WO2002021490A2 - Dispositif visuel de signalisation - Google Patents

Dispositif visuel de signalisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002021490A2
WO2002021490A2 PCT/US2001/027617 US0127617W WO0221490A2 WO 2002021490 A2 WO2002021490 A2 WO 2002021490A2 US 0127617 W US0127617 W US 0127617W WO 0221490 A2 WO0221490 A2 WO 0221490A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
display panel
interface
lighting device
motor vehicle
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2001/027617
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002021490A3 (fr
Inventor
Ching Fong
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Textron Automotive Co Inc
Original Assignee
Textron Automotive Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Textron Automotive Co Inc filed Critical Textron Automotive Co Inc
Priority to AU2001288803A priority Critical patent/AU2001288803A1/en
Priority to EP01968563A priority patent/EP1405296A4/fr
Priority to US10/363,772 priority patent/US7273305B2/en
Publication of WO2002021490A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002021490A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2002021490A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002021490A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
    • B60Q1/302—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces mounted in the vicinity, e.g. in the middle, of a rear window
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/31—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S43/315—Optical layout thereof using total internal reflection
    • 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
    • F21V7/0091—Reflectors for light sources using total internal reflection

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to visual displays and, more specifically, to a visual display device which is especially suitable for automotive center-high-mounted-stop-light (CHMSL) and brake light applications.
  • CHMSL center-high-mounted-stop-light
  • Red colored CHMSLs for motor vehicles function as a third brake light (in addition to conventional right-hand and left-hand mounted red-colored brake lights) and are typically mounted adjacent the vehicle rear window. Depression of the vehicle brake pedal causes the CHMSL to be illuminated in combination with the two low mounted brake lights to form a triangle pattern with greatly enhanced visibility and ability to immediately attract the attention of the operator of a trailing vehicle.
  • One problem which has persisted in providing CHMSLs and other lighting devices on motor vehicles is that existing devices generally include a housing in combination with a separately affixed translucent lens.
  • the housing itself is often a relatively complex plastic molding and generally further includes a coating applied to the interior surfaces thereof to function as a reflector.
  • a white incandescent illuminating bulb is located inside the housing which is wired to the vehicle's lighting circuit.
  • the combination of elements is expensive and inefficient.
  • the joining of the housing and lens in the most efficient manner to achieve a water-tight seal which does not leak pursuant to automotive specifications has eluded designers and engineers as evident from the number of issued patents involving such structures.
  • conventional CHMSLs and brake lights using an incandescent bulb in a housing in combination with a separately affixed translucent lens have a low lighting efficiency, a relatively short lifetime, and generate heat.
  • light emitting diodes LEDs
  • CHMSLs incorporating LEDs to date have had little or no optical design to meet photometric requirements, as the designers have relied on the directional nature of a LED to meet such requirements.
  • CHMSLs must use a greater number of LEDs in order to meet photometric requirements than would be necessary had an optical design been utilized.
  • CHMSLs incorporating LEDs to date have also been inefficient.
  • a visual display device such as a motor vehicle lighting device and more particularly a CHMSL, which offers a more simplistic structure such that a housing and lens do not have to be separately formed.
  • a visual display device wherein the housing and lens do not have to be affixed or otherwise assembled to one another. Furthermore, what is needed is a visual display device which will not leak water between the housing and the lens. Furthermore, what is needed is a visual display device housing which does not require a separately applied reflective coating. Furthermore, what is needed is a visual display device which has a high light collection efficiency.
  • a visual display device embodying the present invention is especially suitable for automotive lighting applications, particularly brake lights and more particularly a center-high-mounted-stop-light (CHMSL).
  • the visual display device of the present invention is simple in structure and highly efficient.
  • the visual display device of the present invention offers a simple structure such that a housing and lens do not have to be separately formed.
  • the visual display device of the present invention offers a simple structure such that a housing and a lens do not have to be affixed or otherwise assembled to one another.
  • the visual display device of the present invention offers a simple structure which will not leak water between a housing and a lens.
  • the visual display device of the present invention offers a simple structure such that a housing does not require a separately applied reflective coating.
  • the visual display device of the present invention offers a simple structure which has a high light collection efficiency.
  • the visual display device of the present invention comprises a display panel.
  • the display panel is made of a light transmissive material and contains a light reflective interface therein and a light emitting interface therein, preferably all of unitary construction. Consequently, the formation of a separate housing and lens typical of the prior art is eliminated, as well as having to affix or otherwise assemble them to one another, in light of the present invention's unitary construction. Furthermore, there is no opportunity for water to leak between a housing and lens typical of the prior art because, in light of the present invention's unitary construction, there is no air space therebetween.
  • the display panel of the present invention also makes use of total internal reflection.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the visual display device according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the visual display of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a visual display device 10 which may be advantageously employed as a stop (i.e. brake) light, particularly a CHMSL.
  • the visual display device 10 includes at least one light source 12 and a display panel 14.
  • the display panel 14 is made of a light transmissive material, such as glass or plastic (e.g. acrylic, polycarbonate, polystyrene), which is preferably transparent and uncolored.
  • the light source 12 comprises light emitting diode (LED) module.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • light source 12 comprises at least one light emitting diode module and more preferably a plurality of light emitting diode modules. Even more preferably, the light emitting diode modules are of the SNAPLED® brand from Hewlett Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94304.
  • the light source 12 preferably emits red light when used in combination with a transparent and uncolored display panel 14.
  • the light source 12 may emit white light or colors other than red.
  • the light source 12 may emit white light when used in combination with a transparent red display panel 14.
  • Display panel 14 preferably comprises at least one light source receptacle 16 into which at least a portion of light source 12 may be inserted. More preferably display panel 14 comprises a plurality of light source receptacles 16 into which a plurality of light sources 12 may be inserted and more preferably the number of light source receptacles 16 is equal to the number of light sources 12.
  • the light emitting element 18 of the light source 12 is not in direct contact with the display panel 14 when properly inserted in light source receptacle 16. In other words, as shown Figure 2, preferably an air space 20 exists between the outer surface 22 of the light emitting element 18 and the inner surface 24 of the light source receptacle 16.
  • the light source 12 is attached to the display panel 14 by an appropriate fastener device.
  • a plurality of light sources 12 are used, preferably multiple light sources 12 are first connected to at least one carrier 26 in order to simplify attachment of the light sources 12 to the display panel 14.
  • the light sources 12 are connected to the carrier 16 by mechanical fastening devices (e.g. clips, snaps, snap-tabs, crimping, etc.) After the light sources 12 are connected to the carrier 26, the carrier 26 is then preferably connected to the display panel 14.
  • the display panel 14 comprises at least one (and more preferably at least two) post or shaft elements 28, preferably formed unitary therewith, while carrier 26 comprises at least one (and more preferably at least two) aperture elements 30.
  • shaft 28 of display panel 14 extends through aperture 30 of carrier 26.
  • the shaft 28 may be heat staked or a nut 32 may be placed thereon to secure the carrier 26 to the display panel 14.
  • carrier 26 may also comprise one or more electrical connections which connect the light sources 12 to a power source.
  • the display panel 14 of visual display device 10 employs total internal reflection (TIR).
  • TIR total internal reflection
  • total internal reflection occurs where light, in the presence of two mediums with different indexes of refraction, is reflected rather than refracted.
  • an "interface” exists where light may propagate from one medium with a first index of refraction into a second medium with a second index of refraction.
  • an exemplary "interface” portion identified at 36 exists at the perimeter edge of display panel 14 where light 34 may propagate from the confines of the display panel 14 (with a first index of refraction) into air 40 (with a second index of refraction) surrounding the display panel 14.
  • interface 36 is unitary with the display panel 14. In other words, interface 36 is formed at the same time and from the same material as the display panel.
  • the CHMSL Upon use of the CHMSL, at least a portion of the light 34 from the light source 12 propagates from the light source 12 through a portion of the display panel 14 towards interface 36.
  • the angle of incidence ⁇ r of the portion of light 34 from light source 12 incident on (i.e. contacting) interface 36 is greater than the critical angle ⁇ c stemming from the differences in indexes of refraction between the two mediums (i.e. display panel 14 and air 40). Consequently, the portion of light 34 from light source 12 incident on interface 36 does not propagate through the interface 36 where it is inefficiently lost, but rather is reflected and "collected" using total internal reflection within the display panel 14 where it continues to be contained for subsequent beneficial use.
  • interface 36 can be referred to as a "reflective" interface.
  • the portion of light 34 from light source 12 incident on interface 36 continues to propagate through the display panel 14 and is directed towards or otherwise convergent on a second display panel 14/air 40 interface identified at 38.
  • interface 38 is refractive. In other words, light 34 incident on interface 38 passes through the interface 38, albeit refracted. In this manner interface 38 functions as a light emitting interface for display panel 14. More preferably, interface 38 is configured to take on the characteristics of a lens and is presented or mounted in the vehicle in such a manner as to be a visible target surface for the transmission of light 34 to trailing motorists or other perceivers of the light 34.
  • the surface area of the display panel 14 not comprising the visible target surface of the display panel 14 comprises a non-target surface (in other words, for example, at interface 36).
  • interface 38 is unitary with the display panel 14.
  • interface 38 is formed at the same time and from the same material as the display panel.
  • at least 50% (i.e. 50% to 100%) of the light 34 from light source 12 propagating into the display panel 14 emits from the light emitting interface 38.
  • the range may be sub-divided into any percentage increment or range between 50% and 100% (e.g. 50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%).
  • the high light collection efficiency of display panel 14 preferably at least 50% (i.e. 50% to 100%) of the surface area of the display panel 14 not configured as a light emitting interface 38 and having light 34 incident thereon, reflects light 34 and converges it towards the light emitting interface 38 using total internal reflection.
  • the range may be sub-divided into any percentage increment or range between 50% and 100% (e.g.
  • the surface area of the display panel 14 not configured as a light emitting interface 38, particularly the surface area adjacent and surrounding the light source 12 exhibits a overall concave shape with respect to the light 34 provided by light source 12 (i.e. to an observer of the display panel 14, the concave shape with respect to the light appears as a convex shape with respect to the observer).
  • the overall concave shape of the display panel 14 respect to the light 34 provided by light source 12 comprises a plurality of convex features (i.e.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Details Of Measuring Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif éclairant spécialement adapté aux feux freins centraux montée en hauteur, et aux feux freins ordinaires. Il comporte un panneau de signalisation présentant au moins deux interfaces, dont l'une réfléchit la lumière et l'autre émet de la lumière. Une partie au moins de la lumière d'une source lumineuse se propageant à travers le panneau en contact avec l'interface réfléchissante, est réfléchie par cette dernière, et par réflexion interne totale, vers l'interface émettrice de lumière.
PCT/US2001/027617 2000-09-08 2001-09-06 Dispositif visuel de signalisation Ceased WO2002021490A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001288803A AU2001288803A1 (en) 2000-09-08 2001-09-06 Visual display device
EP01968563A EP1405296A4 (fr) 2000-09-08 2001-09-06 Dispositif visuel de signalisation
US10/363,772 US7273305B2 (en) 2001-09-06 2001-09-06 Visual display device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US65858300A 2000-09-08 2000-09-08
US09/658,583 2000-09-08

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002021490A2 true WO2002021490A2 (fr) 2002-03-14
WO2002021490A3 WO2002021490A3 (fr) 2004-01-08

Family

ID=24641835

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/027617 Ceased WO2002021490A2 (fr) 2000-09-08 2001-09-06 Dispositif visuel de signalisation

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1405296A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2001288803A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002021490A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2194311B1 (fr) * 2008-12-05 2017-04-26 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Lampe de véhicule
EP2708800A3 (fr) * 2012-09-13 2018-04-04 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Lampe véhiculaire
CN109445179A (zh) * 2018-10-22 2019-03-08 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 发光二极管灯板、其防护封装方法、背光模组及显示装置

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5227773A (en) * 1989-05-25 1993-07-13 Hughes Aircraft Company High-intensity light display device
US5165772A (en) * 1992-03-18 1992-11-24 Hughes Aircraft Company Visual display device
US5890796A (en) * 1997-01-16 1999-04-06 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Laser illuminated lighting system utilizing a diffractive optical element
US6305813B1 (en) * 1999-08-11 2001-10-23 North American Lighting, Inc. Display device using a light guide for exterior automotive lighting

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2194311B1 (fr) * 2008-12-05 2017-04-26 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Lampe de véhicule
EP2708800A3 (fr) * 2012-09-13 2018-04-04 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Lampe véhiculaire
CN109445179A (zh) * 2018-10-22 2019-03-08 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 发光二极管灯板、其防护封装方法、背光模组及显示装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001288803A1 (en) 2002-03-22
EP1405296A2 (fr) 2004-04-07
EP1405296A4 (fr) 2007-05-09
WO2002021490A3 (fr) 2004-01-08

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