Abstract: An LED light source having an array of LEDs provides increased control of a light beam pattern while providing increased service life. The LEDs are selectively powered to control the light beam pattern, including, for example, shape, size, intensity and direction of the light beam pattern. A controller may provide manual or automatic control of the light beam pattern to thereby adjust the illumination area.

Abstract: An automobile dome lamp assembly which includes a metal reflector unit, plastic lamp housing,cartridge lamp, and cover lens. The reflector unit comprises two concave reflector portions that are mounted on the plastic base in electrical isolation from each other. Each of the two reflector portions include a unitary electrical terminal and lamp retainer clip. The cartridge lamp is mounted to the reflector unit by the two retainer clips such that it is located in front of the reflector. Power supplied to the electrical terminals is routed to the lamp through the reflector portion and their unitary retainer clips. The reflector unit is stamped from a single pieces of metal frangible bridges interconnecting the two reflector portions. The reflector unit can be insert molded to the plastic housing and the frangible bridges are separate at that time to electrically isolate the two reflector portions.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A first retainer engages with an exterior side of an interior wall member to retain a lamp unit on an interior side of the interior wall member. A second retainer engages with an exterior side of a panel body to retain the interior wall member, on which the lamp unit is mounted, on an interior side of the panel body. The second retainer includes a flexible arm having a free end portion which is flexible in a first direction parallel with the panel body and a second direction perpendicular to the panel body. The free end portion is abutted against the exterior side of the panel body when the interior wall member is mounted on the panel body. A regulator prevents the free end portion of the flexible arm from being flexed more than a predetermined amount in the second direction when the flexible arm is not flexed in the first direction.

Abstract: A room lamp fixing structure fixes a room lamp to an automobile roof panel. The room lamp fixing structure most preferably includes a trim piece and a room lamp cover to cover the room lamp. A first room lamp fixing structure is attached to the cover of the room lamp. A second room lamp fixing structure fixes the room lamp to said trim. The first and second room lamp fixing structures therefore cooperate to fix the room lamp to the roof panel together with the trim. Most preferably, the first room lamp fixing structure includes a magenetic member and/or a hook-and-loop fastener.

Abstract: Storage apparatus are provided that are configured to be attached to the interior roof of a vehicle. A panel is configured to be secured to a vehicle interior roof and includes an aperture formed therein that is configured to allow an interior light attached to the interior roof of a vehicle to extend therethrough. The cover is configured to be movable between a closed position in face-to-face adjacent relationship with the panel and an open position for providing access to the one or more storage compartments. The cover includes an aperture formed therein. When the cover is in a closed position, the vehicle interior roof light can illuminate the vehicle interior through the aperture and lens in the cover. When the cover is moved to an open position, the light can also illuminate the one or more storage compartments in the cover.

Abstract: A device for projecting image data in a motor vehicle includes a projection surface secured to a roof inside the vehicle and a projector secured at the rear behind the passengers watching the projection.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a motor vehicle comprises a shiftable cover arranged for opening and closing a vehicle roof and at least one electrical light source attached to the cover.

Abstract: Cover means for insulated portion in an automotive room lamp, comprising a base member made of synthetic resin, said base member having at least one insulation cap integrally formed at the time of insulation molding thereof; and a lace curtain attached to said base member, said lace curtain having at least one bridge cut and bent up to separate said lace curtain into a plus side section and a minus side section, said cut and bent up bridge defining at least one gap therebetween, said at least one insulation cap in the base member being adapted to be brought into engagement with said gap.

Abstract: The lamp (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12), an illuminant (18) arranged in the housing (12) and a plug element (24) for electrically contacting the illuminant (18). Further, the lamp (10) comprises a pull-off-assisting element (30) for pulling the plug element (24) off the housing (12) in a pull-off direction (32). The pull-off-assisting element (30) comprises a first end (38) arranged at the plug element (24) such that it is pivotable about a pivoting axis (28) which extends transversely to the pull off direction (32), and a second end (40) configured for being manually gripped and pulling the pull-off-assisting element (30). This pull-off-assisting element (30) is pivotable between a parking position in which it rests against the housing (12), and a pull-off position in which it extends from the housing (12) for pulling off the plug element (24).

Abstract: When an interior lamp (10) is mounted in a lamp mounting window (41) in a roof trim (40), press-connecting terminals (25a) of bus bars (25), mounted on a lower surface of a switch unit (20), are disposed on a lower surface of an insulating housing (24), and the electrically-connecting portions, electrically connected to an FFC (30), are disposed on the interior-side of the switch unit (20) directed toward the interior.

Abstract: Conventionally, in order to downsize the enclosure, there was no other choice than downsizing the enclosure and decreasing the area of the lens plate, or increasing the area of the lens plate and increasing the enclosure as well. However, decreasing the area of the lens plate disadvantageously lowers brightness of illumination. In contrast to this, when the dimensions of the lens plate are increased, the proportion of the area of the lens plate with respect to the roof increases, which leads to a problem in terms of design. Accordingly, the present invention provides an interior light system for vehicles comprising a lamp accommodated in the enclosure, a push switch for turning on and off the lamp fixed in the enclosure, and a lens plate journaled at the ends of the opening of the enclosure for a swinging motion, in which the push switch is turned on and off by pressing the lens plate, thereby turning the lamp on and off.

Abstract: A rectangular frame having side and end and side walls defining a downwardly opening receiving cavity for receipt upwardly therein of a pan having a laterally outwardly turned marginal flanges which overlie corresponding flanges in the frame and has mated mounting bores for receipt of mounting screws. Retains mounted on the opposite ends of the frame releasably engage the pan to hold it in position in the frame during shipping and storage and prior to mounting thereof.

Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.

Abstract: A cabin lamp used in, for instance, an airplane having an LED module that is attached to a lamp housing and connected via a connector to a feeder element provided in the lamp housing. The LED module has a printed circuit board and a plurality of reflectors that are installed in a frame-shaped bezel detachably attached to a front end portion of the lamp housing. The printed circuit board is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the reflectors surround each of the LEDs so as to reflect the light from the LEDs substantially forward.

Abstract: The invention is directed to provide a vehicle interior illumination device which has a high illuminating effect and which can be used for various kinds of illumination in a vehicle. The illumination device disposed in a roof portion of the interior of a vehicle, including: a first light-emitting section having a first light source constituted by a plurality of first LEDs disposed at substantially regular spaces; and a second light-emitting section having a second light source constituted by a second LED, and a second outer lens with which a light emission side of the second light source is covered and by which light emitted from said second light source is converged and radiated out.

Abstract: There is proposed a spotlight, in particular a reading light in cabins of vehicles and craft, in particular aircraft, which has preferably white light-emitting light-emitting diodes (1) which are radially encased by a body, wherein a lens body (6) is fitted on the end light exit opening of the body, as the lighting source and a frame (9) which carries the lighting source and which is pivotable or rotatable about at least one horizontal and/or vertical axis and is adapted to be fixed in the respective selected position. The frame (9) can be received by a receiving body (13) and is supported therein pivotably or rotatably about at least a horizontal axis (14). The receiving body (13) is held in a fixing ring (21) and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The frame (9) with the receiving body (13) and/or the receiving body (13) with the fixing ring (21) are latchable respectively through a spring and in a resiliently latched manner.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A projector mounting system for use in a vehicle including a mounting housing that is capable of being attached to the ceiling of a vehicle, an illumination device that is connected to the mounting housing, and a projector that is mounted to the mounting housing.

Abstract: There is provided a room lamp fixing structure to fix a room lamp 3 in the automobile roof panel 1, which comprises a roof of the vehicle; a roof panel to be attached to said roof; a trim; a room lamp; a room lamp cover to cover said room lamp; first room lamp fixing means including first connecting means fixed to said roof of the vehicle and second connecting means attached to said cover of the room lamp; and second room lamp fixing means for fixing a room lamp to said trim, wherein said first and second room lamp fixing means cooperate to fix said room lamp to said roof panel together with said trim.

Abstract: A first fixing means is for fixing a room lamp and a roof trim with each other and is provided to the room lamp and the roof trim. A second fixing means is for fixing the room lamp and a roof framework with each other with the roof trim being interposed between the room lamp and the roof framework, and is provided to the room lamp and the room trim.

Abstract: An integrated grab rail and map light assembly including a handle portion that is secured to a vehicle roof by first and second mounting members disposed adjacent first and second ends of the handle portion, respectively. A light receptacle extends from a second end of the handle portion and has a light assembly disposed therein. The light assembly is covered by a lens that also covers the second mounting member. The lens is pushed to actuate the light assembly.

Abstract: An interior illumination system for a motor vehicle has one or more luminous fields formed by at least one light emitting, foil-shaped illumination panel connected to a voltage supply of the vehicle. The light emitting, foil-shaped illumination panel is made of by an electroluminescent foil or a light-emitting polymer foil. The illumination panels can be fastened to the roof, columns, and dashboard of the vehicle and are adjustable with respect to intensity as well as color and hues of the emitted light.

Abstract: A sliding roof for a motor vehicle comprises a shiftable cover arranged for opening and closing a vehicle roof and at least one electrical light source attached to the cover.

Abstract: A lamp unit for mounting in a lamp mounting window formed in an interior wall member covering a vehicle body panel, the lamp unit includes: a wire connection terminal; a wire fastened to the wire connection terminal and installed on the interior wall member; and bent portions formed respectively at portions of the wire adjacent to the lamp unit so that the bent portions are engaged respectively with predetermined positioning projections formed on a fastening stand for positioning the wire to a wire connection portion of the wire connection terminal.

Abstract: In a vehicle ceiling-mounting electric equipment assembly of the invention, an FPC (12) is welded by heat to a casing (11) of a lamp unit (2), and an FFC (16) for external connection is electrically connected to the FPC (12) by press-clamping or welding. Switches (13) and lamp socket holes (14a) are provided at the FPC (12). An end portion of the FPC (12) is folded to be inserted into a fitting portion (11a) of a recess-shape in which an optional member (26) can be mounted, and a circuit pattern is exposed to a side surface of the fitting portion (11a) to form a connection portion. Therefore, the compact, lightweight design can be achieved, and parts, such as a connector, are unnecessary, thus reducing the number of the component parts.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle signal device mounted in the interior of a vehicle which, when activated, is visible outside the vehicle, but which is not readily apparent outside the vehicle when not in operation. The signal device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when activated, and does not affect the aerodynamics, handling, or overhead clearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light arrangement for a vehicle which includes a light housing from which light from a light source emerges through a first outlet opening. At least a second light outlet is also provided on the light housing. Moreover, at least one screen section is movably disposed, in the light housing which either covers or releases the path of rays of the light between light source and second outlet opening. A bulb can thus either meet an interior or reading light function which saves components, cost and space.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: An orientation illumination for motor vehicles is provided which, for illuminating a center console, is integrated in an area of a vehicle ceiling. Correspondingly mounted shields are located and shaped such that the vehicle occupants can have no direct viewing contact with the light source, whereby the light source is blocked for the vehicle occupants without blinding them.

Abstract: A room lamp fixing structure having a temporary fixing means provided for a room lamp and a ceiling trim and a permanent fixing means provided for the room lamp and a ceiling framework of a car body. This construction includes a ceiling trim having a recess for accommodating the room lamp, the recess having its side surface inclined so as to become gradually narrow from the opening portion to the bottom portion, and a room lamp having in its side surface a guide projection for positioning the room lamp and the ceiling trim by abutting against the slant side surface of the recess during the permanent fixing. This structure allows the guide projection to abut against the slant side surface, and thereby the room lamp and the ceiling trim are positioned.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A reading light for a vehicle interior having a light source arranged in a light fixture housing and a lens covering the housing opening and placed in front of the light source in the direction of its light emission. The reading light system includes a second lens and a first lens between the light source and the second lens.

Abstract: An inclined engagement surface of an elastic engagement hook is elastically engaged with an engaged section in a state of being inclined with respect to a roof panel. As a result, it is possible to absorb an error of a three-dimensional relative positional relation between the elastic engagement hook and the engaged section. That is, the error of the relative positional relation in two directions (an X direction and a Y direction in FIG. 5B) can be absorbed by a deflection of the inclined engagement surface, and the error of the relative positional relation in remaining one direction (a Z direction in FIG. 5B) can be absorbed by a slip between the inclined engagement surface and the engaged section.

Abstract: For a control rod disposed between a top corner of the sun visor and the hinge of the mirror flap on the sun visor, the end of the rod associated with the plate carries a cam that causes two electrical conductors to be pressed one against the other.

Abstract: A direct lighting unit fits in opposition to an opening of a roof of a vehicle's cabin so as to illuminate a light directly the cabin. An indirect lighting unit is disposed around the outer circumference of the direct lighting unit. The indirect lighting unit contains a plurality of LEDs disposed at fixed intervals so as to emit light outward. The LEDs are controlled to indirectly illuminate the roof. When the direct lighting unit is mounted to the roof, a fixing piece supports a grooved edge portion of the indirect lighting unit so that the indirect lighting unit is immovably held between the fixing piece and the roof. Thus, the direct and indirect lighting units are simultaneously secured to the roof.

Abstract: Conventionally, in order to downsize the enclosure, there was no other choice than downsizing the enclosure and decreasing the area of the lens plate, or increasing the area of the lens plate and increasing the enclosure as well. However, decreasing the area of the lens plate disadvantageously lowers brightness of illumination. In contrast to this, when the dimensions of the lens plate are increased, the proportion of the area of the lens plate with respect to the roof increases, which leads to a problem in terms of design. Accordingly, the present invention provides an interior light system for vehicles comprising a lamp accommodated in the enclosure, a push switch for turning on and off the lamp fixed in the enclosure, and a lens plate journaled at the ends of the opening of the enclosure for a swinging motion, in which the push switch is turned on and off by pressing the lens plate, thereby turning the lamp on and off.

Abstract: A vehicle dome light and flashlight for providing a readily available and charged flashlight for use in and out of a vehicle. The vehicle dome light and flashlight includes a dome light assembly being adapted to be securely mounted to a top of a vehicle inside a passenger compartment thereof and having a first housing including a flashlight charging compartment disposed therein and an opening into the flashlight charging compartment; and also includes a second housing having side walls, a front wall, and a window disposed in the front wall with the housing being securely and removably attached to the first housing; and further includes at least one light-emitting member disposed in the second housing; and also includes an energizing assembly for energizing the at least one light-emitting member.

Abstract: A connection portion (13) of an FFC (12) to be preliminarily arranged on a roof trim (10) is weld-fixed to cable connecting portions (25a, 26a) of a bus bar (25) and a spring terminal (26) of a room lamp (20). Simultaneously with the arrangement of the FFC (12) on a vehicle-body-panel-side portion of the roof trim, the room lamp (20) is mounted in the lamp mounting window.

Abstract: A reading lamp for a vehicle interior having a light source arranged in a lamp housing and at least one optical element which produces a cone of light for reading, whereby a reflector system is provided in the lamp housing such that light can be input into the reflector system through a color filter so that colored light is produced concentrically with the cone of the reading lamp.

Abstract: In a light housing (1) for the installation into a mounting opening (2), in particular for a light in a motor vehicle, with an angle bracket (9), which is slidable onto a wall section (16) of the mounting opening (2) with the holding receptacle (10), the light disk (5) is insertable into the remaining opening with the angle bracket being slid on, where the inserted light disk (5) grips around the angle bracket (9) and also grips around a wall section (26) of the mounting opening (2) approximately on the opposite side. Only two installation steps are necessary for mounting the light housing (1) i.e., sliding of the holding receptacle (9) onto the wall section (16) and inserting the light disk (5).

Abstract: When an interior lamp (10) is mounted in a lamp mounting window (41) in a roof trim (40), press-connecting terminals (25a) of bus bars (25), mounted on a lower surface of a switch unit (20), are disposed on a lower surface of an insulating housing (24), and the electrically-connecting portions, electrically connected to an FFC (30), are disposed on the interior-side of the switch unit (20) directed toward the interior.

Abstract: A sliding headliner for closing the region below a transparent roof element, in particular a glass sliding roof, in a roofliner is provided.

Abstract: Automotive internal lights have a molded housing defining an elongate recess and bus bars which integrally include lamp holders secured within the molded housing and adapted to hold a lamp therebetween. The lamp holders have a base exposed to irradiate heat from said lamp. Connector terminals and an earth terminal are secured within said molded housing. The bus bars also integrally have spaced-apart fixed contacts secured within the molded housing so as to establish respective surfaces flush with the housing but exposed to said elongate recess. A slide switch is moveable longitudinally within the recess between at least first and second positions, and carries a generally U-shaped movable contact member which is adapted to contact the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts so as to turn the lamp held by the lamp holder on and off, respectively. The housing includes notches formed in the recess opposite to the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A light arrangement for a vehicle which includes a light housing from which light from a light source emerges through a first outlet opening. At least a second light outlet is also provided on the light housing. Moreover, at least one screen section is movably disposed in the light housing which either covers or releases the path of rays of the light between light source and second outlet opening. A bulb can thus either meet an interior or reading light function which saves components, cost and space.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A room lamp fixing structure having a temporary fixing means provided for a room lamp and a ceiling trim and a permanent fixing means provided for the room lamp and a ceiling framework of a car body. This construction includes a ceiling trim having a recess for accommodating the room lamp, the recess having its side surface inclined so as to become gradually narrow from the opening portion to the bottom portion, and a room lamp having in its side surface a guide projection for positioning the room lamp and the ceiling trim by abutting against the slant side surface of the recess during the permanent fixing. This structure allows the guide projection to abut against the slant side surface, and thereby the room lamp and the ceiling trim are positioned.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lighting system for use in military vehicles to minimize infrared signatures under normal operating conditions. The system has a blackout reduced signature capability, emergency interior lighting capability and a removable portion with reduced thermal signature for use in evacuating a disabled vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lamp assembly comprises a light assembly carried within a housing. A cover is snap fit to the housing and carries a lens in registration with the light assembly. The light assembly includes a dome shape reflector, into which a light bulb is positioned, and a light switch slidingly positioned within a slotted flange attached to the housing. A light switch actuator, in operational connection with the light switch, is captured by the cover. The lens is formed with a double convex middle region and a pair of outer regions formed with a plurality of serrations which reflect light toward the light reflector to thereby provide a uniform pattern of illumination about a preselected area. In one preferred embodiment, the housing supports a pair of lighting assemblies to permit selective illumination of a passenger's seat, table, or the like.

Abstract: Automotive lighting systems include a casing which defines an interior space and a pair of shafts extending thereacross so as to establish adjacent first and second interior space regions. Lamps are positioned in respective ones of these adjacent first and second interior space regions and are covered by a respective pair of lenses. Each lens has proximal and distal ends and is connected pivotally at the proximal end thereof to a respective one of the shafts to allow for independent pivotal movements of the distal end between inoperative and operative positions. Push switches are operatively connected to respective ones of the lamps and positioned in respective ones of the first and second interior space regions in such a manner that the distal ends of each lens is in contact with a respective push switch. In such a manner, the push switches may be operated in response to the pivotal movements of the lenses between its inoperative and operative positions to thereby illuminate the lamps.