US20190118706A1 - Vehicle lamp assembly - Google Patents
Vehicle lamp assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190118706A1 US20190118706A1 US15/789,544 US201715789544A US2019118706A1 US 20190118706 A1 US20190118706 A1 US 20190118706A1 US 201715789544 A US201715789544 A US 201715789544A US 2019118706 A1 US2019118706 A1 US 2019118706A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lens
- grooves
- light source
- lamp assembly
- base structure
- 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.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/70—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose
- B60Q3/74—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by the purpose for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
- B60R7/04—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/003—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
- F21V23/004—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array arranged on a substrate, e.g. a printed circuit board
- F21V23/005—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array arranged on a substrate, e.g. a printed circuit board the substrate is supporting also the light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V3/00—Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
- F21V7/04—Optical design
- F21V7/041—Optical design with conical or pyramidal surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/80—Circuits; Control arrangements
- B60Q3/82—Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
- B60R11/0217—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for loud-speakers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
- B60R11/0247—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for microphones or earphones
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B60Y2304/00—Optimising design; Manufacturing; Testing
- B60Y2304/05—Reducing production costs, e.g. by redesign
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lamps, and more particularly, to vehicle lamps employing various lenses.
- Lamp assemblies are commonly employed in vehicles to provide various lighting functions. For some vehicles, it may be desirable to have a more efficient lamp assembly that may be manufactured at reduced costs when compared to current overhead console lamp assemblies.
- a lens for a lamp assembly includes a base structure defining a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector.
- Each sector includes one or more ridges.
- a central portion of the base structure includes a generally flat outer surface.
- an overhead console for a vehicle includes a light source operably coupled to a reflector.
- a first lens operably is coupled with the reflector and includes a central portion with a generally flat outer surface and a radial portion with a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- an overhead console for a vehicle includes a light source is operably coupled with a base structure.
- the base structure includes a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle compartment having an overhead console therein, according to some examples
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the overhead console having a pair of lamps therein, according to some examples;
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a lamp within the overhead console employing a reflector, according to some examples
- FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of the lamp having a first lens therein, according to some examples.
- FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the first lens, according to some examples.
- FIG. 4C is an enlarged perspective view of area IVC of FIG. 4A , according to some examples.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp taken along the line V-V of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the reflector and a substrate of the overhead console, according to some examples
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the substrate and the reflector, according to some examples.
- FIG. 8 is an enhanced perspective view of area VIII of FIG. 7 illustrating the reflector and the substrate, according to some examples
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the reflector taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the reflector taken along the line X-X of FIG. 8 .
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary examples of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
- the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
- An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
- the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.
- the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
- the following disclosure describes a lamp assembly that may be utilized within a vehicle and/or within an overhead console.
- the lamp assembly may incorporate a reflector that may be integrally formed with one or more components of overhead components.
- the reflector may be operably coupled with a lens that includes a spider-web pattern.
- the spider-web pattern may be disposed on a radial portion of the lens and a central portion may have varied optics to create unique styling of the lamp assembly and/or desired performance.
- an interior of an automotive vehicle 10 is generally illustrated having a passenger compartment 12 and an overhead console 14 disposed within the passenger compartment 12 .
- the overhead console 14 is assembled to a headliner 16 on an underside of a roof or ceiling of the vehicle passenger compartment 12 , generally above a front passenger seating area. It will be appreciated, however, that the overhead console 14 may be disposed in any other location of the vehicle 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the overhead console 14 includes a housing 18 and a substrate 20 that define a cavity therebetween.
- a wide range of assemblies may be disposed within the cavity.
- one or more lamp assemblies 22 and/or one or more switches 24 may be disposed in the cavity.
- the one or more switches may control any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such as controlling the movement of a sunroof or moonroof 26 , controlling the movement of a moonroof shade 28 , controlling activation of one or more lamp assemblies 22 , and various other devices and functions.
- the switches 24 may include electrical switches in communication with a variety of vehicle systems and in some examples may include biased switches or toggle switches.
- the lamp assemblies 22 may be configured as interior map/reading lights, dome lights, ambient lights, and/or any other type of light without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the lamp assemblies 22 may include a light source 30 , a reflector 32 , one or more lenses 34 , 36 ( FIG. 4A ), and/or a trim member 38 .
- the switches 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 each provide control of a vehicle component or device or provide a designated control function.
- One or more of the switches 24 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of a sunroof or moonroof 26 so as to cause the moonroof 26 to move in an open or closed direction, tilt the moonroof, or stop the movement of the moonroof based upon a control algorithm.
- One or more other switches 24 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of a moonroof shade 28 between open and closed positions.
- Each of the moonroof 26 and shade 28 may be actuated by an electric motor in response to actuation of the corresponding switch 24 .
- switches 24 may be dedicated to controlling other devices, such as activating/deactivating the lamp(s), unlocking a trunk, opening a rear hatch. Additional controls via the switches 24 may include actuating door power windows between open and closed positions. Various other vehicle controls may be controlled by way of the switches 24 described herein.
- the overhead console 14 may further include a sunglass bin 40 .
- the sunglass bin 40 may include any form of storage bin, tray, or any other form of compartment configured to provide a selectively accessible storage pocket.
- the sunglass bin 40 may be configured to have an interior portion configured to store glasses, sunglasses, or any other items having similar dimensional properties.
- the console housing 18 may further include a hands-free phone assembly 42 .
- the hands-free phone assembly 42 may include a speaker and/or a microphone.
- the microphone may be a unidirectional microphone or an array of microphones. If the microphone is a unidirectional microphone, the microphone is disposed, for example, in such a manner that the directivity thereof is directed toward the head of a passenger.
- An array microphone is a microphone in which multiple microphones are arranged close to each other in an array and whose directivity can be directed in any direction by signal processing.
- One or more illuminable indicia 44 may also be disposed on the overhead console 14 .
- the indicia 44 may provide any desired information to passengers of the vehicle 10 .
- the indicia 44 may be disposed on a backlit film.
- Each of the indicia 44 may be toggled between an illuminated and an unilluminated state to provide the status of a system that is designated by each respective indicium 44 .
- the reflector 32 may be integrally formed with the substrate 20 of the overhead console 14 .
- the substrate 20 may couple with the housing 18 ( FIG. 1 ) to define an exterior shape of the overhead console 14 .
- the light source 30 is disposed within the overhead console 14 and is coupled to a circuit board 46 .
- the circuit board 46 may be secured to and/or within the overhead console 14 .
- the light source 30 may include any form of light source 30 .
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- OLEDs organic LEDs
- PLEDs polymer LEDs
- QD-LEDs quantum dot LEDs
- solid-state lighting a hybrid of these or any other similar device, and/or any other form of lighting
- various types of LEDs are suitable for use as the light source 30 including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs, side-emitting LEDs, and others.
- multicolored light sources 30 such as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blue LED packaging may be used to generate various desired colors of light outputs from a single light source 30 , according to known light color mixing techniques.
- RGB Red, Green, and Blue
- the circuit board 46 may be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB) that is operably coupled to a controller 48 including control circuitry including LED drive circuitry for controlling activation and deactivation of the light source 30 .
- the controller 48 may be disposed in the vehicle 10 and/or within the overhead console 14 .
- the circuit board 46 may be configured in any fashion known in the art including, but not limited to, any flexible PCB and/or rigid PCB.
- the circuit board 46 may be a universal circuit board that controls multiple features of the overhead console 14 .
- a light source is disposed on a satellite circuit board within an overhead console 14 .
- the lamp provided herein may include a light source 30 on a universal circuit board to reduce cost, weight, manufacturing costs, manufacturing times, etc.
- the controller 48 may activate the light source 30 based on a plurality of inputs and may modify the intensity of the light 50 emitted by the light source 30 by pulse-width modulation, current control, and/or any other method known in the art.
- the controller 48 may be configured to adjust a color and/or intensity of light 50 emitted from the light source 30 by sending control signals to adjust an intensity or energy output level of the light source 30 .
- the controller 48 may increase the intensity of light 50 emitted from the light source 30 up to five times steady state.
- the first lens 34 is disposed proximately to the second end portion 58 of the body portion 60 .
- the first lens 34 may be configured as a near field lens that may include optics 64 thereon.
- the first lens 34 may be configured as a Fresnel lens, a pillow optic, and/or any other type of lens or optic that is configured to disperse, concentrate, and/or otherwise direct light 50 emitted from the light source 30 therethrough in any desired manner.
- the trim member 38 may be disposed on an opposing side of the first lens 34 from the reflector 32 .
- the trim member 38 may provide any desired styling through a decorative material 70 disposed thereon and/or therein.
- the decorative material 70 may confer a plurality of various patterns, textures, colors, etc.
- the decorative material 70 can provide a desired aesthetic appearance through any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating), electroplating, and/or printing a material onto the trim member 38 .
- the decorative material 70 may be chosen from a wide range of materials and/or colors, including, but not limited to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, or any other metallic surface. Additionally, an imitator of any metallic material may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.
- the trim member 38 may be otherwise colored any other color through any other process known in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the trim member 38 may have a textured or grained surface.
- the grained surface may be produced by laser etching the trim member 38 and may provide the trim member 38 with a varied or common appearance to proximately disposed components of the overhead console 14 .
- any other component of the overhead console 14 may be colored any desired color and/or have a textured or grained surface that is similar or varied from the trim member 38 .
- the second lens 36 may be disposed on an opposing side of the trim member 38 from the first lens 34 .
- the second lens 36 may obstruct a passenger's view of the reflector 32 and/or the first lens 34 from a position below the overhead console 14 , once the overhead console 14 is disposed within the vehicle 10 .
- the second lens 36 also includes optics 64 therein.
- the second lens 36 may be configured as a flat member.
- the second lens 36 may be configured as a diffuser that is designed to break up and distribute light 50 emitted from the light source 30 evenly so that hot spots and shadows may be minimized. Accordingly, the second lens 36 may have any desired light transparency and haze. For example, the second lens 36 may have a light transparency between 30% and 95% and a haze that may be above 70%, particularly above 75%, and more particularly 80% or above. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the overhead console 14 may be free of the second lens 36 . Furthermore, the reflector 32 , the first and second lenses 34 , 36 , and the trim member 38 may be formed of various polymeric materials and metallic materials, as well as fiberglass, carbon fiber, fabric, and any other materials suitable for implementation in the vehicle 10 .
- first and/or second lens 34 , 36 may be formed from a transparent and/or translucent polycarbonate.
- the first and/or second lens 34 , 36 may provide protection and decorative function to the lamp assembly.
- the first and/or second lenses 34 , 36 can be designed with optical function.
- the first lens 34 is formed from a base structure 90 and may have the radial portion 66 having an integrally formed optic 64 thereon and a central portion 68 having a generally flat surface, which may form a spider-web-like structure.
- the first lens 34 can be decorative, while allowing light emitted by the light source 30 to be transmitted therethrough.
- the first lens 34 may have optical function and may combine with the reflector 32 and/or the second lens 36 within the lamp assembly 22 .
- the first lens 34 may be utilized with a point light source, such as the light source 30 described herein, or with parallel light (e.g., collimated light within the reflector 32 ).
- the optics 64 include alternating ridges 92 and grooves 94 .
- the grooves 94 may extend radially from a central point 96 .
- a plurality of concentrically aligned channels 98 intersects the plurality of grooves 94 .
- “concentric” means that the channels are to be coaxial when they share the same central point 96 .
- any one of the channels 98 and two adjacent grooves 94 define the sector.
- a sector is a part of a circle enclosed by two radii, or grooves 94 , of the circle and an intercepted defined by the outer channel 98 a thereby forming a pie-shaped part of a circle.
- each ridge 92 may have a curved outer surface.
- the outer surface may be curved in a first direction between two adjacent grooves 94 with the summit 100 being disposed at a center portion of the ridge 92 , as indicated by line 102 .
- the first direction may be substantially aligned with the concentric channels 98 .
- each ridge 92 may be additionally, and/or alternatively, be curved in a second direction, as indicated by line 104 .
- the second direction may be substantially aligned with the grooves 94 .
- the summit 100 may be a center point between two channels 98 disposed on opposing sides of the ridge 92 .
- each ridge 92 may have a unique outer surface geometry that is flat, curved, or otherwise varied in a non-linear orientation. Moreover, each ridge 92 may be curved in the first and/or second direction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the curved orientation of each ridge includes a central portion that extends further outward than outer portions of each ridge 92 , wherein the outer portions are proximate to the plurality of grooves 94 .
- a spider-web pattern may be formed on various portions thereof.
- the spider-web pattern can be on the whole first lens 34 or a portion of the first lens 34 may have a varied pattern.
- the first lens 34 may have the central portion 68 that may be substantially or generally flat.
- the central portion 68 may include a diffuser that is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source 30 and through the reflector 32 .
- the radial portion 66 of the lens and the central portion 68 may be of any size to meet any styling demand, an optical efficiency, and/or direct light towards a desired target location.
- the radial portion 66 and/or central portion 68 of the first lens 34 may assist in concealing various phosphors that may be disposed on the light source 30 .
- the plurality of grooves 94 , the ridges 92 , and the concentric channels 98 may be integrally formed with the housing that forms the first lens 34 and/or attached thereto.
- any other lens 34 , 36 within the lamp assembly may also be formed with the radial and central portions 66 , 68 described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the circuit board 46 may be disposed above the substrate 20 .
- the reflector 32 may be integrally formed with, or attached to, the substrate 20 on the first end portion 56 thereof.
- the second end portion 58 of the reflector 32 is operably coupled with the first lens 34 .
- the first lens 34 may be offset from the substrate 20 . In other words, when one component is offset from another component, the two components are oriented in a non-parallel orientation to one another.
- the trim member 38 is disposed on an opposing side of the first lens 34 from the reflector 32 .
- the trim member 38 has a varied thickness such that a first portion 72 of the trim member 38 has a first thickness and a second portion 74 of the trim member 38 has a second thickness.
- the first thickness may be less than, or greater than, the second thickness.
- the second lens 36 is disposed on an opposing side of the trim member 38 from the first lens 34 .
- the first lens 34 may be offset from (i.e., non-parallel to) the second lens 36 .
- the first lens 34 has an outer region 76 having a first thickness and a central region 78 , containing the radial portion 66 and the central portion 68 , having a second thickness.
- the second thickness may be greater than the first thickness and may be disposed within a cavity 80 of the trim member 38 .
- one or more locators 82 may be integrally formed with the trim member 38 and extend through one or more respective voids 84 ( FIG. 3 ) in the first lens 34 .
- the sidewalls 54 may have radiused corners between intersecting sidewalls 54 .
- the radiused corners may assist in forming of the reflector 32 as a single component.
- the reflector 32 may have a shape aspect of another polygonal frustum such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like and the number of reflector sidewalls 54 may correspondingly be three, five, six, and the like, respectively.
- the shape of the first opening and the second opening may correspondingly be triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like.
- the substrate 20 may include a pair of reflectors 32 that extend in opposing, laterally outward directions. It will be appreciated, however, that the reflectors 32 may extend in any desired direction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the pair of reflectors 32 may be mirror images of one another. However, in alternate examples, the pair of reflectors 32 may have varied geometries without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- a reflective material 86 may be disposed on and/or within one or more interior surfaces 88 of the body portion 60 .
- the reflective material 86 generally functions to redirect light 50 ( FIG. 5 ) emitted from the light source 30 through the reflector 32 and towards a desired location within the vehicle compartment 12 .
- the reflective material 86 may be reflective and/or retroreflective. Accordingly, in examples where the reflective material 86 has reflective properties, the light 50 emitted from the light source 30 may be spread, refracted, and/or scattered as the light 50 emitted from the light source 30 passes therethrough.
- the reflective material 86 is a coating, such as a boron nitride, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or any other practicable material that reflects the light 50 emitted by the light source 30 . It is noted that the reflective material 86 could be disposed on other portions of the substrate 20 to direct or reflect light 50 emitted from the light source 30 in a desired direction and/or to minimize radiation from being emitted in an undesired direction. The reflective material 86 may reflect more than 90% of the light 50 emitted from the light source 30 . In examples of the reflective material 86 that include boron nitride, the boron nitride particles may be of a relatively small size. A small particle size is advantageous, since it may lead to an overall decreased weight content of boron nitride in the composition, which not only results in a more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly composition but also a composition that may be easier to produce.
- the reflective material 86 may further include reflective particles including a metal oxide.
- metal oxide particles that may be used in the composition, in addition to the particles including boron nitride, include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide and yttrium oxide.
- the particles including boron nitride and any further particles including metal oxide may be present in the reflective composition at any desired weight ratios relative to each other.
- the reflective material 86 may be used to direct the light 50 emitted from the light source 30 in a desired output direction.
- the reflector 32 may be integrally formed with another component of the overhead console 14 , such as the substrate 20 .
- the reflector 32 may be molded as part of or into a material forming the substrate 20 and/or any other component of the overhead console 14 .
- the reflector 32 may be formed as a separate component and assembled to the overhead console 14 .
- the reflector 32 may be fixedly mounted to the overhead console 14 via fasteners, adhesive or other mounting connection and generally does not move relative to the overhead console 14 .
- the substrate 20 and the reflector 32 may be integrally formed through an injection molding process.
- the contour of the reflector 32 allows for the reflector 32 to be integrally formed.
- the trapezoidal shape of the reflector 32 may allow for an injection mold tool to form the substrate 20 and the reflector 32 without the need for any additional steps, fasteners, or components in attaching the substrate 20 to the reflector 32 .
- the lamp assembly may efficiently provide illumination in the desired location within a vehicle compartment of the vehicle.
- the lamp assembly may incorporate a reflector that may be integrally formed with one or more components of overhead components.
- the reflector may be operably coupled with a lens that includes a spider-web pattern.
- the spider-web pattern may be disposed on a radial portion of the lens and a central portion may have varied optics to create unique styling of the lamp assembly and/or desired performance.
- a lens for a lamp assembly includes a base structure defining a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector.
- Each sector includes one or more ridges.
- a central portion of the base structure includes a generally flat outer surface. Examples of the lens for a lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the following features:
- a method of manufacturing a base structure for a lamp assembly includes forming a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point. A plurality of concentrically aligned channels are formed that intersect the plurality of grooves. An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector. Each sector includes one or more ridges. A central portion of the base structure is formed and includes a generally flat outer surface.
- an overhead console for a vehicle includes a light source operably coupled to a reflector.
- a first lens operably is coupled with the reflector and includes a central portion with a generally flat outer surface and a radial portion with a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- Examples of the overhead console for a vehicle can include any one or a combination of the following features:
- an overhead console for a vehicle includes a light source is operably coupled with a base structure.
- the base structure includes a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves. Examples of the overhead console for a vehicle can include any one or a combination of the following features:
- the term “coupled” in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
- any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved.
- any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
- any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
- operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.
- a component preceding the term “of the” may be disposed at any practicable location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally disposed from the vehicle) such that the component may function in any manner described herein.
- elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied.
- the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lamps, and more particularly, to vehicle lamps employing various lenses.
- Lamp assemblies are commonly employed in vehicles to provide various lighting functions. For some vehicles, it may be desirable to have a more efficient lamp assembly that may be manufactured at reduced costs when compared to current overhead console lamp assemblies.
- According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lens for a lamp assembly is provided herein. The lens includes a base structure defining a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves. An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector. Each sector includes one or more ridges. A central portion of the base structure includes a generally flat outer surface.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead console for a vehicle is provided herein. The overhead console includes a light source operably coupled to a reflector. A first lens operably is coupled with the reflector and includes a central portion with a generally flat outer surface and a radial portion with a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead console for a vehicle is provided herein. The overhead console includes a light source is operably coupled with a base structure. The base structure includes a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves.
- These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle compartment having an overhead console therein, according to some examples; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the overhead console having a pair of lamps therein, according to some examples; -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a lamp within the overhead console employing a reflector, according to some examples; -
FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of the lamp having a first lens therein, according to some examples; -
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the first lens, according to some examples; -
FIG. 4C is an enlarged perspective view of area IVC ofFIG. 4A , according to some examples; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp taken along the line V-V ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the reflector and a substrate of the overhead console, according to some examples; -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the substrate and the reflector, according to some examples; -
FIG. 8 is an enhanced perspective view of area VIII ofFIG. 7 illustrating the reflector and the substrate, according to some examples; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the reflector taken along the line IX-IX ofFIG. 8 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the reflector taken along the line X-X ofFIG. 8 . - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary examples of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - As required, detailed examples of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
- In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
- As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
- The following disclosure describes a lamp assembly that may be utilized within a vehicle and/or within an overhead console. The lamp assembly may incorporate a reflector that may be integrally formed with one or more components of overhead components. The reflector may be operably coupled with a lens that includes a spider-web pattern. The spider-web pattern may be disposed on a radial portion of the lens and a central portion may have varied optics to create unique styling of the lamp assembly and/or desired performance.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , an interior of anautomotive vehicle 10 is generally illustrated having apassenger compartment 12 and anoverhead console 14 disposed within thepassenger compartment 12. Theoverhead console 14 is assembled to aheadliner 16 on an underside of a roof or ceiling of thevehicle passenger compartment 12, generally above a front passenger seating area. It will be appreciated, however, that theoverhead console 14 may be disposed in any other location of thevehicle 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - The
overhead console 14 includes ahousing 18 and asubstrate 20 that define a cavity therebetween. A wide range of assemblies may be disposed within the cavity. For example, one or more lamp assemblies 22 and/or one ormore switches 24 may be disposed in the cavity. The one or more switches may control any of a number of vehicle devices and functions, such as controlling the movement of a sunroof or moonroof 26, controlling the movement of amoonroof shade 28, controlling activation of one ormore lamp assemblies 22, and various other devices and functions. Theswitches 24 may include electrical switches in communication with a variety of vehicle systems and in some examples may include biased switches or toggle switches. Thelamp assemblies 22 may be configured as interior map/reading lights, dome lights, ambient lights, and/or any other type of light without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thelamp assemblies 22 may include alight source 30, areflector 32, one ormore lenses 34, 36 (FIG. 4A ), and/or atrim member 38. - The
switches 24 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 each provide control of a vehicle component or device or provide a designated control function. One or more of theswitches 24 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of a sunroof ormoonroof 26 so as to cause themoonroof 26 to move in an open or closed direction, tilt the moonroof, or stop the movement of the moonroof based upon a control algorithm. One or moreother switches 24 may be dedicated to controlling the movement of amoonroof shade 28 between open and closed positions. Each of themoonroof 26 andshade 28 may be actuated by an electric motor in response to actuation of thecorresponding switch 24.Other switches 24 may be dedicated to controlling other devices, such as activating/deactivating the lamp(s), unlocking a trunk, opening a rear hatch. Additional controls via theswitches 24 may include actuating door power windows between open and closed positions. Various other vehicle controls may be controlled by way of theswitches 24 described herein. - The
overhead console 14 may further include asunglass bin 40. Thesunglass bin 40, as discussed herein, may include any form of storage bin, tray, or any other form of compartment configured to provide a selectively accessible storage pocket. In some examples, thesunglass bin 40 may be configured to have an interior portion configured to store glasses, sunglasses, or any other items having similar dimensional properties. - The
console housing 18 may further include a hands-free phone assembly 42. The hands-free phone assembly 42 may include a speaker and/or a microphone. The microphone may be a unidirectional microphone or an array of microphones. If the microphone is a unidirectional microphone, the microphone is disposed, for example, in such a manner that the directivity thereof is directed toward the head of a passenger. An array microphone is a microphone in which multiple microphones are arranged close to each other in an array and whose directivity can be directed in any direction by signal processing. - One or more
illuminable indicia 44 may also be disposed on theoverhead console 14. Theindicia 44 may provide any desired information to passengers of thevehicle 10. In some examples, theindicia 44 may be disposed on a backlit film. Each of theindicia 44 may be toggled between an illuminated and an unilluminated state to provide the status of a system that is designated by eachrespective indicium 44. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-5 , thereflector 32 may be integrally formed with thesubstrate 20 of theoverhead console 14. Thesubstrate 20 may couple with the housing 18 (FIG. 1 ) to define an exterior shape of theoverhead console 14. Thelight source 30 is disposed within theoverhead console 14 and is coupled to acircuit board 46. Thecircuit board 46 may be secured to and/or within theoverhead console 14. Thelight source 30 may include any form oflight source 30. For example, fluorescent lighting, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), laser diodes, quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), solid-state lighting, a hybrid of these or any other similar device, and/or any other form of lighting may be utilized within theoverhead console 14. Further, various types of LEDs are suitable for use as thelight source 30 including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs, side-emitting LEDs, and others. Moreover, according to various examples, multicoloredlight sources 30, such as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blue LED packaging may be used to generate various desired colors of light outputs from a singlelight source 30, according to known light color mixing techniques. - The
circuit board 46 may be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB) that is operably coupled to acontroller 48 including control circuitry including LED drive circuitry for controlling activation and deactivation of thelight source 30. Thecontroller 48 may be disposed in thevehicle 10 and/or within theoverhead console 14. Thecircuit board 46 may be configured in any fashion known in the art including, but not limited to, any flexible PCB and/or rigid PCB. In some examples, thecircuit board 46 may be a universal circuit board that controls multiple features of theoverhead console 14. Commonly, a light source is disposed on a satellite circuit board within anoverhead console 14. The lamp provided herein may include alight source 30 on a universal circuit board to reduce cost, weight, manufacturing costs, manufacturing times, etc. - The
controller 48 may activate thelight source 30 based on a plurality of inputs and may modify the intensity of the light 50 emitted by thelight source 30 by pulse-width modulation, current control, and/or any other method known in the art. In various examples, thecontroller 48 may be configured to adjust a color and/or intensity of light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 by sending control signals to adjust an intensity or energy output level of thelight source 30. According to some examples, thecontroller 48 may increase the intensity of light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 up to five times steady state. - The
reflector 32 is configured to direct light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 towards the vehicle compartment 12 (FIG. 1 ). The light 50 may be directed through achannel 52 defined by abody portion 60 of thereflector 32. Thebody portion 60 of thereflector 32 may include one or more sidewalls 54. Thelight source 30 is optically, or operably, coupled with thereflector 32 at afirst end portion 56 of thebody portion 60. Asecond end portion 58 of thebody portion 60 is disposed proximately to thefirst lens 34. In some examples, thefirst end portion 56 may be positioned closer to a vehicle centerline 62 (FIG. 1 ) than thesecond end portion 58 of thebody portion 60. - The
first lens 34 is disposed proximately to thesecond end portion 58 of thebody portion 60. Thefirst lens 34 may be configured as a near field lens that may includeoptics 64 thereon. For example, thefirst lens 34 may be configured as a Fresnel lens, a pillow optic, and/or any other type of lens or optic that is configured to disperse, concentrate, and/or otherwise direct light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 therethrough in any desired manner. - The
trim member 38 may be disposed on an opposing side of thefirst lens 34 from thereflector 32. Thetrim member 38 may provide any desired styling through adecorative material 70 disposed thereon and/or therein. In various examples, thedecorative material 70 may confer a plurality of various patterns, textures, colors, etc. Thedecorative material 70 can provide a desired aesthetic appearance through any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating), electroplating, and/or printing a material onto thetrim member 38. Thedecorative material 70 may be chosen from a wide range of materials and/or colors, including, but not limited to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, or any other metallic surface. Additionally, an imitator of any metallic material may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein. Moreover, thetrim member 38 may be otherwise colored any other color through any other process known in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - In various examples, the
trim member 38 may have a textured or grained surface. The grained surface may be produced by laser etching thetrim member 38 and may provide thetrim member 38 with a varied or common appearance to proximately disposed components of theoverhead console 14. Likewise, any other component of theoverhead console 14 may be colored any desired color and/or have a textured or grained surface that is similar or varied from thetrim member 38. - The
second lens 36 may be disposed on an opposing side of thetrim member 38 from thefirst lens 34. Thesecond lens 36 may obstruct a passenger's view of thereflector 32 and/or thefirst lens 34 from a position below theoverhead console 14, once theoverhead console 14 is disposed within thevehicle 10. In some examples, thesecond lens 36 also includesoptics 64 therein. In other examples, thesecond lens 36 may be configured as a flat member. - In some examples, the
second lens 36 may be configured as a diffuser that is designed to break up and distribute light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 evenly so that hot spots and shadows may be minimized. Accordingly, thesecond lens 36 may have any desired light transparency and haze. For example, thesecond lens 36 may have a light transparency between 30% and 95% and a haze that may be above 70%, particularly above 75%, and more particularly 80% or above. It will be appreciated that in some examples, theoverhead console 14 may be free of thesecond lens 36. Furthermore, thereflector 32, the first andsecond lenses trim member 38 may be formed of various polymeric materials and metallic materials, as well as fiberglass, carbon fiber, fabric, and any other materials suitable for implementation in thevehicle 10. For example, the first and/orsecond lens second lens second lenses - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4A-4C , in some examples, thefirst lens 34 is formed from abase structure 90 and may have theradial portion 66 having an integrally formedoptic 64 thereon and acentral portion 68 having a generally flat surface, which may form a spider-web-like structure. In some instances, thefirst lens 34 can be decorative, while allowing light emitted by thelight source 30 to be transmitted therethrough. In some instances, thefirst lens 34 may have optical function and may combine with thereflector 32 and/or thesecond lens 36 within thelamp assembly 22. Moreover, thefirst lens 34 may be utilized with a point light source, such as thelight source 30 described herein, or with parallel light (e.g., collimated light within the reflector 32). - In some examples, the
optics 64 include alternatingridges 92 andgrooves 94. Thegrooves 94 may extend radially from acentral point 96. Moreover, a plurality of concentrically alignedchannels 98 intersects the plurality ofgrooves 94. As used herein, “concentric” means that the channels are to be coaxial when they share the samecentral point 96. In some examples, any one of thechannels 98 and twoadjacent grooves 94 define the sector. A sector is a part of a circle enclosed by two radii, orgrooves 94, of the circle and an intercepted defined by the outer channel 98 a thereby forming a pie-shaped part of a circle. Each sector includes one ormore ridges 92 that extend outwardly from thegrooves 94. In some instances, light emitted by thelight source 30 that strikes theridges 92 at incident angles of about 0 degrees passes through thefirst lens 34 without substantial diversion. This occurs at asummit 100, or peak, of eachridge 92. But as the sloping sides of eachridge 92 are approached, this incident angle increases and the degree of diversion increases. Similarly, light emitted from thelight source 30 that strikes thegroove 94 at or near the center of thegroove 94 passes through thefirst lens 34 without substantial diversion, but as the edges of eachgroove 94 are approached, the incident angle again may increase and the degree of diversion may also increase. - Still referring to
FIGS. 4A-4C , eachridge 92 may have a curved outer surface. The outer surface may be curved in a first direction between twoadjacent grooves 94 with thesummit 100 being disposed at a center portion of theridge 92, as indicated byline 102. Moreover, the first direction may be substantially aligned with theconcentric channels 98. Moreover, eachridge 92 may be additionally, and/or alternatively, be curved in a second direction, as indicated byline 104. The second direction may be substantially aligned with thegrooves 94. In such instances, thesummit 100 may be a center point between twochannels 98 disposed on opposing sides of theridge 92. It will be appreciated, however, that eachridge 92 may have a unique outer surface geometry that is flat, curved, or otherwise varied in a non-linear orientation. Moreover, eachridge 92 may be curved in the first and/or second direction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the curved orientation of each ridge includes a central portion that extends further outward than outer portions of eachridge 92, wherein the outer portions are proximate to the plurality ofgrooves 94. - When the
grooves 94 circumferentially extend from thecentral point 96 and thechannels 98 are disposed in concentric circles of various sizes, a spider-web pattern may be formed on various portions thereof. The spider-web pattern can be on the wholefirst lens 34 or a portion of thefirst lens 34 may have a varied pattern. For example, thefirst lens 34 may have thecentral portion 68 that may be substantially or generally flat. Additionally, and/or alternatively, thecentral portion 68 may include a diffuser that is configured to diffuse light emitted by thelight source 30 and through thereflector 32. Theradial portion 66 of the lens and thecentral portion 68 may be of any size to meet any styling demand, an optical efficiency, and/or direct light towards a desired target location. Moreover, theradial portion 66 and/orcentral portion 68 of thefirst lens 34 may assist in concealing various phosphors that may be disposed on thelight source 30. It will be appreciated that the plurality ofgrooves 94, theridges 92, and theconcentric channels 98 may be integrally formed with the housing that forms thefirst lens 34 and/or attached thereto. Moreover, anyother lens central portions - Referring to
FIG. 5 , thecircuit board 46 may be disposed above thesubstrate 20. Thereflector 32 may be integrally formed with, or attached to, thesubstrate 20 on thefirst end portion 56 thereof. Thesecond end portion 58 of thereflector 32 is operably coupled with thefirst lens 34. Thefirst lens 34 may be offset from thesubstrate 20. In other words, when one component is offset from another component, the two components are oriented in a non-parallel orientation to one another. Thetrim member 38 is disposed on an opposing side of thefirst lens 34 from thereflector 32. In some examples, thetrim member 38 has a varied thickness such that afirst portion 72 of thetrim member 38 has a first thickness and asecond portion 74 of thetrim member 38 has a second thickness. In some instances, the first thickness may be less than, or greater than, the second thickness. Thesecond lens 36 is disposed on an opposing side of thetrim member 38 from thefirst lens 34. In some examples, thefirst lens 34 may be offset from (i.e., non-parallel to) thesecond lens 36. - In some examples, the
first lens 34 has anouter region 76 having a first thickness and acentral region 78, containing theradial portion 66 and thecentral portion 68, having a second thickness. The second thickness may be greater than the first thickness and may be disposed within acavity 80 of thetrim member 38. Moreover, one or more locators 82 (FIG. 3 ) may be integrally formed with thetrim member 38 and extend through one or more respective voids 84 (FIG. 3 ) in thefirst lens 34. - Referring to
FIGS. 6-10 , in various examples, thereflector 32 has a shape aspect of a quadrilateral frustum. A frustum is the portion of a hollowed solid (e.g., a pyramid, cone, and the like) that lies between two planes cutting through the solid and defines a first opening and a second opening. The top plane may be offset from the bottom plane. However, in alternate examples, the top and bottom planes may be parallel to one another. In thereflector 32 illustrated inFIGS. 6-10 , thequadrilateral frustum reflector 32 is composed of an offset pyramid having a polygon as its base. As such, thebody portion 60 of thereflector 32 includes fourreflector sidewalls 54 corresponding to the shape aspect of thereflector 32. In some examples, thesidewalls 54 may have radiused corners between intersectingsidewalls 54. The radiused corners may assist in forming of thereflector 32 as a single component. In various examples, thereflector 32 may have a shape aspect of another polygonal frustum such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like and the number of reflector sidewalls 54 may correspondingly be three, five, six, and the like, respectively. Moreover, the shape of the first opening and the second opening may correspondingly be triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thesubstrate 20 may include a pair ofreflectors 32 that extend in opposing, laterally outward directions. It will be appreciated, however, that thereflectors 32 may extend in any desired direction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the pair ofreflectors 32 may be mirror images of one another. However, in alternate examples, the pair ofreflectors 32 may have varied geometries without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - With reference to
FIGS. 6-10 , areflective material 86 may be disposed on and/or within one or moreinterior surfaces 88 of thebody portion 60. Thereflective material 86 generally functions to redirect light 50 (FIG. 5 ) emitted from thelight source 30 through thereflector 32 and towards a desired location within thevehicle compartment 12. It will be appreciated that thereflective material 86 may be reflective and/or retroreflective. Accordingly, in examples where thereflective material 86 has reflective properties, the light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 may be spread, refracted, and/or scattered as the light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 passes therethrough. - According to some examples, the
reflective material 86 is a coating, such as a boron nitride, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and/or any other practicable material that reflects the light 50 emitted by thelight source 30. It is noted that thereflective material 86 could be disposed on other portions of thesubstrate 20 to direct or reflect light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 in a desired direction and/or to minimize radiation from being emitted in an undesired direction. Thereflective material 86 may reflect more than 90% of the light 50 emitted from thelight source 30. In examples of thereflective material 86 that include boron nitride, the boron nitride particles may be of a relatively small size. A small particle size is advantageous, since it may lead to an overall decreased weight content of boron nitride in the composition, which not only results in a more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly composition but also a composition that may be easier to produce. - With further reference to
FIGS. 6-10 , thereflective material 86 may further include reflective particles including a metal oxide. Examples of metal oxide particles that may be used in the composition, in addition to the particles including boron nitride, include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide and yttrium oxide. The particles including boron nitride and any further particles including metal oxide may be present in the reflective composition at any desired weight ratios relative to each other. Thereflective material 86 may be used to direct the light 50 emitted from thelight source 30 in a desired output direction. - Referring still to
FIGS. 6-10 , thereflector 32 may be integrally formed with another component of theoverhead console 14, such as thesubstrate 20. For example, thereflector 32 may be molded as part of or into a material forming thesubstrate 20 and/or any other component of theoverhead console 14. According to other examples, thereflector 32 may be formed as a separate component and assembled to theoverhead console 14. In such embodiments, thereflector 32 may be fixedly mounted to theoverhead console 14 via fasteners, adhesive or other mounting connection and generally does not move relative to theoverhead console 14. - In some examples, the
substrate 20 and thereflector 32 may be integrally formed through an injection molding process. In injection-molded examples, the contour of thereflector 32 allows for thereflector 32 to be integrally formed. For example, the trapezoidal shape of thereflector 32 may allow for an injection mold tool to form thesubstrate 20 and thereflector 32 without the need for any additional steps, fasteners, or components in attaching thesubstrate 20 to thereflector 32. - Use of the present disclosure may offer a variety of advantages. For instance, use of the lamp assembly may efficiently provide illumination in the desired location within a vehicle compartment of the vehicle. The lamp assembly may incorporate a reflector that may be integrally formed with one or more components of overhead components. The reflector may be operably coupled with a lens that includes a spider-web pattern. The spider-web pattern may be disposed on a radial portion of the lens and a central portion may have varied optics to create unique styling of the lamp assembly and/or desired performance.
- According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lens for a lamp assembly is provided herein. The lens includes a base structure defining a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves. An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector. Each sector includes one or more ridges. A central portion of the base structure includes a generally flat outer surface. Examples of the lens for a lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the reflector is configured as a frustum reflector;
- the base structure is operably coupled with a reflector;
- the base structure is operably coupled with a light source;
- the central portion is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source;
- each ridge is curved in a first direction that is substantially aligned with the concentrically aligned channels;
- each ridge is curved in a second direction that is substantially aligned with the grooves;
- the base structure is configured to at least partially conceal a phosphor disposed on the light source;
- light emitted by the light source that strikes the ridges proximate a summit at incident angles of about zero degrees passes through the ridges without substantial diversion;
- light emitted from the light source that strikes the plurality of grooves near a center of the groove passes through the plurality of grooves without substantial diversion;
- each ridge includes a central portion that extends further outward than outer portions of each ridge, the outer portions proximate to the plurality of grooves; and/or
- the plurality of grooves, the ridges, and the concentrically aligned channels are integrally formed with the base structure.
- Moreover, a method of manufacturing a base structure for a lamp assembly is provided herein. The method includes forming a radial portion including a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point. A plurality of concentrically aligned channels are formed that intersect the plurality of grooves. An outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector. Each sector includes one or more ridges. A central portion of the base structure is formed and includes a generally flat outer surface.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead console for a vehicle is provided herein. The overhead console includes a light source operably coupled to a reflector. A first lens operably is coupled with the reflector and includes a central portion with a generally flat outer surface and a radial portion with a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves. Examples of the overhead console for a vehicle can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the outer channel and two adjacent grooves define a sector and each sector includes one or more ridges;
- the central portion is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source;
- each ridge is curved in a first direction that is substantially aligned with the concentrically aligned channels; and/or
- each ridge is curved in a second direction that is substantially aligned with the grooves.
- According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an overhead console for a vehicle is provided herein. The overhead console includes a light source is operably coupled with a base structure. The base structure includes a plurality of grooves extending radially from a central point and a plurality of concentrically aligned channels intersecting the plurality of grooves. Examples of the overhead console for a vehicle can include any one or a combination of the following features:
-
- the light source is operably coupled with a frustum reflector that is configured as an offset pyramid having a polygon as its base, wherein the frustum reflector is integrally formed with the base structure;
- the plurality of grooves and the plurality of concentrically aligned channels are disposed on a radial portion of the base structure; and/or
- the base structure includes a central portion including a generally flat outer surface.
- It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary examples of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
- Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. Furthermore, it will be understood that a component preceding the term “of the” may be disposed at any practicable location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally disposed from the vehicle) such that the component may function in any manner described herein.
- It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples is illustrative only. Although only a few examples of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
- It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
- It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (3)
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US15/789,544 US10279738B1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2017-10-20 | Vehicle lamp assembly |
CN201821675991.3U CN209431330U (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2018-10-16 | Lens for lamp group part |
DE202018105972.6U DE202018105972U1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2018-10-18 | The vehicle lamp assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/789,544 US10279738B1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2017-10-20 | Vehicle lamp assembly |
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US20190118706A1 true US20190118706A1 (en) | 2019-04-25 |
US10279738B1 US10279738B1 (en) | 2019-05-07 |
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US15/789,544 Active 2037-11-10 US10279738B1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2017-10-20 | Vehicle lamp assembly |
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US (1) | US10279738B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN209431330U (en) |
DE (1) | DE202018105972U1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11041604B2 (en) | 2019-08-22 | 2021-06-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle cargo lamp |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11235707B2 (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2022-02-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle storage compartment |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4421355A (en) | 1981-07-23 | 1983-12-20 | Prince Corporation | Illuminated visor assembly |
US5582474A (en) | 1994-10-05 | 1996-12-10 | Prince Corporation | Vehicle light assembly |
WO1999000623A1 (en) | 1997-06-30 | 1999-01-07 | Donnelly Corporation | Automotive lamp lens and lamp system utilizing diffractive optics and method for making the same |
US6283621B1 (en) | 1999-06-04 | 2001-09-04 | Asc Industries, Inc. | Vehicle interior lamp assembly adapted for use with recreational vehicles, outfitted vans, shuttlebuses and the like |
JP4162935B2 (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2008-10-08 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle lighting |
CN101784836B (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2012-07-04 | 飞利浦电子公司 | Light control device exhibiting batwing luminous intensity distributions in upper and lower hemispheres |
TWI545376B (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2016-08-11 | 鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 | Led unit and lens thereof |
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- 2017-10-20 US US15/789,544 patent/US10279738B1/en active Active
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2018
- 2018-10-16 CN CN201821675991.3U patent/CN209431330U/en active Active
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11041604B2 (en) | 2019-08-22 | 2021-06-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle cargo lamp |
Also Published As
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CN209431330U (en) | 2019-09-24 |
US10279738B1 (en) | 2019-05-07 |
DE202018105972U1 (en) | 2019-01-17 |
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