CA2058180A1 - Compact lighting panel - Google Patents
Compact lighting panelInfo
- Publication number
- CA2058180A1 CA2058180A1 CA002058180A CA2058180A CA2058180A1 CA 2058180 A1 CA2058180 A1 CA 2058180A1 CA 002058180 A CA002058180 A CA 002058180A CA 2058180 A CA2058180 A CA 2058180A CA 2058180 A1 CA2058180 A1 CA 2058180A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light
- panel
- reflector
- reflector element
- edge
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001771 vacuum deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
- 10 -Abstract A compact light panel for use on an automotive vehicle to provide decorative and safety lighting over a large area by use of a linear array of light sources distributed along the bottom of a linearly grooved reflector element coated for first surface reflection.
Description
COMPACT LIGHTING PAN~L
Backqround of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to field of 5 automotive lighting enclosures and more sp~cifically to the area of decorative lighting panels.
Description of the Prior Art Several attempts have been ma~e to provide flat panel decorative lighting for automotive vehicles. In 10 U.S. Patent 4,~16,968, for instance, an illuminating device for an automotive front grille is shown. That device employs a pair of light sources located at the center of a panel and light conducting plates of trans-parent resin ma~erial to carry the light from the center 15 over the width of the grille. Lens array elements are placed in front of the light conducting plates to convey the light in a direction that is normal to the light.
U.S. Patent 4,874,228 describes a lighting package which utilizes a light refractive film having a 20 smooth surface and a structured surface. The smooth surface contains a reflective coating, and the structured surface is formed with a series of triangular prisms running parallel to one another. When a light source is placed at one edge of the film, the light incident upon 25 each triangular prism is refracted onto the film and reflected off the smooth back suxface to exit the struc-tured surface and be directed outwardly of the display package.
While each of the foregoing patents describe 30 theoretically acceptable devices for providing decorative lighting, they appear to have high cost attributes that would make them undesirable for acceptance in many auto-motive applications. In the '968 patent, both the light transmission and the lens element array are separately 5 molded items which are re~uired to be subsequently lami-nated to each other. In the '228 patent, th~ refractive film is relatively expensive because of its optical quality as a Fresnel structure and vacuum deposition of the reflective coating on its smooth surface. The flex-10 ible film must then be reliably mounted on a specificsupport structure that is both rigid and rug~ed enough to withstand the temperatures, humidity and vibrations encountered in the use environment.
Summary of the Invention 15 The present invention overcomes some of the deficiencies found in prior art lighting panels and provides a rugged, low cost and highly reliable light distribution panel.
The present invention is embodied as a decora-20 tive light applique that is suitable for use in an area which receives high vibrational impact, such as, on the rear deck lid (trunk) of an automotive vehicle. In the past, such decorative appliques would normally have been constructed of reflective material since acceptable 25 filament light sources requiring surrounding reflector configurations with relatively large thickness dimensions were considered relatively expensive in terms of assembly costs, warranty costs and space occupied on the vehicle.
The present invention achieves the desired 30 results by providing substantially a three-piece panel structure. A rigid back panel reflector forms the rear of the housing and a rigid lens element forms the front of the housing. Along the bottom edge of the relector - 3 ~
and lens elements is a linear array of light emitting diode (LED) light sources that occupy the space between them.
It is an object of the present invention to 5 provide a low cost and highly reliable light distribution panel.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a relatively flat light panel which evenly distributes light over the height of the panel and along 10 the length o~ the panel from a linear array of individual light sources.
It is still another object of the present inven-tion to provide a relatively thin light distribution panel that can be used to replace a conventional reflec-15 tor applique.
.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partial cross section of the reflector and light source elements shown in Figures 1 and ~.
Detailed Description of the_Preferred Embodiment The compact light panel of the present invention is embodied ~ith essentially three basic elements: a reflector element 20, a lens element 40 and a linear array of light elements 50. Each of the elements contri-butes to the structural integrity of the assembled panel 30 and provides certain light handling capabilities. The _ 4 ~ 8~8~
result is a relatively compact (thin) and rugged panel with a minimal number of easily manufactured components to simplify assembly and ensure a long useful life.
The following discussion is being made with 5 respect to Figures 1-3. A reflector element 20 is shown as a relatively thin opaque structure having a base 26 and a remote end 24. The reflector 20 has a back surface 21 and a front (internal) sur~ace 22. A major portion of the front surface 22 is formed with a plurality of 10 grooves which extend in a parallel direction over its length. The sidewalls of the grooves form continuous ribbon-like facets that are angled in a predetermined manner. The grooves are coated with a reflective material so that the reflecting surface 22 functions as a 15 Fresnel-type reflecting lens. A minor portion 28 of the surface 22 is below the major ground portion and serves as an abutment to contain a linear light array 50.
Reflector element 20 is formed of a rigid plastic or metal material so as to ~rovide a portion of 20 the structural support for the assembled li~ht panel.
Linear LED array 50 is secured at the lower portion 28 of the reflector 20 so as to project light through respective lenses 52 at a relatively low angle with respect to the reflecting surface 22. The LED array 25 50 is positioned within a "U"-shaped channel 54 with reflective sides 56 and 48. The LED array 50 is a pre-assembled module ~or attachment to the reflector element 20. Of course, appropriate electrical connections are provided for the LED array but are not shown in the 30 drawings.
A lens element 40 baving individual pillow optics formed therein is also made of a rigid plastic or glass material and is connected between the base 26 and the remote end 24 of the reflector element 20. The lens 3s element 40 may be clear or colored, as desired. It may
Backqround of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to field of 5 automotive lighting enclosures and more sp~cifically to the area of decorative lighting panels.
Description of the Prior Art Several attempts have been ma~e to provide flat panel decorative lighting for automotive vehicles. In 10 U.S. Patent 4,~16,968, for instance, an illuminating device for an automotive front grille is shown. That device employs a pair of light sources located at the center of a panel and light conducting plates of trans-parent resin ma~erial to carry the light from the center 15 over the width of the grille. Lens array elements are placed in front of the light conducting plates to convey the light in a direction that is normal to the light.
U.S. Patent 4,874,228 describes a lighting package which utilizes a light refractive film having a 20 smooth surface and a structured surface. The smooth surface contains a reflective coating, and the structured surface is formed with a series of triangular prisms running parallel to one another. When a light source is placed at one edge of the film, the light incident upon 25 each triangular prism is refracted onto the film and reflected off the smooth back suxface to exit the struc-tured surface and be directed outwardly of the display package.
While each of the foregoing patents describe 30 theoretically acceptable devices for providing decorative lighting, they appear to have high cost attributes that would make them undesirable for acceptance in many auto-motive applications. In the '968 patent, both the light transmission and the lens element array are separately 5 molded items which are re~uired to be subsequently lami-nated to each other. In the '228 patent, th~ refractive film is relatively expensive because of its optical quality as a Fresnel structure and vacuum deposition of the reflective coating on its smooth surface. The flex-10 ible film must then be reliably mounted on a specificsupport structure that is both rigid and rug~ed enough to withstand the temperatures, humidity and vibrations encountered in the use environment.
Summary of the Invention 15 The present invention overcomes some of the deficiencies found in prior art lighting panels and provides a rugged, low cost and highly reliable light distribution panel.
The present invention is embodied as a decora-20 tive light applique that is suitable for use in an area which receives high vibrational impact, such as, on the rear deck lid (trunk) of an automotive vehicle. In the past, such decorative appliques would normally have been constructed of reflective material since acceptable 25 filament light sources requiring surrounding reflector configurations with relatively large thickness dimensions were considered relatively expensive in terms of assembly costs, warranty costs and space occupied on the vehicle.
The present invention achieves the desired 30 results by providing substantially a three-piece panel structure. A rigid back panel reflector forms the rear of the housing and a rigid lens element forms the front of the housing. Along the bottom edge of the relector - 3 ~
and lens elements is a linear array of light emitting diode (LED) light sources that occupy the space between them.
It is an object of the present invention to 5 provide a low cost and highly reliable light distribution panel.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a relatively flat light panel which evenly distributes light over the height of the panel and along 10 the length o~ the panel from a linear array of individual light sources.
It is still another object of the present inven-tion to provide a relatively thin light distribution panel that can be used to replace a conventional reflec-15 tor applique.
.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partial cross section of the reflector and light source elements shown in Figures 1 and ~.
Detailed Description of the_Preferred Embodiment The compact light panel of the present invention is embodied ~ith essentially three basic elements: a reflector element 20, a lens element 40 and a linear array of light elements 50. Each of the elements contri-butes to the structural integrity of the assembled panel 30 and provides certain light handling capabilities. The _ 4 ~ 8~8~
result is a relatively compact (thin) and rugged panel with a minimal number of easily manufactured components to simplify assembly and ensure a long useful life.
The following discussion is being made with 5 respect to Figures 1-3. A reflector element 20 is shown as a relatively thin opaque structure having a base 26 and a remote end 24. The reflector 20 has a back surface 21 and a front (internal) sur~ace 22. A major portion of the front surface 22 is formed with a plurality of 10 grooves which extend in a parallel direction over its length. The sidewalls of the grooves form continuous ribbon-like facets that are angled in a predetermined manner. The grooves are coated with a reflective material so that the reflecting surface 22 functions as a 15 Fresnel-type reflecting lens. A minor portion 28 of the surface 22 is below the major ground portion and serves as an abutment to contain a linear light array 50.
Reflector element 20 is formed of a rigid plastic or metal material so as to ~rovide a portion of 20 the structural support for the assembled li~ht panel.
Linear LED array 50 is secured at the lower portion 28 of the reflector 20 so as to project light through respective lenses 52 at a relatively low angle with respect to the reflecting surface 22. The LED array 25 50 is positioned within a "U"-shaped channel 54 with reflective sides 56 and 48. The LED array 50 is a pre-assembled module ~or attachment to the reflector element 20. Of course, appropriate electrical connections are provided for the LED array but are not shown in the 30 drawings.
A lens element 40 baving individual pillow optics formed therein is also made of a rigid plastic or glass material and is connected between the base 26 and the remote end 24 of the reflector element 20. The lens 3s element 40 may be clear or colored, as desired. It may
2~s~a also contain decorative indicia that is backlit for display. A lower panel 30 on the lens element g0 is opaque and could be decoratively colored or could contain an e~ternally directed reflector element. The top end 42 5 of the lens element 40 is adhesively connected or other-wise bonded to the upper end 24 of the reflector element 20. The lower end 44 of the lens element 40 is connected to the base 26 of the raflector 20 so that the linear light array 50 is captured between the inner surfaces of 10 the lens element and the reflector element in a sandwich laminate construction.
In all the Figures the reflector 20 is shown as being inwardly curved towards the lens element 40 as it extends from its base 26 to its remote end 24. (Other 15 shapes are also possible, such as, parabolic, flat or hyperbolic, for example.) The actual curve assumes a portion of an ellipse "E" and is shown most clearly in Figure 3. The portion of the reflective surface 20 which conforms to the curve "E" is that portion which is above 20 the median of the height of the reflector above the light source 50. In operation, the light emanating from the linear array 50 through the individual lens elements 52 is projected upwardly from that array and is incident on the individual reflective groove facets on the surface 25 22. The light is then first surface reflected by the facets in a direction towards the lens element 40. The optics of the lens element g0 make predetermined correc-tions to the light so that it is directed generally normal to the panel in a prescribed manner that is most 30 efective for sighting by oncoming vehicle operators. By curving the upper portion of the reflector ~0, more even distribution of light from the panel 10 results. In addition, the ellipse curvature portion of the rigid reflector 20 takes advantage of that curvature to provide 35 additional strength for the panel.
- 6 ~ 0 The described compact light panel is particu-larly suitable for use on the rear deck of an automotive vehicle-to provide decorative and safety lighting. The use of the LED array is both rugged against shocks that 5 occur when the deck lid is slammed shut and is highly reliable in that hostile environme~t ~ecause of its solid state construction.
The fact that the rear structural panel also serves as a first surface Fresnel-type reflector provides 10 desirable economies to the assembly process for such lighting panels when compared to the prior art. When formed from plastic, the reflector can be molded or bent and heat set to the deserved curvature. The grooves can be molded, cut or hot stamped in place prior to applying 15 the reflective coating. Such steps are highly adaptable to automation techni~ues for machine ~orming and assembly.
It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may be implemented without departing from the scope of the novel concept of this invention. Therefore, 20 it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and variations which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
In all the Figures the reflector 20 is shown as being inwardly curved towards the lens element 40 as it extends from its base 26 to its remote end 24. (Other 15 shapes are also possible, such as, parabolic, flat or hyperbolic, for example.) The actual curve assumes a portion of an ellipse "E" and is shown most clearly in Figure 3. The portion of the reflective surface 20 which conforms to the curve "E" is that portion which is above 20 the median of the height of the reflector above the light source 50. In operation, the light emanating from the linear array 50 through the individual lens elements 52 is projected upwardly from that array and is incident on the individual reflective groove facets on the surface 25 22. The light is then first surface reflected by the facets in a direction towards the lens element 40. The optics of the lens element g0 make predetermined correc-tions to the light so that it is directed generally normal to the panel in a prescribed manner that is most 30 efective for sighting by oncoming vehicle operators. By curving the upper portion of the reflector ~0, more even distribution of light from the panel 10 results. In addition, the ellipse curvature portion of the rigid reflector 20 takes advantage of that curvature to provide 35 additional strength for the panel.
- 6 ~ 0 The described compact light panel is particu-larly suitable for use on the rear deck of an automotive vehicle-to provide decorative and safety lighting. The use of the LED array is both rugged against shocks that 5 occur when the deck lid is slammed shut and is highly reliable in that hostile environme~t ~ecause of its solid state construction.
The fact that the rear structural panel also serves as a first surface Fresnel-type reflector provides 10 desirable economies to the assembly process for such lighting panels when compared to the prior art. When formed from plastic, the reflector can be molded or bent and heat set to the deserved curvature. The grooves can be molded, cut or hot stamped in place prior to applying 15 the reflective coating. Such steps are highly adaptable to automation techni~ues for machine ~orming and assembly.
It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may be implemented without departing from the scope of the novel concept of this invention. Therefore, 20 it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and variations which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
1. A compact-light panel for projecting light energy in a direction substantially normal to the panel, comprising:
a linearly disposed light source along one edge of the panel for projecting light along lines and in directions that are substantially parallel to said panel;
a first surface reflector element extending from the edge containing said light source into the path of said radiated light for reflecting said light in a direc-tion that is substantially normal to said panel.
a lens element in the path of light reflected by said reflector element for controllably refracting the light into a predetermined pattern.
a linearly disposed light source along one edge of the panel for projecting light along lines and in directions that are substantially parallel to said panel;
a first surface reflector element extending from the edge containing said light source into the path of said radiated light for reflecting said light in a direc-tion that is substantially normal to said panel.
a lens element in the path of light reflected by said reflector element for controllably refracting the light into a predetermined pattern.
2. A light panel as in claim 1, wherein said light source is a linear array of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
3. A light panel as in claim 2, wherein said reflector element is a rigid structure that is curved into the path of said radiated light.
4. A light panel as in claim 3, wherein said curve of said reflective element in cross section approximates a portion of an ellipse.
5. A light panel as in claim 2, wherein said reflector element contains a plurality of reflecting grooves formed on its light receiving surface to be substantially parallel to each other and said linearly disposed light source.
6. A light panel as in claim 5, wherein said reflecting element has a defined base edge along which said light source is disposed, a remote edge that is extended into the path of light radiated by said light source and a defined front surface for reflecting said light projected from said light source, wherein said front surface is formed with a plurality of linear facets oriented to provide first surface reflection of radiated light in a substantially parallel direction normal to said lens element.
7. A lighting panel for controlling the distribu-tion of light evenly over said panel in a direction that is generally perpendicular to said panel, comprising:
a rigid reflector element with a defined lower edge and a defined upper edge extending over a desired length;
a lens element having an upper edge that is attached to the upper edge of said reflector element and a lower edge that is spaced from the lower edge of said reflector element;
a linear array of light emitting sources disposed in a channel secured in said panel to occupy the space between the lower edges of said reflector and said lens elements;
said reflector element has a first surface that is spaced from and opposing the inside surface of said lens element, said first surface is configured with a plurality of linear grooves to form linear facets along the length dimension of said panel in parallel with said linear array of light emitting sources, and said first surface is coated with a reflecive coating and is curved over said linear array of light emitting sources to expose said linear facets to light emitted directly from said sources for reflecting said light in a direction towards and generally normal to said lens element.
a rigid reflector element with a defined lower edge and a defined upper edge extending over a desired length;
a lens element having an upper edge that is attached to the upper edge of said reflector element and a lower edge that is spaced from the lower edge of said reflector element;
a linear array of light emitting sources disposed in a channel secured in said panel to occupy the space between the lower edges of said reflector and said lens elements;
said reflector element has a first surface that is spaced from and opposing the inside surface of said lens element, said first surface is configured with a plurality of linear grooves to form linear facets along the length dimension of said panel in parallel with said linear array of light emitting sources, and said first surface is coated with a reflecive coating and is curved over said linear array of light emitting sources to expose said linear facets to light emitted directly from said sources for reflecting said light in a direction towards and generally normal to said lens element.
8. A panel as in claim 7, wherein said curve of said reflective surface is formed as part of an ellipse.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US65031891A | 1991-02-04 | 1991-02-04 | |
| US07/650,318 | 1991-02-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2058180A1 true CA2058180A1 (en) | 1992-08-05 |
Family
ID=24608393
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002058180A Abandoned CA2058180A1 (en) | 1991-02-04 | 1991-12-20 | Compact lighting panel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2058180A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-12-20 CA CA002058180A patent/CA2058180A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19940620 |