Patent Application
20190101259
Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to vehicle lamps. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure include lamps configured to provide a homogenous illumination from a light source when lit and a reflective surface when unlit.
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In an embodiment, a vehicle reflector lamp is provided. The vehicle reflector lamp includes a curved reflector having a reflective front side and a non-reflective back side opposite the front side. The curved reflector has a light-permeable slot. A light source is positioned behind the non-reflective back side such that light emanates from the light source through the light-permeable slot for reflecting off the reflective front side. An optical sheet is positioned adjacent the front side of the reflector for homogenizing light reflected from the reflector, and a clear outer lens protects the optical sheet, the light source, and the curved reflector from an outdoor environment.
In another embodiment, a reflector lamp for external use on a vehicle having a lit mode and an unlit mode is provided. The reflector lamp includes an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for producing light in the lit mode. A reflector is provided for reflecting ambient light when in the unlit mode. The reflector has a slot for receiving light from the light source when operated in the lit mode, such that light passes through the slot and illuminates at least a portion of the reflector.
Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
A reflective surface of reflector 110 is for example a chrome reflector with front side 111 having a chrome appearance (e.g., a chrome plating, a chrome finish, or an imitation chrome finish). In other words, front side 111 has the appearance of a shiny metal surface.
Light source 130 is, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, light source 130 is an array of LEDs such as a linear single-string array; however, light source 130 may include multiple arrays of LEDs (e.g., aligned in parallel) without departing from the scope hereof.
A light-permeable slot 115 allows light from light source 130 to emanate through reflector 110 and reflect off its reflective front side 111. In certain embodiments, light-permeable slot 115 is positioned near one end of curved reflector 110, as opposed to a position near the middle of curved reflector 110. For example, as depicted in
In certain embodiments, an optical cover 114 is positioned over light-permeable slot 115 for smoothing light from light source 130. As depicted in
Optical sheet 120 is for example a transparent and flexible lens or film used to homogenize or smooth light from reflector 110 so that it appears more uniform and homogenous and provides a desired light emission profile. In certain embodiments, optical sheet 120 is a lenticular sheet having a desired number of lines per inch for providing a desired viewing angle. Alternatively, optical sheet 120 is a diffusion sheet or light shaping diffuser. In some embodiments, optical sheet 120 is treated (e.g., thermally and/or chemically) to increase its transparency.
Clear outer lens 140 encloses components of reflector lamp 100 for protection from conditions of an outdoor environment. Clear outer lens 140 may be aligned parallel with optical sheet 120 or at a non-parallel angle (e.g., as depicted in
In operation, reflector lamp 100 uses two modes. In a first mode, light source 130 is turned on such that the reflector lamp 100 is actively lit (e.g., a “lit mode”). In a second mode, light source 130 is turned off (e.g., an “unlit mode”).
In certain embodiments, light source 130 is not visible from a view of reflector 110 through clear outer lens 140. When viewing reflector 110, light source 130 is not directly visible due to the position of light source 130 behind reflector 110 combined with the position of light-permeable slot 115 and possibly, but not necessarily, the curvature of reflector 110. As depicted in
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all operations listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,378 entitled Reflector Lamp and filed Sep. 29, 2017, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62565378 | Sep 2017 | US |
