 32 from a light source 30 to a second radiation 64. A backlit configuration 72 comprises a photoluminescent material 44 dispersed in a polymer material 48 of construction 42. Like the photoluminescent material 44, shown with reference to the front-lit configuration 62, the photoluminescent material 44 can be configured to excite and output one or more wavelengths corresponding to second wavelength, in response to receiving the first radiation 32. In the backlit configuration 72, the polymer material 48 can be made of at least partially transparent material so that the first radiation 32 can pass through the design 42 and be converted by the photoluminescent material 44 to radiate the second radiation 64.

[0038] One or more wavelengths of the second radiation 64 may be configured to emit any color of light from the photoluminescent portion 34 in response to the excitation of the photoluminescent material 44. The color of the light corresponding to the second emission 64 may be controlled using special types and / or ratios photoluminescent materials that are considered in the materials of this application. The second radiation 64 may correspond to a light output from one or more lighting devices, such as a ceiling lamp, reading lamp, map lighting lamp, accent lighting, or any other vehicle lighting device 6.

[0039] Now with reference to FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 80 for applying a photoluminescent material to the surface of a panel 10 or various structures considered in the materials of this application. Panel 10 may correspond to the polymer component produced by the casting process. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the structure 42 is molded using an injection molding process. When the panel 10 is molded, the panel 10 may correspond to a molded plastic component that can be removed to start the application method 80 (82). The processing composition can be controlled and prepared for method 80 through various steps, which may include the steps at which the processing composition is prepared and the temperature of the processing composition is maintained.

[0040] The treatment composition can be prepared by dissolving the photoluminescent material in a liquid or fluid, such as water (84). In addition to dissolving the photoluminescent material in a liquid, a surfactant and / or performance enhancing additives may possibly be included in the treatment composition (86). Additives may include at least one of the UV stabilizers, optical bleach, antistatic agents, thermal stabilizer, IR absorbers, and antimicrobial agents, which are discussed in this application.

[0041] In some implementations, the processing composition can be provided in a prepared state from the manufacturer or used in a processing plant implementing method 80 by using the processing composition in a prepared state. In order to prepare the treatment composition for applying the photoluminescent material 44 to the surface 14, the treatment composition can be heated and maintained at a predetermined temperature (88). As discussed later, the second treatment composition can be used in some processes, which may include materials that are incompatible with particular photoluminescent materials and / or require a different treatment time and / or temperature for the processing composition.

[0042] Once the treatment composition has been prepared, the surface 14 of the panel 10 can be brought into contact with the processing composition so that the photoluminescent material 44, the surfactant (s) and / or the enhancement characteristics of the additive are applied to the surface 14 of the panel 10 (90). In some embodiments of the invention, the surface 14 of the panel 10 can be monitored to determine if the surface has reached the required concentration 54 and if the photoluminescent material 44 has reached the required depth 52 (92). In some embodiments, the predetermined time for bringing the surface 14 of the panel 10 into contact with the processing composition can be applied so that each of the multiple panels processed by the method 80 can contain a corresponding depth 52 and a concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 44.

[0043] After a predetermined time, the photoluminescent material 44 may be a dispersion agent in the polymer material 48 of the design 42 corresponding to the panel 10. After removing the panel 10 from the processing composition, the panel 10 may be washed in a washing fluid or liquid, for example, a water-based solution (94) . In some embodiments of the invention, the possible step 94 may include the step of bringing the surface 14 into contact with a second processing composition containing the performance enhancing additives, which may include a stability layer 56 and a protective layer 58. Putting the surface 14 in contact with the second processing composition may be completed within a second predetermined period of time. Like the first processing composition, the second processing composition may be maintained at a second predetermined temperature to ensure that the layer 56 of stability, the protective layer 58 and / or the enhancing characteristics of the additive are appropriately dispersed in the polymeric material 48.

[0044] After contact with the second treatment composition, the panel can be washed in a washing liquid or fluid that can correspond to a water-based solution to remove the second treatment composition from panel 10. Panel 10 can be further dried to complete the dispersion process (96). In this regard, the method 80 can be performed on various polymeric materials for the production of panels and / or components having photoluminescent portions 34 located in their structures 42. The method 80 can be adjusted so that at least photoluminescent material 44 can be dispersed in the surfaces of various designs corresponding to the panels or components of vehicles.

[0045] Bringing the surface 14 into contact with the processing composition, which is discussed herein, may correspond to immersing at least a portion of the panel 10 corresponding to the photoluminescent portion 34 into the processing composition. In some embodiments, bringing the surface 14 into contact with the treatment composition may include spraying the treatment composition on the surface 14, applying a treatment composition in the form of a curtain, drenching the treatment composition, and / or ink-jet application of the treatment composition. In this regard, the method 80 can be adjusted with the ability to disperse the photoluminescent material 44 in a variety of surfaces corresponding to different components, panels, etc.

[0046] In general, the second processing composition or any number of processing compositions may be prepared and used to incorporate additional materials into the panel. Such additional materials can be used with additional processing compositions, as they may require other times or temperatures to be brought into contact with the processing composition. For example, some materials may require a different time or temperature for sufficient absorption, or in some cases the additional materials may not be compatible with the photoluminescent material in the first processing composition. The first processing composition may correspond to the processing composition prepared in step 84.

[0047] The predetermined temperatures of each of the first processing composition and the second processing composition may correspond to a specific composition of the polymer material 48, the required concentration 54 of the photoluminescent material 48 and the required time of the dispersion process. The desired temperature of each of the processing compositions may vary depending on the desired time of the dispersion process. In some implementations, the desired temperature of the processing composition may be from about 25 ° C to about 99 ° C. In general, the target temperature may be less than the boiling point of the processing composition. In some implementations, the set temperature may be from about 70 ° C to 80 ° C, and in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the set temperature may be about 75 ° C.

[0048] Each of the predetermined time periods considered in the materials of the present application, corresponding to steps 90 and 94 of method 80, may correspond to a plurality of times according to the specific composition of the polymeric material 48 and the required use of the photoluminescent portion 34. The required time of the dispersion process may be determined in some cases the basis of the required cycle time for bringing the surface 14 into contact with the processing composition. In general, a predetermined time can range from about one second to about 20 minutes. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the predetermined time may be in the range of from about 10 seconds to about 5 minutes and in some cases it may be from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes. In some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined time may correspond to a time of approximately more than 30 seconds and approximately less than 1 minute. The predetermined time may be reduced in some cases by increasing the predetermined temperature of the particular processing composition.

[0049] In some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined period of time may be reduced in response to an increase in the predetermined temperature. This can occur due to an increase in the rate of introduction at elevated temperatures. Although polycarbonate is discussed in the above example, it should be understood that the methods described in the materials of this application may be suitable for implementation with the possibility of incorporating photoluminescent materials into various polymeric materials, without departing from the essence of the disclosure.

[0050] The following is an example of a specific process for incorporating a photoluminescent material into a polymer component. Although specific materials are discussed in the following example, it should be understood that the example is provided for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the Makrolon LED 2245® polycarbonate component is immersed in the treatment composition for approximately 58 seconds. The temperature of the processing composition was approximately 65.5 degrees Celsius. The processing composition may contain a solution of water containing Rylen dye with a concentration of approximately 0.01% -0.5% (percent by weight relative to the weight of the processing composition) as a photoluminescent material. Rylenov dye may consist of a derivative of mono - and / or diimide.

[0051] The percentage of photoluminescent material may vary depending on the color and intensity of the dye and the intensity and desired color of the finished product. In some embodiments of the invention, the concentration of the photoluminescent material may vary from 0.001% to 15% by weight. The solution may also include a surfactant, which is discussed in the materials of this application, to improve the solubility of the photoluminescent material and / or additional additives in the solution.

[0052] After processing the component using the embedding process noted above, the depth of the Rylen dye was approximately 7 μm. At this depth, the component had a surface concentration of photoluminescent material sufficient to illuminate in response to receiving excitation radiation. As previously discussed, the wavelength of the excitation radiation may correspond to the absorption range of a particular photoluminescent material used in the processing composition. As described herein, the methods and processes for incorporating a photoluminescent material into a polymer component can be adjusted to achieve the desired concentration and surface depth to suit many applications.

[0053] Surfactants can correspond to a variety of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and / or polyalkyl-substituted phenols. Combinations of surfactants may also be included in the treatment composition. Depending on the particular dye of the photoluminescent material used in the processing composition, amphoteric surfactants like lauryl sulfobetaine can also be used; dihydroxy ethyl alkyl betaine. Various additive enhancements may also be included in the treatment composition. For example, the enhancement characteristics of the additive may include at least one of UV stabilizers, optical brighteners, antistatic agents, thermal stabilizers, IR absorbers, and antimicrobial agents (substances or formulations).

[0054] For the purpose of describing and defining this intent, it should be noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are used herein to present an inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other presentation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used in the materials of this application to represent the extent to which the quantitative presentation may differ from the specified value without changing the main function of the subject matter of the invention.

[0055] It should be understood that changes and transformations of the aforementioned structure can be made without departing from the ideas of the present invention, and furthermore it should be understood that it is understood that the following claims apply to such ideas unless the wording of the claims explicitly indicates otherwise.

Claims (36)

1. A method for applying a photoluminescent material to the surface of a molded polymer component of a vehicle, comprising: dissolve the photoluminescent material in water to create a solution; maintain the temperature of the solution at a given level; bring the surface into contact with the solution, and the contact is maintained for a predetermined time, thereby incorporating the photoluminescent material into the polymer material of the vehicle component; stop contact after the photoluminescent material is introduced to a depth below the surface of the vehicle component; and wash the solution off the surface. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein bringing the surface into contact with the solution comprises the step at which the molded part is immersed in the solution. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined temperature is between about 25 and 100 ° C. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is from about less than 1 s to about 20 minutes. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is reduced in response to an increase in the predetermined temperature. 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the solution contains about 0.001-15 wt.% Photoluminescent material. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the solution contains about 0.01-0.5 wt.% Photoluminescent material. 9. The method of introduction into the cast polymer part photoluminescent material, comprising stages on which: dissolving the photoluminescent material in a fluid to create a solution; maintain the temperature of the solution at a given level; immerse the surface of the part in the solution; implant the photoluminescent material into the surface for a predetermined time until the concentration of the photoluminescent material reaches a predetermined level at a predetermined depth in the polymer part; remove the polymer part from the solution; and wash the solution off the surface of the flushing fluid. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined time is from about 30 seconds to 3 minutes. 11. The method according to p. 9, in which the photoluminescent material corresponds to at least one of the Rilenovo or phosphor fluorescent material. 12. The method according to p. 9, in which the solution contains approximately 0.001-15 wt.% Photoluminescent material. 13. The method according to p. 9, in which the solution contains about 0.01-0.5 wt.% Photoluminescent material. 14. The method according to p. 9, in which the solution further comprises at least one of a surfactant and an emulsifier. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the surfactant comprises at least one of an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. 16. The method according to p. 14, in which the surfactant contains at least one of unsaturated fatty acid, polyphenol and polyalkyl-substituted phenol. 17. The method of claim 9, further comprising contacting the surface of the part with a second solution containing at least one of UV stabilizers, an optical brightener, an antistatic agent, a thermal stabilizer, IR absorbers and antimicrobial agents. 18. A method for applying a photoluminescent material to a molded polymer part of a vehicle, comprising: dissolve the photoluminescent material in a liquid to create a solution; maintain the temperature of the solution at a given temperature; immerse the surface in the solution; implant the photoluminescent material into the surface for a predetermined time until the concentration of the photoluminescent material reaches a predetermined level at a predetermined depth in the polymer part of the vehicle; and wash the solution off the surface of the washing liquid, and the specified time is reduced in response to an increase in the set temperature. 19. The method according to p. 18, in which the photoluminescent material corresponds to at least one of the Rilenovo and phosphor fluorescent material.

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