Electrochromic lamp assemblies

• US 5,517,389 A
• Filed: 04/11/1994
• Issued: 05/14/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Myers, Christopher A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US08/225,857
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 362/61, 362/80, 362/214, 362/277, 362/280, 362/318, 362/319, 362/343
• US Class Current: 362/518
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/335 with continuity at the junction between adjacent areas
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 41/645 by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/00 Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/30 Fog lights

Abstract

The lamp assembly including a reflector having two or more reflective surfaces, a light source and an electrochromic means positioned between the light source and at least one reflective surface. Each reflective surface directs light in a different direction. The electrochromic means is capable of blocking light from exiting the lamp assembly from at least one direction.

Claims

1. An automotive lamp assembly comprising:

a light source emitting light rays;

a first reflective surface reflecting said light rays in a first direction as low beam head lights;

a second reflective surface reflecting said light rays in a second direction as turning lights; and

an electrochromic means positioned between said second reflective surface and said light source, said electrochromic means being operable between an opaque and a translucent condition, whereby said assembly directs light in said second direction when said electrochromic means is in a translucent condition and said assembly does not direct light in said second direction when said electrochromic means is in an opaque condition.

2. The lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic means is positioned juxtaposed said second reflective surface.

3. The lamp assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic means is positioned near said light source.

4. The lamp assembly of claim 1, further comprising a switch communicating with said electrochromic means, said switch selecting said opaque and said translucent condition.

5. An automotive lamp assembly comprising:

a light source emitting light rays;

a first reflective surface reflecting said light rays in a first direction as low beam head lights;

a second reflective surface reflecting said light rays in a second direction as fog lights; and

an electrochromic means positioned between said second reflective surface and said light source, said electrochromic means being operable between an opaque and a translucent condition, whereby said assembly directs light in said second direction when said electrochromic means is in a translucent condition and said assembly does not direct light in said second direction when said electrochromic means is in an opaque condition.

6. The lamp assembly of claim 5, wherein said electrochromic means is positioned juxtaposed said second reflective surface.

7. The lamp assembly of claim 5, wherein said electrochromic means is positioned near said light source.

8. The lamp assembly of claim 5, further comprising a switch communicating with said electrochromic means, said switch selecting said opaque and said translucent condition.