Vehicle lamp

• US 20020118548A1
• Filed: 02/14/2002
• Published: 08/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: REBO Lighting & Electronics GmbH (PTC Inc.)
• Original Assignee: FER Fahrzeugelktrik GmbH
• Inventors: Matthie, Daniel, Kuenstler, Rolf
• Application Number:
  US10/074,691
• Publication Number:
  US 20020118548A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/518
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2696 Mounting of devices using LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/15 Strips of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/31 Optical layout thereof

Abstract

A vehicle lamp, in particular a high-set brake lamp for motor vehicles, includes a plurality of light sources which are arranged in mutually juxtaposed relationship in a row which is substantially horizontal in the position of installation. Associated with each light source is a part-parabolic reflector and the light source is arranged in laterally displaced relationship with respect to its associated reflector in such a way that the light directly emitted thereby is radiated inclined from below into the reflector and is emitted therefrom outwardly through a light exit cover. In order to comply with modern design demands and to make it possible to impose on the light issuing from the lamp a selectable distribution the light exit cover is in the form of an optically inactive component and the reflective surface of each reflector has an optically operative structure which deflects the reflected light with a desired distribution into predeterminable angular regions.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, in particular a high-set brake lamp (1) for motor vehicles, which includes a plurality of light sources (2) which are arranged in mutually juxtaposed relationship in a row which is substantially horizontal in the position of installation, wherein associated with each light source (2) is a part-parabolic reflector (8) and the light source (2) is arranged in laterally displaced relationship with respect to its associated reflector (8) in such a way that the light directly emitted thereby is radiated inclinedly from below into the reflector (8) and is emitted therefrom outwardly through a light exit cover (12), characterised in that the light exit cover (12) is in the form of an optically inactive component and that the reflective surface (9) of each reflector (8) has an optically operative structure which deflects the reflected light with a desired distribution into predeterminable angular regions.

2. A vehicle lamp as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the light sources (2) are formed by light emitting diodes.

3. A vehicle lamp as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the optically operative structure of each reflector (8) is formed by facets.

4. A vehicle lamp as set forth in one of the preceding claims characterised in that the reflectors (8) are integrally connected together and that a common light exit cover (12) is associated with all reflectors (8).

5. A vehicle lamp as set forth in one of the preceding claims characterised in that the light sources (2) are mounted on a common printed circuit board (3) which in the position of installation is inclined relative to the horizontal.

6. A vehicle lamp as set forth in one of the preceding claims characterised in that the light sources (2) are arranged in a trough-like housing (5) of non-translucent material, which is open towards one side, in such a way that its light-emitting region (6) is just within the edge (7) of the opening of the housing, wherein the respectively associated reflector (8) projects out of the housing, and that the light exit cover (12) is part of a cap (11) of translucent material which is fitted on to the housing (5) and which closes the opening of the housing.