Patent ID: 6186651
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: F21S

Abstract:
A projector headlamp for projecting light in a forward direction generally along a horizontal axis selectably between high beam and low beam conditions, said projector headlamp comprising:(a) a generally elliptical reflector having a reflector axis, first and second focal points located along said reflector axis, and a forward-facing reflector opening;(b) a light source from which light waves may emanate, said light source being located substantially at said first focal point;(c) a light shield disposed generally beneath said second focal point and having a top edge;(d) a condenser lens having a condenser axis, said condenser lens being disposed forward of said reflector opening and spaced apart from said second focal point effective to substantially collimate said light waves generally in said forward direction; and(e) means for selectably moving said light shield, said reflector, and said condenser lens between said low beam and high beam conditions;(f) wherein in said low beam condition:(i) said reflector axis and said condenser axis are substantially collinear and substantially parallel to said horizontal axis, and(ii) said light shield is oriented in a first position wherein said top edge is positioned immediately beneath said second focal point; and(g) wherein in said high beam condition:(i) said reflector axis and said condenser axis are substantially collinear and raised by an angle A with respect to said horizontal axis, and(ii) said light shield is oriented in a second position wherein said top edge is lowered away from said second focal point.