Optics for controlling the direction of light rays and assemblies incorporating the optics

• US 20060012990A1
• Filed: 07/13/2004
• Published: 01/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Roberts, John K., Tuttle, Darin D., Fogg, Jeremy A., Thomas, Timothy J., Walser, Jeremy A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,306,355 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/235
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/04 of lens shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4298 coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays. Various assemblies incorporating these inventive concepts are provided.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element,

a visual signal assembly configured to project light rays into a preferred directional region, and

a plurality of light sources spatially organized within said visual signal assembly according to a first pattern that is distinct from a second pattern as perceived by a viewer observing the apparatus from within said preferred directional region, wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said visual signal assembly is configured to define a device selected from the group comprising:

a supplemental turning indicator assembly and a blind spot indicator.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source outward into said preferred directional region.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a partially collimated light source, wherein said partially collimated light source comprises a primary optical axis and is mounted such that aid primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at a different angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

6. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said primary optic at least partially collimates light rays emitted from said light source.

7. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said secondary optic at least partially refracts light rays emitted from said light source.

8. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an illumination assembly.

9. An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said illumination assembly is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a keyhole illuminator, a door illuminator and a puddle light.

10. An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said illumination assembly pass through said reflective element.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element,

a visual signal assembly configured to project light rays into a preferred directional region, and

a plurality of light sources spatially organized within said visual signal assembly according to a first pattern that is distinct from a second pattern as perceived by a viewer observing the apparatus from within said preferred directional region, wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element, wherein said visual signal assembly is configured to define a device selected from the group comprising;

a supplemental turning indicator assembly and a blind spot indicator.

12. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source outward into said preferred directional region.

13. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising a partially collimated light source, wherein said partially collimated light source comprises a primary optical axis and is mounted such that aid primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

14. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at a different angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said primary optic at least partially collimates light rays emitted from said light source.

16. An apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said secondary optic at least partially refracts light rays emitted from said light source.

17. An apparatus as in claim 11 further comprising an illumination assembly.

18. An apparatus as in claim 17 wherein said illumination assembly is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a keyhole illuminator, a door illuminator and a puddle light.

19. An apparatus as in claim 17 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said illumination assembly pass through said reflective element.

20. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element,

a visual signal assembly configured to project light rays into a preferred directional region, and

a plurality of light sources spatially organized within said visual signal assembly according to a first pattern that is distinct from a second pattern as perceived by a viewer observing the apparatus from within said preferred directional region, wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element, wherein said visual signal assembly is configured to define a device selected from the group comprising;

a supplemental turning indicator assembly and a blind spot indicator further comprising substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source outward into said preferred directional region.

21. An apparatus as in claim 20 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element.

22. An apparatus as in claim 20 further comprising a partially collimated light source, wherein said partially collimated light source comprises a primary optical axis and is mounted such that aid primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

23. An apparatus as in claim 20 further comprising at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at a different angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

24. An apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said primary optic at least partially collimates light rays emitted from said light source.

25. An apparatus as in claim 23 wherein said secondary optic at least partially refracts light rays emitted from said light source.

26. An apparatus as in claim 20 further comprising an illumination assembly.

27. An apparatus as in claim 26 wherein said illumination assembly is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a keyhole illuminator, a door illuminator and a puddle light.

28. An apparatus as in claim 26 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said illumination assembly pass through said reflective element.

29. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element,

a visual signal assembly configured to project light rays into a preferred directional region, and

a plurality of light sources spatially organized within said visual signal assembly according to a first pattern that is distinct from a second pattern as perceived by a viewer observing the apparatus from within said preferred directional region, wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element, further comprising substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source outward into said preferred directional region.

30. An apparatus as in claim 29 further comprising a partially collimated light source, wherein said partially collimated light source comprises a primary optical axis and is mounted such that aid primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

31. An apparatus as in claim 29 further comprising at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at a different angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

32. An apparatus as in claim 31 wherein said primary optic at least partially collimates light rays emitted from said light source.

33. An apparatus as in claim 31 wherein said secondary optic at least partially refracts light rays emitted from said light source.

34. An apparatus as in claim 29 further comprising an illumination assembly.

35. An apparatus as in claim 34 wherein said illumination assembly is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a keyhole illuminator, a door illuminator and a puddle light.

36. An apparatus as in claim 34 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said illumination assembly pass through said reflective element.

37. An apparatus, comprising:

a visual signal assembly configured for vehicle mounting comprising a plurality of light sources defining a first pattern that is different from a second pattern defined from the perspective of a viewer of said visual signal assembly.

38. An apparatus as in claim 37 wherein said first pattern is linear.

39. An apparatus as in claim 37 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

40. An apparatus as in claim 38 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

41. An apparatus as in claim 37 configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly.

42. An apparatus as in claim 37 further comprising a reflective element.

43. An apparatus as in claim 42 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly is positioned behind said reflective element with respect to a viewer.

44. An apparatus as in claim 43 wherein said reflective element is electro-optic.

45. An apparatus as in claim 43 wherein said reflective element is prismatic.

46. An apparatus as in claim 37 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one optics block.

47. An apparatus as in claim 46 wherein said printed circuit board comprises at least a first and a second light source, wherein an optical axis of said first light source is approximately 180 degrees from an optical axis of said second light source.

48. An apparatus as in claim 47 wherein said first and second light sources are mounted to a common surface of said printed circuit board.

49. An apparatus as in claim 48 wherein said second light source emits light rays that pass through a hole in said printed circuit board.

50. An apparatus as in claim 37 comprising at least two light sources, wherein at least one of said light sources is configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly and at least one of said light sources is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a door illuminator, a keyhole illuminator or a puddle light.

51. An apparatus, comprising:

a supplemental illumination assembly configured for vehicle mounting comprising substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source.

52. An apparatus as in claim 51 wherein said first pattern is linear.

53. An apparatus as in claim 51 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

54. An apparatus as in claim 53 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

55. An apparatus as in claim 51 configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly.

56. An apparatus as in claim 51 further comprising a reflective element.

57. An apparatus as in claim 56 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly is positioned behind said reflective element with respect to a viewer.

58. An apparatus as in claim 57 wherein said reflective element is electro-optic.

59. An apparatus as in claim 57 wherein said reflective element is prismatic.

60. An apparatus as in claim 51 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one optics block.

61. An apparatus as in claim 60 wherein said printed circuit board comprises at least a first and a second light source, wherein an optical axis of said first light source is approximately 180 degrees from an optical axis of said second light source.

62. An apparatus as in claim 61 wherein said first and second light sources are mounted to a common surface of said printed circuit board.

63. An apparatus as in claim 62 wherein said second light source emits light rays that pass through a hole in said printed circuit board.

64. An apparatus as in claim 51 comprising at least two light sources, wherein at least one of said light sources is configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly and at least one of said light sources is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a door illuminator, a keyhole illuminator or a puddle light.

65. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element configured for vehicle mounting and a light source, wherein said light source comprises a primary optical axis and said light source is mounted such that said primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

66. An apparatus as in claim 65 wherein said first pattern is linear.

67. An apparatus as in claim 65 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

68. An apparatus as in claim 66 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

69. An apparatus as in claim 65 configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly.

70. An apparatus as in claim 69 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly is positioned behind said reflective element with respect to a viewer.

71. An apparatus as in claim 70 wherein said reflective element is electro-optic.

72. An apparatus as in claim 70 wherein said reflective element is prismatic.

73. An apparatus as in claim 65 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one optics block.

74. An apparatus as in claim 73 wherein said printed circuit board comprises at least a first and a second light source, wherein an optical axis of said first light source is approximately 180 degrees from an optical axis of said second light source.

75. An apparatus as in claim 74 wherein said first and second light sources are mounted to a common surface of said printed circuit board.

76. An apparatus as in claim 75 wherein said second light source emits light rays that pass through a hole in said printed circuit board.

77. An apparatus as in claim 75 comprising at least two light sources, wherein at least one of said light sources is configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly and at least one of said light sources is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a door illuminator, a keyhole illuminator or a puddle light.

78. An apparatus, comprising:

a supplemental illumination assembly configured for vehicle mounting, said supplemental illumination assembly comprises at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at an improper angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

79. An apparatus as in claim 78 wherein said first pattern is linear.

80. An apparatus as in claim 78 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

81. An apparatus as in claim 80 wherein said second pattern substantially defines a chevron.

82. An apparatus as in claim 78 configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly.

83. An apparatus as in claim 78 further comprising a reflective element.

84. An apparatus as in claim 83 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly is positioned behind said reflective element with respect to a viewer.

85. An apparatus as in claim 84 wherein said reflective element is electro-optic.

86. An apparatus as in claim 84 wherein said reflective element is prismatic.

87. An apparatus as in claim 78 wherein said supplemental illumination assembly comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one optics block.

88. An apparatus as in claim 87 wherein said printed circuit board comprises at least a first and a second light source, wherein an optical axis of said first light source is approximately 180 degrees from an optical axis of said second light source.

89. An apparatus as in claim 88 wherein said first and second light sources are mounted to a common surface of said printed circuit board.

90. An apparatus as in claim 89 wherein said second light source emits light rays that pass through a hole in said printed circuit board.

91. An apparatus as in claim 78 comprising at least two light sources, wherein at least one of said light sources is configured as a supplemental turning signal indicator assembly and at least one of said light sources is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a door illuminator, a keyhole illuminator or a puddle light.

92. An apparatus, comprising:

a reflective element,

an illumination assembly configured to project light rays into a preferred directional region, and

substantially smooth optics for redirecting light rays emitted by at least one light source outward into said preferred directional region, wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said illumination assembly pass through said reflective element.

93. An apparatus as in claim 92 wherein said illumination assembly is configured as a device selected from the group comprising:

a keyhole illuminator, a door illuminator and a puddle light.

94. An apparatus as in claim 92 further comprising a partially collimated light source, wherein said partially collimated light source comprises a primary optical axis and is mounted such that aid primary optical axis is substantially parallel to a surface of said reflective element.

95. An apparatus as in claim 92 further comprising at least one light source, at least one primary optic and at least one secondary optic, wherein said primary optic redirects light rays associated with a primary optical axis of said light source at a different angle with respect to a primary optical axis associated with light rays emanating from said secondary optic.

96. An apparatus as in claim 95 wherein said primary optic at least partially collimates light rays emitted from said light source.

97. An apparatus as in claim 95 wherein said secondary optic at least partially refracts light rays emitted from said light source.

98. An apparatus as in claim 92 further comprising a visual signal assembly.

99. An apparatus as in claim 98 wherein said visual signal assembly is configured to define a device selected from the group comprising:

a supplemental turning indicator assembly and a blind spot indicator.

100. An apparatus as in claim 98 wherein at least a portion of light rays emitted from said visual signal assembly pass through said reflective element.