Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes the steps: detecting at least one variable; quantifying and/or influencing a movement of the motor vehicle; depending on the variable, switching on an all-wheel drive of the motor vehicle; wherein it is estimated on the basis of the at least one variable whether a relevant driving situation is impending and in this case the all-wheel-drive is switched on before occurrence of the relevant driving situation. A system for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle information gathering and control method includes determining a connection between a vehicle information device and a vehicle and turning on a power source when the vehicle information device is connected to the connector of the vehicle. Vehicle information is provided by a number of vehicle information providing devices of the vehicle and gathered when the vehicle information device is connected to the connector of the vehicle; and a projector is controlled to project the acquired vehicle information on a light adjusting film covering on a windshield of the vehicle to be viewed by a driver.

Abstract: An adaptive, automatically-reconfigurable, vehicle instrument display method and system are described that include widgets displayed within the instrument panel display of a vehicle. Each of the displayable widgets has at least one associated importance value that establishes a relative priority relationship among all of the multiple displayable widgets and affects where a widget will be displayed within the instrument panel display. Based upon changes detected by sensors within the vehicle, the importance values can be modified, with the modification potentially resulting in automatic repositioning of one or more widgets within the instrument panel display.

Abstract: A head-up display apparatus includes light emission units, a first reflection unit, a second reflection unit, a first diffusion unit, a second diffusion unit, and a driver unit. The light emission units are disposed along one end surface of an upper or lower end surface of a combiner, and emit light. The first reflection unit is disposed to a part of the light emission units, and reflects the light. The second reflection unit is disposed to a part of the light emission units, and reflects the light. The first diffusion unit is disposed in the first side end surface, and diffuses the light. The second diffusion unit is disposed in the second side end surface, and diffuses the light. The driver unit selectively drives one of the light emission unit, and causes to emit the light. The combiner includes an invisible region.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply system includes a power supply connector having a power supply port which is provided within a trunk room and electrically connected to a DC power source, and an inverter device which is provided separately from a fuel cell automobile (an electrically driven vehicle) and is disposed within the trunk room, wherein the trunk room is provided therein with an inverter installation space where the inverter device may be installed at a position which does not overlap with the power supply port when viewed from a forward and rearward direction of the vehicle, and the invert device is provided with a connection cable which is drawn from a side surface thereof and of which a front end portion has a connector portion connected to the power supply port.

Abstract: A vehicle control part includes: a vehicle stop determination part for determining whether or not the vehicle is stopped; a clutch control part for disengaging the clutch when stop of the vehicle is determined; a motor control part for driving the motor so as to drive the oil circulation part after the clutch is disengaged; and a motor magnet temperature estimation part for detecting an inducted voltage generated by drive of the motor, and estimating a magnet temperature of the motor from the detected induced voltage of the motor. The motor control part continues the drive of the motor when the estimated magnet temperature of the motor is higher than a predetermined reference temperature at which the motor needs to be cooled, and stops the drive of the motor when the magnet temperature of the motor is equal to or lower than the predetermined reference temperature.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a low-voltage battery, a high-voltage battery having a voltage higher than that of the low-voltage battery; an output detector that detects an output of the low-voltage battery; a collision detector that detects a vehicle collision, an information recorder to which the low-voltage battery is connected as a power supply and which records collision information from the collision detector; a power supply relay unit that is provided between the high-voltage battery and the information recorder and switched between an opened state in which the high-voltage battery and the information recorder are separated and a closed state in which that are connected; and a controller that switches the power supply relay unit from the opened state to the closed state in the case when a vehicle collision a reduction in the output of the low-voltage battery are detected.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Abstract: This power control unit, which stores a power conversion module and a rapid charging device used when charging a battery, is provided with a power conversion chamber, which houses the power conversion module, and a charging device chamber, which houses the charging device, the power conversion chamber and the charging device chamber have a bottom surface in common with each other, the power conversion module and the charging device are affixed to the bottom surface in the respectively corresponding chambers, and an ECU that controls the power conversion module is disposed at a position that is above the charging device and enclosed by a peripheral wall that includes the partition wall that partitions the charging device chamber and the power conversion chamber.

Abstract: An electric power supply device for a vehicle includes an electric storage device, a boost converter, and a controller. The boost converter boosts voltage of the electric storage device and supplies the boosted voltage to an electric load of the vehicle. The controller controls the boost converter in a continuous boost mode and an intermittent boost mode. The continuous boost mode is a mode in which the boost converter is in continuous operation. The intermittent boost mode is a mode in which the boost converter is in intermittent operation. The controller more restricts a charge/discharge demand of the electric storage device such that a charge/discharge demand of the electric storage device at a time when the boost converter is operated in the intermittent boost mode is more restrictive than a charge/discharge demand of the electric storage device at a time when the boost converter is operated in the continuous boost mode.

Abstract: A power reception device includes a core unit having a plate-like shape, a plate-like fixing member having the core unit housed therein, a power reception coil, and a temperature measuring unit. Assuming that a side surface wound portion refers to a portion of a side surface of core unit around which the power reception coil is wound, and a center portion refers to a portion located at the center of the side surface wound portion in an extending direction of a coil winding axis and at the center of the core unit in a thickness direction, temperature measuring unit is provided in at least one of a high-temperature region including the center portion of the core unit and a portion around the center portion, and a position on a surface of the fixing member that faces the high-temperature region.

Abstract: A charging station includes a plurality of electric power transmission portions and a power supply ECU controlling electric power transmission from the plurality of electric power transmission portions. The power supply ECU performs pairing processing for determining a first electric power transmission portion after a vehicle completes positioning with respect to the first electric power transmission portion, checks whether or not positional relation between the first electric power transmission portion and a electric power reception portion of the vehicle satisfies an electric power reception condition after the pairing processing is performed and immediately before electric power transmission from the first electric power transmission portion to the vehicle is started, and allows the first electric power transmission portion to start electric power transmission to the vehicle when the positional relation satisfies the electric power reception condition.

Abstract: A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the mobile platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a battery that receives energy from a charge station remote from the vehicle, and a controller. The controller may request that the station provide information about an electrical parameter associated with energy being supplied by the station, may determine information about an electrical parameter associated with energy received by the battery, and may prevent the battery from further receiving energy if the provided information is different than the determined information.

Abstract: A method for dynamically charging an electrically powered apparatus includes receiving a selection of a charging mode from a user, such that the selected charging mode is a fast charging mode or a slow charging mode. The method also includes dynamically scheduling a charging mode for charging the apparatus according to the selected charging mode and a status of a fast charging module, and electrically charging the apparatus according to the dynamically scheduled charging mode.

Abstract: In a method for detecting an electrically conductive foreign body at a device for inductively transmitting electrical energy from a stationary unit having an electrical power supply unit and a primary inductor to a mobile unit having a secondary inductor and an electric load, electrical power is initially fed from the electrical power supply unit into the primary inductor and the feed-in is interrupted. The curve over time of the resulting decay of an electrical operating variable of the primary inductor is measured and at least one parameter of the measured curve is compared with a corresponding parameter of a reference curve in the event of an interruption of the power feed-in into the primary inductor without the presence of an electrically conductive foreign body. The comparison is used to determine whether an electrically conductive foreign body is present in the region of the magnetic field produced by the primary inductor.

Abstract: A charging and discharging system of a vehicle storage device utilizes a buffer device adapted for voltage adjustment toward a charging voltage of a charging device on the vehicle, and also for adjusting the charging current, in such a way that the charging voltage and current from the charging device may be reduced in advance for charging the storage device. With the charging and discharging system, storage device using lithium ion battery cell may be adapted to various vehicle system.

Abstract: A method is provided that aids the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) in optimizing their car's driving range by allowing the driver to request range optimization help from the EV's control system. In response to the request, the system provides the driver with one or more recommendations as to how to increase vehicle range, recommendations such as lowering top speed, altering the temperature settings of the car's HVAC system, etc. Additionally, the system provides the driver with real time driving range feedback, thereby helping the driver to evaluate the various recommendations and determine which approach is best suited to the current conditions.

Abstract: A control method of a fuel cell system includes generating electricity in a fuel cell through reaction of an oxidant gas and a fuel gas so as to output a fuel cell voltage. An electric storage device voltage is outputted from an electric storage device. The electric storage device voltage serves as a primary side voltage. A motor driving voltage serves as a secondary side voltage and is to be applied to a motor driving device to drive a motor. The secondary side voltage is applied to an air pump driving device to drive an air pump so as to supply the oxidant gas to the fuel cell. A required air pump voltage to apply to the air pump driving device is set in accordance with a target generated electric power of the fuel cell. The secondary side voltage is set so as to satisfy the required air pump voltage.

Abstract: A torque control apparatus is provided which facilitates a positioning between a position of the vehicle and a predetermined parking position when the vehicle is parked. The torque control apparatus according to the present invention includes: accelerator opening angle detecting means for detecting an accelerator opening angle; torque setting means for setting a torque to drive the vehicle (100) on a basis of an accelerator opening angle detected by the accelerator opening angle detecting means; and torque control means for correcting the torque set by the torque setting means in accordance with the relative position between the predetermined parking position and the position of vehicle (100), and driving the vehicle (100) according to the corrected torque.

Abstract: A holding device for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat, having at least one connection flange formed from plastic material for fastening the holding device to the vehicle seat. A fastening clip having at least one holding clip, which can be adjusted between a locking position and an assembly position in an elastic manner, is formed on the connection flange on one side and a locking element is removably formed in a rest position on the other side. The locking element can be manually relocated through an opening in the connection flange from the rest position to a locked position in which the locking element blocks an elastic relocation of the holding clip into the assembly position.

Abstract: A seat pedestal includes an open base upon which a plate assembly is mounted for translational movement upon the base. The plate assembly includes a bottom plate, a seat mount for supporting a seat, and a bearing means between the bottom plate and the seat mount to permit the seat mount to rotate. One lock releasably secures the plate assembly in the driving position and another, which is self-actuating, releases the seat mount so that it can rotate freely when it is in the resting position. A stop carried by the seat mount defines a range in which the seat may be rotated. At least one pair of interlocking members couples the seat mount with the bottom plate to transfer lateral loads born by the seat to the base. The bottom plate, the bearing means, and the seat mount have concentric openings through which wires may pass for accessories such as power/heated seats, headrests, and computer screens and related accoutrements.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat which is capable of easily mounting a reclining mechanism mounted to a seat back frame and a resin molding part of a seat cushion frame and realizes an improved workability. A reclining mechanism arranged on the lower end side of a seat back frame and the rear end side of a seat cushion frame are coupled with a coupling member, a metal member is integrally formed on the rear end side of the seat cushion frame, an upper part of the coupling member is mounted to the reclining mechanism, and a lower part of the coupling member is welded and connected to the metal member provided on the rear end side of the seat back frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rod adapter for operating recliner and a seat reclining device comprising the same, where the seat reclining device comprises a fixed frame; a rotating frame rotatably coupled to the fixed frame; a recliner coupled to the fixed frame at one side and to the rotating frame at the other side to adjust rotation angle of the rotating frame; a shaft rod penetrating the fixed frame, the rotating frame and the recliner; a recliner lever provided rotatable around a shaft receiving part disposed coaxially to an end part of the shaft rod; and a rod adapter disposed between the shaft rod and the recliner lever and having a rod inserting recess part where the shaft rod is inserted and a lever shaft part which is inserted into the shaft receiving part of the recliner lever so that it intermediates between rotations of the shaft rod and the recliner lever. Therefore, compatibility between the recliner lever and the shaft rod as components of the seat reclining device can be enhanced.

Abstract: In a method for producing a vehicle seat fitting, in which a plain bearing bush (28) is pressed in the axial direction into a receptacle of a first fitting part (11), wherein the pressed-in plain bearing bush (28) has a radially protruding securing region (28b), the securing region (28b) is formed before or after the pressing-in operation by material of the plain bearing bush (28) being displaced uncut, and the wall thickness (b) of the plain bearing bush (28) being less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: a reclining device for a vehicle seat is provided by the present disclosure. The reclining device includes a bush having a serration is disposed between a plate protrusion of gear plate and a bearing. A cap inhibiting an input device and a spring from being disassembled is coupled to the gear plate by a weld. A disk-shaped retainer is coupled to a mobile flange by another weld.

Abstract: A vehicle seat reclining device includes a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes first and second members, which are rotational relative each other, first pawls, and a cam, which moves the first pawls in the radial direction and unlocks or locks the same. The vehicle seat reclining device includes a memory ring, which integrally rotates with the first member or the second member through engagement, partial engagement, or disengagement from the first pawls, an engaging projection, which is located in an accommodating recess of the second member and protrudes radially inward, and a rotation permitting section located on the outer circumferential surface of the memory ring. When the rotation permitting section allows the engaging projection to move, relative rotation within a predetermined rotation range is permitted between the second member and the memory ring.

Abstract: A vehicle seat in which a forward tilting of a frame causes a turning of a walk-in member, the turning of the walk-in member causes a turning of a disengagement member, the turning of the disengagement member causes a turning of a tip-up locking member thereby disengaged from a stopper member, and then a cushion frame is tipped up by a rotational biasing force applied by a biasing unit.

Abstract: A portable armrest accessory includes a base adapted for attachment to an existing armrest. The base includes an upwardly extending member supporting a horizontal armrest. The upwardly extending member is pivotally secured to both the base and the horizontal armrest so as to allow for adjustment of the horizontal supporting surface of the horizontal armrest.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has a seat bottom frame, a seat suspension structure, a strap structure and a cushion material. The seat suspension structure is fixed to the seat bottom frame and extends through a seat cushion receiving area of the seat bottom frame. The strap structure is attached to one of a front frame portion of the seat bottom frame and a front end of the seat suspension structure, and is attached to one of a rear frame portion and a rear end of the seat suspension structure. The strap structure extends through the seat cushion receiving area and is slack with a passenger seated on the cushion material. Downward movement of the seat cushion in response to a rapid change in momentum causes the strap structure to become taught restricting further downward movement of the passenger.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be pushed by hand or pulled by a motor vehicle. Thus, implementations of the transport device disclosed herein may have functions akin to a wheelbarrow or a dumping trailer, yet may provide easier and/or more efficient transportation and dumping functions over prior art wheelbarrows and dumping trailers. Implementation of the transport device disclosed herein also may be easier to push over an elevation or up a hill. Furthermore, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein includes four wheels and therefore can function like a cart. Still further, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein can have the functions of a wagon. In some implementations, the transport device includes a work bench.

Abstract: A bed height adjustment system for adjusting height of a bed of a vehicle includes: an air spring supporting the bed; a valve unit connected to an air tank and configured to adjust height of the air spring by supplying and discharging air; a relay provided with a dump-signal line and a return-signal line each connected to the valve unit; a pressure switch configured to be switched between an ON state and an OFF state based on whether air is supplied from the valve unit; and an indicator that becomes illuminated state when powered when the pressure switch is in the ON state and becomes non-illuminated state when the pressure switch is in the OFF state.

Abstract: A suspension assembly includes an axle pivoting plate mounted to the frame at a first pivot point and rotationally fixed to the axle. Also included is a connection arm having a first end onto which the wheel is mounted and a second end for rotationally fixing the axle to the connection arm. An actuator is pivotally connected to the frame at a second pivot point, and is pivotally connected to the axle pivoting plate at a third pivot point. The first pivot point, the second pivot point and the third pivot point are all located below the lower surface of the side rail. When the actuator is extended, the axle pivoting plate pivots about the first pivot point causing the axle and connection arm to swing rearwardly and rotate, causing the wheel to move vertically with respect to the frame to displace the trailer to a lowered position.

Abstract: A truck gate for elevating objects to be manually urged from the truck gate onto a bed portion of a truck includes a pivoting base portion attached to truck gate lifting means (not depicted) for elevating the base portion from ground level to an elevated position that disposes the base portion into horizontal alignment with a bed of a truck. The truck gate further includes a plurality of gate fingers secured to the pivoting base portion such that a maximum number of objects can be disposed upon the gate fingers at ground level then elevated to a substantially horizontal position adjacent to and aligned with the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A fully equipped mobile laboratory, processes and methods for producing rapid, on-site determinations and reports documenting the presence/absence and quantity of environmentally hazardous materials common to construction or other projects in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Abstract: A remotely-operated storage and deployment system for a robotic vehicle includes a frame structure, a carrier, a lifting device, and a motor. The carrier includes a ramp moveable from a closed position in which a robotic vehicle can be enclosed in the carrier and an open position in which a robotic vehicle can drive into or out of the carrier. The lifting device is connected to the carrier and to the frame structure for moving a portion of the carrier between a raised position in which the portion of the carrier is raised relative to a ground surface and the ramp is in the closed position, and a lowered position in which the portion of the carrier is lowered relative to the ground surface and the ramp is in the open position. The motor is connected to the lifting device for allowing remote operation of the carrier.

Abstract: A motorcycle tie-down apparatus for securing a motorcycle for transport. The apparatus includes a base secured to a transport vehicle and a clamp that is clamped to lower frame members of the motorcycle. The clamp includes a telescoping tubular structure and extends outwardly beyond sides of the motorcycle. The base includes a pair of latches with slots that translationally receive respective end portions of the clamp. The slots extend downward to compress the suspension of the motorcycle during engagement of the clamp with the base. Latch plates pivot to capture the clamp in the slots and locking levers and release levers selectively restrict pivoting of the latch plate and thus withdrawal of the clamp from the slot. The locking levers and release levers employ a dual-motion action from a user to release the clamp from the latch plate.

Abstract: A boat trailer can be disassembled and packaged as a “flat-pack” system which will minimize the storage space required as well as the transport and production cost of larger boat trailers. The trailer can then be reassembled by a dealer or the end customer upon delivery. The boat trailer includes a support frame supported on the ground by wheels at a stern section thereof and a tow bar at a bow section thereof. The boat trailer includes separate frame components which can be disassembled into a flat pack form and joined together in series to form the assembled boat trailer.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a recreational vehicle includes a floor having a floor covering, a side wall having an opening therein and a slide out room moveable through the opening in the side wall. The slide out room has a structural member and a floor having a floor covering. First and second moldings provide a transition between the floor of the recreational vehicle and the floor of the slide out room.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly includes a clamping member configured to engage an accessory track of a vehicle. The clamping member is movable between engaged and disengaged positions. A cleat receives the clamping member and has a first side that engages the accessory track. A shaft of the clamping member passes through the cleat. A tightening member receives a free end of the shaft of the clamping member. The tightening member engages the shaft on a second side of the cleat opposite the first side. An indicator is fixed to the clamping member and is movable with the clamping member between a locked position in which the clamping member is in the engaged position and an unlocked position in which the clamping member is in the disengaged position. The indicator indicates the locked and unlocked positions when viewed from the second side of the cleat.

Abstract: A strap tensioning buckle apparatus provides a ratchetless strap tensioning buckle apparatus for tensioning straps utilized in tying down objects. The ratchetless strap tensioning buckle apparatus has a base having a first end and a second end, a linkage pivotally attached to the base at a midpoint thereof, a handle having a first end and a second end, the handle having a shaft at the first end thereof for holding a loop of strap, the shaft further rigidly connecting the handle to the linkage, the handle pivoting via the linkage and moving the shaft in an arc from a first position to a second position, wherein moving the shaft from the first position to the second position tightens the strap and locks the strap in place.

Abstract: An immobilizing device for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area may include a tubular member configured to be inserted into an aperture of a cargo deck. The immobilizing device may further include a stop member extending at least partially across a hollow interior of the tubular member, wherein the stop member is configured such that extension of the tubular member into the aperture is limited by contact between the stop member and the portion of the cargo deck located in the aperture. The immobilizing device may also include an extension associated with the tubular member and configured to engage a lower edge of the cargo container, such that movement of the cargo container is limited upon receipt of the tubular member in the aperture and engagement between the extension and the lower edge of the cargo container.

Abstract: A light retainer is provided with a grommet having a tubular body with an inner surface providing a cavity with a first inner groove and a second inner groove spaced lengthwise of the body from the first inner groove, the first inner groove configured to receive a heated lens and the second inner groove configured to receive a light. A heated light assembly is also provided with a grommet, a heated lens and a light.

Abstract: The lighting device includes a control circuit performing dimming control of dimming a light source device according to a desired dimming level. In the dimming control, the control circuit sets a desired current value of amplitude control to a value corresponding to the desired dimming level, and set a desired duty cycle of pulse width modulation control to a predetermined value associated with a dimming subrange containing the desired dimming level, of multiple different dimming subranges of a total dimming range of the light source device. The predetermined value is a duty cycle allowing luminance of the light source device to be equal to upper limit luminance of the associated dimming subrange under a condition where the current value of the current of the light source device is a maximum value.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight can ensure a driver's visibility even when the headlight projects low-beam, and at the same time, can promote awareness of pedestrians and the like in front of and around the vehicle. A vehicle headlight installed in a vehicle can include a plurality of lamp modules each configured to project light in front of the vehicle, and a control unit configured to control the plurality of lamp modules to be turned on and off so that a lighting pattern constituted by the lamp module or lamp modules being turned on is varied and at least one lamp module out of the plurality of lamp modules is configured to form a predetermined light distribution for ensuring a driver's visibility when being turned on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a headlight system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The headlight system can be actuated in at least two control modes, each having an associated, predetermined maximum main beam width. First, a current driving situation of the motor vehicle is captured on the basis of at least one operating, parameter of the motor vehicle. A current control mode is ascertained based on which control mode from at least two control modes matches a control mode assigned to the captured driving situation on the basis of the captured current driving situation and at least one-time or temporal parameter. The controller is shifted into the assigned control mode when the current control mode does not match the assigned control mode, wherein a maximum main beam width is set for the current driving situation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating and tracking a work area is provided. Systems can include at least one lamp to couple to an object, the at least one lamp to illuminate the work area, and a height module, the height module in communication with the at least one lamp to provide an indication of a height of the work area. Methods can include the steps of determining a height data of the movable portion of the vehicle to be illuminated; communicating the determined height data of the movable portion to a stationary lamp, the lamp including a microprocessor and plurality of light sources, each light source controllable to illuminate an area at a predetermined height; and illuminating at least one of the plurality of light sources to correspond to the determined height data to illuminate the movable portion.

Abstract: A vehicle-roof mounting-base intended to temporarily mount lights, signs, kayaks, ladders, bicycles, and cameras, inter alia, on the roof of a vehicle with a steel or non-ferrous roof. The vehicle-roof mounting-base uses vacuum evacuation to adhere itself to a vehicle roof. The vacuum evacuation is accomplished by evacuating suction cups, which are in intimate contact with the vehicle roof, through the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is connected to a vacuum sensor, which can turn the vacuum pump on and off, insuring that sufficient retention force to hold the vehicle-roof mounting-base to the vehicle roof exists.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a technology of achieving a compact configuration of efficiently guiding a light incident on an incident portion to an emitting portion. The vehicle lamp includes a light guide lens. The light guide lens includes an incident portion on which light is incident from the LEDs, an emitting portion which emits the incident light, and a main body portion which guides the light from the incident portion to the emitting portion. The incident portion has a larger width than the main body portion, and the emitting portion has a larger width than the main body portion.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one luminescent portion disposed in a cavity formed by a handle portion of a closure of the vehicle. The apparatus further comprises a panel disposed in the cavity comprising a reflective surface. The panel is configured to receive light and reflect a first light portion of the environmental light toward the luminescent portion charging a persistent luminescent material of the luminescent portion.