With Bulb Mounting Means Patents (Class 362/519)
  • Patent number: 8425097
    Abstract: A lamp unit includes: a first board supporting a first LED; a second board supporting a second LED; a first reflector that is disposed so as to reflect, toward a projection lens, light emitted by the first LED; a second reflector that is disposed so as to reflect, toward the projection lens, light emitted by the second LED; and a shade that blocks part of light reflected by the first reflector. The first and second boards support the first and second LEDs so that the first and second LEDs are disposed on opposite sides with respect to an optical axis Ax of the projection lens. The first reflector is disposed on the side opposite to the first LED with respect to the optical axis Ax, and the second reflector is disposed on the side opposite to the second LED with respect to the optical axis Ax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ippei Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130058118
    Abstract: In present invention, the vehicle lighting device includes a heat sink; a light emitting element that is mounted on the heat sink; and a reflector that is disposed on a side of a light emission surface of the light emitting element, the reflector being adapted to reflect light from the light emitting element in a first direction. The heat sink includes: a heat sink main body; and a plate-shaped light source mount member which is protruded from the heat sink main body in the first direction, and on which the light emitting element is to be disposed. A light source is disposed to tit with respect to a horizontal surface in a widthwise direction of the vehicle when a vehicle lighting device is mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Toshiya ABE
  • Patent number: 8382349
    Abstract: A signaling assembly for use on an overland vehicle is shown and described, and which includes an exterior mirror housing defining an internal cavity, and which is mounted on a side of the overland vehicle; a semitransparent mirror having forward and rearward facing surfaces, and which is mounted on the mirror housing; a focusing optic mounted in the exterior mirror housing and juxtaposed relative to the rearward facing surface of the semitransparent mirror; and an emitter of visible light mounted in the internal cavity of the exterior mirror housing and juxtaposed relative to the focusing optic, and which further, when energized, emits visible light which passes through the semitransparent mirror, and which can be seen at an angle which is about 60 degrees relative to the side of the overland vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20120294026
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes: a light-emitting module; a control circuit section for controlling a lighting of the light-emitting module; and a reflector including a reflecting face configured to reflect and collect light emitted from the light-emitting module. The control circuit section includes an opposing portion that is opposed to the reflecting face. The opposing portion is disposed at a position away from an optical path of light to be collected by the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Matsumoto, Tetsuya Suzuki, Tomoyuki Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20120294027
    Abstract: A light module for a side mounted rear view mirror of a vehicle includes a light and an electrical conductor for connecting the light to a power source through an opening to be formed in a forward facing surface of the rear view mirror housing. The module includes a boot having an opening at a front end and a flexible back end. A fastening system is adapted for mounting the light and boot on the forward facing surface of the rear view mirror housing so the flexible back end of the boot is compressed against the forward facing surface of the mirror housing and a segment of the electrical conductor extending from the opening in the forward facing surface of the rear view mirror housing is substantially enclosed in the boot when the light module is installed on the rear view mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Merriman
  • Patent number: 8297811
    Abstract: An aircraft lamp includes a housing capable of being attached to a body of an aircraft; a discharge lamp; a reflector which reflects visible light from the discharge lamp; a light transmissive cover which transmits reflected light from the reflector to a front side of the housing; a lamp socket connected electrically to the discharge lamp and an igniter which activates the discharge lamp; and a high-voltage electrical power line that electrically connects the lamp socket with the igniter. The discharge lamp, the reflector, the light transmissive cover, the lamp socket, and the igniter are provided within the housing. A heat insulating air layer is provided between the lamp socket and the igniter. The high-voltage electrical power line is provided so as to pass through the heat insulating air layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mukai, Makoto Nawa, Shigeo Sawada
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8287165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20120236583
    Abstract: A headlamp device can include a headlight bulb and position light bulbs. In addition, the headlamp device can have an intermediate member between the lens and a reflector by which light from the headlight bulb is reflected. The intermediate member is provided with cutouts through which a gas present on the lens side relative to the intermediate member can flow to the base member side relative to the intermediate member. Thus convection of the gas takes place easily, whereby release of heat from within the internal space is accelerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki OCHIAI, Norifumi SHIMIZU, Tasuku SEKINE
  • 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: 8226283
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gebauer, Hubert Zwick
  • Publication number: 20120170297
    Abstract: An automotive daytime running lamp assembly includes an incandescent light source received within a reflector member. The reflector member is formed as a surface of revolution about a longitudinal axis and has an enlarged, first end, and a narrowed, second end with an opening that receives at least a portion of a light source therethrough along the longitudinal axis. A sleeve is received over a portion of the light source and at least partially extends through the reflector member opening. A cap received over the second end of the reflector member about the opening is fixedly secured to a disk, preferably by fusing or welding the components together. Likewise, the disk and metal sleeve are fixedly secured or fused/welded together so that the light source is fixed relative to the reflector member. A mounting member is provided for secure optical positioning of the assembly in a fixture of the associated automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jozsef Gallai, Zoltan Bako, Imre Molnar
  • Publication number: 20120170296
    Abstract: A rear automotive lamp assembly is provided replicating the appearance of a plurality of distinct illumination sources, such as light emitting diodes. The lamp assembly having a light source, at least one reflector, the reflectors having reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces operable to reflect light from the light source. The reflectors spaced apart and oriented such that light rays from the light source are incident to each of the reflective surfaces are reflected towards a viewing direction. A shield further disposed between the light source and the reflective surface of the reflector. The shield including a plurality of open sections or cutouts thereby allowing a generally collimated light beam from the light source to shine on the reflective surface such that each of the reflective surfaces of the at least one reflector appears as a distinct illumination source from the viewing direction. The openings vary in size and dimension along the length of the shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: North American Lighting, Inc., Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michal Ostrowski, Dianna Stadtherr, Manish Sharma, Yijung Zhu
  • Patent number: 8192052
    Abstract: A lamp is provided. Generally, the lamp comprises light source means for providing illumination in a frontward direction, retainer means for applying a frontward-directed load to the light source, and housing means for mechanically supporting the light source means and the retainer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Sunnex, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Brian Jacobson, B. Mayur Pangrekar
  • Publication number: 20120134168
    Abstract: A head lamp apparatus for a vehicle may include a reflector provided with a light source that emits light to reflect the light emitted from the light source in a forward direction, the reflector having an upper end at which a first auxiliary reflective surface may be formed, and a lower end at which a second auxiliary reflective surface may be formed, and a bezel mounted in front of the reflector and having an upper part on which a first reflective hole that corresponds to the first auxiliary reflective surface may be formed, and a lower part on which a second reflective hole that corresponds to the second auxiliary reflective surface may be formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: JAE HUN LEE
  • Publication number: 20120134167
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing, a first light emitting component, a second light emitting component, a lens member, and a light-blocking plate. The lamp housing defines a receiving space having first and second space portions adjacent to each other, and is formed with a light-exit opening. The first and second light emitting components are disposed in a respective one of the first and second space portions. The lens member closes the light-exit opening, and includes a first lens body aligned with the first light emitting component and a second lens body aligned with the second light emitting component. The light-blocking plate is disposed in the receiving space, is aligned with a portion of the second lens body that is adjacent to the first lens body, and is disposed to block a portion of light radiated by the second light emitting component from reaching the second lens body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: SIRIUS LIGHT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Nan HUANG
  • Patent number: 8147105
    Abstract: For a turn lamp unit, a reflecting member is disposed in an inner space formed by a housing and lens section, wherein the reflecting member is fixed to the housing by a screw. The head portion of the screw is disposed inside a screw housing space arranged at the housing, and an opening of the screw housing space is closed by a waterproof moisture-transmission section. Further, since the inner space and screw housing space are communicated with each other through a breathing hole, one end of the breathing hole is continuous with the inside of the screw housing space closed by the waterproof moisture-transmission section, and the other end of the breathing section is continuous with the inside of the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami, Corporation
    Inventors: Shungo Ikeno, Masahiro Motomiya, Akira Fukai, Ryo Inuzuka
  • Publication number: 20120008334
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a light emitting device disposed adjacent to a base point on an optical axis extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle headlamp, and a transparent member disposed in front of the light emitting device. The light emitting device has a light emitting surface arranged to face forward. The transparent member is configured such that light emitted by the light emitting device enters the transparent member and is internally reflected by a front surface of the transparent member, and such that the light reflected by the front surface is internally reflected again by a rear surface of the transparent member and emitted from the front surface of the transparent member. The rear surface of the transparent member is configured to form horizontal and oblique cutoff lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Otani, Naoki Uchida
  • Patent number: 8092056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light module (1) for a lighting device for a motor vehicle. The lighting module (1) comprises a light source (3) for emission of electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the form of light which is visible for the human eye, and a reflector (2) for focusing the emitted radiation. At its apex, in the area of its optical axis (8), the reflector (2) has an opening (7) for holding a light-emitting part (5) of the light source (3). A reflector neck (9) is formed on the reflector (2), surrounding at least a part of the holding opening (7), to which reflector neck (9) another part (4, 6) of the light source (3) is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Brendle, Michael Hamm, Ernst-Olaf Rosenhahn, Heike Froehlich
  • Publication number: 20110317442
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle light fitting unit that can include a plurality of light sources, a reflecting plane which diffusely reflects light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and a lens which emits the light, which is diffusely reflected by the reflecting plane, to a front direction. The plurality of light sources can each be provided so that a pitch between one light source and another light source adjacent to the one light source is shorter than a light path length from the one light source to the lens passing through the reflecting plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Kazuya Makiuchi, Hidetaka Okada, Takuya Matsumaru, Takashi Futami, Koji Fukura, Michio Furukawa, Masanobu Shinoda, Hideto Hosoda, Masahiro Yamagiwa, Yuji Tsuchiya, Tomohiro Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20110292670
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a light source disposed on an optical axis extending in a front-back direction of the vehicular lamp; and a reflector that reflects forward light from the light source. The reflector is formed by a translucent member including a plurality of optical elements disposed continuously in a radial direction of the optical axis. Each of the optical elements includes: a surface of incidence through which light from a light emission reference point in the light source is incident into the optical element and which refracts the light into a direction away from the optical axis, a reflective surface which internally reflects forward the light which is incident into the optical element through the surface of incidence, and a surface of emission through which the light internally reflected by the reflective surface is emitted forward from the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Hara
  • Publication number: 20110286229
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting unit which emits light parallel to an optical axis in a front direction can include a light source which emits light obliquely to an optical axis in the front direction and a light guiding body which guides the light emitted from the light source so as to emit the light. The light guiding body can include an incidence surface disposed to face the light source with a gap in between, the incidence surface through which the light emitted from the light source enters the light guiding body, a front surface having an exit surface and a first reflection surface, and a back surface having a second reflection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Masafumi OHNO
  • Publication number: 20110280039
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light emitting device including: a single or a plurality of laser diode(s) configured to emit a laser beam; a light emitting body configured to emit light upon irradiation with the laser beam(s); and an optical fiber guiding the single or plurality of laser beam(s) emitted from the single or plurality of laser diode(s) to a vicinity of the light emitting body and irradiating the guided single or plurality of laser beam(s) to a predetermined laser beam irradiation plane of the light emitting body, in a dispersed manner. This allows for achieving a high-luminance and a long life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuhiko KISHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110280030
    Abstract: According to the present invention, additional reflection surfaces 9UL, 9UR, 9DL, 9DR are provided for reflecting light L6 from semiconductor-type light sources 5U, 5D on intermediate invalid reflection surfaces 9, 9L, 9R. As a result, the present invention is capable of: reflecting the light L6 from the semiconductor-type light sources 5U, 5D on the intermediate invalid reflection surfaces 9, 9L, 9R, by means of the additional reflection surfaces 9UL, 9UR, 9DL, 9DR; illuminating the intermediate invalid reflection surfaces 9, 9L, 9R; and lessening a dark part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kazunori IWASAKI, Yoshihiro Sugie
  • Publication number: 20110249462
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes: a light-emitting element arranged face forward; and a translucent member arranged to cover the light-emitting element from its front side. The member has a horizontally oblong shape in a front view, and includes: a direct light control portion located near the optical axis and directly emitting light forward from a front surface of the member; reflected light control portions located both sides of the direct light control portion and internally reflecting the entered light on a rear surface of the member to form substantially parallel light directed forward and emitting the light forward from the front surface; and a curved-surface light incident area formed on the rear surface to allow light from the light-emitting element to enter as substantially parallel light with respect to a cross section parallel to the axis and a longitudinal direction of the member in the direction perpendicular to the cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroya KOIZUMI, Kazunori Natsume
  • Publication number: 20110235357
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight can include a semiconductor light source and a heat sink to radiate heat developed from the light source. The headlight can include a mounting base board mounting the light source and attached on a radiating base plate of the heat sink. At least one of a bottom surface of the mounting base board and the radiating base plate can include a concave portion in which a depth thereof is deeper than a maximum particle size of an inclusion of a thermal conductive viscous material that spreads in the concave portion. The light source can be located at a prescribed position in an accurate fashion without a positional misalignment while the heat developed from the light source can efficiently radiate via the heat sink. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide headlights including a radiation structure having a high radiating performance and positional accuracy for the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Norikatsu MYOJIN, Masafumi Ohno
  • Publication number: 20110235356
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a matrix type semiconductor light source, an imaging lens and a reflector. The light source can project an enlarged matrix light on the reflector via the imaging lens. The reflector can include a matrix reflex surface having horizontal curvatures. Each of the horizontal curvatures of the reflex surfaces arranged in columns can be configured such that the corresponding column light is extended gradually in a wider range as the corresponding column light approaches from a central column light toward both edge column lights. Accordingly, a magnification of light projected from the reflector can become gradually large as approaching from the central column toward both edge columns. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide vehicle headlights that can form favorable light distribution patterns for a low beam and a high beam having a bright central portion in a wide range of a smooth light distribution pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Takashi SATO, Masafumi OHNO
  • Publication number: 20110228547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto lamp structure, which comprises a reflector, a light source, and a covering part. The reflector exhibits a first ellipse in the direction of a first axis about a center, and exhibits a second ellipse in the direction of a second axis about the center. The long axis or the short axis of the first ellipse is different from the long axis or the short axis of the second ellipse. In addition. the reflector has an opening. The light source is disposed in the reflector, and illuminates light via the opening. The covering part is disposed above the reflector for controlling the distribution pattern of the light. Thereby, the present invention uses a reflector of a complex ellipse structure to control the distribution pattern of the light of the light source for complying with the regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: MING CHANG, WEN-BIN CHEN, CHI-TANG HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8016466
    Abstract: A reflector 30 is constituted as an aspherical mirror that forms a light distribution S1 in which spread of reflected light in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is larger than spread of reflected light in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The light distribution expanded in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 3 makes the light less likely to impinge on a side surface of the vehicle 3, so that the rear part of the vehicle 3 can be illuminated efficiently. As a result, maximum illumination can be achieved with the minimum amount of light. In addition, because the range of illumination is long in the longitudinal direction, not only the area around an occupant's feet outside a front door 5 but also an area around the feet outside a rear door 6 can be illuminated easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20110216550
    Abstract: A vehicle light can prevent or suppress uneven luminance chromaticity or uneven intensity distribution of light caused by reflection of blue laser beams emitted from a laser light source and reflected by the surface of a metal plate located around fluorescent material. The vehicle light can include a metal plate, a fluorescent material provided on a surface of the metal plate. The fluorescent material can serve as a light source for emitting light beams as a result of excitation by a blue laser beam. A laser light source can be configured to emit the blue laser beam to be incident on the fluorescent material. A reflection suppressing member can be provided to cover the surface of the metal plate around the fluorescent material and can be configured to suppress the reflection of the blue laser beam emitted by the laser light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Teruo KOIKE, Ji Hao Liang
  • Publication number: 20110205749
    Abstract: It is provided a lamp, particularly halogen lamp, for a headlight of a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (12) for emitting mainly white light, a mainly transparent envelope (14) encapsulating the light source (12) and a filter element (22) provided at the envelope (14), wherein the filter element (22) is adapted for deflecting visible light of a predefined wavelength interval such, that mainly blue light can be provided above a bright/dark-cutoff (28). Since the deflected bluish light is above the bright/dark-cutoff (28) an oncoming driver recognizes earlier the light. At the same time the oncoming driver is not blinded by the blue light above the bright/dark-cutoff (28), since not the whole emitted light (40) but only a smaller wavelength interval is directed above the bright/dark-cutoff (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Schoenfelder, Manfred Westemeyer, Klaus Schoeller, Kirsten G. Baeumges, Manfred Ruske, Konrad Sell
  • Patent number: 7993044
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes a discharge bulb fixed to a reflector and a connector coupled to the plug of the discharge bulb and designed to feed power to the discharge bulb. The reflector includes a conductive film on the periphery of a bulb fitting opening for fitting the plug of the discharge bulb. The connector includes a metallic cover covering its periphery. On the conductive film of the reflector is arranged an elastic contact member composed of a conductive material for electrically connecting to the metallic cover of the connector. The elastic contact member includes a bulb pressing piece for pressing and biasing the plug of the discharge bulb toward the opposing inner peripheral wall of the bulb fitting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7985012
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: You Kun An
  • Publication number: 20110156588
    Abstract: A lighting system for vehicles includes a housing having a front panel and a back panel, a reflector positioned adjacent the back panel, a plurality of light sources positioned on sides of the housing transverse to the back panel, a lens positioned the plurality of light sources and the front panel, a faceplate having a transparent pattern is configured to couple to the housing adjacent the front panel, a controller coupled to the light sources having a first input configured to couple to a vehicle ignition switch and a second input configured to couple to an accessory switch, and a color mapping interface coupled to the controller and configured to receive at least one removable color chip. The controller detects at least one color signal from the at least one removable color chip and controls the plurality of light sources in response to the at least one detected color signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory S. Brant
  • Publication number: 20110157909
    Abstract: A lamp unit is constructed of light sources, a reflector, a lamp housing that receives the light sources and the reflector therein, and a lamp lens that closes an opening of the lamp housing. The reflector has a through hole that is formed in a portion positioned above a first light source as a heat source, so that air warmed by heat of the first light source can be introduced into a rear side of the reflector via the through hole. The air introduced into the rear side of the reflector via the through hole and ascending therein can be lead by a first guide means to an air stagnating portion positioned in an end periphery of a hermetically-closed space that is defined by the lamp housing and the lamp lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youji Mikami, Daisuke Nagafuchi, Koji Sato
  • Publication number: 20110149585
    Abstract: A light signalling device, particularly designed for motor vehicles. The device has a reflector with a reflecting surface and a screen arranged opposite the reflector and having a semi-reflecting zone. The screen being arranged away from the reflector and forming a cavity with the reflector. The light rays of the source penetrate the cavity; and some of these rays are transmitted by the semi-reflecting zone, and others of these rays are reflected by the semi-reflecting zone, then by the reflector into the cavity in such a way as to generate a repetitive visual or three-dimensional effect of depth. The screen is configured and arranged in relation to the direction of emission of the light source in such a way that another part of the light rays leaves the cavity at the level of the screen without meeting the semi-reflecting zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Christophe DUBOSC
  • Publication number: 20110149586
    Abstract: It is provided a lamp assembly (10) for an automotive headlamp, comprising an LED (12) for emitting light rays, a housing (16), to which the LED (12) is detachably connectable, wherein the housing (16) comprises an entrance window (20) assigned to the LED (12), and a guiding element (22) for guiding the light rays passing through the entrance window (20), wherein the guiding element (22) is connected to the housing (16). Since the LED (12) is detachable connected to the housing (16) a defect LED (12) can by exchanged by only exchanging the LED (12) itself without exchanging the whole lamp assembly (10) including the housing (16) and the guiding element (22). Since the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff may be provided by the entrance window (20) and/or the guiding element (22) only, a misalignment of a newly inserted LED (12) does not affect the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff. The exchange of a LED (12) is facilitated and without affecting the correct position of the bright/dark-cutoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Josef Andreas Schug, Harald Willwohl, Ralph Hubert Peters, Wouter Petrus Kaandorp
  • Patent number: 7963684
    Abstract: A projection module for an automobile headlamp includes at least one semiconductor emission source which emits electromagnetic radiation, a reflector reflecting the emitted irradiation, a baffle arrangement shading at least a portion of the reflected irradiation, and a projection lens for projecting the reflected irradiation. The irradiation passes by the baffle arrangement to create a desired emission distribution from the projection module in front of the automobile. At least one emission source is mounted on, or near, the rear side of the baffle arrangement, and a main irradiation direction of the minimum of one emission source is directed into the semi-open space opposite the irradiation-output direction from the projection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Staub, Matthias Brendle
  • Publication number: 20110141760
    Abstract: A trim element (1) of the invention comprises: a first wall (2) enabling the passage of light with an outer surface (3) intended to be visible from the passenger compartment (4) of the motor vehicle; a second wall (8) defining a space (9) with the first wall (2) and one surface (7) of which is capable of reflecting light rays; and a luminous element (6) positioned inside the space (9) so as to backlight the first wall (2). The luminous element (6) sends a beam of light rays (L) to the second wall (8). The surface (7) diffusely reflects light rays. An inner surface (11) of the first wall (2) has light-reflecting properties such that the incident light rays on said inner surface (11) are partially reflected to the second wall (8) and partially emitted across the first wall (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Daniel Ory, Claudiu Vasilescu, Dany Desrus, Jurgen Griebel, Yannick Gouedard
  • Patent number: 7959336
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7950836
    Abstract: An integral HID reflector lamp may be formed with an HID held in a reflector. An inner element is mechanically coupled to the reflector. The inner element is formed with a first mechanical coupling to mate with the reflector, a second mechanical coupling to mate with a circuit board, and an electrical coupling to at least electrically couple one of the leads to the circuit board. A circuit board has an edge mechanically coupled to the inner element and electrically connected to the leads by an electrical coupling on the inner element. A heat sink spans at least one side of the circuit board and forming an EMI shielding. An outer cover encloses the heat sink, circuit board, and inner element and coupled to the assembly of the reflector, HID lamp, inner element, and heat sink with each elements of the assembly clipped together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Louie Daniel Veiga, Randall D Brown
  • Publication number: 20110122637
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include an LED light source disposed such that the optical axis of the LED light source is directed downward, a first lens disposed forward of the LED light source, a second lens disposed below and forward of the first lens, and a first reflector extending from both sides of the LED light source to a position near the optical axis of the LED light source. The first reflector can be configured to reflect light beams from the LED light source toward the first lens so as to form a wide vertically converged and horizontally diffused light distribution pattern. The vehicle light can include a second reflector disposed at a position below and forward of the first reflector. The second reflector can be configured to reflect light beams from the LED light source toward the second lens so as to form a middle-area vertically converged and horizontally diffused light distribution pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Takashi FUTAMI
  • Publication number: 20110122638
    Abstract: A vehicle light can electrically change over between a horizontally wide light distribution pattern and an AFS suitable light distribution pattern for projecting light beams leftward (or rightward according to the traffic system). The vehicle light can include a projection lens having a light incident surface and a light exiting surface; and a horizontally long rectangular surface light source including a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices that are horizontally disposed on both sides with respect to a focus of the projection lens and are independently controlled to be turned on/off. The projection lens can vertically converge and horizontally diffuse light beams for projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Sadayuki KONISHI
  • Publication number: 20110103085
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle has a light source (1), a first reflector (2), and at least one light pane (6, 7), which are disposed so that light emitted by the light source (1) is reflected by a reflector face (3) of the first reflector (2) and forms a first lamp face (17) of the lamp. The lamp has at least one second reflector (4), the reflector face (5) thereof being disposed separately from the reflector face (3) of the first reflector (2) and the second reflector being disposed so that light emitted by the light source (1) is reflected by the reflector face (5) of the second reflector (4) and forms a second lamp face (18) of the lamp, wherein the first and the second lamp faces (17, 18) are not coherent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Henning Kiel, Mathias Thamm, Sebastian Haering
  • Publication number: 20110063862
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp includes a reflector 102, a tail lamp bulb 82 and a tail/stop lamp bulb 83 attached to the reflector 102, and a lens 91 disposed rearward of the bulbs 82, 83 and attached to a tail lamp reflector portion 103. When the rear combination lamp is attached to a motorcycle, the lens 91 is provided to be inclined obliquely rearwardly and upwardly. An upper half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a cut-lens portion 92, as a uniform-light-emission design surface, processed with projections and depressions in a vehicle width direction. A lower half portion of the lens 91 is formed to have a clear lens portion 93, as a clear lens surface, disposed frontward, in a vehicle body, of an extension line 132 of the cut-lens portion 92.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi HOTEI, Satoshi KOGO, Hayato OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20110038171
    Abstract: A vehicle light can be configured to form a low-beam light distribution pattern on a virtual plane having a horizontal line and a vertical line as reference lines, the low-beam light distribution pattern including at least a first partial light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line and a second partial light distribution pattern having a cut-off line inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal line. The vehicle light can include an LED light source having an optical axis and disposed so that the optical axis thereof is directed in a horizontal direction, and a reflector formed of a revolved paraboloid and having a first reflecting surface disposed on the optical axis of the LED light source so as to face to the LED light source and a second reflecting surface disposed outside of the first reflecting surface and at a farther position away from the light source than the first reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Uchida
  • Publication number: 20110032721
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a body that opens forward; an outer cover attached to the body so as to cover the opening; a first light source disposed within a lamp chamber formed from the body and the outer cover; an optical member that reflects first light source light from the first light source forward; a second light source disposed within the lamp chamber; and a light guide in which an end portion thereof receives second light source light from the second light source and an extended side surface thereof radiates forward at least a portion of the second light source light. The light guide is provided at a position that does not block a light component that forms a main light distribution of the first light source light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroya Koizumi, Kenji Nobuhara, Kazunori Natsume
  • Publication number: 20110001428
    Abstract: A multi-signal exterior rear-view mirror assembly that includes: a structural part forming a perimetric frame (Fr) defining the contour of a first opening towards the rear (Op1), which encompasses a main reflective plate glass (G1); a second front opening (Op2) in an area opposite or adjacent to the main plate glass (G1), a first light module (D1) suitable for emitting a first turn signal through the second opening (Op2) towards the front and towards the side, and a second light module (D2, D2G) suitable for emitting a second turn signal towards the rear synchronized with the first turn signal for producing one and the same function, the second light module (D2, D2G) being independent in construction from the first light module (D1), and being located in a portion of the structural part (Fr) forming a perimetric frame or in a portion of an adjacent part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Alejandro Rodríguez Barros, José Manuel Rodríguez Fernández
  • Publication number: 20100309677
    Abstract: In a side turn signal lamp, an LED light source is mounted to a base end of a light guide lens. A distal end of the light guide lens curves toward the rear of a vehicle and a functional light distribution portion including light diffusion steps is formed in a curved portion, so that light from the LED light source is diffused toward a side of the vehicle. In a design light distribution portion between the LED light source and the functional light distribution portion, a linear optical step is formed on a rear surface of the light guide lens so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lens. A portion of light headed from the LED light source toward the functional light distribution portion is reflected by the optical step in front of the vehicle and diffused around the groove portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiko Kazaoka
  • Publication number: 20100309676
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: MAXZONE AUTO PARTS CORP.
    Inventor: Keng-Sheng LIN