Plural Separate Reflectors With Complex Surfaces Patents (Class 362/517)
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Patent number: 8246227Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a fixed reflector having reflecting surfaces made of parabola-based free curved faces; movable reflectors having reflecting surfaces made of parabola-based free curved faces; and semiconductor-type light sources having light emitting chips shaped like a planar rectangle. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a first location, a light distribution pattern for low beam is obtained. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a second location, light distribution patterns for high beams are obtained. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a third location, light distribution patterns for daytime running light are obtained. As a result, the vehicle headlamp can achieve downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Toshiya Abe
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Patent number: 8240896Abstract: A vehicle headlamp with improved vibration proof of a movable reflector is provided. The vehicle headlamp has: a holder; an upside movable reflector and a downside movable reflector; light sources; and a drive unit. The drive unit is made up of a motor and a drive force transmission mechanism. The drive force transmission mechanism rotates the upside and downside movable reflectors in reverse directions, respectively. As a result, the vehicle headlamp can improve the vibration proof of the upside and downside movable reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Toshiya Abe
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Patent number: 8226283Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for an automobile with at least one light source (11) to emit light and at least one cup (or bowl)-shaped reflector (10) to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (11). The reflector (10) is formed as a light-conductor structure (12) with a totally-reflecting reflection surface (16). The light-conductor structure (12) includes at least one light-coupling surface (13) and at least one light-decoupling surface (15). The reflection surface (16) is formed as a border surface of the light-conductor structure (12). It is proposed that either the light-coupling surface (13) and/or the light-decoupling surface (15) and/or the reflection surface (16) of the reflector (10) include means to deflect the light beams passing through them or reflected by them.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbHInventors: Matthias Gebauer, Hubert Zwick
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Patent number: 8210727Abstract: A vehicle headlamp of the present invention is provided with: a semiconductor-type light source; a main reflecting surface; a first auxiliary reflecting surface; a shade; a second auxiliary reflecting surface; a third auxiliary reflecting surface; and a fourth auxiliary reflecting surface. The shade forms a light distribution pattern for passing, having cutoff lines. The first auxiliary reflecting surface and the second auxiliary surface form a light distribution pattern for overhead sign. The first auxiliary reflecting surface, the third auxiliary reflecting surface, and the fourth auxiliary reflecting surface form an auxiliary light distribution pattern between the light distribution pattern for passing, having the cutoff lines, and a light distribution pattern for overhead sign. As a result, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention improves visibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Yasufumi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8201980Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a fixed reflector having reflecting surfaces, a respective one of which is made of a parabola-based free curved face; movable reflectors having reflecting surfaces, a respective one of which is made of a parabola-based free curved face; and semiconductor-type light sources, a respective one of which has a light emitting chip shaped like a planar rectangle. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a first location, a light distribution pattern for low beam is obtained on the reflecting surfaces of the fixed reflector. When the movable reflectors are positioned in a second location, light distribution patterns for high beams are obtained on the reflecting surfaces of the fixed reflector and the movable reflector. As a result, the vehicle headlamp enables downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Ookubo, Toshiya Abe
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Publication number: 20120147618Abstract: A vehicle lamp has a light source having an edge extending linearly, a first reflector, and a second reflector. The vehicle lamp forms a light distribution pattern having cut-off lines at an upper end section thereof by sequentially reflecting light from the light source using the first and second reflectors. An edge of the light source is disposed so as to extend in the horizontal direction. A first reflecting surface of the first reflector is formed of a curved surface, and shaped such that, when an image of the light source formed on the first reflecting surface of the first reflector is viewed from respective points on a first reflecting surface of the second reflector, an edge portion of the image of the light source corresponding to the edge of the light source appears to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Noriko Sato, Naoki Uchida
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Patent number: 8197109Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp for vehicle which can obtains an ideal light distribution pattern using one light unit. The lamp for vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a first reflecting surface (11) in ellipse shape; a semiconductor light source (3) at a first focus (F11) or its vicinity of the first reflecting surface; and reflecting surfaces (12, 13, 14) in parabola shape controlling the reflected light (L2) from the first reflecting surface (11) to be reflected on the road as predetermined light distribution patterns (LP, HP, SP, WP). The second reflecting surface (12) forms light distribution pattern for high light degree (HP). The third reflecting surface 13 forms light distribution pattern for collection (SP) having the light distribution pattern for high light degree (HP).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 8177402Abstract: The invention relates to a light module (1) for an illumination device (20), in particular for a headlight, for a motor vehicle. The light module (1) comprises a plurality of light sources (2) for emitting light beams (4, 5), at least one primary optical unit (6; 12) for focusing the emitted light beams (4a, 5a), a stop arrangement (8) in the beam path of the focused light beams (4b, 5b), and at least one secondary optical unit (9) for imaging the focused light beams (4b, 5b) which passed the stop arrangement (8) on a roadway in front of the motor vehicle in order to generate a desired light distribution.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbHInventors: Ralf Ackermann, Ernst-Olaf Rosenhahn
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Publication number: 20120063157Abstract: A vehicular lighting fixture unit according to one aspect of the subject matter can include a projector lens placed on an optical axis extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. A light-emitting element can be placed between the projector lens and a rear-side focal point of the projector lens at a position lower than the optical axis so as to emit light substantially vertically upward. A phosphor can be placed so as to be closer to a vehicle rear side than the rear-side focal point. A first reflecting surface can be configured to reflect the light from the phosphor so as to condense the light toward the optical axis. A second reflecting surface can be placed substantially vertically above the light-emitting element at a position at which the second reflecting surface does not block the reflected light from the first reflecting surface. The second reflecting surface can be configured to reflect the light from the light-emitting element toward the phosphor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Yoshiaki Nakazato, Yoshiaki Nakaya
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Patent number: 8118460Abstract: A lens includes extended lens portions extending leftward and rightward beyond a high beam reflecting portion, respectively. The lens forms an X shape when viewed from the front, due to the extended lens portions. Paired left and right light guide members are disposed below a reference axis of a low beam bulb on lateral sides of a high beam bulb, respectively. Extension members are disposed along side edges of the lens in such a manner as to cover front sides of the light guide members, respectively. Opening portions are formed in the extension members so as to guide light from the light guide members to the extended lens portions respectively. Light from the low beam bulb is emitted to an outside through the light guide members, the opening portions, and the extended lens portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Hotei, Satoshi Kogo, Hayato Ohashi
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Patent number: 8092059Abstract: A vehicular lighting fixture can include a shade wherein an end edge of an upper surface of the shade is positioned at or in a vicinity of a focus of a projection lens. A first reflection surface can be provided to condense light from a light source in a vicinity of the end edge and to form a basic light distribution pattern by the projection lens. A second reflection surface which can comprise one planar reflection surface and can reflect light from the first reflection surface to form a first additional light distribution pattern. A third reflection surface can be provided on a higher surface of a step section of the upper surface, and can reflect light from the first reflection surface to form a second additional light distribution pattern. A fourth reflection surface can connect the second and third reflection surface, and can reflect the light from the first reflection surface in a direction not incident on the projection lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Yamagata
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Publication number: 20110292669Abstract: A lighting module having a flat light emitter, a reflector (R1) determined so as to create, in a plane comprising the emitter, a hot spot (S) limited by a control curve (A) contained in the plane comprising the first emitter and constituting the front or rear edge of the spot and a lens (L) determined and arranged with the reflector so as to form the first cutoff beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: VALEO VISIONInventors: Pierre ALBOU, Vanesa Sanchez
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Patent number: 8038333Abstract: A lighting fixture for use with a vehicle can switch a plurality of functions (for example, a fog lamp function and a cornering lamp function) without depending on a mechanical action. The lighting fixture can be mounted on a vehicle and can include a first light source, a second light source, and a first reflecting surface which can reflect light emitted by the first light source to form a first light distribution pattern when the first light source is turned on and can reflect light emitted by the second light source to form a second light distribution pattern different from the first light distribution pattern when the second light source is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sadayuki Konishi
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Patent number: 8038334Abstract: A vehicular headlamp unit using a light-emitting element as a light source includes a projection lens on an optical axis that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and first and second light source units arranged rearward of the projection lens. The first light source unit includes a first light-emitting clement, a first reflector arranged to cover the first light-emitting clement from above and structured to reflect light from the first light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis, and a first mirror component having an upward-facing reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
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Patent number: 8033697Abstract: An automotive headlight system and an adaptive automotive headlight system with instant compensation control are provided. The automotive headlight system includes a light source, a total internal reflection prism, a digital reflecting element, a freeform lens, and a multi-curve-reflector. The total internal reflection prism is used for redirecting and reflecting light beams from the light source. The digital reflecting element is controlled to switch to a plurality of states with regard to reflected light beams from the total internal reflection prism then compensation patterns will be promptly given during different states. The freeform lens is used for controlling directions of the light beams from the digital reflecting element. The multi-curve-reflector has a plurality of radii of curvature for reflecting the light beams from the freeform lens.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: National Kaohsiung First University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yi-Chin Fang, Jung-Hung Sun, Yi-Liang Chen, Wei-Chi Lai, Kuo-Ying Wu
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Publication number: 20110205748Abstract: A headlight can form a light distribution pattern that prevents uneven brightness when the headlight is set to a high beam mode, and also minimizes power consumption when the headlight is set to the high beam mode. The vehicle light can include a multi-focal lens that has a mid-level lens portion, an upper-level lens portion, and lower-level lens portion. A separator plate can have a front edge positioned at or near the focal point of the mid-level lens portion. Light emitting elements can be mounted on top and bottom of the separator plate, respectively. A first elliptical reflecting surface whose first focal point is set at or near the first light emitting element and whose second focal point is set at or near the focal point of the mid-level lens portion can be provided. A second elliptical reflecting surface can also be provided whose first focal point is set at or near the second light emitting element and whose second focal point is set at or near the focal point of the upper-level lens portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: YASUSHI YATSUDA
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Patent number: 7985012Abstract: Disclosed herein is a head lamp. The head lamp includes a light source emitting light, a reflection plate reflecting the emitted light toward a lens, and a shield integrally formed with the reflection plate to intercept a portion of the light illuminated toward the lens. The head lamp can accurately adjust an illumination pattern of light through a reduction of assembly tolerance between components.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: You Kun An
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Patent number: 7980742Abstract: A lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight for giving a cutoff beam, having an optical axis and comprising at least one light source (S), a reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2) of the complex surface type, and a cylindrical lens (L, La) with substantially vertical generatrices placed between the two foci (F1, F2) of the arc of an ellipse. The light source consists of at least one light emitting diode disposed so that its light beam has a mean direction (?, ?a) substantially orthogonal to the geometric axis of the reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2), which is situated relative to the plane of the rear face of the light emitting diode, on the emitted beam side, and in calculating its surface area account is taken of the protective lens of the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 7972046Abstract: A lighting device of the present invention includes: a first reflecting surface which is an elliptical reflecting surface; a semiconductor-type light source which is disposed at a first focal point of the first reflecting surface; and parabolic reflecting surfaces for controlling reflected light from the first reflecting surface and reflecting the controlled reflected light on a road surface, as predetermined light distribution patterns. The parabolic reflecting surfaces are a plurality of reflecting surfaces which are longitudinally divided into three sections. As a result, longitudinal steps are formed among the three parabolic reflecting surfaces that are longitudinally divided. Thus, if the reflected light from the first reflecting surface is incident to the longitudinal steps, the incident light is reflected in the lateral direction, i.e., in the transverse direction at the steps. In this manner, vertical stray light can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 7963683Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lighting device that includes an array of LEDs arranged on a circuit board with a reflector that rotates relative to the LEDs to reflect the light in various directions. The reflector according to the present disclosure includes a compact construction that allows for effective light reflection. A related lighting system and method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Federal Signal CorporationInventors: Robert A. Czajkowski, Myron F. Pavlacka, Jacek J. Jozwik, Charles P. Meyer
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Patent number: 7959336Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes: a lamp unit for concentrating light; a lamp unit for diffusion; a lamp housing and a lamp lens, partitioning a lamp room; and an optical-axis adjuster which is integrally mounted in the lamp housing in an optical-axis adjustable manner in a state in which the lamp unit for concentrating light and a lamp unit for diffusion are integrally disposed in the lamp room. The lamp unit for concentrating light radiates a light distribution pattern for diffusion. The lamp unit for diffusion radiates a light distribution pattern for diffusion. As a result, in this vehicle lighting device, one lamp unit for concentrating light is provided which satisfies a main light distribution standard and forms a light distribution pattern for concentrating light as a standard for optical axis, thereby facilitating adjustment of light distribution and allowing for precise adjustment of light distribution.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 7961455Abstract: A housing for mounting a display device is provided. The display device includes a display screen capable of displaying an executable function and an input selector which corresponds to the displayed function such that upon actuation of the input selector the displayed function is executed. The housing includes a generally planar surface disposed spaced apart from the display screen. An aperture is formed in the generally planar surface so that the display screen is visible through the generally planar surface. A ledge bounding at least a portion of the aperture extends from the generally planar surface to the display screen. A guide formed on the ledge links the input selector to the displayed function. The ledge has a first reflectance and the guide has a second reflectance which is different than the first reflectance so as to provide a contrast between the ledge and the guide due to the different amounts of light emitted from the display screen reflecting off the ledge and the guide.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Erik Anthony Wippler
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Patent number: 7918595Abstract: A lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight, designed to give a beam with cutoff, and comprising at least one light source, a collecting mirror, a bender having a reflective surface and a cutoff edge, a return mirror, for producing towards the front the output beam with cutoff the surfaces of the collecting mirror, of the bend and of the return mirror being conjugate surfaces such that the collecting mirror converts a spherical wave issuing from the center of the source into a wave surface reducing to a two-dimensional curve, convex towards the front, the cutoff edge of the bender is merged with this curve, the return mirror converts the above wave surface into at least one cylindrical wave surface of vertical axis having as its cross-section a curve.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 7866863Abstract: A vehicle headlamp has a segment light source, and a reflector configured to forward reflect light from the segment light source. The segment light source is arranged such that a first predetermined point located at a front end edge of the segment light source is located on a first reference axis. A reflecting surface of the reflector is split into a plurality of reflection regions. At least one of the plurality of reflection regions is constituted as a fan-like reflection region surrounded by a first straight line extending obliquely downward from the first reference axis, and a second straight line extending immediately downward from the first reference axis. The fan-like reflection region is constituted with a curved surface that deflects, diffuses, or reflects the light from the segment light source in a direction orthogonal to the first straight line.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidetada Tanaka
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Patent number: 7866862Abstract: A vehicular lamp forms a low-beam distribution pattern by combining light radiated from a first unit and a second unit. A brightness decreasing element is provided on a reflective surface of a first main reflector in a sub-unit of the first unit. Thus, for the low-beam distribution pattern formed by the first unit and the second unit, among a peripheral end portion of a cut-off line forming pattern formed by the sub unit, a low luminance portion with a partially reduced brightness is formed at the border of both right and left end sides that upwardly overlap with a portion of a diffusion area forming pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Nakata, Michio Tsukamoto
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Publication number: 20100321947Abstract: A reflector made of a synthetic resin material is positioned and fixed in a heat sink member. At a position spaced from the positioned and fixed portion, a deformation prevention portion for preventing a warping deformation of the reflector is provided for a respective one of the reflector and the heat sink member, thus preventing a warping deformation of the reflector due to a heat generated from a semiconductor-type light source. As a result, the impairment of light distribution performance, caused by a slight warping deformation of the reflector, is avoided. In this manner, a thermal deformation of the reflector due to the heat generated from the semiconductor-type light source is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Yoshihiko HAMASHIMA
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Publication number: 20100309676Abstract: A vehicular lighting device is composed of at least one light-emitting element, a lens for guiding the refraction of the light of the light-emitting element along an optical axis, a shield having a cut-off portion formed at an edge thereof and located on the same horizon as the optical axis, and a reflector mounted above the light-emitting element. The reflector includes a first reflective surface is parabolic, and a second reflective surface inclining against the optical axis according to the radian of the first reflective surface. After the first and second reflective surfaces are used for guiding and focusing the light on the cut-off portion, the first and second reflective surfaces can project the light to the lens. Accordingly, the second reflective surface can guide some residual light to effectively enhance luminous flux and light utilization.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: MAXZONE AUTO PARTS CORP.Inventor: Keng-Sheng LIN
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Patent number: 7832905Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector, in particular for discharge luminaires, in the case of which at least two facets direct the light from an upper and a lower region of the discharge lamp in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Auer Lighting GmbHInventors: Rüdiger Kittelmann, Harry Wagener
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Patent number: 7832912Abstract: In existing lamp unit for vehicles, the light from the semiconductor light source can not be effectively used. In the present invention, a shade (5) is arranged between the second focus (F2) of a first reflect surface (9) and a semiconductor light source (4), for cutting off a portion of the reflected light (L4) emitting from the semiconductor light source (4) and reflected by the first reflect surface (9), and using the remaining reflected light (L4) to form a predetermined distributed light pattern (P) having the cutoff lines (CL); a light shutout member (8) is provided with the fourth part (20) of the supplemental reflect surface for reflecting the light (L3) from the semiconductor light source (4) toward the shade (5); a through hole (24) is arranged on the shade (5) for the reflected light (L17) from the fourth part (20) of the supplemental reflect surface illuminating therethrough toward the planar reflect surface (7).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Koji Nishihata
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Patent number: 7824088Abstract: A planar reflection surface is arranged between a projection lens and a lens focal point of the projection lens. The lens focal point exists as a pseudo lens focal point at a symmetric position with respect to the planar reflection surface. A horizontal optical axis exists as a vertical pseudo optical axis that intersects at right angles with the horizontal optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 7815344Abstract: A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventors: Thomas Bleiner, Bruno Dussert-Vidalet
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Patent number: 7798690Abstract: A headlamp including a metal bracket and a plurality of light source units 50, each unit having a light source, being mounted on the metal bracket 20, and being disposed within a lamp chamber. Irradiation light patterns of the light source units 50 are combined together to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. Each of the light source units 50 includes a resin shade 58, which is fastened to the bracket 20 by a fastening portion and is disposed forwardly of the light source, and a resin lens 52 connected to the shade 58. Part of the fastening portion is made of metal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Tetsuaki Inaba
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Patent number: 7789536Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device in the form of a matrix illumination system, comprising a transparent carrier plate (11) provided with a plurality of LEDs (3, 5), arranged thereon. The LEDs may be arranged in a pattern with rows and columns and each LED may be optically connected to a collimating optical component (13, 15) in the form of an optical transparent body which collimates light generated by the respective light emitting diode by means of total internal reflection. In order to make the overall system transparent, so that objects behind the system may be visible therethrough, the space between the optical elements of the individual LEDs is filled with a filling material (29) that has a refractive index which is higher than the refractive index of air. A gap is maintained between the filling material and the surfaces of the optical components in order to maintain the TIR lens property.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Willem Lubertus Ijzerman
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Patent number: 7784985Abstract: A dual function headlamp for motor vehicle fulfilling a first function as a beam with cut-off, in particular a dipped beam, and a second function as a second-type beam, in particular a full beam, comprising: an elliptical reflector with an interior focal point and an focal point on an optical axis; a light source placed in the vicinity of the interior focal point; an optics placed forward of the reflector and with a focal point merged with, or next to, the exterior focal point of the reflector; and a retractable shade that can occupy an active position for the beam with cut-off and a withdrawn position for the second-type beam, the shade in active position presenting a cut-off edge situated in the vicinity of the focal point of the optics. The retractable shade presents a reflective surface which, in withdrawn position, is placed in the lower part of the reflector, is turned forward and contributes to the second-type beam.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Jean-Luc Meyrenaud
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Publication number: 20100202152Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. Light irradiated from the first lamp unit and light irradiated from the second lamp unit are superimposed to form a low light distribution pattern. The first lamp unit provides more than twice as much illuminance as the second lamp unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Yusuke Nakada
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Patent number: 7766523Abstract: A lamp unit 18 is provided with a reflecting face 25b for an overhead sign and a light receiving face 28 for the overhead sign. The reflecting face 25b for an overhead sign reflects light from a light source 23a and is provided on an upper side of the light source 23a and rearward from a rear side focal point F of a projector lens 11. The light receiving face 28 for the overhead sign is provided on a front side of a movable shade 30 arranged between the projector lens 11 and the light source 23a. The light receiving face 28 forms overhead sign irradiating light P2 by reflecting light from the reflecting face 25b for the overhead sign to the projector lens 11. Illuminance reducer for reducing a portion of irradiating light is provided at a position of a vicinity of an upper end of the movable shade 30 of the light receiving face 28a for the overhead sign.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Kinoshita, Akinori Matsumoto, Takehiko Tajima
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Patent number: 7762700Abstract: A rear-loading LED module for a rear combination lamp is disclosed. One or more LEDs are mounted on a printed circuit board that mechanically holds them at the focus of a faceted, parabolic reflector. Light from the LEDs diverges transversely and horizontally, and is collimated by the reflector, and the reflected collimated light is directed in a generally longitudinal direction out of the rear combination lamp, toward the viewer. The LED module itself is generally longitudinally oriented, and is insertable longitudinally into the interior of the reflector from a hole at the vertex of the reflector. The printed circuit board, an optional thermal pad adjacent to the printed circuit board, and a thermally conductive layer adjacent to the optional thermal pad are all generally planar layers, are all generally parallel to each other, and may optionally all have the same footprint. Together, the printed circuit board, the thermal pad and the thermally conductive layer may all form a generally planar ledge.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Hong Luo, ZhaoHuan Liu
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Publication number: 20100177525Abstract: A conventional vehicle lighting device entails difficulty in smoothly dimming a part at a downside of a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern. A shade-cum additional reflector includes a cutoff line forming portion which forms an opposite lane side cutoff line, an oblique cutoff line, and a cruising lane side cutoff line, of a light distribution pattern for passing, i.e., a horizontal portion, an inclined portion, and a corner portion, of a protrusion. Of an additional reflecting surface, in proximal to at least the horizontal portion of the protrusion, a spherical convex portion is provided as a diffusion portion for diffusing and reflecting a part of the cut off reflected light onto a side of a projecting lens. As a result, a lighting device of the present invention allows for smooth dimming of a part at a downside of at least the opposite lane side cutoff line, of a light distribution pattern for passing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Kazunori IWASAKI
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Patent number: 7736028Abstract: A light source apparatus comprising a lamp having a light emitting portion of generating light, a first concave mirror having a first opening provided on a light-using side on which the generated light is used and a second opening provided on an opposite side to the light-using side and having the light emitting portion of the lamp placed inside, and a second concave mirror having a predetermined size to reflect on the light emitting portion side of the lamp the light which comes or should come out of the second opening and placed at a predetermined position in relation to a position at which the second opening is provided, and wherein the size of the second opening is provided so that an amount of the used light becomes substantially maximum.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yusaku Shimaoka
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Patent number: 7736039Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a first unit having a first main reflector for reflecting light from a first semiconductor light emitting element to a front side, and a second unit having a second main reflector for reflecting light from a second semiconductor light emitting element to the front side. A light emitting region of the first unit and a light emitting region of the second unit are arranged to be separated from each other. An additional optical unit for receiving light irradiated from the first and the second units to irradiate to the front side is arranged between the first unit and the second unit such that a light emitting region of the additional optical unit connects the light emitting region of the first unit and the light emitting region of the second unit to be optically recognized as a single light emitting region as a whole.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Nakazawa, Yasuyuki Kato, Masashi Tatsukawa
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Patent number: 7726857Abstract: A lamp unit for a headlamp of a vehicle includes a projection lens, a light emitting device disposed on a rear side of the projection lens, a reflector, and a mirror member having an upwardly reflecting surface. The reflector forwardly reflects light from the light emitting device toward an optical axis, and the upwardly reflecting surface upwardly reflects part of the light reflected by the reflector. The upwardly reflecting surface includes a first horizontal surface disposed on a self-lane side of the optical axis, a second horizontal surface disposed on an opposing-lane side of the optical axis, and an intermediate slope surface connecting the first and second horizontal surfaces. The intermediate slope surface includes a front slope surface and a rear slope surface on the rear side of the front slope surface, and the rear slope surface is curved.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Nakada, Michio Tsukamoto
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Publication number: 20100118558Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided. The vehicle headlamp includes a lamp body having a front opening, a cover which covers the front opening of the lamp body to form a lamp housing, a first lamp unit which is disposed inside the lamp housing to produce at least one of a high beam and a low beam, and a second lamp unit disposed in a gap region between the lamp body and the first lamp unit to produce a beam other than the high beam and the low beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hironori TSUKAMOTO, Ryosuke HARA
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Patent number: 7712929Abstract: A light fixture device comprises a reflector portion having a pair of parallel longitudinal boundary regions and a pair of parallel lateral boundary regions; the reflector portion being shaped according to a longitudinal focal line, a pair of housing portions, each for engaging a corresponding lateral boundary region; at least one connector portion for coupling the housing portions together with the reflector portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Canlyte Inc.Inventors: Gary Eugene Schaefer, Wayne Douglas Campbell
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Patent number: 7708438Abstract: A lighting fixture for a vehicle includes: at least one light source; and a housing including a housing main body and an outer lens. The housing includes a partition wall which partitions a housing space, formed by the outer lens and the housing main body into a housing space exposed portion and a housing space shielded portion which houses and shields the at least one light source.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Yajima, Satoru Okada
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Patent number: 7708439Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with a lamp unit including a light source bulb having a light source for emitting light, a main reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, a shade for shielding apart of the light reflected by the main reflecting face, and a projector lens for forward projecting the light having passed the shades. The vehicle headlamp unit is further provided with a first sub-reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, a second sub-reflector for forward projecting the light from the first sub-reflector through the shade and the projector lens when the first sub-reflector is situated at a first position and a third sub-reflector having a third sub-reflecting face for forward projecting the light from the first sub-reflector not through the projector lens when the first sub-reflector is situated at a second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Masao Kinoshita
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Patent number: 7695176Abstract: A projection-type vehicle headlamp includes a lamp body, a front cover forming a lamp housing together with the lamp body, a light projection unit accommodated inside the lamp body, and a cover extending in a forward direction from the light projection unit. A louver is formed on a portion of the cover where light from the light projection unit is irradiated so as to allow irradiated light to pass through the louver.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sumito Ohtaki, Kohji Shimakura, Noriyuki Konagai, Akinori Matsumoto, Tomoyuki Moritani
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Patent number: 7690818Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens through which an optical axis passes. The optical axis extends in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector which reflects a direct light from the light source toward a front direction so as to become close to the optical axis; a shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and having an edge portion positioned near the rear focal point of the projection lens; and an auxiliary reflector disposed between the projection lens and a shade. The auxiliary reflector reflects a part of the light reflected by the reflector toward the projection lens such that an upward irradiation light is irradiated from the projection lens. The shade shields a part of the light reflected by the reflector and a part of the direct light emitted from the light source and forms a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Yusuke Nakada, Masashi Tatsukawa
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Patent number: 7690826Abstract: Provided is an adaptive front light system (AFLS) for a vehicle. The AFLS comprising one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lamp units and a housing which accommodates the LED lamp units, wherein each of the LED lamp units comprises one or more LEDs as its light source and a reflector which reflects light emitted by the light source so that the reflected light can be directed forward, and said adaptive front light system is operable to form different beam patterns by selectively turning on or off the lamp units, and wherein one or more reflectors of the lamp units comprise a multi-face reflector including a plurality of cells having different curvature radiuses or focal points.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: SL Seobong, SL LightingInventor: Jong-Un Kim
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Patent number: 7682057Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting module comprising a concave reflector, and at least one light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector in order to illuminate at least upwards, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The reflector is associated with a flat plate, the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the said plate comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The reflector is determined so as to transform a spherical wave surface coming from the source into a wave surface boiling down to an arc of a circle situated in the plane of the plate, and the lens is of revolution about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the plate and passing through the center of the said arc of a circle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Publication number: 20100066249Abstract: A vehicle light can simultaneously form a light distribution pattern for a tail/stop lamp in one direction and another light distribution pattern for a side marker lamp in another direction without use of a dedicated light source(s). The vehicle light can include: a cover lens having a lens portion and a wraparound lens portion extending from the lens portion to the vehicle side face; a first LED light source configured to form first and second light distribution patterns; and a first reflector configured to reflect a first part of light from the first LED light source so as to form the second light distribution pattern. The first LED light source can be disposed so that a second part of the light from the first LED light source passes through the wraparound lens portion to form the first light distribution pattern. The first reflector can be disposed between the first LED light source and the wraparound lens portion so that the first reflector does not block the second part of the light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Daisuke NAGAFUCHI, Koji Sato