US20130223088A1 - Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes - Google Patents
Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130223088A1 US20130223088A1 US13/845,247 US201313845247A US2013223088A1 US 20130223088 A1 US20130223088 A1 US 20130223088A1 US 201313845247 A US201313845247 A US 201313845247A US 2013223088 A1 US2013223088 A1 US 2013223088A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- focal length
- automotive signal
- signal light
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
- F21S43/237—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide rod-shaped
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
- F21S43/243—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its extremities
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/249—Light guides with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0096—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the lights guides being of the hollow type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
- F21W2103/20—Direction indicator lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
- F21W2103/35—Brake lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an automotive signal light which employs semiconductor light sources. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automotive signal light which employs semiconductor light sources and at least one multi-focal length light pipe to produce a desired output light pattern.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- tail lights on some vehicles include an array of red light-emitting and/or amber light-emitting LEDs which are positioned between a reflector and a lens to provide the desired signal patterns.
- signal lamps wherein one or more LEDs are arranged in a direct view wherein the output of the LED passes directly through the lens of the signal light.
- While known signal lights employing LEDs provide advantages over signal lights employing incandescent bulbs, they still suffer from some problems. For example, available LEDs emit limited amounts of light relative to incandescent lamps. Due to these lower emitted levels of light and/or the inefficiency of a conventional reflector and lens in transmitting the light produced by the LEDs, a large number of LEDs must often be employed to produce sufficient signal lighting to meet regulatory requirements. Further, this large number of LEDs must be appropriately spaced about the signal light to provide the lighted surface area required to meet regulatory requirements and thus the aesthetic design of such signal lights is limited.
- aesthetic design can be one of the most significant considerations for the designer of a vehicle and, to date, the range of aesthetic design available for signal lamps using semiconductor light sources has been limited.
- an automotive signal light comprising: a substantially weather proof volume defined by at least a housing and a lens; at least one semiconductor light source and heat sink assembly located within the volume; and at least one multi-focal length light pipe located within the volume having at least one light transmission structure with a light receiving port positioned adjacent a respective semiconductor light source to receive light emitted by said one semiconductor light source, the light transmission structure including at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting structures each having a common focal point at the light receiving port and each having a focal length differing from the focal length of the other such that the light transmitting structure receives, collimates, directs and spreads and transmits the light received at the light receiving port to a light emitting surface of the light pipe adjacent the lens to from a desired output light pattern.
- the present invention provides an automotive signal light which employs at least one multi-focal length light pipe to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources.
- the light emitted from the semiconductor light sources is collimated, focused and spread by the multi-focal length light pipe to obtain a desired output light pattern while allowing for a wide range of aesthetic designs and a wide range of signal light functionalities which can be provided.
- FIG. 1 is a FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the front of an automotive signal light in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the signal light of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the lighting components of the signal light of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4A shows an end view of a pair of multi-focal length light pipes and a light source and heat sink assembly for the signal light of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4B shows a side view of a multi-focal length light pipe and light source and heat sink assemblies for the signal light of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5A shows a side view of a multi-focal length light pipe for the signal light of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5B shows a more detailed cut away perspective view of the portion of the multi-focal length light pipe identified in circle A of FIG. 5B ;
- FIG. 50 shows a more detailed cut away perspective view of the portion of the multi-focal length light pipe identified in circle B of FIG. 5B .
- signal light 20 comprises a housing 24 , which fabricated from any appropriate material such as PVC, polycarbonate, etc. and a transparent lens 28 , which in the illustrated embodiment is clear.
- lens 28 is fabricated from any suitable transparent material, such as polycarbonate, and tinted one or more colors or clear.
- Housing 24 includes an integral back panel, or the portion of the vehicle to which signal light 20 is mounted forms a back panel, such that the interior volume of signal lamp 20 receives the lighting components (described below) in a substantially weather proof manner.
- Signal light 20 further comprises at least one light source assembly 32 comprising a heat sink and at least one semiconductor light source 40 .
- Each semiconductor light source 40 is mounted to the heat sink such that waste heat produced by the operation of the semiconductor light sources 40 is transferred to the heat sink, which in turn radiates that waste heat to the surrounding atmosphere via a set of fins 44 (best seen in FIG. 4A ).
- fins 44 of each heat sink extend through the back panel outside of the enclosed volume of signal light 20 .
- semiconductor light sources 40 are surface mounted, domed light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as (for example) the Luxeon RebelTM surface mounted LEDs sold by Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, 370 West Trimble Road, San Jose, Calif.
- LEDs surface mounted, domed light emitting diodes
- semiconductor light sources 40 selected to produce light of a corresponding color, such as red, amber or white.
- Each semiconductor light source 40 is mounted to an electrical circuit board 46 (best seen in FIGS. 5B and 5C ) and connected thereby to an appropriate electrical power supply (not shown) as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
- Signal light 20 further comprises at least one multi-focal length light pipe 48 , each of which receives light emitted by at least one semiconductor light source 40 .
- each light pipe 48 receives the light emitted by five semiconductor light sources 40 .
- the present invention is not limited to light pipes 48 receiving light from five semiconductor light sources 40 and light pipes 48 can receive light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources 40 depending upon the size of light pipe 48 and the amount of light required to be emitted from light pipe 48 , as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
- Multi-focal length light pipe 48 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B , and in FIGS. 5A , 5 B and 5 C.
- light pipe 48 includes an emitter surface 52 and at least one (and in the illustrated embodiment, five) light transmission structure 56 .
- the number of light transmission structures 56 required on a light pipe 48 depends on the output levels of light emitted by semiconductor light sources 40 and the desired level of light output from light emitting surface 52 , and corresponds to the number of light sources 40 used to illuminate the light pipe 48 .
- Semiconductor light sources 40 with higher levels of emitted light can reduce the number of light transmission structures 56 which would other wise be required.
- Light pipe 48 is preferably fabricated from an optically clear material, such as acrylic, to ensure that a substantial percentage of the light entering structures 56 is transmitted through transmission structures 56 and out of light emitting surface 52 with minimal transmission losses.
- each structure 56 includes a light receiving port 60 which is generally conic in shape and which surrounds and encompasses the light emitting surface of light source 40 .
- a small air gap is also provided between light receiving port 60 and the light emitting surface of semiconductor light source 40 , as best seen in FIG. 5C .
- Each structure 56 is designed with at least two parabolic reflector shapes, superimposed upon one another, with each parabolic reflector shape having its focal point at input port 60 but having a different focal length, such that light received at input port 60 is collimated, focused and spread to create the desired output light pattern at light emitter surface 52 .
- structures 56 To reduce the amount of material required to form structures 56 , material which is otherwise unnecessary, due to the superimposition of the parabolic shapes, can be omitted from structures 56 in a manner similar to that employed with Fresnel lens, etc. In such a case, structures 56 have a “scalloped” shape, as shown in FIGS. 5A , 5 B and 5 G. While it is presently preferred to omit such unnecessary material when fabricating light pipes 48 , the present invention is not so limited and structures 56 can be fabricated with unnecessary material in place, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4B .
- each structure 56 is focused and shaped within structures 56 such that a generally elongated overall light pattern is formed at emitter surface 52 , with the emitted light primarily directed parallel to the elongate axis of multi-focal length light pipe 48 .
- other patterns of output light can be created, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
- multi-focal length light pipe 48 is not particularly limited and, while in illustrated embodiment light pipe 48 is shown as having light transmission structures 56 arranged in a substantially straight line and light emitting surface 52 being gently curved, the present invention is not so limited and curved configurations of light transmission structures 56 and/or different shapes for light emitting surface 52 can be employed as may be desired for aesthetic or other design purposes.
- multi-focal length light pipes 48 are employed, the present invention is not so limited and additional multi-focal length light pipes 48 can be included if desired and the multi-focal length light pipes 48 need not all be the same size or shape. Further still, while in the present embodiment multi-focal length light pipes 48 are shown as being arranged horizontally across signal light 20 , the present invention is not so limited and vertical, diagonal or other arrangements of multi-focal length light pipes 48 can be employed as desired.
- one or more bezels 64 can be provided about multi-focal length light pipes 48 to complete the design of signal light 20 .
- signal light 20 can be configured to provide a variety of signal light functions, as desired.
- signal light 20 can be configured to provide running light functionality by illuminating the semiconductor light sources 40 emitting light for one of multi-focal length light pipes 48 at reduced brightness levels and can provide brake light functionality by selectively illuminating those same semiconductor light sources 40 at full brightness when braking.
- turn signal functionality can be by provided by alternately illuminating and extinguishing the semiconductor light sources 40 emitting light for the other multi-input light pipe 48 .
- signal light 20 can have a third multi-focal length light pipe (not shown) included within housing 24 which is illuminated by white LEDs to provide a back up light, or license plate illumination, function.
- each multi-focal length light pipe 48 includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port 60 to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source 40 spaced from the light receiving port 60 by an air gap. The received light is collimated, spread and transmitted to a light emitting surface 52 which is located adjacent to a lens 28 of the signal light 20 .
- the aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes 48 is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Led Device Packages (AREA)
Abstract
An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/690,441, filed Jan. 20, 2010 and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/205,558, filed Jan. 21, 2009. The disclosure of the application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an automotive signal light which employs semiconductor light sources. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automotive signal light which employs semiconductor light sources and at least one multi-focal length light pipe to produce a desired output light pattern.
- It is known to employ semiconductor light sources, in particular light emitting diodes (LEDs), in automotive signal lights. For example, tail lights on some vehicles include an array of red light-emitting and/or amber light-emitting LEDs which are positioned between a reflector and a lens to provide the desired signal patterns. It is also known to have signal lamps wherein one or more LEDs are arranged in a direct view wherein the output of the LED passes directly through the lens of the signal light.
- While known signal lights employing LEDs provide advantages over signal lights employing incandescent bulbs, they still suffer from some problems. For example, available LEDs emit limited amounts of light relative to incandescent lamps. Due to these lower emitted levels of light and/or the inefficiency of a conventional reflector and lens in transmitting the light produced by the LEDs, a large number of LEDs must often be employed to produce sufficient signal lighting to meet regulatory requirements. Further, this large number of LEDs must be appropriately spaced about the signal light to provide the lighted surface area required to meet regulatory requirements and thus the aesthetic design of such signal lights is limited.
- As will be apparent, next to regulatory and safety concerns, aesthetic design can be one of the most significant considerations for the designer of a vehicle and, to date, the range of aesthetic design available for signal lamps using semiconductor light sources has been limited.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel signal light utilizing semiconductor light sources with at least one multi-focal length light pipe to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automotive signal light comprising: a substantially weather proof volume defined by at least a housing and a lens; at least one semiconductor light source and heat sink assembly located within the volume; and at least one multi-focal length light pipe located within the volume having at least one light transmission structure with a light receiving port positioned adjacent a respective semiconductor light source to receive light emitted by said one semiconductor light source, the light transmission structure including at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting structures each having a common focal point at the light receiving port and each having a focal length differing from the focal length of the other such that the light transmitting structure receives, collimates, directs and spreads and transmits the light received at the light receiving port to a light emitting surface of the light pipe adjacent the lens to from a desired output light pattern.
- The present invention provides an automotive signal light which employs at least one multi-focal length light pipe to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. The light emitted from the semiconductor light sources is collimated, focused and spread by the multi-focal length light pipe to obtain a desired output light pattern while allowing for a wide range of aesthetic designs and a wide range of signal light functionalities which can be provided.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is aFIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the front of an automotive signal light in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the signal light ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the lighting components of the signal light ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4A shows an end view of a pair of multi-focal length light pipes and a light source and heat sink assembly for the signal light ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4B shows a side view of a multi-focal length light pipe and light source and heat sink assemblies for the signal light ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5A shows a side view of a multi-focal length light pipe for the signal light ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5B shows a more detailed cut away perspective view of the portion of the multi-focal length light pipe identified in circle A ofFIG. 5B ; and -
FIG. 50 shows a more detailed cut away perspective view of the portion of the multi-focal length light pipe identified in circle B ofFIG. 5B . - The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
- An automotive signal light in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally at 20 in the accompanying Figures. As best seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 ,signal light 20 comprises ahousing 24, which fabricated from any appropriate material such as PVC, polycarbonate, etc. and atransparent lens 28, which in the illustrated embodiment is clear. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art,lens 28 is fabricated from any suitable transparent material, such as polycarbonate, and tinted one or more colors or clear. -
Housing 24 includes an integral back panel, or the portion of the vehicle to whichsignal light 20 is mounted forms a back panel, such that the interior volume ofsignal lamp 20 receives the lighting components (described below) in a substantially weather proof manner. -
Signal light 20 further comprises at least onelight source assembly 32 comprising a heat sink and at least onesemiconductor light source 40. Eachsemiconductor light source 40 is mounted to the heat sink such that waste heat produced by the operation of thesemiconductor light sources 40 is transferred to the heat sink, which in turn radiates that waste heat to the surrounding atmosphere via a set of fins 44 (best seen inFIG. 4A ). Preferably, to enhance the transfer of heat from the heat sinks to the surrounding atmosphere,fins 44 of each heat sink extend through the back panel outside of the enclosed volume ofsignal light 20. - In the present embodiment,
semiconductor light sources 40 are surface mounted, domed light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as (for example) the Luxeon Rebel™ surface mounted LEDs sold by Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, 370 West Trimble Road, San Jose, Calif. - As discussed below, depending upon the color of the light required to be output by
signal light 20,semiconductor light sources 40 selected to produce light of a corresponding color, such as red, amber or white. Eachsemiconductor light source 40 is mounted to an electrical circuit board 46 (best seen inFIGS. 5B and 5C ) and connected thereby to an appropriate electrical power supply (not shown) as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. -
Signal light 20 further comprises at least one multi-focallength light pipe 48, each of which receives light emitted by at least onesemiconductor light source 40. In the illustrated embodiment, eachlight pipe 48 receives the light emitted by fivesemiconductor light sources 40. However, the present invention is not limited tolight pipes 48 receiving light from fivesemiconductor light sources 40 andlight pipes 48 can receive light emitted from one or moresemiconductor light sources 40 depending upon the size oflight pipe 48 and the amount of light required to be emitted fromlight pipe 48, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. - Multi-focal
length light pipe 48 is shown in more detail inFIGS. 4A and 4B , and inFIGS. 5A , 5B and 5C. As shown,light pipe 48 includes anemitter surface 52 and at least one (and in the illustrated embodiment, five)light transmission structure 56. The number oflight transmission structures 56 required on alight pipe 48 depends on the output levels of light emitted bysemiconductor light sources 40 and the desired level of light output fromlight emitting surface 52, and corresponds to the number oflight sources 40 used to illuminate thelight pipe 48.Semiconductor light sources 40 with higher levels of emitted light can reduce the number oflight transmission structures 56 which would other wise be required. -
Light pipe 48 is preferably fabricated from an optically clear material, such as acrylic, to ensure that a substantial percentage of thelight entering structures 56 is transmitted throughtransmission structures 56 and out oflight emitting surface 52 with minimal transmission losses. - To ensure that a substantial portion of the light emitted by
semiconductor light sources 40 is usefully received withinstructures 56, eachstructure 56 includes alight receiving port 60 which is generally conic in shape and which surrounds and encompasses the light emitting surface oflight source 40. A small air gap (on the order of one millimeter or less) is also provided betweenlight receiving port 60 and the light emitting surface ofsemiconductor light source 40, as best seen inFIG. 5C . - Light received from
light source 40 atinput port 60 is transferred frominput port 60 throughstructure 56 toemitter surface 52 by total internal reflection throughstructure 56. Eachstructure 56 is designed with at least two parabolic reflector shapes, superimposed upon one another, with each parabolic reflector shape having its focal point atinput port 60 but having a different focal length, such that light received atinput port 60 is collimated, focused and spread to create the desired output light pattern atlight emitter surface 52. - To reduce the amount of material required to form
structures 56, material which is otherwise unnecessary, due to the superimposition of the parabolic shapes, can be omitted fromstructures 56 in a manner similar to that employed with Fresnel lens, etc. In such a case,structures 56 have a “scalloped” shape, as shown inFIGS. 5A , 5B and 5G. While it is presently preferred to omit such unnecessary material when fabricatinglight pipes 48, the present invention is not so limited andstructures 56 can be fabricated with unnecessary material in place, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4B . - In the illustrated configuration, the light from each
structure 56 is focused and shaped withinstructures 56 such that a generally elongated overall light pattern is formed atemitter surface 52, with the emitted light primarily directed parallel to the elongate axis of multi-focal lengthlight pipe 48. Depending upon the design of the superimposed parabolic reflector shapes instructures 56, other patterns of output light can be created, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. - The shape of multi-focal length
light pipe 48 is not particularly limited and, while in illustrated embodimentlight pipe 48 is shown as havinglight transmission structures 56 arranged in a substantially straight line andlight emitting surface 52 being gently curved, the present invention is not so limited and curved configurations oflight transmission structures 56 and/or different shapes forlight emitting surface 52 can be employed as may be desired for aesthetic or other design purposes. - Further, while in the illustrated embodiment two multi-focal
length light pipes 48 are employed, the present invention is not so limited and additional multi-focallength light pipes 48 can be included if desired and the multi-focallength light pipes 48 need not all be the same size or shape. Further still, while in the present embodiment multi-focallength light pipes 48 are shown as being arranged horizontally acrosssignal light 20, the present invention is not so limited and vertical, diagonal or other arrangements of multi-focallength light pipes 48 can be employed as desired. - For aesthetic purposes one or
more bezels 64 can be provided about multi-focallength light pipes 48 to complete the design ofsignal light 20. - As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, signal light 20 can be configured to provide a variety of signal light functions, as desired. For example, if
signal light 20 is intended to server as a tail light of an automobile, it can provide running light functionality by illuminating thesemiconductor light sources 40 emitting light for one of multi-focallength light pipes 48 at reduced brightness levels and can provide brake light functionality by selectively illuminating those samesemiconductor light sources 40 at full brightness when braking. - Similarly, turn signal functionality can be by provided by alternately illuminating and extinguishing the
semiconductor light sources 40 emitting light for the other multi-inputlight pipe 48. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, a wide variety of other signal light functionalities can be similarly provided. For example, signal light 20 can have a third multi-focal length light pipe (not shown) included withinhousing 24 which is illuminated by white LEDs to provide a back up light, or license plate illumination, function. - As will now be apparent to those of skill in the art, the present invention teaches an automotive signal light 20 which employs at least one multi-focal length
light pipe 48 to collect, collimate, spread and direct, as needed, light emitted from semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal lengthlight pipe 48 includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has alight receiving port 60 to receive light emitted from asemiconductor light source 40 spaced from thelight receiving port 60 by an air gap. The received light is collimated, spread and transmitted to alight emitting surface 52 which is located adjacent to alens 28 of thesignal light 20. The aesthetic arrangement of thelight pipes 48 is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided. - The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (33)
1. An automotive signal light, comprising:
a housing;
a transparent lens connected to said housing;
at least one light source assembly mounted within said housing;
a multi-focal length light pipe disposed within said housing in proximity to said at least one light source assembly; and
at least one light transmission structure formed as part of said multi-focal length light pipe such that light produced by said at least one light source assembly transfers through said at least one light transmission structure of said multi-focal length light pipe to produce a desired beam pattern.
2. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , said at least one light source assembly further comprising a plurality of semiconductor light sources.
3. The automotive signal light of claim 2 , each of said plurality of semiconductor light sources further comprising a light emitting diode (LED).
4. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , said at least one light transmission structure further comprising at least one light receiving port for receiving light from said at least one light source assembly mounted within said housing.
5. The automotive signal light of claim 4 , wherein said at least one light receiving port is substantially conic in shape such that said at least one light receiving port substantially surrounds said at least one light source assembly to receive substantially all of the light from said at least one light source assembly.
6. The automotive signal light of claim 4 , said further comprising at least two parabolic reflector shapes formed as part of said at least one light transmission structure, each of said at least two parabolic reflector shapes having a focal point at said at least one light receiving port, and each of said at least two parabolic reflector shapes having a different focal length such that light received from said at least one light receiving port is collimated, focused, and spread to create said desired beam pattern.
7. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , wherein said at least one light transmission structure is scalloped in shape.
8. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , said housing further comprising a back panel.
9. The automotive signal light of claim 8 , further comprising:
a heat sink which transfers heat away from said at least one light source assembly; and
a plurality of fins formed as part of said heat sink, said plurality of fins extend through said back panel of said housing for releasing heat from said heat sink.
10. The automotive signal light of claim 8 , wherein said back panel is an integral back panel formed as part of said housing.
11. The automotive signal light of claim 8 , wherein said back panel is formed by a portion of said vehicle to which said signal light is mounted.
12. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , wherein said at least one light transmission structure directs light through said multi-focal length light pipe through total internal reflection.
13. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , wherein said housing is made from one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.
14. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , wherein said multi-focal length light pipe is made of a clear, acrylic material.
15. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , further comprising:
an emitter surface formed as part of said multi-focal length light pipe; and
said multi-focal length light pipe includes an elongate axis, wherein light emitting from said emitter surface is primarily directed parallel to said elongate axis.
16. The automotive signal light of claim 1 , wherein a first focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides running light functionality, a second focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides brake light functionality, and a third focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides back-up light functionality.
17. An automotive signal light, comprising:
a housing;
a transparent lens connected to said housing;
a plurality of semiconductor light source assemblies mounted within said housing;
a multi-focal length light pipe disposed within said housing;
a plurality of light transmission structures formed as part of said multi-focal length light pipe, each of said plurality of light transmission structures having one focal length, and each of said plurality of light transmission structures receives light from one of said plurality of semiconductor light source assemblies; and
an emitter surface formed as part of said multi-focal length light pipe such that light is received by said plurality of light transmission structures and is directed out of said emitter surface, and each of said plurality of light transmission structures produces a desired beam pattern,
18. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , each of said plurality of light transmission structures further comprising:
at least one light receiving port for receiving light from one of said plurality of semiconductor light sources; and
at least two parabolic reflector shapes having a different focal length, and each of said at least two parabolic reflector shapes having a focal point located in proximity to said at least one light receiving port such that light received from said at least one light receiving port is collimated, focused, and spread by said light transmission structure to create said desired beam pattern emitted from said emitter surface.
19. The automotive signal light of claim 18 , wherein said at least one light receiving port is substantially conic in shape such that said at least one light receiving port substantially surrounds a respective one of said plurality of semiconductor light source assemblies to receive substantially all of the light from said respective one of said plurality of light sources assemblies.
20. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , further comprising:
a heat sink which removes heat from said plurality of light source assemblies; and
a plurality of fins formed as part of said heat sink, said plurality of fins extending out of said housing for releasing heat from said heat sink.
21. The automotive signal light of claim 20 , said housing further comprising an integral back panel, wherein said plurality of fins formed as part of said heat sink extend out of said back panel.
22. The automotive signal light of claim 20 , said housing further comprising a back panel formed by a portion of said vehicle to which said signal light is mounted, wherein said plurality of fins formed as part of said heat sink extend out of said back panel.
23. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein each of said plurality of light transmission structures directs light through said multi-focal length light pipe through total internal reflection.
24. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein said housing is made from one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.
25. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein said multi-focal length light pipe is made of a clear, acrylic material.
26. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , said multi-focal length light pipe further comprising an elongate axis, wherein light emitting from said emitter surface is primarily directed parallel to said elongate axis.
27. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein a first focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides running light functionality, a second focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides brake light functionality, and a third focal length of said multi-focal length light pipe provides back-up light functionality.
28. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein said at least one light transmission structure is scalloped in shape
29. The automotive signal light of claim 17 , wherein each of said plurality of semi-conductor light source assemblies is a light emitting diode (LED).
30. An automotive signal light comprising:
a substantially weather proof volume defined by at least a housing and a lens;
at least one semiconductor light source and heat sink assembly located within the volume; and
at least one multi-focal length light pipe located within the volume having at least one light transmission structure with a light receiving port positioned adjacent a respective semiconductor light source to receive light emitted by said one semiconductor light source, the light transmission structure including at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting structures each having a common focal point at the light receiving port and each having a focal length differing from the focal length of the other such that the light transmitting structure receives, collimates, directs and spreads and transmits the light received at the light receiving port to a light emitting surface of the light pipe adjacent the lens to from a desired output light pattern.
31. An automotive signal light in accordance with claim 30 , comprising at least two multi-focal length light pipes located within the volume.
32. An automotive signal light in accordance with claim 31 , wherein each multi-focal length light pipe provides a different signal function.
33. An automotive signal light in accordance with claim 30 , wherein the signal light includes at least two semiconductor light sources and the multi-focal length light pipe includes a corresponding number of light transmission structures.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/845,247 US20130223088A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-18 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US20555809P | 2009-01-21 | 2009-01-21 | |
US12/690,441 US8398283B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-01-20 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
US13/845,247 US20130223088A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-18 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/690,441 Continuation US8398283B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-01-20 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130223088A1 true US20130223088A1 (en) | 2013-08-29 |
Family
ID=42352578
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/690,441 Active 2031-06-17 US8398283B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-01-20 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
US13/845,247 Abandoned US20130223088A1 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-18 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/690,441 Active 2031-06-17 US8398283B2 (en) | 2009-01-21 | 2010-01-20 | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8398283B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2690667A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106152015A (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-23 | 法雷奥照明公司 | Difunctional near far lighting module for motor vehicles |
CN107631267A (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2018-01-26 | 法雷奥照明比利时公司 | Lighting module for motor vehicles |
US9879838B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2018-01-30 | Valeo Vision | Vehicle lighting device using a multiple-source optical lens |
US20180031199A1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-02-01 | Valeo Vision | Vehicle light module compatible with driving on the left and driving on the right |
Families Citing this family (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8398283B2 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-19 | Magna International, Inc. | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
US20130265791A1 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2013-10-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle light assembly with photon recycling |
US9464785B2 (en) | 2013-01-08 | 2016-10-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicular light guides and assemblies with uniform illumination |
FR3008775B1 (en) * | 2013-07-22 | 2017-12-29 | Renault Sas | LIGHTING SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING BODY, WITH A LUMINOUS ELEMENT DISPENSING FROM THE LIGHT SOURCE |
US9103520B1 (en) | 2014-04-18 | 2015-08-11 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Combination turn and tail multi-color LED lamp |
TWM503345U (en) * | 2015-02-26 | 2015-06-21 | Tyc Brother Ind Co Ltd | Vehicle lamp |
FR3041417B1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2018-08-17 | Psa Automobiles Sa. | VEHICLE PROJECTOR WITH AERATION SYSTEM |
CN105180056B (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2018-05-08 | 重庆越畅汽车科技有限公司 | A kind of automobile tail light with double tubular driving lamp |
FR3042845B1 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2019-11-29 | Valeo Vision | LIGHT DEVICE WITH OPTICAL GUIDES |
FR3048060B1 (en) * | 2016-02-22 | 2019-04-05 | Valeo Vision | LIGHT BEAM PROJECTION DEVICE WITH LIGHT SOURCE SUBMATHES, LIGHTING MODULE AND PROJECTOR PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE |
US9815402B1 (en) * | 2017-01-16 | 2017-11-14 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Tailgate and cargo box illumination |
FR3064560B1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2020-10-16 | Valeo Vision | INTERIOR LIGHTING MODULE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES |
US10569693B2 (en) | 2017-05-31 | 2020-02-25 | Grote Industries, Inc. | Electric lamp having a cover with a light guide |
JP7521281B2 (en) | 2020-04-30 | 2024-07-24 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle lighting fixtures |
EP4040041A1 (en) * | 2021-02-08 | 2022-08-10 | ZKW Group GmbH | Illumination device for a vehicle lamp |
US11933471B1 (en) * | 2023-02-02 | 2024-03-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle lighting assembly with covered light blade and lighting method |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080013333A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-17 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp |
US8398283B2 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-19 | Magna International, Inc. | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2864204B1 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2006-10-27 | Valeo Vision | SIGNALING OR LIGHTING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
JP2006140084A (en) * | 2004-11-15 | 2006-06-01 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Vehicle lamp |
US7922369B2 (en) * | 2007-10-01 | 2011-04-12 | TecNiq, Inc. | Complex optical lens apparatus for creating rectangular light output distribution |
EP2141521A3 (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2010-03-03 | LG Electronics Inc. | Light pipe and illuminating device having the same |
-
2010
- 2010-01-20 US US12/690,441 patent/US8398283B2/en active Active
- 2010-01-21 CA CA2690667A patent/CA2690667A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-03-18 US US13/845,247 patent/US20130223088A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080013333A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-17 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Vehicular lamp |
US8398283B2 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2013-03-19 | Magna International, Inc. | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9879838B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2018-01-30 | Valeo Vision | Vehicle lighting device using a multiple-source optical lens |
US20180031199A1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2018-02-01 | Valeo Vision | Vehicle light module compatible with driving on the left and driving on the right |
US10451238B2 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2019-10-22 | Valeo Vision | Vehicle light module compatible with driving on the left and driving on the right |
CN106152015A (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-23 | 法雷奥照明公司 | Difunctional near far lighting module for motor vehicles |
CN107631267A (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2018-01-26 | 法雷奥照明比利时公司 | Lighting module for motor vehicles |
US10801690B2 (en) | 2016-07-18 | 2020-10-13 | Valeo Vision Belgique | Illumination module for a motor vehicle including an opaque mask |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100195342A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
CA2690667A1 (en) | 2010-07-21 |
US8398283B2 (en) | 2013-03-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8398283B2 (en) | Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes | |
US7431486B2 (en) | LED assembly for rear lamps in an automobile | |
US9689550B2 (en) | Vehicular lamp device | |
TWI422055B (en) | Led headlamp system | |
US7059754B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for providing a modular vehicle light device | |
US8721142B2 (en) | Fog lamp and the like employing semiconductor light sources | |
US7959322B2 (en) | Optical system for LED array | |
MXPA05003469A (en) | Light emitting diode headlamp and headlamp assembly. | |
US9851066B2 (en) | Reflector signal lamp having a hidden light source | |
US20080278961A1 (en) | Hybrid Optics for L.E.D. Lamp | |
CA2533586A1 (en) | Three color led bulb | |
US20170267163A1 (en) | Vehicle decorative lighting device and vehicle lamp | |
US6793372B2 (en) | Multiple reflector indirect light source lamp | |
EP2045514B1 (en) | Modular reflective optical lighting system and lighting device equipped therewith, in particular for vehicles | |
CN102947131B (en) | External rear-view mirror assembly having housing comprising circuit board supporting a plurality of light emitting diodes | |
TWM464599U (en) | Vehicle LED lamp capable of improving heat dissipation effect | |
US20100039824A1 (en) | Lighting device capable of projecting an output with a ring band portion | |
US20060146559A1 (en) | LED lantern structure | |
WO2010094141A1 (en) | Glare reduction in led lighting systems | |
US20120230057A1 (en) | Led reading light | |
US10458618B2 (en) | Lighting appliance for engine vehicles | |
CN117628431A (en) | Multi-light source lighting module and automobile lamp thereof | |
JP6955416B2 (en) | Vehicle lighting | |
KR20000030723A (en) | Lens body for light-emitting diode traffic light and the light-emitting diode traffic light comprising the lens body | |
JP2016119219A (en) | Vehicular lighting fixture |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |