Patent Publication Number: US-9403478-B2

Title: Light system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/142,011, filed on Dec. 27, 2013, entitled “LIGHT SYSTEM,” which claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/746,147, filed on Dec. 27, 2012, entitled “LIGHT SYSTEM,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a light system, and more particularly, a light system having a light optic configured for use in a rearview mirror assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a light system for use in a rearview mirror assembly is provided and includes a printed circuit board having a first side and a second side. A light source is located on said first side. A first optical element is coupled to said first side and has a collection optic configured to direct light received from said light source, a reflector optic in optical communication with said collection optic and configured to reflect light received from said collection optic, and a plurality of light steering areas configured to steer light propagating in said first optical element, wherein light steered from each of said plurality of light steering areas exits said first optical element via an output surface located adjacent to said collection optic. A second optical element is coupled to said second side and is in optical communication with said first optical element, wherein said second optical element is configured to diffuse light received from said first optical element to illuminate an indicia. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a light system for use in a rearview mirror assembly is provided and includes a light source and a first optical element. Said first optical element has a collection optic configured to direct light received from said light source, a reflector optic in optical communication with said collection optic and configured to reflect light from said collection optic, a plurality of light steering areas configured to steer light propagating in said first optical element, and a light spreading optic configured to spread light exiting said first optical element. A second optical element is in optical communication with said first optical element and is configured to diffuse light received from said first optical element to illuminate an indicia. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a light system for use in a rearview mirror assembly is provided and includes a light source and a first optical element. Said first optical element has a collection optic configured to direct light received from said light source, a reflector optic in optical communication with said collection optic and configured to reflect light received from said collection optic, and at least one light steering area configured to steer light reflected from said reflector optic, wherein light steered from said at least one light steering area exits said first optical element via an output surface located adjacent to said collection optic. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a light system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the light system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of a light system incorporated in a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic mirror element, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of a light system incorporated in a rearview mirror assembly having a non electro-optic mirror element, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a light system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the light system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial exploded view of the light system of  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the light system taken along lines VIII-VIII of  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is an alternative embodiment of the light system of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a light system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     The embodiments described herein relate to a light system that can be used in a rearview mirror assembly and is configured to illuminate indicia that can be viewed by an occupant of the vehicle and/or a person proximate the vehicle. Examples include a turn signal, a side blind zone indicator, a lane change assist indicator, an approach lighting indicator, the like, or a combination thereof. The rearview mirror assembly can include an electro-optic mirror element, wherein a reflectance of a mirror element changes based upon light detected by the light sensor and/or a display device that changes intensities based upon the light detected by the light sensor. Examples of rearview assemblies and/or light sensors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,656, entitled “ELECTRO CHROMIC REARVIEW MIRROR ELEMENT INCORPORATING A THIRD SURFACE REFLECTOR”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,457, entitled “MOISTURE DETECTING SYSTEM USING SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT SENSOR WITH INTEGRAL CHARGE COLLECTION”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,274, entitled, “PHOTODIODE LIGHT SENSOR”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,504,142, entitled “PHOTODIODE LIGHT SENSOR”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,328, entitled “AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRROR USING SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT SENSOR WITH INTEGRAL CHARGE COLLECTION”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,013, entitled “VEHICLE EQUIPMENT CONTROL WITH SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT SENSORS”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,608, entitled “SENSOR DEVICE HAVING AN INTEGRAL ANAMORPHIC LENS”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,268, entitled “SENSOR CONFIGURATION FOR SUBSTANTIAL SPACING FROM A SMALL APERTURE”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,946, entitled “DIMMABLE REARVIEW ASSEMBLY HAVING A GLARE SENSOR”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,904, entitled “VEHICLE EQUIPMENT CONTROL WITH SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT SENSORS,” which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a light system is shown at reference identifier  100 . The light system  100  can include a light source, shown as light emitting diodes (LEDs)  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   c , a first optical element  104 , and an optional second optical element  106 . The first optical element  104  can be molded from a light propagating material and can include a collection optic  108 , a reflector optic  110 , and one or more light steering areas, shown as light steering areas  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c . The second optical element  106  can be molded from a light diffusing material and can be provided separate from the first optical element  104 . Alternatively, the first optical element  104  and the second optical element  106  can be combined to form a single integrated optic. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the collection optic  108  is configured to direct light received from LEDs  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   c . The collection optic  108  can be elongate and have a cylindrical or other anamorphic configuration. As shown, the LEDs  102   a - 102   c  are arranged in a linear configuration and spaced along the length of the collection optic  108  and proximately aligned with the collection optic  108 . In this manner, the collection optic  108  is capable of directing light received from LEDs  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   c  in at least one plane. It should be appreciated that other numbers of LEDs can be used and variously positioned such that more than one collection optic can be used. 
     The reflector optic  110  is in optical communication with the collection optic  108  and is configured to reflect light received therefrom. The reflector optic  110  can include a total internal reflection (TIR) optic or a coated reflector optic. In addition, the reflector optic  110  can be configured to extend the same length as the collection optic  108  to increase the amount of light reflected towards the light steering areas  112   a - 112   c.    
     Light steering areas  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  are in optical communication with the reflector optic  110  and are configured to steer light propagating in the first optical element  104 . Each light steering area  112   a - 112   c  can include a TIR optic, coated reflector optic, or a wedge prism. Each light steering area  112   a - 112   c  can be variously located and can be parallel or non-parallel with any other light steering area  112   a - 112   c . In addition, each light steering area  112   a - 112   c  can be regularly shaped (e.g. light steering area  112   a  and  112   b ) or irregularly shaped (e.g.  112   c ). As shown, light steering areas  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  can each be located at different distances from the reflector optic  110  and can be staggered with respect to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, light steering areas  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  are staggered such that light steering area  112   a  is positioned to substantially face LED  102   a , light steering area  112   b  is positioned to substantially face LED  102   b , and light steering area  112   c  is positioned to substantially face LED  102   c . However, it should be appreciated that other numbers of light steering areas can be used and the location for any given light steering area can vary based on the desired light output from the first optical element  104 . 
     Light steered from the light steering areas  112   a - 112   c  exits the first optical element  104  through an output surface  114 , which is located adjacent the collection optic  108 . The output surface  114  can be a light spreading optic such as, but not limited to, an array of square pillow-typed lenses (e.g. pillow optics)  115  configured to spread light exiting the first optical element  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the collection optic  108  and the output surface  114  together define a first surface of the first optical element  104  such that light emitted from the LEDs  102   a - 102   c  enters the first optical element  104  (via the collection optic  108 ) from a first direction and exits the first optical element  104  optic (via the output surface  114 ) in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. 
     Light exiting the first optical element  104  is received in the second optical element  106 , which is in optical communication with the first optical element  104  and can be positioned parallel to the first optical element  104 . It should be appreciated that the second optical element  106  can be configured in a variety of shapes and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical element  106  has a planar configuration and receives light through a proximal side  116  located closest to the first optical element  104 . Light entering the second optical element  106  is diffused and can be used to substantially evenly or substantially unevenly illuminate an indicia  120  located on a distal side  122  of the second optical element  106  that is located furthest away from the first optical element  104 . The indicia  120  can be masked or laser ablated from a coating  124  deposited on the distal side  122  of the second optical element  106 . Additionally, other sides of the second optical element  106  can also be coated to prevent light from escaping therethrough. 
     Alternatively, the second optical element  106  can also be provided without the indicia  120  when a rearview mirror assembly already includes desired indicia. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the light system  100  can be used in a rearview mirror assembly  200  having an electro-optic mirror element  202  (e.g. an electrochromic mirror) with multiple surfaces, shown as a first surface  204 , a second surface  206 , a third surface  208 , and a fourth surface  210 . In such an arrangement, indicia (not shown) can be located on either one of the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces  204 - 210 . Accordingly, the light system  100  can be positioned proximate the interior-most surface (fourth surface  210 ) of the rearview mirror assembly  200  and properly aligned such that light exiting from the second optical element  106  or the first optical element  104  (if the second optical element  106  is not used) can illuminate the indicia. In another instance, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the light system  100  can be used in a rearview mirror assembly  212  having a non electro-optic mirror element  214  (e.g. a glass mirror element) with a first surface  216  and a second surface  218 . In such an arrangement, indicia (not shown) can be located on either one of the first and second surfaces  216 ,  218 . Accordingly, the light system  100  can be positioned proximate the interior-most surface (second surface  218 ) of the rearview mirror assembly  212  and properly aligned such that light exiting from the second optical element  106  or the first optical element  104  (if the second optical element  106  is not used) can illuminate the indicia. For rearview mirror assemblies lacking indicia, a light system having a second optical element with an indicia can be similarly incorporated therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the light system  100  is shown according to another embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the light system  100  includes a printed circuit board (PCB)  128  secured inside a cover  129  (e.g. via mechanical fasteners, friction, or other suitable means) and having a first side  130  and a second side  132 . The light source, shown as LEDs  102   d ,  102   e , and  102   f , are located on the first side  130  of the PCB  128  and are exemplarily shown in a non-linear configuration. The first optical element  104  is coupled to the first side  130  of the PCB  128  and is located in an elevated position relative to LEDs  102   d ,  102   e , and  102   f  such that LEDs  102   d  and  102   e  are proximately aligned with collection optic  108   a  and LED  102   f  is proximately aligned with collection optic  108   b . The first optical element  104  can be coupled to the first side  130  of the PCB  128  using standoffs or the like. As shown, the PCB  128  has a gap, through which light exiting the first optical element  104  (via the output surface  114 ) propagates towards and is received in the second optical element  106 , which is located on the second side  132  of the PCB  128 . While the gap is shown having a similar profile to the output surface  114  of the first optical element  104 , it should be appreciated that the gap is not necessarily limited to any particular shape and/or size. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical element  106  can be coupled to the second side  132  of the PCB  128  using standoffs or the like. Alternatively, the second optical element  106  can directly contact the PCB  128 , thereby reducing the height of the light system  100  (see  FIG. 9 ). In any event, the second optical element  106  and the cover  129  can cooperate to define a sealed housing that encloses the PCB  128 , the LEDs  102   d - 102   f , and the first optical element  104 , which can be accomplished via laser welding or other suitable means. Alternatively, the second optical element  106  is not included in the light system  100 , the cover  129  can be configured to cooperate with the PCB  128  to define the housing. Such an arrangement can be advantageous when a rearview mirror assembly already has desired indicia. As previously mentioned, some rearview mirror assemblies may already have indicia located on at least one surface of an electro-optic mirror element (e.g. electrochromic element) or a non electro-optic mirror element, thus obviating the need to either provide a like indicia on the second optical element  106  or include the second optical element  106  altogether in the light system  100 . In such circumstances, light exiting the second optical element  106 , or the first optical element  104  (in the absence of the second optical element  106 ) can be used to illuminate indicia of the rearview mirror assembly. Regardless of configuration, the light system  100  advantageously provides for a low profile (e.g., thin) packaged design and can be integrated with other electrical devices via electrical connector  136 , which can be configured to receive electrical power and/or make electrical connections. According to one embodiment, the light system  100  described herein can have a height of less than approximately 8.5 mm, or less than approximately 8.2 mm and can be configured to have a low profile without including a metalized coating reflector. 
     Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.