Optical Waveguide (e.g., Fiber Optic, Edge-lit) Patents (Class 362/511)
  • Patent number: 8398283
    Abstract: An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad D. Lambert, James R. McFadden
  • Publication number: 20130058115
    Abstract: A peripheral illumination device for a vehicle component includes at least one light guide, and an enclosure for guiding the at least one light guide. The at least one light guide is securely mounted in the enclosure via a fixed support at a predefined location and has two ends which are movably mounted in relation to the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Marcus Pfeil
  • Publication number: 20130051049
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes first and second light sources and a light guide lens that is elongate and extending along a direction oblique to a front-back direction of a vehicle. The first light source faces with a back end portion of the lens in a longitudinal direction of the lens. The second light source is arranged close to a front end portion of the lens in the longitudinal direction to emit light toward a back surface of the lens. The lens has a plurality of cut portions in the back surface. The cut portions are arranged parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction, internally reflect the light emitted from the first light source and enters the lens through the back end portion to a forward direction of the vehicle, and refract the light emitted from the second light source and enters the lens to the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Koji Sato
  • Patent number: 8382351
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp (1), a plurality of LED light sources (11) are arranged on a common substrate (12). A light guiding lens (13) elongated in a direction in which the LED light sources (11) are aligned is provided. A plurality of reflecting sections (22) are provided on the light guiding lens (13). The reflecting sections (22) are configured to individually reflect incident lights from the respective LED light sources (11) to a periphery of a vehicle. Respective directions of the reflecting sections (22) are made to differ in accordance with positions of the corresponding LED light sources (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomi Ishikawa, Shigehiko Kazaoka
  • Publication number: 20130044503
    Abstract: A vehicle decorative lighting device and a vehicle lamp including a lighting device can include a light guide lens formed in a substantially U-shape and a pair of LED light sources that can emit various color lights. Each of the light sources can be located at both end surfaces of the light guide lens having a U-shaped light-emitting surface. The vehicle lamp can include a lamp room between an outer lens and a housing, and can incorporate various vehicle lamps such as a headlight along with the lighting device in the lamp room. The lighting device can be located in the lamp room so as to emit various U-shaped color lights along a periphery of the outer lens. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle lamps including the decorative lighting device having a harmonious favorable light distribution, for example, such that combine a headlight with a position lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Teruhiko MIHARA, Yasuaki KAIZUMI, Kazuya SHIRAISHI
  • Patent number: 8376597
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a lamp outer case formed by a cover and a lamp housing; a light source disposed inside the lamp outer case; and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source, wherein the light guide is shaped as a column. The light guide includes a first extension portion that extends on a horizontal plane side, and a second extension portion that extends on a vertical plane side with respect to a reference line that extends in a direction inclined 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. An outer surface of the light guide includes an incident surface to which light emitted from the light source is incident, an internal reflection surface that internally reflects light incident from the incident surface, and a radiation surface that is formed as an outward-convexly curved surface and radiates at least light reflected by the internal reflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Nakata, Asami Nakada, Yoshiaki Furuya
  • Publication number: 20130039083
    Abstract: A logo device for a vehicle is disclosed. The logo device comprises a first shell including a transparent region forming a logo pattern and a nontransparent region and a second shell connected with the first shell. The first shell and the second shell form a sealed cavity therebetween. A bottom plate is disposed in the sealed cavity, and a light guide plate disposed between the bottom plate and the first shell. The light guide plate includes one or more grooves disposed thereon. A circuit board is disposed between the bottom plate and the second shell, including a plurality of illuminating elements thereon. The one or more grooves on the light guide plate receives the plurality of illuminating elements. The light guide plate is configured to direct at least a part of the light generated by the illuminating element toward the transparent region of the first shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Qing GONG, Bo WU, Yilin ZHONG, Xinxin SONG, Jinqiu WANG, Junming BAI, Jun DAI, Fengwu SU, Ditian LUO
  • Patent number: 8371732
    Abstract: A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jason W. Guenzel, Mark R. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20130027964
    Abstract: In a head lamp 1, relative positions of a laser light guide path in a tapered light guide section 20 and a parabolic mirror 5 are fixed. An optical fiber 10 and the tapered light guide section 20 are each provided so as to have a receiving end part where laser light is received and an emitting end part where laser light is emitted. The emitting end part of the optical fiber 10 is located near the receiving end part of the tapered light guide section 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensei TOYOTA, Hiroshi Kijima, Koji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130027956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical system for a motor vehicle, in particular for an indicating and/or lighting device, arranged to emit a light, the intensity of which is maximal in a given prioritized optical direction (20), including: a surface light source (30) exhibiting a front wall emitting a light, the intensity of which is maximal in a principal direction of emission (31), an optical guide (1) comprising an input face (2) and an output face (3) forming at least partly an outer face of the system, the system being arranged such that the light penetrates the guide through the input face (2) and escapes through the output face (3), the optical guide (1) being conformed such that the intensity of the light at the output of the system is maximal in a prioritized optical direction (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Christophe Dubosc, Etienne Pauty, Antoine de Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 8360623
    Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle includes a light conducting rod, at least one light source, at least one first reflecting part, and at least one second reflecting part. The light source is connected to at least one end of the light conducting rod. The first reflecting part and the second reflecting part are located on the light conducting rod and respectively have a reflecting surface toward the light source. A first distance between the first reflecting part and the light source is less than a second distance between the second reflecting part and the light source, and the curvature of the reflecting surface of the second reflecting part is greater than the curvature of the reflecting surface of the first reflecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Maxzone Auto Parts Corp.
    Inventors: Chiun-Jie Lin, Yung-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20130021815
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a lens member between a light-emitting element (22) and a light guiding plate (26) in which emitted light from the light-emitting element(22) is incident on the rear end surface (26a) and then emitted from the front end surface (26b) to the front of the lamp. The lens member (28) allows a part of the emitted light, which travels in a direction close to an optical axis (Ax), to reach the light guiding plate (26) as diffusing light that diffuses in a horizontal plane and further allows the emitted light to reach the light guiding plate (26) as parallel light along the optical axis (Ax) in a vertical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroya Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8356921
    Abstract: A lighting device for use in a vehicle, is equipped with one light source and a linear light-guiding body which guides light from the light source. The light-guiding body has a linear, primary spotlight part which emits light in a linear shape and a secondary spotlight part which emits a spot of light from the tip of the light-guiding body, thus providing different lighting with one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Fujita
  • Patent number: 8353612
    Abstract: An optical device, in particular for a motor vehicle, such as a lighting or signaling device, this device comprising at least one light guide which is designed to guide at least part of the light which is emitted by a source of light, the light guide comprising at least one output surface and at least one main reflection surface, which is designed to reflect towards the output surface light which is propagated in the guide, the light guide comprising a portion for coupling with the source of light, this coupling portion having a transverse axis (Y), wherein the coupling portion is arranged such that the light which is emitted from this coupling portion is propagated in the light guide, around the transverse axis, according to a total angular opening, measured around this transverse axis, which is strictly less than 360°, and in particular is less than 320° or 300°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Publication number: 20130010486
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a plurality of light sources, and a light guide plate configured to emit light to the front side of the lamp from a second surface facing a first surface by internally reflecting light, which is emitted from the respective light sources, by a plurality of reflective elements formed on the first surface after causing the light to enter the light guide plate from a rear end face of the light guide plate. The light guide plate is curved to the first surface and gradually becomes thinner toward the front side. The reflective elements are disposed at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction and extend in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori Natsume, Hiroya Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20130003397
    Abstract: A device is for a lighting/signaling assembly of an automotive vehicle. The assembly includes a substantially transparent optical material and at least one light source of an “LED” type arranged for emitting light rays propagating within a thickness of the optical material. The device comprises a plate of substantially transparent optical material forming a screen and including at least one substantially bilateral elongated bulge defining a substantially circular overall substantially perpendicular cross-section and substantially mean longitudinal axis in a substantially mid-plane of the bulge and being adapted to form a light guide. At least one LED is disposed at at least one end of the light guide and defines a main axis of the LED that is substantially orthogonal to a substantially longitudinal axis of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Alain Buisson
  • Publication number: 20130003398
    Abstract: A light guide comprising an external surface forming a guiding diopter, the guide being suitable for guiding light rays by reflection on the guiding diopter. The guide comprises at least one decoupling portion, with a refraction decoupling diopter arranged so as to refract light rays to decouple them from the guide, and thus transmit them out of the guide through the refraction decoupling diopter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Vincent Godbillon
  • Publication number: 20130003399
    Abstract: An optical device comprising an exit portion furnished with an exit face and designed to emit, through the exit face, light rays emanating from a first luminous source and from a second luminous source, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first light guide configured to propagate the light rays emanating from the first luminous source toward the exit portion and a second light guide configured to propagate the light rays emanating from the second source toward the exit portion. A preferential application is the field of lighting equipment for motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Antoine de Lamberterie
  • Publication number: 20120327680
    Abstract: A signal lamp for a front and rear lighting of a vehicle includes at least one light source for emitting light, wherein the at least one light source is hidden from view; a reflector for reflecting the light emitted by the at least one light source away from the vehicle; and at least one light guide disposed between the reflector and a cover of the signal lamp, the at least one light guide having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed adjacent the at least one light source and the second end is located adjacent a focus point of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Miroslav Kropac, Jan Kratochvil, Ludek Mazal, Martin Dluhos, Pavel Tuma
  • Publication number: 20120320615
    Abstract: The component has a planar decorative element (5) which has at least one translucent region (6) and at least one non-translucent region (7). Lighting means (9) serve to illuminate the at least one translucent region (6). A light-filtering layer (10) is arranged between the decorative element (5) and the lighting means (9), said layer (10) being integrally attached to a rear side (8) of the decorative element (5) by injection moulding. Means (24) are provided which essentially completely absorb and/or scatter light when the lighting means (9) is transported to the specified edge (4). As a result, leakage light at an edge (4) of the component (1) can be reliably avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: WEIDMANN PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Thomas Englert
  • Patent number: 8333493
    Abstract: A dual direction light pipe includes a first section having a first set of prisms oriented to reflect a portion of the light within the first section of the light pipe in a first direction and a second section having a second set of prisms oriented to reflect a portion of the light within the second section of the light pipe in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: North American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Amine Taleb-Bendiab, Manish N. Sharma, Dianna Lynn Stadtherr
  • Patent number: 8333494
    Abstract: A multicolored linear light source is disclosed. In an embodiment the multicolored linear light source (100) comprises a linear light source (100) emanating light of a first spectrum, and regions of photoluminescent material (102,104,106). The light of the first spectrum interacts with regions of photoluminescent material (102,104,106) to give light of a different spectrum. The composition of different regions of photoluminescent material is different, providing light of different spectra in different regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: I2iC Corporation
    Inventors: Udayan Kanade, Gaurav Kulkarni, Karthikk Sridharan, Manas Alekar, Manohar Joshi, Sanat Ganu, Balaji Ganapathy
  • Publication number: 20120314438
    Abstract: Handle member for a motor vehicle having a body and at least one decorative attachment piece, with a light source being integrated in said attachment piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan GUTT, Carter Scott CANNON
  • Patent number: 8322902
    Abstract: An optical system for a motor vehicle, the optical system performing at least one main optical function and including in particular a diffusion screen, at least one light source of the LED type, each LED of the optical system producing a set of rays of light to be propagated in the diffusion screen wherein the screen is in the form of a curved sheet, with an upper lateral flange and a lower lateral flange which meet at a periphery which has in particular a rear face and a front edge and the principal function is performed essentially via an output face constituted by the front edge of the diffusion screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Laure Martin, Benjamin Vernisse, Benjamin Thierry, Nicolas Vathonne, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 8317331
    Abstract: A recycling system and method for increasing the brightness of light output using at least one recycling light pipe with at least one light source. The output end of the recycling light pipe reflects a first portion of the light back to the light source, a second portion the light to the input end of the recycling light pipe, and transmits the remaining portion of the light as output. The recycling system is incorporated into a projector to provide color projected image with increased brightness. The light source can be white LEDs, color LEDs, and dual paraboloid reflector (DPR) lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Li
  • Patent number: 8303146
    Abstract: A side turn signal lamp includes a light guide member having a light guide lens and a plurality of LEDs. The light guide lens includes a front surface and a light entry end face. The light guide lens includes a front surface and a light entry end face. The front surface is configured to correspond to a laterally extending opening in an outer side wall of a side mirror housing so as to guide the light through the opening. The light guide lens is configured to have a width that corresponds to the opening having a shape of a slit in a front view and such that the light entry end face extends in a front-rear direction of the side turn signal lamp. The LEDs are arranged in the front-rear direction to directly face the light entry end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehiko Kazaoka, Haruhito Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8303147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminous garnish for a vehicle in which an illumination unit and a light emitting unit forms an integral part, wherein the garnish provides various patterns and illuminations at a same portion of an integral part, thereby realizing the luxury and high product value of the interior material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ho Tak Jeon
  • Patent number: 8292487
    Abstract: A light guide element for a lighting device is elongated in the direction of a main axis and includes a light coupling surface extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and a light emission surface radiating transversely to the longitudinal direction, and two or more light guides stacked on top of one another, wherein a partial region of the wall of the individual light guides extending in the longitudinal direction is structured and/or blackened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: AL Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Conzatti, Harald Weingärtner, Paul Swarovski
  • Patent number: 8292479
    Abstract: A vehicular infrared irradiation lamp includes an infrared light-emitting element for projecting infrared light; a visible light-emitting element that emits visible light; and a transparent member provided at least partially adjacent to a light-emitting portion of the infrared light-emitting element. The transparent member radiates visible light received from the visible light-emitting element in a radiation direction of infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sazuka, Osamu Masuda, Hiroya Koizumi, Takatomo Fujiyoshi
  • Patent number: 8292480
    Abstract: A lamp is provided. The lamp includes a lamp housing; light emitting diodes (LEDs); a main reflector disposed so as to oppose to the LEDs for reflecting light emitted from the LEDs towards a front side of the lamp; a sub-reflector which is interposed between the LEDs and the main reflector, and which reflects and diffuses the light emitted from the LEDs towards the main reflector; an LED element assembly which extends in parallel with the sub-reflector and comprises a plurality of flat portions, each flat portion corresponding to one of the plurality of LEDs and on which the corresponding LED is mounted, adjacent ones of the flat portions being coupled together by at least one step portion; and a center portion which covers the LED element assembly and the LEDs such that the LEDs are not exposed to the front side of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroya Koizumi, Miki Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20120257401
    Abstract: An interior lighting for a vehicle includes, but is not limited to a coupling-out zone for illumination of the vehicle interior, which includes, but is not limited to a lighting device. The lighting device includes, but is not limited to a light source that is configured to produce light and an optical fiber, into which the light can be coupled in or is coupled in. The optical fiber is configured to couple out the light extensively in the at least one coupling-out zone, and includes, but is not limited to an auxiliary lighting for producing an auxiliary light which is also configured for the illumination of the vehicle interior. The auxiliary lighting emits the auxiliary light starting from a side of the at least one optical fiber facing away from the vehicle interior in a trans-illumination zone through the optical fiber into the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ralf WILFERT
  • Patent number: 8282255
    Abstract: A window intended to be assembled over an opening defined in an outside wall having on the one hand an outer partition and on the other hand an inner partition. This window includes a glazing, means making it possible to hold the glazing in the opening of the outside wall, while ensuring a watertightness at the outer partition, and a connection crosspiece between the outer partition and the inner partition. The crosspiece is implemented so as to make it possible to guide light having passed through the glazing toward the inner partition. Means making it possible to diffuse the light guided by the crosspiece are arranged at the inner partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Samuel Burgunder, Christophe Mialhe
  • Publication number: 20120250343
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements and a plurality of first light guide portions respectively corresponding to the first semiconductor light emitting elements, so that first emission light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting elements enters the first light guide portions. Second emission light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting elements but does not enter the first light guide portions is reflected in a radiation direction of the lamp by respective segmented reflecting portions. The first light guide portions are provided spacedly in a first direction that intersects the radiation direction and configured such that the first emission light entering therein is guided in the radiation direction. The segmented reflecting portions are configured such that at least a portion of the reflected second emission light passes therethrough and radiates from an area between the plurality of first light guide portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroya KOIZUMI
  • Publication number: 20120250342
    Abstract: A lighting device of a motor vehicle includes a light guide having a closed configuration at least as seen from a top view. The light guide includes two sections which cross each other at a crossover. A first light source is linked to one end of the light guide to project light into the light guide. Arranged at the crossover is an adapter for adjusting a light intensity, measurable in a direction in opposition to the top view, to a light intensity of another section of the light guide in a region of the crossover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Jens Dietmar Reuschel, Christoph Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20120224385
    Abstract: A lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one light source (S) emitting a light beam and at least one optical guide (G) within which the light beam propagates, the optical guide comprising: a first face forming an exit face (FS) for the light beam, a second face forming a face (FR) for reflecting the light beam, and a screen (ED) disposed facing the reflection face (FR) of the light guide (G) and comprising an orientation means redirecting light rays escaping from the guide at the reflection face, so as to return them, at least partially, into the guide, the orientation means comprising catadioptric reflecting patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Vincent GODBILLON, Fabrice MAIRET, Fabien SERGENT
  • Patent number: 8256946
    Abstract: A vehicle light can prevent the generation of glare light due to the reflection of light from a connecting surface surrounding a reflecting surface when a lens body including the reflecting surface and the connecting surface surrounding the reflecting surface is used and light emitted from an LED light source enters the lens body. The vehicle light can include a light source and a lens body. The lens body can include optical surfaces including the reflecting surface configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, and connecting surfaces that shape and define a structure of the lens body by connecting the optical surfaces, but that do not engage in the formation of the light distribution pattern. The connecting surface surrounding the reflecting surface can reflect part of incident light from the light source to a direction that is different from the direction by the reflecting surface and is directed to any one of connecting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Ohno, Ryotaro Owada, Norikatsu Myojin
  • Patent number: 8256945
    Abstract: An interior lining component for a motor vehicle made from an opaque material skin and capable of transmitting a visible light from one side of the component to the other side of the component. The component may include an embroidery pattern performed in the opaque material skin that transmits the visible light coming from at least one light source located behind the component. The embroidery may be formed with a light transmitting member, such as transparent thread applied to the opaque material of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Choquet
  • Patent number: 8251556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear-end element (1) for a motor vehicle encompassing an illumination unit (2) for the illumination of a number plate, where the illumination unit (2) illuminates the rear side of the number plate and the illumination unit (2) has a translucent body (3) and an illuminant (4), where the translucent body of the illumination unit (2) has been introduced by way of the side area (5) into the rear-end element (1). The present invention moreover describes a motor vehicle which encompasses a rear-end element described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Schroebel, Rudolf Blass, Anton Halblaender
  • Patent number: 8246228
    Abstract: A light guide ring unit includes a first annular surface, a second annular surface opposite to the first annular surface and an inner side surface connecting the first annular surface and the second annular surface. The first annular surface defines a plurality of first elongated grooves extending along a radius of the first annular surface. The second annular surface defines a second groove extending along a radius of the second annular surface. The first annular surface receives light from a light source, and the light is reflected by the inner walls of the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Cheng Ko
  • Patent number: 8235567
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Nels Smith, Jeffrey T. Stout, Scott A. Hansen, Ronald A. Bozio
  • Patent number: 8226282
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light guide including: a first end surface; a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; a front side surface; and a back side surface opposite to the front side surface; a light source disposed to face the first end surface of the light guide so as to emit light toward the first end surface; and a reflector disposed to face the back side surface of the light guide. The light is incident on the first end surface and travels toward the second end surface along an longitudinal direction of the light guide. A first beam of the light is output from the front side surface of the light guide. A second beam of the light is output from the back side surface, and reflected by the reflector to travel toward a forward area of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kazaoka, Masahiro Fukumuro, Kyouhei Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8215810
    Abstract: An interior component having an illuminated portion comprises a trim cover positioned over a substrate. At least one light conductive element is in communication with an illumination source. A carrier engages the trim cover. The carrier further secures the light conductive element to the trim cover. The carrier has a plurality of windows formed therethrough such that the light conductive element is visible through the plurality of windows. The illuminated portion may further include an emblem in communication with the light source. The illuminated interior component may be formed by a method that includes the steps of forming a light conductive element that includes extruding an optical guide and a carrier having a mounting tab thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Paul S. Severinski, Pusheng Chen, Paula J. Bird, Benedict J. Messina, Bryan L. Orlando
  • Patent number: 8206017
    Abstract: An illumination device (11) for a motor vehicle includes a transparent light guide (13). At least a first decoupling element (33) is formed into the light guide (13). At least one reflector (35) is assigned to the first decoupling element (33) for reflection of light coupled-out by the first decoupling element (33) and aligned and formed in such a way that at least a portion of the light reflected by the reflector (35) irradiates the light guide (13). At least one second decoupling element (37) is formed in the light guide (13) for coupling-out of light from the light guide (13) and aligned and formed in such a way that light coupled-out by the second decoupling element (37) ultimately exits the light guide (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Zwick
  • Publication number: 20120147617
    Abstract: A lighting module for a vehicle is suggested, consisting of a housing and at least two light conductors or light conductor sections, which are arranged in the housing and extend along the external contour of the lighting module, with at least two LEDs, which are arranged on at least one circuit board in the housing. The light of at least two LEDs is coupled into the at least two light conductors, and a connection lens, which is adapted to the external contour of the light conductor, is installed between the light conductor sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SMR Patent S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel FRITZ, Andreas HERRMANN, Soenke GOLDSCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 8177401
    Abstract: The invention is related to an exterior rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base and a mirror head comprising at least one of the following features as mirror glass, mirror glass actuator, power fold actuator, lighting elements, indicators and at least one opening for a turn signal indicator light module. The assembly comprises a housing covered by a lens, at least one light guide with a first LED feeding light into the cross sectional area of the light guide, and at least a second LED placed apart the light guide, wherein a decorative, none reflective garnish is fixed between none reflective housing and transparent lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Hyok-Joo Hwang, Kwang-Ryeol Park
  • Patent number: 8172414
    Abstract: An illuminating device, for illuminating display designed parts on a display panel, includes at least one light source arranged at a rear side of the display panel, and a light guide body having a light guide portion for guiding the light toward its outer-circumferential portion to output the light toward the display designed parts through a front surface of the light guide portion. The outer-circumferential portion has an outer-circumferential side wall surface at is outer end. The light guide portion has at least one projecting portion projecting from the outer-circumferential side wall surface. The projecting portion is provided with a reflecting side surface formed along the outer-circumferential side wall surface so that the reflecting side surface can reflect the light traveling in the light guide portion to be outputted through the front surface of the light guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Kinya Tamura
  • Patent number: 8162519
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement for the interior of an automotive vehicle in which the light source, such as an LED, is recessed into the interior structure of the vehicle and covered with a layer of fabric. The light source is invisible when not in use, but shines through the fabric/foam layer when illuminated, and can be associated with a light transmitting member, such as a light bar and a light pipe. Such lighting arrangements can be disposed within the headliner to direct light where desired and for different functions, such as a map light or for area lighting. The lighting arrangement can be mounted in non-traditional locations, such as on vertically oriented pillars, visors, door panels, seat backs, seat fronts, and console sides. The light source is preferably one or more LEDs associated with a light transmitting medium to direct the discharge of light as desired within the automotive interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Mike James Whitens, Jeffrey Singer
  • Publication number: 20120092883
    Abstract: A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jason W. Guenzel, Mark R. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20120069593
    Abstract: A headlamp includes: a laser diode for emitting a laser beam; a light-emitting section for emitting light by being excited by a laser beam emitted from the laser diode; a reflection mirror for reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting section so as to form a bundle of rays which travel within a predetermined solid angle; and a first maneuvering section for maneuvering at least the reflection mirror so as to move an optical axis direction of the light reflected by the reflection mirror to a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko KISHIMOTO, Akira Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120069592
    Abstract: A linear light guide or light guides disposed in a lamp chamber have a light guide neighboring region, in which the portions close to light incidence end portions are close to each other, and a light-emitting portion or portions are disposed so as to be offset from a luminous region of a light source unit and to have portions that extend from the light guide neighboring region and separate from each other. A translucent diffusion cover that covers the light guide neighboring region is provided at least in front of the light guide neighboring region. Part of the light from the light guide neighboring region is diffused by the diffusion cover and then emitted through the diffusion cover, so that light emitted through the light-emitting portion and the diffusion cover is continuous, so that it appears as if the light guide that is continuous is emitting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori NATSUME, Hajime ARAI