Including Mask Or Screen Patents (Class 362/539)
  • Patent number: 8287166
    Abstract: A vehicle head lamp comprising a first low beam member including a first light source part; a second low beam member including a second light source part, wherein the first low beam member and the second low beam member are arranged in a vertical direction and are both reflective type; a first frame including a partition, the first frame supporting the first low beam member and the second low beam member, and the partition separating the first low beam member and the second low beam member; and a storage provided in a rear side of the partition, the storage accommodating the first and the second light source parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Akihiro Misawa, Tetsuya Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8287167
    Abstract: A lamp unit includes a first semiconductor light-emitting element that serves as a light source; a second semiconductor light-emitting element that serves as a light source; a support member that supports the first semiconductor light-emitting element and the second semiconductor light-emitting element; a first reflector provided above the first semiconductor light-emitting element, which reflects light radiated from the first semiconductor light-emitting element forward; a shade that blocks a portion of reflected light from the first reflector; a projection lens provided in front of the first reflector with the shade disposed therebetween, which forms a light distribution pattern with a cut-off line from light reflected by the first reflector; a positioning portion that positions the projection lens; and a second reflector provided below the second semiconductor light-emitting element, which reflects light radiated from the second semiconductor light-emitting element forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 8251559
    Abstract: A projector type vehicle light is provided that can reduce temperature increase of a solenoid due to heat generated by a light source, while a shade and a projection lens can be disposed closer to each other. The vehicle light can be formed as a headlight and can include a light source, a reflector, a shade, and a projection lens. The projector type vehicle light can further include a shade rotational shaft extending in a left-to-right direction, a base member configured to support the shade so that the shade can rotate around the shade rotational shaft, a solenoid for making the shade rotate between a low-beam position and a high-beam position, and a crank shaft configured to connect the solenoid with the shade for driving. The solenoid can be disposed just below the shade so that a moving direction of the plunger of the solenoid is aligned with the left-to-right direction of the projector type vehicle headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Tatsumi, Yoshiaki Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8240899
    Abstract: A controlling device for a headlamp's high and low beam includes a fixing plate, a valve seat and a light-obstructing plate. The fixing plate is formed with a notch, and the valve seat is secured at one side of the fixing plate and installed therein with an electromagnetic valve having a valve rod positioned inside. The valve rod is fitted around with a spring, having its upper side mounted with a connecting plate with a slide groove. The light-obstructing plate, which has its lower central portion and lower two ends respectively disposed with two pivotal members. The two pivotal members respectively have a pivotal hole, pivotally assembled with the pivotal plate of the valve seat and the connecting plate of the valve rod by rivets. Thus, the light-obstructing plate can be actuated by the valve rod to shift for controlling a light projecting range of a headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Yun Huang
  • Patent number: 8235570
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a main reflector having a convergent reflecting surface; a semiconductor-type light source; a projecting lens; an auxiliary reflector having a parabolic reflecting surface; a shade and a light shading member that are structured integrally with each other; and a switching device. By means of the switching device, the shade and light shading member, which are structured integrally with each other, are switched and positioned in a first location and a second location, thereby allowing light distribution patterns for high and low beams to be switched and illuminated toward a forward direction of a vehicle. As a result, the vehicle headlamp becomes capable of achieving downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Toshiya Abe
  • Publication number: 20120182752
    Abstract: An improved light collecting efficiency in a projector type automotive headlamp is achieved by including a curved mirror to re-direct light otherwise absorbed by a rear surface of the blocking cut-off shield in “low beam” operating mode of the headlamp. When the shield is moved to a second non-blocking position, a mirror segment conforms to the curved surface of the substantially ellipsoidal reflector to maximize lumen output in “high beam” operating mode of the headlamp. In addition, auxiliary mirror segments may be used to provide a more complete substantially ellipsoidal reflector configuration that maximizes the light collection efficiency. Preferably, the cap holder is purposefully offset in order to position the centerline of the bowed arc of the arc discharge light source in alignment with the optical axis of the optical system in order to maximize light collection efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Agoston Boroczki, Istvan Csanyi, Csaba Horvath, Tamas Panyik
  • Patent number: 8210727
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp of the present invention is provided with: a semiconductor-type light source; a main reflecting surface; a first auxiliary reflecting surface; a shade; a second auxiliary reflecting surface; a third auxiliary reflecting surface; and a fourth auxiliary reflecting surface. The shade forms a light distribution pattern for passing, having cutoff lines. The first auxiliary reflecting surface and the second auxiliary surface form a light distribution pattern for overhead sign. The first auxiliary reflecting surface, the third auxiliary reflecting surface, and the fourth auxiliary reflecting surface form an auxiliary light distribution pattern between the light distribution pattern for passing, having the cutoff lines, and a light distribution pattern for overhead sign. As a result, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention improves visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasufumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8192062
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp is provided. The vehicular lamp includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis of a lamp extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector that concentrates the light emitted from the light source on the projection lens; and a shade disposed such that an upper edge of the shade extends through the vicinity of the rear focal point to block a part of the light reflected from the reflector. In plan view, the light source is disposed near the central axis of the reflector, and the reflector is disposed such that the central axis of the reflector intersects the optical axis of the lamp in a vicinity of the projection lens while being inclined toward the own lane of the vehicle on the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 8186861
    Abstract: Each of a pair of lower reflection areas, which are located on both left and right sides of an optical axis in a lower end portion of a reflective surface of a reflector, respectively, is formed so as to converge light from a light source at a position located forward of a rear side focal point of a projection lens in a horizontal direction, and on the same lateral side as that of each of the lower reflection areas with respect to the optical axis. Thus, the pair of light ray bundles are emitted from the projection lens, whereby a pair of additional light distribution patterns are formed on both sides of a lateral direction central portion in an upper area of a high-beam distribution pattern, respectively. The upper area of the high-beam distribution pattern is thus made bright widely in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Kagiyama
  • Patent number: 8177403
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with a projection lens, a light source, a reflector, a first shade, and a second shade. The first shade includes an upper end crossing in a vicinity of a rear side focal point of the projection lens. The first shade shields a part of the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector to form a first light distribution pattern. The second shade includes a light shielding portion for shielding a part of the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector to form a second light distribution pattern. The second shade is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second shade is positioned above the first shade and is separated from the first shade so that the first light distribution pattern is formed. In the second position, the second shade covers the upper end of the first shade so that the second light distribution pattern is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8174033
    Abstract: A light emission device includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and a supporting substrate on which the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are flip-chip mounted. Each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements has a substantially rectangular shape which has a first side and a second side different from the first side. Light emitted from a first element end face on the first side is stronger than light emitted from a second element end face on the second side. Each first side of each of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements faces each other substantially in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Nichia Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Yoneda, Akiyoshi Kinouchi, Hirofumi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8142060
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes light sources that have high use efficiency and a favorable bright distribution, and includes vehicle lamps that have both a favorable light distribution pattern and a capability of being simply composed by using the LED light sources. The light source can include a base board, at least one die bonding pad and wire bonding pad on the base board, at least one LED chip mounted on the die bonding pad and connected to respective bonding pads, and an encapsulating resin over the LED chip. The at least one LED chip can emit a uniform light with a distribution electrode on a top surface thereof and can form a favorable light distribution using a shield electrode on the top surface. The vehicle lamp can include the light source and an optical lens selected according to a kind and/or design of a vehicle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Saida, Kazuhiko Ueno
  • Patent number: 8113699
    Abstract: A light source module includes a circuit board on which a circuit pattern is formed; a semiconductor light emitting element; an electrode pad; and a connecting body. The semiconductor light emitting element includes a first surface formed into an oblong shape, and a second surface positioned facing opposite the first surface. The second surface is connected with a second part of the circuit pattern. The electrode pad is provided on the first surface of the semiconductor light emitting element and includes a connecting portion. The connecting body is connected with the connecting portion of the electrode pad and a first part of the circuit pattern. The electrode pad is provided on a portion of the semiconductor light emitting element that includes one end portion of the first surface. The connecting portion of the electrode pad is provided at a position in one of a continuous and spaced manner in the lengthwise direction of the electrode pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 8113700
    Abstract: A headlamp includes a lamp base with an interior reflecting surface, a lamp provided in the lamp base, a driver deposited on a recessed supporting surface of the lamp base, two light shields installed on the lamp base and a spring biasing the lamp shields towards one another. The driver includes a driving shaft, and a pushing block with a conical surface gradually tapered toward its free end. The light shields are pivotally fixed on the lamp base by fastening elements and their inner portions overlapped each other, and each has a sliding groove bored obliquely and tapered downwards for the pushing block to pass through. The light shields are drawn by the driver to control light projecting from the lamp to produce a high and low beam illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Raiderson Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan-Ten Hung
  • Patent number: 8109663
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a light source, a reflector, a shade, and the projector lens. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflector, and the light is partially blocked by the shade. Light which is not blocked is transmitted through the projector lens, and an object ahead of a vehicle is irradiated with the light. A diffraction grating is provided in a region including an end portion of a light passing region of at least one surface in the projector lens in order to reduce color separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nalux Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norifumi Kanai
  • Patent number: 8104940
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens, a halogen bulb disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and below an optical axis, a main reflector which forwardly reflects and converges a first part of direct light from the halogen bulb toward the optical axis, the halogen bulb being inserted in the main reflector in a sidewise direction, a movable shade disposed between the projection lens and the halogen bulb to shield a portion of the first part of the light reflected by the main reflector and a second part of the direct light from the halogen bulb to form a cutoff line, an actuator which moves the movable shade, and an auxiliary reflector disposed below the optical axis to forwardly and diffusely reflect a third part of the direct light from the halogen bulb such that the third part of the light passes below the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20120008335
    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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ippei YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8092058
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle lamp unit. The vehicle lamp includes: a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a semiconductor light emitting element comprising a light emitting surface having an almost rectangular shape and disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens such that a long side of the light emitting surface is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; and a reflector comprising a reflection surface having an almost oval shape. A first focal point of the reflector is located on the rear focal point of the projection lens, and a second focal point of the reflector is located on the semiconductor light emitting element, and a minimum distance between the reflection surface and a rear corner portion of the light emitting surface is in a range of about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 8092059
    Abstract: A vehicular lighting fixture can include a shade wherein an end edge of an upper surface of the shade is positioned at or in a vicinity of a focus of a projection lens. A first reflection surface can be provided to condense light from a light source in a vicinity of the end edge and to form a basic light distribution pattern by the projection lens. A second reflection surface which can comprise one planar reflection surface and can reflect light from the first reflection surface to form a first additional light distribution pattern. A third reflection surface can be provided on a higher surface of a step section of the upper surface, and can reflect light from the first reflection surface to form a second additional light distribution pattern. A fourth reflection surface can connect the second and third reflection surface, and can reflect the light from the first reflection surface in a direction not incident on the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Yamagata
  • Patent number: 8070338
    Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp automotive headlamp system is provided for three different lighting functions. The headlamp system is a single unit that provides for low beam, high beam, and daylight running light (DRL) functions. Two optical components are used to easily and effectively switch between the different modes of operation. The first optical component is a shutter that selectively blocks a portion of the light beam output. Secondly, either a single lens or lens portions can be moved either within the light beam path or into the light beam path to alter the divergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Agoston Boroczki, Csaba Horvath, Tamas Panyik
  • Patent number: 8070339
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp including a projector headlight using an LED light source for a low beam can include a shade, an LED light source, an ellipsoidal reflector and a projector lens. Both a focus of the projector lens and a top edge of the shade can be located near a second focus of the reflector. The LED light source can be located near a first focus located below the second focus of the reflector. Therefore, light emitted from the LED light source can be effectively gathered near the focus of the projector lens via the reflector and can be projected via the projector lens with high light use-efficiency. The projector lens can include light dispersing portions or structures on an upside and downside thereof for reducing chromatic aberration. Thus, the lamp can project a favorable light distribution that can conform to light distribution standards for vehicle headlights and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Koike
  • Publication number: 20110286230
    Abstract: A headlamp is disclosed. The headlamp includes a light source, a plurality of light shades, at least one linear guide, and at least one cam. The light source emits at least one light beam. The linear guide directs the linear motions of the light shades relative to the light source. The cam moves at least one of the light shades to shade at least one part of the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: MAXZONE AUTO PARTS CORP.
    Inventor: Ching-Yu HUANG
  • Publication number: 20110267832
    Abstract: A vehicle light can maintain its maximum light intensity in its light distribution pattern while improving the brightness sense at a farther area. The vehicle light can be provided in a front portion of a vehicle body, for forming a road surface light distribution pattern on a road surface in front of the vehicle body. The road surface can include at least a farther area, an intermediate area, and a nearby area. The road surface light distribution pattern can include a plurality of light source images each extending in a horizontal direction, the respective light source images being projected to the corresponding farther area, intermediate area and nearby area, respectively, without striding across the adjacent areas. The vehicle light can include an LED light source having a rectangular light emission surface with a short side of 0.6 to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: TATSUYA SEKIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20110254446
    Abstract: In a light chamber formed in a housing case and a lens cover placed at a front part of the housing case in a headlamp assembly, a projection lens, a shade and a light source are arranged in line from the front side of the light chamber along an optical axis of the light source. A radiating member has radiating fins of a plate shape vertically placed in the light chamber, and radiates heat energy generated by the light source to surrounding air. A slit composed of a vertical slit part and an inclined-slit part is formed in each of the radiating fins. The formation of the slit generates a change of heat capacity and a temperature difference at upper and bottom parts of each of the radiating fins. The incline-slit part is extended from the top of the vertical slit part to the upper part of the radiating fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Motonori Tominaga, Syogo Kume, Tsutomu Kamizono
  • Publication number: 20110255299
    Abstract: A headlamp is disclosed. The headlamp includes a light source, at least one light shade, and a linear slide. The light source emits at least one light beam. The linear slide moves the light shade to shade at least one part of the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MAXZONE AUTO PARTS CORP.
    Inventor: Hui-Chuam CHEN
  • Patent number: 8038334
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp unit using a light-emitting element as a light source includes a projection lens on an optical axis that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and first and second light source units arranged rearward of the projection lens. The first light source unit includes a first light-emitting clement, a first reflector arranged to cover the first light-emitting clement from above and structured to reflect light from the first light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis, and a first mirror component having an upward-facing reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20110242834
    Abstract: In a light chamber formed by a housing case and a lens cover placed at a front part (which is open) of the housing case in a headlamp assembly, a projection lens, a shade and a light source are arranged in order from the front side of the light chamber along an optical axis of the light source. A reflector for reflecting light emitted from the light source is placed at a position which is opposite to the light source. A radiating member is composed of radiating fins of a plate shape vertically placed in the light chamber, and radiates heat energy generated by the light source to surrounding air. A control plate surrounds and crosses at a right angle to the radiating fins in the light chamber. The control plate has a size of suppressing air-convection around the radiating fins and is fixed to the housing case through poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motonori Tominaga, Daisuke Nishitani, Takahiro Nakano
  • Publication number: 20110242833
    Abstract: In a light chamber formed by a housing case and a lens cover of a headlamp assembly, a projection lens and a light source are arranged in order along an optical axis of the light source from a front side of the light chamber. Radiating fins of a plate shape is vertically placed in the light chamber and radiate heat energy generated by the light source. A heat exchange chamber is formed in a ceiling wall of the housing case above the radiating fins. The heat exchange chamber has a concave shape from the ceiling wall of the housing case, and is open toward the radiating fins side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motonori Tominaga, Takahito Nishii, Yasutoshi Horii
  • Patent number: 8029176
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight capable of compensating for light intensity of a dark region includes a lamp holder, a light source, a light shield, and a light guide. The lamp holder defines an accommodation space, and includes a reflector and a lens disposed on a front side of the reflector. The light source is installed in the accommodation space and disposed along an optical axis, and light rays emitted from the light source are refracted by the lens and emitted forwards. The light shield is assembled on the lamp holder and located between the light source and the lens, and the light shield is used to shield some of the light rays emitted from the light source. The light guide conducts some of the light rays towards the lens, such that the light rays are emitted forwards and upwards, thereby compensating for the light intensity of the dark region above the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Jhih Shih
  • Patent number: 8021031
    Abstract: A head lamp for a motor vehicle is disclosed with a reflector for reflecting light. A light bulb is oriented within the head lamp and spaced apart from the reflector for providing illumination that is reflected from the reflector and out of the head lamp. A bulb shield is provided with a peripheral region displaced about the light bulb for preventing glare light from exiting the head lamp. In one embodiment, the peripheral region is a polygon that is not radially symmetrical. In another embodiment, the bulb shield has a rear opening and a front opening for minimizing heat within the bulb shield. In yet another embodiment, the bulb shield has a front opening and the light bulb front portion is coated with an opaque material for blocking glare light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ehab Kaoud, Lon Zaback, David Griffiths, Bruce P. Williams, Albert Ekladyous
  • Patent number: 8007153
    Abstract: A projector type vehicle light can have a decreased total weight and prevent the insufficiency in strength of a rotational shaft of a base member. The projector type vehicle light can include a light source, a reflector, a shade, and a projection lens. The vehicle light can further include a shade rotational shaft extending in the left-to-right direction, a base member configured so that the shade can rotate around the shade rotational shaft, a solenoid for making the shade rotate between a low-beam position and a high-beam position, and a crank shaft configured to connect the solenoid with the shade for driving the shade. The solenoid can be supported by the base member so that the plunger of the solenoid can move in the left-to-right direction. The lens holder can be made of a first material, such as a resin material, and the base member can be made from a second material, such as metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Tatsumi, Yoshiaki Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8007155
    Abstract: A composite lamp assembly for use on a camouflaged military vehicle comprises a lamp housing colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp housing defines an interior space, a first opening and a plurality of second openings in communication with the interior space. The lamp assembly includes a clear lens attached to the housing to occupy the first opening and a plurality of diffusers attached to the housing to occupy the plurality of second openings, the diffusers being colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp assembly further includes a circuit board arranged within the interior space of the lamp housing having first and second pluralities of LEDs mounted thereto. The first plurality of LEDs is positioned to provide light through the clear lens and the second is positioned to provide light through the diffusers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert J. Bolander, Jr., Matthew E. Drake
  • Publication number: 20110199778
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a reflector 3 having a main reflector 2U and second additional reflection surfaces 9, 9; a semiconductor-type light source 5U; a light shading member 12U having first additional reflection surfaces 15U, 15U; and a shades 13U, 13U, 14U, 14U. The main reflection surface 2U reflects light L1 emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U and then emits a light distribution pattern LP for low beam. The first additional reflection surfaces 15U, 15U and the second additional reflection surfaces 9, 9 reflect light L2 emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U and then emit an additional light distribution pattern LP1. As a result, the present invention can form a main light distribution pattern and prevents the leakage of the light emitted from the semiconductor-type light source 5U through the light shading member 12U.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Yasuhiro OKUBO
  • Publication number: 20110199777
    Abstract: A lamp includes a projection lens, a light-emitting element disposed rearwardly of a rear-side focal point of the projection lens to be directed upward, a reflector disposed to cover the light-emitting element from an upper side to reflect light from the light-emitting element toward the projection lens, and a shade disposed with an upper end edge thereof passing closely below the rear-side focal point to block part of reflected light from the reflector. Generally the entirety of a portion of the projection lens positioned above the optical axis is cut away. A reflective surface that reflects downward the reflected light from the main reflector is formed on a rear surface of the shade. A sub reflector that reflects forward the reflected light from the reflector reflected by the reflective surface of the shade so as not to be incident on the projection lens is disposed below the shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 7997779
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp unit that is configured to be mounted on a vehicle, a semiconductor light source can be substantially covered with a first reflector and, therefore, the semiconductor light source is not visually observable (or, is difficult to see) from outside the lamp unit even when a projection lens is disposed in front of the opening of the first reflector and spaced from the first reflector so as not to contact the first reflector. Thus, a vehicle lamp unit having a novel design can be provided in which the projection lens appears as if it is floating in air and in which the semiconductor light source is not visually seen or is difficult to be seen from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • 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: 20110141755
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a light source, a first reflector and a second reflector configured to reflect light from the light source, a convex lens disposed in front of the first reflector, and a shade configured to partially shield the light reflected by the first reflector. One component (e.g., second reflector) out of the first reflector, the second reflector and the shade can be assembled to be brought into contact with another component (e.g., shade) out of the first reflector, the second reflector and the shade at respective contact areas of the one component and the other component according to a particular specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Tadao Tsukagoshi, Ryoji Konoki, Yuta Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7950837
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light source modules each having an LED as a light source, and optical systems for distributing light from each of the light source modules frontward toward predetermined areas or predetermined patterns that are different from each other and which make up a light distribution pattern. Each of the optical systems can be optimized to emit light to a predetermined area, and each of the light source modules' LEDs can be optimally arranged for each of the corresponding optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yatsuda, Teruo Koike, Takuya Kushimoto, Takashi Futami, Ryotaro Owada
  • Publication number: 20110110112
    Abstract: A control device of a headlamp's high and low beam includes a lamp base, a driver, two light shields and a spring. The driver is deposited on a supporting surface of the lamp base, having a driving shaft, a pushing block corresponding to a recess of the lamp base, and a conical surface formed around the pushing block and gradually tapered toward its free end. The light shields are correspondingly installed on the lamp base, having their corresponding outsides pivotally fixed on the lamp base by fastening elements and their inner portions overlapped each other, and respectively having a sliding groove bored obliquely and tapered downwards for the pushing block to pass through. The spring is hooked on the light shields, which are drawn by the driver to control light projecting scope of a lamp, and a high and low beam can be thus obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kwan-Ten HUNG
  • Publication number: 20110110113
    Abstract: A control device of a headlamp's high and low beam includes a lamp base, two drivers and two light shields combined together. The two drivers are respectively installed at two sides of the lamp base, respectively having a driving shaft. The two light shields are respectively assembled on the two drivers and under the front side of the lamp base, having their opposite outer sides respectively bored with a through hole for the driving shaft to be inserted therethrough and their opposite inner sides superposed on each other. The two drivers drive the two light shields to operate for controlling a light projecting range of the headlamp and carrying out change-over of high and low beam of the head lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kwan-Ten HUNG
  • Patent number: 7934861
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight module giving a beam with cutoff, comprising a concave reflector, a light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The source is formed by at least one light emitting diode for illuminating at least upwards. The reflector is associated with a bender the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the bender comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The exit surface of the lenses chosen so as to be able to be connected on a continuous surface with the exit surfaces of the lenses of adjacent modules. In addition, the mid-line of the lens is formed by a skew curve arc, and a correcting optical system is provided between the reflector and the lens for obtaining a satisfactory cutoff line, according in particular to the geometry of the entry face and exit face of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 7926993
    Abstract: A projector unit is provided with a mechanism for changing the spatial distribution of a light beam. The projector unit includes a housing, an action element having a revolving shaft, a first diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the first diaphragm is fixedly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a second diaphragm for cropping the light beam, wherein the second diaphragm is rotatingly coupled to the shaft of the action element, a first biasing element disposed between the second diaphragm and the housing, wherein the first biasing element regulates a positioning of the second diaphragm relative to the housing, and a second biasing element disposed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, wherein the second biasing element regulates a spacing between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Petr Smajser, Libor Losak, Jiri Harabis, Tomas Jurasek
  • Patent number: 7926992
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly for providing various beam patterns for a vehicle is provided, which includes a lamp shield driving device. The device comprises a first shield including at least one shield projection formed on a circumference thereof, a second shield to shield at least a part of beam irradiation in a close range, and a shield driving unit to drive the first shield and the second shield in a sequential order to thereby generate a certain beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: SL Seobong, SL Lighting
    Inventors: Jong-Un Kim, Chang-Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 7922376
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle has a projection lens, a light source disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and having an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction, a reflector which reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens, and a rotary shade which is rotatable and shields a part of the light which is projected from the light source and reflected by the reflector. The rotary shade has a plurality of pattern forming sections, each of which respectively forms a corresponding light distribution pattern including an upper part irradiation pattern and a lower part irradiation pattern. A center of the lower part irradiating patterns is located lower than a horizontal line. A center of the upper part irradiating patterns is located above the horizontal line. The pattern forming sections form at least four different upper part irradiating patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 7914190
    Abstract: A headlamp capable of preventing dazzling of an opposite driver is provided. The headlamp includes a projection lens, a reflector, a light source disposed at a first focal point of the reflector, and a light shade part positioned around a second focal point of the reflector. The light shade part includes a first shade comprising a plurality of shading plates for forming a desired light distribution pattern and a second shade formed as a continuous surface or discrete surfaces connected to the uppermost surfaces of the shading plates of the first shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: SL Seobong, SL Lighting
    Inventors: Jong-Un Kim, Young-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 7909493
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a light source disposed rearwardly of a rear-side focal point of the projection lens; a reflector configured to reflect direct light from the light source forward to converge reflected light toward the optical axis; a movable shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and configured to blocking a part of the reflected light from the reflector and a part of the direct light from the light source to form a cutoff line in a light distribution pattern; and a bracket formed from a metal plate member and disposed between the projection lens and the light source, wherein the movable shade is rotatably supported on the bracket. An opening portion is formed in the bracket and configured to pass a part of the reflected light from the reflector along the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Nomura
  • Publication number: 20110063868
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp is provided. The lamp unit includes a projection lens, a light emitting device disposed such that a light emitting axis of the light emitting device is oriented upward, a reflector disposed to cover light emitted from the light emitting device and to reflect the light toward the projection lens, a first shade configured and disposed to partially block the light reflected by the reflector, and a second shade. The first shade includes a light cutting edge configured to form a cutoff line along an upper edge of a light distribution pattern, and an auxiliary reflecting surface extending rearward from the light cutting edge and configured to partially reflect, toward the projection lens, the light reflected by the reflector. The second shade is arranged to extend from a front edge of the reflector toward the auxiliary reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michio TSUKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7896512
    Abstract: The vehicle headlamp is provided with a main lamp unit fixed and arranged inside a lamp chamber and sub-lamp units as an auxiliary lamp capable of changing and forming light distribution patterns by using semiconductor light emitting elements as light sources. The sub-lamp units are respectively equipped with a vertically changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a vertical direction, a laterally changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a lateral direction and a pattern changing mechanism for changing a light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Takashi Hori, Kiyotaka Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7891851
    Abstract: A headlamp, developed especially for motor vehicle illumination, wherein the light source and reflector surfaces are fully concealed from the oncoming traffic users, having a light plane with fully adjusted height, operating according to the half-lens illumination principle, providing a long-distance illumination without glaring effect by preventing the all of the light rays generated at the light source from reaching to the eye level (EE) of oncoming traffic users. The preferred embodiment of the system (40, 50) consists of three independent reflector units (2, 3), (12, 13), (22, 23) with triple light pathway, designed similar to clover leaf, having a standard light source (1) located at their common first focal point (f1) mounted in a headlamp enclosure (20). The system consists of a lighting assembly that can be used not only in motor vehicle headlamp system but also in general lighting systems and in all optical devices. The system may be applied as an in-bulb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Turhan Alcelik
  • Patent number: 7883250
    Abstract: In existing lamp unit for vehicles, the light from the semiconductor light source can not be effectively used. In the present invention, a planar reflect surface (7) is arranged between the projection lens (6) and its focus (FL1) in such a way that the planar reflect surface (7) intersects the light axis (Z1-Z1) of the projection lens (6); a light shutout member (8) is arranged between the semiconductor light source (4) and the projection lens (6); the light shutout member (8) is provided with supplemental reflect surfaces (17-20) reflecting the light (L3) from the semiconductor light source (4) toward the shade (5). As a result, the light (L3) from the semiconductor light source (4) can be effectively used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Nishihata