VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PYRAMIDAL FRUSTUM REFLECTOR AND LIGHTING METHOD USING A PYRAMIDAL FRUSTUM REFLECTOR
By employing a hollow truncated pyramid reflector to direct light from LEDs to the lens of side marker lights, the vehicle lighting system achieves efficient and uniform light distribution, addressing the challenge of irregular light placement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024134516
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-28
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle lighting systems face challenges in efficiently directing light from light sources to lenses, particularly in side marker lights which are often located in irregular vehicle surfaces.
The integration of a hollow truncated pyramid reflector that directs light from a light source, such as LEDs mounted on a circuit board, to the lens of a side marker light, achieving a 80 to 100 degree light deflection.
This solution allows for uniform light distribution and eliminates the need for additional light sources dedicated to side marker lights, reducing complexity and enhancing visibility.
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Abstract
Description
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a lighting system for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a lighting system incorporating a truncated pyramid reflector. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Vehicles contain various types of light assemblies. Light assemblies are illuminated when light from a light source passes through a lens. Light assemblies can include headlights, taillights, side marker lights, etc. Side marker lights can help identify the presence, position, and direction of travel of a vehicle, especially when viewed from an oblique angle. SUMMARY
[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system including: a light source that emits light; a lens of a vehicle lamp; and a truncated pyramid reflector that directs light from the light source to the lens of the vehicle lamp.
[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lamp system, wherein the vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp, such that the lens is a side marker lamp lens.
[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system, wherein the light source is a first light source mounted on a circuit board, the vehicle lamp being a first vehicle lamp, and further including a second light source mounted on the circuit board, the second light source configured to illuminate a second vehicle lamp different from the first vehicle lamp.
[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system, wherein the first vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp and the second vehicle lamp is a daytime running lamp.
[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system wherein the light source is at least one light-emitting diode mounted on a circuit board of a side marker lamp.
[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system, wherein the frusto-pyramidal reflector is a white frusto-pyramidal reflector.
[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects light from the light source.
[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects light from the light source by 80 to 100 degrees.
[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector includes a surface disposed at a 45 degree angle relative to the lens and the light source, the surface redirecting light from the light source.
[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system, wherein the lens is a microstructure lens.
[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system wherein at least one interior side of the lens is structured.
[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting system wherein the truncated pyramid reflector is hollow.
[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method including: emitting light from a light source into a truncated pyramid reflector; redirecting the light within the truncated pyramid reflector; and illuminating a vehicle lamp using the light redirected within the truncated pyramid reflector.
[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle lighting method, wherein the vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp.
[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method, wherein the light source is a first light source mounted on a circuit board, wherein the vehicle lamp is a first vehicle lamp, and further including a second light source mounted on the circuit board, wherein the second light source is configured to illuminate a second vehicle lamp different from the first vehicle lamp.
[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method, wherein the first vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp and the second vehicle lamp is a daytime running lamp.
[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects light from the light source by 80 to 100 degrees.
[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method further including illuminating a lens of a daytime running lamp using light emitted from the light source.
[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method, wherein illuminating includes illuminating a lens of a side marker lamp, the lens having an inboard side that is textured.
[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle lighting method wherein the truncated pyramid reflector is hollow.
[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are inconsistent. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS
[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description may be briefly described as follows: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a lighting system. Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a lighting system from the vehicle Fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of a truncated pyramid reflector from the luminaire system Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 illustrates another side view of the truncated pyramid reflector from the luminaire system Fig. 2.
[0025] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are inconsistent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] This disclosure generally relates to a lighting system incorporating a hollow truncated pyramid reflector, and more particularly, to a system for directing light to a lens of a side marker lamp using the hollow truncated pyramid reflector. Installing a light source for a side marker lamp can present challenges because side marker lamps are often located in irregular or contoured surfaces of the vehicle.
[0027] With reference to Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 may include various lamp assemblies, including headlights 14, taillights 18, daytime running lights 22, and side marker lights 26. Each of the lamp assemblies may be illuminated by turning on a light source, such as at least one light emitting diode (LED).
[0028] With reference to Fig. 2 and with continued reference to Fig. 1, the daytime running light 22 on a driver's side of the vehicle 10 is illuminated by at least one first LED 30 mounted on a circuit board 34. The light L 1 from the first LED 30 passes through a lens 38 of the daytime running lamp 22. The first LED 30 emits light when turned on. One skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure could understand how to turn on an LED to emit light.
[0029] At least a second LED 40 is mounted on the circuit board 34 of the daytime running light 22. The side marker light 26 is illuminated by the second LED 40. Because the second LED 40 is mounted on the circuit board 34 of the daytime running light 22, an additional circuit board and LED dedicated exclusively to illuminating the side marker light 26 are not required. This can, among other things, reduce complexity.
[0030] In this example, the daytime running lamp 22 is illuminated by the first LED 30 mounted on the circuit board 34, and the side marker lamp 26 is illuminated by the second LED 40 mounted on the circuit board 34. In another example, the same LED or LEDs could illuminate both the daytime running lamp 22 and the side marker lamp 26. That is, the same LED or LEDs could illuminate a lens of a daytime running lamp and a lens of a side marker lamp.
[0031] With reference now to the Fig. 3-5 and with continued reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a truncated pyramid reflector 42 is disposed between the second LED 40 and a lens 46 of the side marker lamp 26. The truncated pyramid reflector 42, in this example, is a polymer-based, hollow structure. The truncated pyramid reflector 42 may be made of a molded polycarbonate material.
[0032] The truncated pyramid reflector 42 directs light from the second LED 40 to the lens 46 of the side marker lamp 26. The lens 46 may be co-molded with the truncated pyramid reflector 42 so that the lens 46 and the truncated pyramid reflector 42 are a single structure. Alternatively, the lens 46 may be separate from the truncated pyramid reflector 42.
[0033] The interior surfaces 50 of the exemplary truncated pyramid reflector 42 are white to promote the reflection of light within the truncated pyramid reflector 42. The truncated pyramid reflector 42 could be painted white, formed from a white material, or both. In some examples, the interior surfaces 50 could be covered with a highly reflective film.
[0034] One end 54 of the truncated pyramid reflector 42 opens to the second LED 40. An opposite end 58 of the truncated pyramid reflector 42 opens to the lens 46 of the side marker lamp 26. To illuminate the lens 46 of the side marker lamp 26, the second LED 40 is turned on to emit light L 2 into the end 54 of the truncated pyramid reflector 42. The second LED 40 is shown as substantially centered with respect to the first end 84, but could be offset.
[0035] The truncated pyramid reflector 42 directs the light L 2 towards the lens 46. The light L 2is then emitted through the lens 46 to illuminate the side marker lamp 26. Directing the light through the truncated pyramid reflector 42 can facilitate even light distribution when viewing the lens 46. An inboard side 62 of the lens 46 can be textured to further help mix and distribute light passing through the lens 46. An outboard side 66, or Class A side, of the lens 46 can also be textured.
[0036] Structuring lens surfaces can facilitate uniform light distribution. In one embodiment, the structuring can be molded into the lens 46. The structuring can include ridged areas that are pincushion-shaped. The curved surfaces of the ridged areas can distribute light at different angles. The ridged or curved areas can be very small, so that the lens 46 can be considered a microstructured lens.
[0037] The lens 38 of the daytime running lamp 22 faces forward. The lens 46 is located outside the second LED 40. The lens 46 faces in an outward direction. The truncated pyramid reflector 42 is configured to redirect light from the second LED 40 outward toward the lens 46 of the side marker lamp 26.
[0038] The exemplary truncated pyramid reflector 42 includes an inner surface 50A disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to the lens 46 and the second LED 40. Generally, the light L 2 from the second LED 40 relative to a rearward direction of the vehicle 10 when it enters the truncated pyramid reflector 42. This light L 2 can be deflected by 80 to 100 degrees by the inner surface 50A so that the light L 2 is directed horizontally outwards to the lens 46.
[0039] The inner surfaces 50 of the truncated pyramid reflector 42, with the exception of the inner surface 50A, can contribute to the light L 2 towards the lens 46. The truncated pyramid reflector 42 may, in some examples, help to reflect, collimate, and direct the light L 2by fifteen degrees. The exemplary truncated cone reflector 42 can change a Lambertian distribution of light to a relatively collimated and controlled light.
[0040] Features of the disclosed examples include incorporating a frustoconical reflector into a lamp assembly to direct light from a light source through a lens of a side marker lamp. Thus, a light source dedicated solely to illuminating the side marker lamp may not be required. The frusto-pyramidal reflector may help distribute light evenly across the entire lens of the side marker lamp. In some examples, a contrast ratio of 2.80 to 1 or less may be achieved with the frusto-pyramidal reflector, and no light guide or light lance is required.
[0041] The foregoing description is exemplary and not restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may occur to those skilled in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection afforded by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following claims.
Claims
[1] Vehicle lighting system, comprising: a light source that emits light; a lens of a vehicle lamp; and a truncated pyramid reflector that directs light from the light source to the lens of the vehicle lamp. [2] The vehicle lamp system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp, such that the lens is a side marker lamp lens. [3] The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light source is a first light source mounted on a circuit board, wherein the vehicle lamp is a first vehicle lamp, and further comprising a second light source mounted on the circuit board, wherein the second light source is configured to illuminate a second vehicle lamp different from the first vehicle lamp, and optionally wherein the first vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp and the second vehicle lamp is a daytime running lamp. [4] The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source is at least one light-emitting diode mounted on a circuit board of a side marker lamp. [5] The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector is a white truncated pyramid reflector. [6] The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects light from the light source, and optionally wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects the light from the light source by 80 to 100 degrees. [7] The vehicle lighting system of claim 6, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector includes a surface disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to the lens and the light source, the surface redirecting light from the light source. [8] The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lens is a microstructure lens. [9] The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one inner side of the lens is structured. [10] The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector is hollow. [11] A vehicle lighting method comprising: Emitting light from a light source into a truncated cone reflector; Redirecting the light within the truncated pyramid reflector; and Illuminating a vehicle lamp using the light redirected within the truncated cone reflector. [12] The vehicle lighting method according to claim 11, wherein the light source is a first light source mounted on a circuit board, wherein the vehicle lamp is a first vehicle lamp, and further comprising a second light source mounted on the circuit board, wherein the second light source is configured to illuminate a second vehicle lamp different from the first vehicle lamp, and optionally wherein the first vehicle lamp is a side marker lamp and the second vehicle lamp is a daytime running lamp. [13] The vehicle lighting method according to claim 11, further comprising illuminating a lens of a daytime running lamp using light emitted from the light source. [14] The vehicle lighting method of claim 11, wherein said illuminating includes illuminating a lens of a side marker lamp, and optionally wherein said lens has an inner side that is textured. [15] A vehicle lighting method according to claim 11, wherein the truncated pyramid reflector is hollow, and optionally wherein the truncated pyramid reflector redirects the light from the light source by 80 to 100 degrees.