Patent Description:
One or more embodiments may be applied to lamps employing solid-state light sources, e.g., LED sources.

One or more embodiments may be advantageously employed in the automotive sector, for example as automotive retrofit lamps for motor vehicles.

In fields of use such as, for example, the automotive sector, light sources such as LED sources may offer various advantages compared to conventional lamps or bulbs.

For example, LED sources are brighter, quicker on power up and may easily be PWM modulated in order to adjust the intensity of the emitted light.

Another advantage derives from the fact that LED chips may be operated in array, in parallel or in mixed configurations, and exhibit a rather long-time durable life.

Therefore, a growing trend has been observed towards developing and designing LED lamps which may be employed instead of conventional lamps, e.g., instead of halogen lamps, while being adapted to comply with specifications.

As a matter of fact, it is reasonable to foresee that in the near future automotive lamps, such as those lamps currently named H-type lamps, will be replaced almost completely by LED lamps.

There are already known various solutions of automotive retrofit lamps, for example H-type lamps.

For example, the US Patent Application published as <CIT>) describes a lamp having a closed cap, wherein the light emission is provided by one ore more semiconductor light sources and the output flux is predetermined by the distance and the position of the (LED) sources with respect to the reference plane of the cap.

Documents <CIT> and <CIT> describe similar solutions. Also documents <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> provide information on the general state of the art in that area.

<CIT> describes an H7 retrofit lamp for low-beam applications which favours compliance with ECE R112 Regulation, by having the light distribution coming from two opposite linear LED arrays or clusters operate in two different modes: by providing either direct light, if this is desired for safety reasons, or indirect/reflected light for the points above cut-off, which illuminates road panels.

The achievement of such a result is made easier by properly shaping the surface of the LED housing, combined with the optical properties of the materials.

The H-type retrofit solutions normally envisage the presence of LED arrays or clusters arranged linearly, so as to mimic the light emission surface of a filament lamp.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of a solid-state H4 retrofit lamp for motor vehicles, available from the companies of the OSRAM group under the trade name of H4 <NUM> (9726CW 14W 12V/24V P43T 4x2 OSRAM).

Such a lamp, generally denoted by <NUM>, comprises a lamp body extending along a reference axis X10 between a proximal base portion <NUM> and a distal front portion <NUM>. The lamp body comprises a (e.g., plate-like) support member <NUM> having a first and a second mutually opposed sides.

On each of the opposed sides (or faces) of the support member <NUM> there are arranged:.

The second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> is spaced from the first array of solid-state light sources <NUM>, and energizing the sources of array <NUM> leads to providing a high-beam.

The LEDs of arrays <NUM> and <NUM>, each comprising three LEDS, are (6x) Samsung LH181A LEDs, all having the same configuration, with a light emitting area (LEA) of <NUM> × <NUM>.

Lamp <NUM> comprises a mounting member <NUM>, adapted to mount lamp <NUM> onto a vehicle. Said mounting member <NUM> includes, at the rear base portion <NUM> of the lamp body <NUM>, at least one ring-shaped reference formation <NUM>, which defines a reference plane RP transversely of the reference axis X10.

The lamp body <NUM> includes two parts having heatsink properties, enclosing a planar printed circuit board (PCB), the LED arrays <NUM>, <NUM> being arranged on both opposed sides or faces of the board, so as to emit light in opposite directions, i.e., towards opposed half-spaces.

The purpose of such arrangement is to reproduce the behaviour of conventional filament lamps, which produce a cylindrical distribution of light around the lamp, therefore providing a luminous flux equivalent to that of the filament of an incandescent bulb.

The two heatsink parts or bodies protect the electronics underneath and help the light emitted by the LEDs to generate a radiation beam within the cut-off angles specified by ECE R112 Regulation.

To this end, the lamp body <NUM> has, at the LED arrays <NUM> and <NUM>, windows through which radiation is emitted with a radiation pattern mimicking the near-field distribution of a conventional filament lamp.

In the lamp shown in <FIG>, the lamp body is produced by metal (aluminium) moulding. A polymeric material may be considered an alternative option.

The shape of the lamp body controls the distribution of the light coming from the white light emitted by the LEDs with a Lambertian distribution. The light distribution is mainly determined by the position of the LED arrays and by the position of the single LEDs within an array.

In the lamp shown in <FIG>, the LEDs of both arrays <NUM> and <NUM> on each side of the lamp have a linear arrangement: a row of three LEDs aligned in the direction of axis X10 in each array <NUM>, <NUM>, with the two arrays <NUM>, <NUM> substantially aligned with each other at said axis, in order to mimic (approximate) the light emitting surface of a standard filament source.

Table I in the following shows some characteristic values of arrays <NUM> and <NUM> of the lamp shown in Figure I, which are presented by way of comparison with the corresponding values in a conventional H4 lamp.

The distances referring to the LEDs are measured with reference to the light emitting areas (LEA) thereof.

It will be observed that, for a LED lamp as shown in <FIG>, achieving a high intensity luminous flux and a good light distribution is still a critical aspect, especially as regards the H-V central point of the pattern.

In order to better comprehend this aspect, it may be useful to refer explicitly to the ECE R112 Regulation: Table II reproduces (with the original English wording, wherein cd = candles) Table <NUM>. <NUM> from pages <NUM>-<NUM> of the Regulation.

Point <NUM>. <NUM> of the Regulation, moreover, specifies that the intersection point (HV) of lines h h and v v must be located within the isolux of <NUM>% of the maximum light intensity (Imax).

The meaning of the names and acronyms appearing in the foregoing is to be considered known to a person skilled in the art who is acquainted with specifications such as ECE <NUM> Regulation.

A problem which is encountered in existing retrofit lamps having H-type solid-state sources (and especially in the case of H4-type sources, as shown in <FIG>) is due to an intensity distribution which is lower than in halogen lamps, with consequent difficulties in complying with specifications such as ECE R112 Regulation for the high-beam function.

One or more embodiments aim at contributing to tackle the aspects outlined in the foregoing.

According to one or more embodiments, said object may be achieved thanks to a lamp having the features set forth in the claims that follow.

The claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided herein with reference to embodiments.

One or more embodiments favour achieving compliance with specifications such as ECE R112 Regulation, repeatedly mentioned in the foregoing, e.g., with reference to point <NUM>. <NUM>, i.e., the achievement of high intensity (<NUM>% of the maximum light intensity value) on the central point H-V of the pattern.

One or more embodiments act on the shape of the array or cluster of the sources for a high-beam application.

One or more embodiments help overcoming the limitations of the known art, being adapted to comply with specifications as regards light intensity for all the points normed in ECE R112 Class B Regulation for high-beam applications.

One or more embodiments help achieving light intensity values higher than achievable either with standard LED configurations or with halogen lamps, while obtaining a more uniform light distribution as compared to a standard LED configuration.

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the annexed Figures, wherein:.

It will be appreciated that, for clarity and simplicity of illustration, the various Figures may not be drawn to the same scale.

Moreover, for the sake of brevity and unless the context dictates otherwise, similar parts or elements are denoted in the various Figures by the same reference symbols, without repeating a corresponding description for each Figure.

In the following description, various specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments according to the specification. The embodiments may be practiced without one or several specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments.

Thus, the possible appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring exactly to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only, and therefore do not interpret the extent of protection or scope of the embodiments.

In the figures, reference number <NUM> generally denotes a lamp which may be employed, for example, for retrofit, or optionally for the initial equipment of a light, e.g. a headlight, such as a low-beam and a high-beam projector of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, not visible in the Figures.

In one or more embodiments, an automotive lamp <NUM> as exemplified herein is adapted to be mounted onto a support body P, the profile whereof is schematically indicated in <FIG> only and which, in the case of use in a (motor) vehicle headlight, may have the features of a projector.

In one or more embodiments as exemplified herein, lamp <NUM> may include a generally elongated body or housing, extending in the direction of a longitudinal reference axis X10 and having a base rear or proximal end <NUM> (adapted to be mounted, e.g., inserted, into support body P) and a front (distal) end <NUM> (from which light radiation is emitted in operation).

As exemplified in <FIG>, lamp <NUM> may be mounted on the vehicle, i.e., on the support body P (a projector, for example) so that axis X10 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, the light radiation being emitted from the front end <NUM> and being equally oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, radially, i.e., laterally, to axis X10.

In one or more embodiments (see for instance the exploded perspective view of <FIG>), the lamp body <NUM> may comprise a support <NUM> (e.g., a plate-like support, substantially corresponding to a printed circuit board, PCB) having opposed sides or faces, each of which being provided with two solid-state, e.g., LED, light sources which are denoted by references <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the same way as the solution previously described with reference to <FIG>, lamp <NUM> in <FIG> and following may therefore comprise a lamp body extending along a reference axis X10 between a proximal base portion <NUM> and a distal front portion <NUM>, the lamp body comprising a (e.g., plate-like) support member <NUM> having a first and a second mutually opposed sides.

As in the solution previously described with reference to <FIG>, in the lamp <NUM> of <FIG> and following, on each of the opposed sides (or faces) of support member <NUM> there are arranged:.

The second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> is spaced from the first array of solid-state light sources <NUM> and, when sources <NUM> are energized, is adapted to provide a high-beam.

The LEDs of arrays <NUM> and <NUM>, each of which comprises three LEDs, may have the same configuration, for example (6x) Luxeon Z ES LEDs having the same configuration, with a light emitting area (LEA) of <NUM> x <NUM>.

Also in the case of the lamp shown in <FIG>, a mounting member <NUM> is present which is configured to mount lamp <NUM> onto a vehicle. Said mounting member <NUM> includes, at the rear base portion <NUM> of the lamp body, at least a ring-shaped reference formation <NUM> defining a reference plane RP transversely of reference axis X10.

For example, <CIT>), already mentioned in the foregoing, describes an automotive (H7-type) lamp formed on a conventional lamp cap, having a reference ring including a ring having lugs on three sides, which in turn define said reference plane RP. That application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

At any rate, the solution shown herein is only one among various possible solutions for mounting lamp <NUM> on such a support body as a projector P of a motor vehicle lamp, e.g., via connections substantially comprising quarter-turn connections.

The ring-shaped member <NUM> illustrated herein generally exemplifies a member configured for mounting the lamp on a vehicle, said member comprising, at the rear part of the lamp body, at least one reference formation (such as a ring-shaped flange <NUM>) adapted to define a reference plane (denoted as RP in <FIG>) transversely of longitudinal axis X10.

As discussed in the following, one or more embodiments according to <FIG> and following may differ from the solution shown in <FIG> as regards the second (high-beam) array of light sources denoted as <NUM>.

Indeed, in the solution shown in <FIG>, both arrays <NUM> and <NUM> consist of three LEDs aligned in the direction of axis X10.

On the other hand, in one or more embodiments as shown in <FIG>, array <NUM> comprises three LEDs arranged according to a generally L-shaped configuration.

With reference to the general description of lamp <NUM> in <FIG> and following, in a mounting condition as exemplified in <FIG>, member <NUM> may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the LED arrays <NUM>, <NUM> projecting light radiation in a substantially horizontal direction, starting from the opposed faces of the plate member <NUM>, radially, i.e., laterally to axis X10.

In one or more embodiments, the light sources (e.g., LEDs as described in the foregoing) may be arranged on the plate-like member <NUM> with the interposition of a material having a finish and/or a colour feature (or, in general, optical properties) adapted to enhance the performance of lamp <NUM>. A so-called solder mask may exemplify such a material.

As may be appreciated in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments the support member <NUM> may be arranged between two complementary, e.g., shell-shaped, pieces <NUM>, <NUM> of moulded (metal or plastics) material.

For example, member <NUM> may be sandwiched between the complementary pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, forming an assembly which can be mounted via screws <NUM> traversing respective holes provided in the pieces <NUM>, <NUM> and in the plate-like member <NUM> sandwiched between said pieces.

In one or more embodiments, the rear end <NUM> of the lamp body (comprising elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) may have a generally sculptured structure (e.g., a finned structure) having heatsink properties.

In one or more embodiments, both complementary pieces <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of a material (e.g., a metal or plastics material) having heat conductive properties: this favours the transfer of heat generated by LED sources <NUM>, <NUM> towards the rear end <NUM>, contributing to dissipating the heat generated by sources <NUM>, <NUM> in operation.

In one or more embodiments as exemplified herein, the rear end <NUM> of body <NUM> may be shaped as a sort of box or cage adapted to house electric/electronic circuitry <NUM> (of a kind known in itself), which are adapted to supply the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> through electrically conductive lines - not visible in the Figures - which are provided e.g., in the form of printed circuit tracks on member <NUM>.

As stated in the foregoing, in one or more embodiments the lamp body <NUM> may have fixation members associated thereto, such as for example a ring-shaped mounting member <NUM> optionally having a sealing member <NUM> associated thereto.

In one or more embodiments as exemplified herein, the lamp body <NUM> (including, in the presently illustrated examples - which indeed are shown by way of example only - the complementary pieces <NUM>, <NUM> enclosing member <NUM>) may be provided, intermediate ends <NUM> and <NUM>, and advantageously nearer to front end <NUM>, with two tray-shaped grooves <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the presently considered exemplary embodiments, said grooves have the approximate shape of a funnel, having bottom apertures which are more clearly visible in the exploded perspective view of <FIG>.

In the assembled lamp body, grooves <NUM>, <NUM> originate two mutually opposed recesses, each recess having a respective planar bottom surface given by member <NUM> carrying the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> and by the regions of member <NUM> surrounding the latter, said surface being surrounded by respective peripheral sources.

The light radiation from sources <NUM> and <NUM> is projected from the lamp body <NUM> (in a generally radial direction with respect to axis X10, and horizontally, considering the possible mounting condition onto a support/projector P exemplified in <FIG>) and is adapted to traverse respective light-permeable portions provided at the bottom of the grooves/recesses <NUM>, <NUM>.

Such aspects as discussed in the foregoing are extensively treated in the <CIT> with Priority Claim of <CIT> (inventors: Apuzzo, Bizzotto, Castellan), which has already been mentioned in the introduction to the present specification. That application is therefore incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As stated in the foregoing, in the solution shown in <FIG>, both arrays <NUM> and <NUM> consist of three LEDs aligned in the direction of axis X10.

In one or more embodiments as illustrated in <FIG>:.

In the array <NUM>, therefore, it is possible to distinguish two array ends, which in turn may be defined as rear or proximal end and front or distal end) similarly to what has been stated for ends <NUM> and <NUM> of lamp <NUM>.

It will be observed, moreover, that the second array of light sources <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and following is not optically coupled to shield <NUM>, i.e., it is optically uncoupled from shield <NUM>.

In the second array of light sources <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and following, on the other hand, it is possible to distinguish:.

As discussed in the following, the second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> is adapted to provide a light emission power which is higher on the distal side thereof (identified by sources <NUM>, <NUM> of row <NUM>) as compared to the proximal side (identified by source <NUM>).

In the second row of light sources <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and following, said first single row <NUM>, i.e., sources <NUM> and <NUM>, and said second single row <NUM>, i.e., sources <NUM> and <NUM>, share a common light source (i.e., source <NUM>) which is located, for example, at a corner position in the second array of light sources <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, said first single row <NUM>, i.e., sources <NUM> and <NUM>, extends laterally offset to the reference axis (X10).

In other words, said light source <NUM> (which is common and at the corner position in the second array of solid-state light sources <NUM>) is laterally offset to the reference axis X10, and the second single row of sources <NUM> in the second array of sources <NUM> comprises a further light source (i.e., source <NUM>) which is intersected by reference axis X10.

In one or more embodiments, the solid-state light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> included in the second array <NUM> may have the same luminous flux.

In one or more embodiments, the second array of light sources <NUM>, on each side of lamp <NUM>, may comprise no more than three solid-state light sources (i.e., the three LEDs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each having a luminous flux of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> lumen [lm].

In one or more embodiments, the second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> may consist of a first <NUM>, a second <NUM> and a third <NUM> solid-state light source, wherein:.

In one or more embodiments, lamp <NUM> may include a mounting member <NUM> configured to mount lamp <NUM> on a vehicle (projector P in <FIG>), such mounting member comprising, at the rear base portion of the lamp body, at least a reference formation (such as ring <NUM>) defining a reference plane RP transversely of reference axis X1.

In one or more embodiments, the second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> (in the present case, sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise LEDs, optionally top-emitting LEDs.

In one or more embodiments, the second array of solid-state light sources <NUM> (in the present case, sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise LEDs, optionally top-emitting LEDs, being all LEDs of the same nature.

Advantageously, said features may be adopted also for the first array of sources <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the second arrays of solid-state light sources <NUM> (and advantageously also the first arrays <NUM>) on the one and the other opposed sides of support member <NUM> are arranged mirror-symmetrically on the two sides of support member <NUM>.

This feature may be appreciated for example in <FIG>, where it is possible to see that, with the lamp <NUM> mounted with the axis X10 horizontal or substantially horizontal, the two LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> of the longitudinal row <NUM> are at a lower position than LED <NUM>, a similar arrangement being found on the opposite side of the lamp, not visible in the Figure.

Embodiments as illustrated in <FIG> and following successfully solve the problem of compliance with ECE R112 Class B Regulation for high-beam applications, also as regards the specifications of point <NUM>. <NUM>, i.e., achieving <NUM>% of the maximum intensity at the H-V (<NUM>,<NUM>) central point.

It has been observed that existing/previous products, such as the product described in the foregoing with reference to <FIG>, have a linear LED array or cluster, such as array <NUM>, which cannot focus the light around the centre point, as it is desired in order to comply with the regulation. This is particularly true for a linear array <NUM> (see <FIG>) carrying side-emitting LEDs (more precisely, LEDs having a marked side distribution of the side emission).

One or more embodiments provide a new shape for array <NUM> and, advantageously, envisage the use of top-emitting LEDs in order to increase the intensity values.

The efficacy of such a choice is confirmed by a simulation through a technique of back-ray-tracing optical simulation, assuming that the LEDs in array <NUM> may be distributed on an area of support <NUM> (PCB) so as to enable generating light in the correct positions of a high-beam, according to regulation requirements.

Such a back-ray-tracing technique may be applied, for example, to a square-shaped high-beam headlight. Similar results may however be achieved also with other 3D models of headlights, having a circular or rounded shape.

In practice, such analysis enables to understand from what area of support <NUM> the light in H-V (<NUM>,<NUM>) comes.

In this respect, the back-ray-tracing technique may be seen as a sort of reverse engineering applied on the system consisting of the lamp and the projector.

For example, by using a back-ray-tracing simulation tool such as the software available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountain View, California (USA) under the trade name LightTools, it is possible to simulate the light impinging on PCB (support member <NUM>) and coming from a dummy light source which is positioned in the H-V (<NUM>,<NUM>) point at <NUM> from the system (as known to a person skilled in the art, <NUM> is the distance between the system and the test points which is currently adopted during optical measurements).

In this way it is possible to verify that the point where the light impinging on the PCB exhibits the maximum light intensity is distributed near shield <NUM>, slightly below the normal position of the filament of a halogen lamp (i.e., the position of the high-beam LED linear array <NUM>) in a solution such as previously described with reference to <FIG>.

Without being bound to any specific theory, a further confirmation derives from a conventional forward analysis (from the system to the test points) aimed at identifying the contribution of each LED on the HV test points in a standard linear configuration with three LEDs, corresponding to a linear array <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The simulation may be performed for the high-beam function by using a simulation tool such as the software available from Synopsys, Inc. of Mountain View, California (USA) under the trade name LucidShape, by switching on only the array <NUM> which is optically uncoupled with respect to the shield <NUM>.

The results confirm (with reference to both sides of lamp <NUM>, the LED arrays being symmetrically duplicated on the two opposed sides of support <NUM>) that, in the case of a linear array such as array <NUM> in <FIG>, the rearmost LED, in the linear array, i.e., the LED farthest away from shield <NUM>, contributes very weakly to the total light intensity distribution.

Specifically, the maximum light intensity of the LED farthest away from shield <NUM> approximately amounts to <NUM> cd, as opposed to the value of <NUM> cd generated by the foremost LED in the linear array, i.e., the LED closest to shield <NUM>.

In other words, it is possible to verify that the LED farthest away from shield <NUM> does not focus the light where it would be desirable and does not contribute appreciably around the H-V (<NUM>,<NUM>) point; the contribution to the total light uniformity is rather weak.

The combination of these items of information confirms the efficacy of the solution adopted for the array <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and following.

This solution enables achieving more benefits also from the third LED, by shifting it forward, and by imparting to array <NUM>, for example, an L-shaped configuration. These measures are based on a principle other than the usual attempt to reproduce, as faithfully as possible, the linear shape of the filament in a conventional lamp.

In such a "non-linear" (e.g. L-shaped) array, LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are better exploited in terms of light intensity and light distribution on the HV test points.

In such an array, LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are so to say "concentrated" near shield <NUM>, which improves the homogeneity of the light distribution, also leading to an increase of the intensity values.

Such an array is compatible with the mechanical components of a conventional lamp <NUM> (<FIG>) and with the manufacturing process thereof, as currently employed in the production of the present H4-type retrofit lamp.

Table III shows, with reference to <FIG>, some possible features of embodiments. Such features are shown for immediate reference and for a comparison with the features recalled in previous Table I relating to a H4 <NUM> OSRAM LED lamp and to a conventional H4 filament lamp.

An advantage of such a solution is the compliance with ECE <NUM> Class B Regulation for high-beam lights.

Thanks to the arrangement of the LEDs, as illustrated in <FIG> and following, the radiation pattern generated by lamp <NUM> is more intense, and the light is distributed more uniformly around the H-V (<NUM>,<NUM>) point than in the conventional solutions, therefore better approaching the light distribution of a standard filament lamp.

This is true even though a LED array <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and following is L-shaped, and therefore does not have the linear shape of a filament.

<FIG> and <FIG> show light distributions simulated by using the simulation tool LucidShape available from Synopsis, Inc. (which has already been mentioned in the foregoing).

In the graphs of <FIG> and <FIG> the scales on the abscissa and the ordinate axes refer to angles (in degrees) of the projection direction of the light beam.

The graphs show isocandela lines with respective values expressed in candles (cd) corresponding to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> cd (<FIG>) and <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> cd (<FIG>).

It will be appreciated that both <FIG> and <FIG> refer to top-emitting LEDs.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the radiation pattern of the L-shaped arrangement (<FIG>) is more uniform and the maximum light intensity (Emax) is higher by <NUM>% (from <NUM> cd to <NUM> cd).

<FIG> shows the light distribution measured for a standard LED configuration (i.e., a linear array, as shown in <FIG>) compared to the light distribution detected in an L-shaped array, shown in <FIG>.

The measurements were performed on a headlight of a motor vehicle Skoda Fabia, by using measurement software available from EVERFINE Corporation of Hangzou, China.

Also in the graphs of <FIG> and <FIG> the scales on the abscissa and the ordinate axes refer to angles (in degrees) of the projection direction of the light beam.

The graphs of <FIG> and <FIG> show isocandela lines with respective values expressed in candles (cd) corresponding to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> cd (<FIG>) and <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> cd (<FIG>).

Although the support (PCB <NUM>) is not optimized as regards the electric layout and the thermal dissipation, the graphs in <FIG> and <FIG> confirm the improvement of uniformity in the L-shaped radiation pattern (<FIG>), because all LEDs in the array <NUM> contribute appreciably to the radiation pattern, unlike the case of a linear array, wherein the LED farthest away from shield <NUM> (and closest to mounting member <NUM>) contributes weakly, with the risk of generating a non-homogeneous lighting configuration.

It will be appreciated, moreover, that one or more embodiments may envisage repositioning the shield <NUM>.

For the sake of completeness and essentially by way of reference, Table IV shows the results obtained from a simulation of one and the same projector P respectively referring to:.

The results, shown in Table IV for the sake of completeness and by way of reference, were obtained with the simulation tool LucidShape available from Synopsys, as already mentioned.

The values are expressed in candles (cd).

As can be seen, while keeping the number of LEDs and the LED-generated flux constant, the maximum intensity (Emax) was increased by approximately <NUM> cd, from a standard linear LED array to an L-shaped array, therefore correctly complying with the regulatory specifications.

One of the advantages of the embodiments is the improvement of the uniformity of the radiation pattern and the increase of the intensity values on the HV test points, in comparison with a standard linear array.

One or more embodiments favour a more efficient use of the LED emission: by using the same number and the same luminous flux it is possible to obtain a maximum intensity value (Emax) higher than in a conventional linear arrangement (and also higher than in a conventional halogen lamp).

As illustrated herein - by way of example only - an automotive solid-state lamp (e.g., <NUM>) for a vehicle (see for example projector P) comprises a lamp body (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending along a longitudinal reference axis (e.g., X10) between a proximal base portion (e.g., <NUM>) and a distal front portion (e.g., <NUM>), wherein the lamp body comprises a support member (e.g., <NUM>) having a first and a second opposed sides, wherein each one of the opposed sides of the support member has arranged thereon:.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) consists of:.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, said first single row (e.g., <NUM>) and said second single row (e.g., <NUM>) of solid-state light sources share a single common solid-state light source (e.g., <NUM>) in the second array of solid-state light sources.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, said single common solid-state light source (e.g., <NUM>) is at a corner position in the second array of solid-state light sources.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, said single common solid-state light source (e.g., <NUM>) in the second array of solid-state light sources is laterally offset to said reference axis (e.g., X10) and said second single row in the second array of solid-state light sources comprises a further solid-state light source (e.g., <NUM>) intersected by said reference axis.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>) is L-shaped.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the first single row (e.g., <NUM>) of solid-state light sources in the second array of solid-state light sources extends laterally offset to said reference axis.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the first array of solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>) is arranged on the support member in register with (i.e., aligned with) said reference axis (e.g., X10), and said second single row of solid-state light sources in the second array of solid-state light sources comprises a solid-state light source (e.g., <NUM>) intersected by said reference axis.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the second array of solid-state light sources have the same luminous flux.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources consists of three solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources consists of a first (e.g., <NUM>), a second (e.g., <NUM>) and a third (e.g., <NUM>) solid-state light source, wherein:.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources consists of solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) each having a luminous flux between about <NUM> lumen and about <NUM> lumen.

In the presence of six (6x) such sources (three for each array <NUM> for each side or face of the lamp <NUM>) the overall (high-beam) luminous flux may therefore amount to <NUM> - <NUM> lumen.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second array of solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises LEDs, optionally top-emitting LEDs.

In a lamp as illustrated herein, the second arrays of solid-state light sources (e.g., <NUM>) on the one and the other of the opposed sides of the support member are arranged mirror-symmetrically on the two sides of the support member.

Without prejudice to the basic principles, the implementation details and the embodiments may vary, even appreciably, with respect to what has been illustrated herein by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the extent of protection.

Said extent of protection is defined by the annexed claims.

Claim 1:
An automotive solid-state lamp (<NUM>) for a vehicle, comprising a lamp body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending along a longitudinal reference axis (X10) between a proximal base portion (<NUM>) and a distal front portion (<NUM>), wherein the lamp body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a support member (<NUM>) having first and second opposed sides, wherein each one of the opposed sides of the support member (<NUM>) has arranged thereon:
a first array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) having a shield (<NUM>) optically coupled therewith and configured to provide, when energized, an automotive low-beam,
a second array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) located between the base portion (<NUM>) and the first array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>), the second array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) spaced from the first array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) and configured to provide, when energized, an automotive high-beam,
characterised in that the second array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>) consists of:
a first single row (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of solid-state light sources extending longitudinally of the lamp body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) between a proximal side (<NUM>) of the second array (<NUM>) adjacent the proximal base portion (<NUM>) and a distal side (<NUM>) of the second array (<NUM>) adjacent the first array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>), and
a second single row (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) of solid-state light sources extending transversely of the lamp body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at said distal side (<NUM>) of the second array (<NUM>) adjacent the first array of solid-state light sources (<NUM>).