Gear Driven Patents (Class 362/524)
  • Patent number: 11932341
    Abstract: A ride includes a first device and a second device. The first device has an adjustment mechanism. The second device has an adjustment mechanism. Any one of the first device and the second device is a lighting device in which a direction of a light source of light is adjustable. An opening is formed in the ride. The adjustment mechanism of the first device and the adjustment of the second device can be operated by being accessed from outside through the same opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11548431
    Abstract: A problem to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is how to reduce the load-bearing requirement for a supporting bracket. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a supporting bracket of a vehicle headlight is disclosed, wherein the supporting bracket includes a first supporting part for supporting a low beam unit; a second supporting part for supporting a high beam unit; and a first rotary part for causing the first supporting part and the second supporting part to rotate simultaneously in a horizontal direction about the rotation axis of the first rotary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Chen Chen, Wenling Zhang, Bin Han
  • Patent number: 11454374
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus of mobility that implements various illumination functions includes a low beam and a high beam and provides a sense of operation when respective illumination functions are switched such that the design is upgraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, SL Corporation
    Inventors: Jung Wook Lim, Jin Hee Yu, Dong Gyu Lee, Jong Soon Yim, Jin Sik Nam, Sang Hyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 10816162
    Abstract: In order to provide a vehicular headlight in which a rise in temperature of an extension member due to sunlight can be suppressed, and for which the appearance can be improved, a vehicular headlight includes: a light source; a reflector that reflects light from the light source; a lens having an entry surface through which light reflected by the reflector enters, and an exit surface from which the light that has entered the entry surface exits into an irradiation region in front of the vehicle; an extension member disposed at least in front of and below the lens in a vehicle-mounted state, and including a colored portion and a light-transmitting member that is disposed covering the colored portion and is capable of transmitting light; and a light-scattering portion provided at least in a portion of the light-transmitting member below the lens in the vehicle-mounted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Katsuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 10583772
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp body, a lamp unit and a leveling actuator. The lamp unit is supported to the lamp body to be aimable in an upper and lower direction and in a right and left direction. The leveling actuator rotates the lamp unit in the upper and lower direction independently from rotation by the aiming. An aiming nut is mounted to the aiming screw and threadably engaged with the aiming screw. The leveling actuator comprises an actuator main body fixed and supported to the lamp unit and an output shaft member supported to the actuator main body to be moveable in the front and rear direction of the lamp. The output shaft member is disposed to protrude upward or downward from the actuator main body and is coupled to the aiming nut at a leading end portion of the output shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Aizawa, Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 10442337
    Abstract: A headlight for vehicles, in particular trucks, comprising a lighting unit which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis; a linear drive unit which contains a linearly movable actuator; and a pivoting lever which is coupled to a lighting unit at a first end and to the actuator at a second end, wherein the lighting unit is pivotable by means of the actuator. The pivoting lever is designed in multiple parts, comprising a lower pivoting lever element having a support part for supporting on the actuator and an upper pivoting lever element on which a horizontal axis is arranged, the pivoting lever being pivotably mounted about said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., HELLA AUTOTECHNIK NOVA s.r.o.
    Inventors: Roman Kopecky, Jan Formanek, Jaroslaw Schimon, Domingo Guerrero, Thomas Hilsenbeck
  • Patent number: 9528676
    Abstract: An occupation space of a lamp including a mechanism for adjusting a reference position of an optical axis is reduced. The optical axis adjustment mechanism 17 adjusts a reference position of an optical axis of a projection lens through which at least some of the light emitted from the light source 21 passes. The optical axis adjustment mechanism 17 includes an actuator 71, an aiming screw 72 and a slider 73. The actuator 71 includes an electrically driven output shaft 71b which pivots the optical axis in a horizontal direction about a rotation axis B extending in a vertical direction. The slider 73 is disposed to be slidable along the rotation axis B. The aiming screw 72 slides the slider 73 according to its rotation so as to translate the optical axis in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Shibata, Kazutami Oishi
  • Patent number: 9162609
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight can form a variable light distribution pattern with a simple structure including a favorable fail-safe. The headlight can include a movable mirror facing a light source unit, a static mirror between the movable mirror and the light source unit and a controller to emit light from the light source unit and to scan the light toward the static mirror using the movable mirror having a default position, where receives the light at a position substantially perpendicular thereto. The controller can enable the headlight to provide various light distribution patterns by varying a scanning method and the movable mirror is configured to return the light toward the light source unit even if it fails to operate properly. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can provide a vehicle headlight that can form various light distribution patterns in accordance with surroundings and can have the simple structure including the favorable fail-safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nakaya
  • Patent number: 8944652
    Abstract: An optical axis adjusting screw (15) is provided with a shaft portion (16), a gear portion (17), and an elastic engagement portion (18). The elastic engagement portion (18) is provided with a base end (18BE) and a free end (18FE). The base end (18BE) is fixed to the shaft portion (16). A distal end face (18a) is formed at the free end (18FE) and is substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft portion (16). There is no parting line on the distal end face (18a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeyuki Tachiiwa
  • Patent number: 8794807
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp steering mechanism includes an output gear providing an eccentric block, a housing, a light source having an eccentric shaft connected to the eccentric block of the output gear, a transmission gear set, and a driving device for driving the transmission gear set to rotate the output gear in biasing the light source, thereby adjusting the illumination angle of the light source. By means of arranging the light source and the output gear in a coaxial relationship, the output torque of the output gear is fully reflected in the biasing of the light source, enhancing transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tricore Corporation
    Inventor: Ting-Yi Koo
  • Patent number: 8721143
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (1), having a motor (2) and an actuator component (3) operable by the motor (2), having a movable gear component (4) with a limit stop component (5a, 5b), and at least one limit stop element (6) with a reference plane serving as stop for the limit stop component (5a, 5b) of the gear component (4), wherein at least one limit stop element (6) and/or the first and/or the second limit stop component (5a, 5b) is/are made from a high-temperature plastic material. Furthermore, the invention of such an actuator (1) relates to the use of such an actuator for the headlamp leveling of a headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hella KGaA
    Inventors: Reinhard Wille, Hendrik Rickmeyer
  • Patent number: 8684574
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing, a grommet that positioned around the gear screw and snap-fit into the headlamp reflector, and an O-ring to ensure a good seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 8662725
    Abstract: Into a case member, either of a unidirectional adjusting device for adjusting an irradiating direction of light only in a vertical direction by tilting a lamp unit in the vertical direction or a bidirectional adjusting device for adjusting the irradiating direction of light in two directions of the vertical direction and a horizontal direction by tilting the lamp unit in the vertical direction and rotating the lamp unit in the horizontal direction can be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 8646954
    Abstract: An adaptive projection system for the headlights of motor vehicles consists of a reflector (6) with light source (11), a lens (10), and a diaphragm system with a fixed screening diaphragm in the shape of a cradle and with a movable optical diaphragm (1) in the shape of a hyperboloid, cylindrical or conical sector (17, 18), which rotates at the same time as the shaft of the motor (3), on which it is firmly fastened at both sides by means of stanchions (2), and by its controlled stopping in certain positions it produces the required light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Varroc Lighting Systems S.R.O.
    Inventor: Petr Smajser
  • Publication number: 20130229819
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp steering mechanism includes an output gear providing an eccentric block, a housing, a light source having an eccentric shaft connected to the eccentric block of the output gear, a transmission gear set, and a driving device for driving the transmission gear set to rotate the output gear in biasing the light source, thereby adjusting the illumination angle of the light source. By means of arranging the light source and the output gear in a coaxial relationship, the output torque of the output gear is fully reflected in the biasing of the light source, enhancing transmission efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: TRICORE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ting-Yi KOO
  • Patent number: 8475022
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided which includes a housing, first and second light sources located in the housing, and an articulating reflector. The articulating reflector is located within the housing and moves between a use position in front of the first light source to reflect light from the second light source and a retracted position. Accordingly, light assembly housing is effectively used to provide a secondary light source, such as a daylight running lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh, Edward R. Golden
  • Publication number: 20130141930
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes: a lamp body that has a cylindrical portion having a front opening and a rear opening; a translucent cover that covers the front opening; a metallic light source base that has a light source installation portion, which is inserted from the rear opening to the lamp body and disposed therein; an annular elastic body coupling the lamp body to the light source base and closing a clearance between the lamp body and the light source base; and an optical axis adjustment mechanism coupling the lamp body to the light source base, wherein the light source base is supported so as to be turnable with respect to the lamp body by operation of the optical axis adjustment mechanism, and the elastic body is configured to be elastically deformed as the light source base is turned with respect to the lamp body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Tetsuaki INABA
  • Patent number: 8414156
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated luminaire with more repeatable, identical and accurate movements by normalization for motion drive system hysteresis. The normalization system utilizes the use of multiple drivers which drive the drive system which engage in opposing movements following a movement to normalize the hysteresis in the drive system so that subsequent moves begin from the same drive system conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ROBE Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventor: Jiri Polasek
  • Patent number: 8408769
    Abstract: An optical module equipping a motor vehicle lighting and/or indicating device, provided with a assembly structure movably assembled on a bracket and means of electrical connection to at least one remote device, wherein the optical module is equipped with an electrical connection device comprising a flexible element integrating electrical conductors, the flexible element is connected between the assembly structure and the bracket such that the points of mechanical connection together produce a freedom of movement limited in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Nicolai, Benjamin Touzet, Gregoire Sadoux, Jonathan Blandin
  • Patent number: 8128266
    Abstract: An edge-light backlight assembly is provided, which includes a light guide and a protruding part. The protruding part is provided for receiving light from various directions. The light received by the protruding part directly enters or is reflected to enter the light guide, and then the light leaves the light guide to provide backlight. Light sources are arranged to project light to the protruding part in different directions, such that the light sources can be disposed dispersedly to reduce the thickness of the light guide and heat generated is distributed over a large area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chang-Han Shen
  • Patent number: 8075171
    Abstract: A lamp device is provided that is capable of performing a first actuation and a second actuation. At the first actuation, the lamp device pivots a lamp about a first axis relative to a support, and, at the second actuation, the lamp device pivots the lamp about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis, relative to the support. The lamp includes a first supporting portion that is located on the first axis and at a side of the lamp and a second supporting portion that is located on the first axis and at the other side of the lamp. The first supporting portion is supported by the support to be pivotable about the intersection point of the first axis and the second axis. The second supporting portion is joined to a movable joint member. The movable joint member is supported by the support so as to be movable along a second actuation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akinori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8007151
    Abstract: A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; and an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a support portion attached to the support member; and a main unit being supported by the support portion so as to be movable in a front-rear direction. The support portion includes a shaft holding portion on a lower surface thereof. The main unit includes a bearing portion on an upper surface thereof. A driving mechanism is provided in the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7994670
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for rotating one or more vehicle lamps can include a case body, a motor, a printed circuit board, and/or a gear reducing mechanism. The motor can be mounted on the outside of the case body and/or can include a case shell and/or an end cover. The revolving shaft of the motor can be supported on the case shell and/or the end cover of the motor by a first bearing and/or a second bearing respectively. The end of the revolving shaft of the motor can enter into the case body and/or be fixed with a driving gear which can engage with the gear reducing mechanism. The output shaft of the gear reducing mechanism can actuate the vehicle lamp, so as to change the direction of irradiation of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Beijing Jingwei Hirain Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yingcun Ji
  • Publication number: 20110188258
    Abstract: Into a case member, either of a unidirectional adjusting device for adjusting an irradiating direction of light only in a vertical direction by tilting a lamp unit in the vertical direction or a bidirectional adjusting device for adjusting the irradiating direction of light in two directions of the vertical direction and a horizontal direction by tilting the lamp unit in the vertical direction and rotating the lamp unit in the horizontal direction can be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi TAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20110122641
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted for controlling a lamp unit mounted on an automobile body, and includes a housing for housing input and output rods, a deceleration unit and a transmission piece. The deceleration unit includes a planet gear connected to an eccentric engaging end portion of the input rod, meshing with a ring gear fixed in the housing, and connected to the transmission piece and an angle indicating unit sleeved on the input rod. The output rod has a coupling end portion coupled to the lamp unit, and a rack meshing with a center gear portion of the transmission piece. When the input rod rotates, the transmission piece and the angle indicating unit are driven to rotate in response to movement of the planet gear such that the output rod is movable in response to rotation of the transmission piece, thereby driving movement of the lamp unit relative to the automobile body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MAXZONE VEHICLE LIGHTING CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Chieh Wang, Jia-Jyun Jyu, Jian-Jhih Li
  • Publication number: 20110122642
    Abstract: Headlamp comprising a housing, a carrying element pivoting around a first axis in relation to the housing and a light unit pivoting around a second axis in relation to the carrying element, wherein the headlamp comprises a drive shaft for pivoting the light unit around the second axis such that a drive unit links the drive shaft to the light unit, wherein the drive shaft is suited and set up to transmit a rotary motion from an input drive head of the drive shaft to an output drive head of the drive shaft, wherein the input drive head is mounted on the housing, wherein the drive shaft comprises a first shaft section and a second shaft section, wherein first ends of the shaft sections, in order to transmit the rotary motion, can move in relation to one another in axial direction and interlink in a torque-proof manner, wherein a rotary motion to be transmitted is performed around a first axis of rotation in the first shaft section and a second axis of rotation in the second shaft section, and wherein the shaft s
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HELLA KGaA HUECK & CO.
    Inventor: Thomas Herbers
  • Publication number: 20110122640
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted for controlling a lamp unit mounted on an automobile body, and includes a housing for housing input and output rods, and a transmission gear. The transmission gear meshes with a worm segment of the input rod such that the transmission gear is driven by the worm segment to rotate in response to rotation of the input rod. The output rod has a coupling end portion coupled to the lamp unit, and a rack segment meshing with the transmission gear such that the output rod is movable relative to the housing in response to rotation of the transmission gear, thereby driving movement of the lamp unit relative to the automobile body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MAXZONE VEHICHLE LIGHTING CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Chieh Wang, Jia-Jyun Jyu, Jian-Jhih Li
  • Patent number: 7810971
    Abstract: A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus includes a support which is connected to a vehicle. A remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to the support. One or more light assemblies are connected to the light assembly deployment mechanism. A remote control unit is provided for controlling the remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism. Preferably, a second light assembly is included for providing a pair of light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable vertical deployment of the light assemblies up and down in a vertical plane. Also, a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism can be provided for rotating light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of the light units in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Tony C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7775695
    Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle lighting assembly includes a controller, an housing, a plurality of light-emitting sources, a mechanism for selectively pivoting the light-emitting sources, and a mechanism for selectively swiveling the light-emitting sources along clockwise and counter clockwise directions when the light-emitting sources are adapted to the vertical position. The swiveling mechanism further includes a ball and socket coupling and a support beam with axially opposed proximal and distal ends directly coupled to the second beveled gear and one of the light-emitting sources respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Lance Rose
  • Patent number: 7762686
    Abstract: A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The adjuster includes a housing having a first adjustment point, a gear having a second adjustment point, and an output shaft disposed at least partially within and functionally engaging the gear. Movement of the output shaft can be effected using either the first adjustment point or the second adjustment point. The adjuster can also include a clutching feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fladhammer
  • Publication number: 20100110713
    Abstract: A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; and an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a support portion attached to the support member; and a main unit being supported by the support portion so as to be movable in a front-rear direction. The support portion includes a shaft holding portion on a lower surface thereof. The main unit includes a bearing portion on an upper surface thereof. A driving mechanism is provided in the main unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7661856
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp 1 including a lamp chamber 7, which is formed with a lamp body 3 and a transparent front cover 5 attached to the front opening of the lamp body, and a lamp unit 13, which includes a reflector 9 and a light source 11 and is provided in the lamp chamber 7 so that the optical axis direction of the lamp unit is adjusted by a tilting movement adjustment mechanism 15, wherein a millimeter wave radar device 25 is attached to the lamp body, and a reflection mirror 31 that reflects, toward the front of the lamp, a millimeter wave signal 29 emitted by the millimeter wave radar device is attached to a supporting frame 21 which is a part of the tilting movement adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Nakamura, Kazuma Mochizuki, Yoshinao Daicho, Hiromi Umehara, Yasuo Teranishi
  • Patent number: 7658523
    Abstract: An axial direction of an output shaft of a motor is perpendicular to an axial direction of a shaft that moves back and forth with respect to a housing unit. A plurality of power-supplying terminals is symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical line passing through a center of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7658522
    Abstract: A headlamp is provided with a lamp unit provided in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body and a transparent cover for covering a front side of the lamp body. The lamp unit is supported in the lamp housing in a suspending state in such a condition that the lamp unit can be swung in vertical and horizontal directions. An output shaft coupled to a lower end of the lamp unit can be rotated around its axis and slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis. A rotation of the output shaft around its axis is transmitted to the lamp unit. By a movement of the output shaft in the direction perpendicular to the axis, a rotation between the output shaft and the lamp unit causes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Kuwahara, Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7645060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for a motor vehicle light unit that enables the light unit to be mounted displaceably on an equipment module. The support includes a guide for guiding the light unit along a predetermined path relative to the equipment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Gérald Andre, Laurent Decker, Hugues Cheron, Naoufil Ben Mariem
  • Patent number: 7637685
    Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sanders R. Brott, James W. Acker
  • Patent number: 7635211
    Abstract: An aiming device of a lighting device for a vehicle for transversely and vertically tilting a lamp unit supported tiltably in vertical and transverse directions on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion which is opened almost forward and a transparent cover for covering a front opening of the lamp body includes a case, a slider provided movably in a longitudinal direction along a vertical aiming shaft supported on the case, an output shaft, which is rotatably supported on the slider and is coupled to the lamp unit, and a transverse aiming shaft supported on the slider in almost parallel with the vertical aiming shaft, coupled to the output shaft, and serving to rotate the output shaft by a rotation. The vertical aiming shaft is rotated so that the slider is moved in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7621663
    Abstract: A lamp device for vehicles includes a lamp unit for irradiating light in a desired light distribution pattern, a support body configured to support the lamp unit so as to be tiltable up and down, and tiltable right and left, and an actuator for tilting the lamp unit up and down with respect to the support body, and for tilting the lamp unit right and left with respect to the support body. The actuator includes a right-and-left tilting mechanism and an up-and-down tilting mechanism provided in an actuator housing. The right-and-left tilting mechanism includes an output shaft capable of turning in a right-and-left direction coupled to said lamp unit. The up-and-down tilting mechanism includes an output portion capable of moving said actuator housing back and forth with respect to the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Tsutomu Takiguchi, Naoki Takii
  • Patent number: 7618174
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp including a light source unit at inside of a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a transparent front face cover attached to a front opening portion thereof, a light source unit includes a light emitting element supported by a unit mounting portion, an optical unit for irradiating light from the light emitting element to a front side of the vehicle lamp, and a swivel drive mechanism for driving the optical unit without being moved cooperatively with the light emitting element. The light source unit integral with the unit mounting portion and a heat radiating portion is arranged to penetrate the lamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasuda, Mitsuyuki Mochizuki, Masashi Tatsukawa, Hiroyuki Ishida, Seiichiro Yagi
  • Publication number: 20090273943
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster includes an adjustment gear for axially positioning an output shaft relative to a housing of the adjuster. A driving engagement of the adjustment gear and output shaft runs out at either axial extreme position to which the output shaft can be adjusted, and rotation of the adjustment gear can continue without further movement of the output shaft and without damage to the adjuster or a headlamp assembly in which the adjuster is installed. Biasing assemblies urge the output shaft toward re-engagement with the adjustment gear when the drive direction is reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 7611268
    Abstract: A headlight adjustment device with at least two drive units for adjustment of a light module in at least two directions, each drive unit having at least one drive motor and a gear mechanism with two input elements movable relative to each other, which are connected by means of a coupling element. At least one input element of each drive element is coupled to the drive motor of the drive unit. Each coupling element is connected to an output element of the corresponding gear mechanism. In addition, each output element has an adapter for connection to the light modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flynn, Robert Apfelbeck, Andreas Leittretter
  • Publication number: 20090196062
    Abstract: In certain exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for rotating one or more vehicle lamps can include a case body, a motor, a printed circuit board, and/or a gear reducing mechanism. The motor can be mounted on the outside of the case body and/or can include a case shell and/or an end cover. The revolving shaft of the motor can be supported on the case shell and/or the end cover of the motor by a first bearing and/or a second bearing respectively. The end of the revolving shaft of the motor can enter into the case body and/or be fixed with a driving gear which can engage with the gear reducing mechanism. The output shaft of the gear reducing mechanism can actuate the vehicle lamp, so as to change the direction of irradiation of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Yingcun Ji
  • Publication number: 20090168447
    Abstract: A rotatable vehicular lamp assembly includes a main frame having spaced-apart top and bottom main plates, a lighting unit, and a drive unit. The lighting unit includes a lamp seat holder connected pivotally to the top and bottom main plates for rotation relative to the main frame, and a lamp seat connected to and rotatable synchronously with the lamp seat holder. The drive unit includes a motor mounted on the main frame to rotate the lamp seat holder relative to the main frame. A vibration-limiting element is disposed between the main frame and the lamp seat holder to limit vibration of the lamp seat holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Chian-Yin TSENG
  • Patent number: 7543967
    Abstract: A rotatable vehicular lamp assembly includes a main frame having spaced-apart top and bottom main plates, a lighting unit, and a drive unit. The lighting unit includes a lamp seat holder connected pivotally to the top and bottom main plates for rotation relative to the main frame, and a lamp seat connected to and rotatable synchronously with the lamp seat holder. The drive unit includes a motor mounted on the main frame to rotate the lamp seat holder relative to the main frame. A vibration-limiting element is disposed between the main frame and the lamp seat holder to limit vibration of the lamp seat holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Chian-Yin Tseng
  • Patent number: 7524075
    Abstract: A shock absorbing mounting for a rotating warning light for a light bar is provided by the assembly of the rotator with a base member useful for mounting one or more rotators and other light producing array units. The light bar base member has longitudinal grooves and the mounting enables the rotator to be attached wherever desired along the grooves. The grooves are blind grooves. The rotator has its own base with a plurality of holes in which are provided resilient shock absorbing grommets with holes therethrough. The assembly of the rotator to the light bar base member is via self-threading screws which have heads, parts of which may be washers, which enlarge the diameter of the heads. The screws are of such length that when they engage and are stopped by the bottom of the grooves, the head compresses the grommet sufficiently to provide a resilient shock absorbing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Mastin
  • Patent number: 7517123
    Abstract: A motorized adjuster (30) is used for adjusting the aim of a lamp. The adjuster has a housing (32) and a motor (36). An output shaft (38) passes through the housing and is operably connected to the motor. A ball stud (60) is moved by actuation of the motor and may also be moved by manual operation (41). A clutching feature may be included to prevent damage due to over adjustment attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raul Aguinaga, Scott T. Fladhammer, Mark Roszko
  • Patent number: 7500413
    Abstract: A step-by-step motor able to carry out up-and-down motion includes a housing, a transmitting gear, a worm gear, an interacting member, a top rod, a circuit board with a transmitting motor, a cover body and an adjusting member. The level of the headlamp of an automobile can be adjusted by inserting an adjustment tool through one lateral through hole of the recessed chamber of the cover body from outside to have the engage teeth of the adjustment tool engaged with one engage notch of the adjusting member and turning the adjustment tool to actuate the adjusting member to rotate and actuate the top rod to move upward, or by inserting an adjustment tool in the bottom slit of the projecting post of the adjusting member and turning it around to drive the adjusting member to rotate and actuate the top rod and the headlamp to move upward or downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Hsian-Yi Huang, Hsiu-Ming Huang
  • Publication number: 20090059613
    Abstract: A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus includes a support which is connected to a vehicle. A remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to the support. One or more light assemblies are connected to the light assembly deployment mechanism. A remote control unit is provided for controlling the remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism. Preferably, a second light assembly is included for providing a pair of light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable vertical deployment of the light assemblies up and down in a vertical plane. Also, a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism can be provided for rotating light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of the light units in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Tony C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7478934
    Abstract: Provided is an automotive lamp assembly that can dynamically control the amount and direction of side radiation of light, as a vehicle travels along a curved road. The lamp assembly includes a projection lamp module including a light source, a reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light source forward, and a lens refracting and condensing the forward reflected light; a rotative actuator rotating the module about a predetermined driving axis; and an additional reflecting mirror rotating with the module and reflecting light intercepted by a shield to make the light travel at an angle in a direction proportionate to the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventor: Dong-Mok Lee
  • Publication number: 20080304278
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes a first reflector disposed fixed with respect to the light source; a second reflector rotatable in a direction that opens and closes a reflective surface of the first reflector; a bracket rotatably supporting the second reflector via a shaft that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source; an actuator attached to the bracket; an attachment includes an insertion hole into which the driving rod of the actuator is inserted and first and second connection holes into which the connecting shaft of the second reflector is inserted. The second reflector includes a connecting shaft that projects in a direction generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source. The actuator includes a body and a driving rod that projects from a portion other than a center portion of the body and moves in an axial direction. The first connection hole and the second connection hole of the attachment open one way and open in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ogino, Hirohiko Ohshio