AU2016324345B2

AU2016324345B2 - Hybrid light assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2016324345B2
Application number: AU2016324345A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert T. Dall; Raymond L. Dennis
Original assignee: Lightforce Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Lightforce Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-17
Filing date: 2016-09-19
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-19
Also published as: SE1850425A1; SE542572C2; AU2016324345A1; WO2017045017A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a hybrid lamp assembly (44) which includes a substantially parabolic primary reflector (12) having an open end (20) and a circumferential mounting member (54) extending outwardly from the open end (20) of the primary reflector (12). A primary light source (14) is operably assembled with the parabolic reflector (12). A secondary light source (46), comprising a plurality of LED lamps (48) and a plurality of substantially parabolic reflectors (50) associated with the plurality of LED lamps (48) and configured to project secondary light beams, is positioned circumferential!y around the open end (20). The LED lamps (48) each are mounted to project light directed by the secondary reflector (50) with which it is associated. Upper and lower reflectors (50a, 50b) project light beams substantially parallel to the beam of the primary light source (14) and lateral reflectors (50c-j) are angled inwardly in a horizontal plane to project light beams that cross the beam of the primary light source (14).

Description

HYBRID LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Related Application

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application

No. 14/011,130, filed August 27, 2013.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a light assembly that combines a primary light source,

such as an incandescent or high intensity discharge (HID) lamp having a reflector, with a

circumferential array of light emitting diode (LED) lamps that are mounted to produce an

evenly distributed blanket of light over a defined area calculated by optical

requirements.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Vehicle lighting devices have been produced that combine light sources of

different types. In some examples, the purpose of the combination is purely ornamental

or decorative. In other examples, the combination serves to provide light in two different

spectra, such as visible and infrared or in two different visible spectrum colors. In yet

other examples, light sources of different types are combined to provide energy

efficiency.

[0004] Generally, auxiliary vehicle lights are designed to producing either a narrow

(pencil) long-range beam or a spread-beam (driving) pattern. Some lights can be

configured for either pattern, but not both at the same time. Still others are designed for

use in foggy situations, providing a wide, bar-shaped beam of light with a sharp cutoff at

the top to reduce the glare-back from fog or falling snow, and are generally aimed and

mounted low.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Disclosed is a hybrid lamp assembly which includes a substantially

parabolic reflector having an open end and a circumferential mounting member

extending outwardly from the open end of the reflector. The mounting member

presents a plurality of nonparallel mounting surfaces. A primary light source is

operably assembled with the parabolic reflector. Typically, but not necessarily, the

primary light source is a non-LED light source. A secondary light source, comprising

a plurality of LED lamps, is positioned circumferentially around the open end on the

mounting surfaces.. A plurality of substantially parabolic secondary reflectors are

associated with the plurality of LED lamps and configured to project secondary light

beams, the LED lamps each being mounted to project light directed by the secondary

reflector with which it is associated. Upper and lower reflectors project light beams

substantially parallel to the beam of the primary light source and lateral reflectors are

angled inwardly in a horizontal plane to project light beams that cross the beam of the

primary light source, and other reflectors project light beams nonparallel to each other

and to light beams projected by the upper and lower reflectors, wherein each of the other

reflectors project light beams at horizontal angles progressively increasing from that of

the upper and lower reflectors to the lateral reflectors.

[0006] According to other aspects of the invention, the LED lamps may be

situated in pairs on each of the mounting surfaces. The assembly may also include

a housing in which the reflector, mounting member and light sources are mounted

and a lens. The primary light source may be configured to project a long-range

beam of light and the LEDs of the secondary light source configured to project a

shorter range blanket of light.

[0007] The mounting member may include upper and lower mounting surfaces substantially normal to the beam of the primary light source and lateral mounting surfaces angled inwardly to cross the beam of the primary light source.

[0008] Also disclosed is an alternate embodiment in which the circumferentially

located LED lamps have associated substantially parabolic reflectors.

[0009] Other aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention

will become apparent to a person of skill in the art from the detailed description of

various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, all of

which comprise part of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawinq

[0010] Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the

various figures of the drawing, wherein:

[0011] Fig. 1 is an exploded pictorial view of a hybrid light assembly according to

one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the hybrid light assembly;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a top sectional view thereof;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a front plan view thereof;

[0015] Fig. 5 is an exploded isometric view of an alternate embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a front plan view thereof;

[0017] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view thereof taken substantially along line 7-7 of

Fig. 6; and

[0018] Fig. 8 is a top sectional view thereof taken substantially along line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Detailed Description

[0019] With reference to the drawing figures, this section describes particular

embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. Throughout the

specification, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some

embodiments" means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic

may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus appearances of the phrases "in

one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in some embodiments" in various places

throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same

embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics

may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of

the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various

embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with

other methods, components, materials, or the like. In some instances, well-known

structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid

obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0020] Referring now to the various figures of the drawings, and first to Fig. 1,

therein is shown at 10 a hybrid light assembly according to one embodiment of the

present invention. The assembly 10 includes a reflector 12, which is generally

parabolic. A primary light source 14 is situated at or near the base of the reflector 12

in order to project a relatively tightly focused, long-range beam of light. The primary

light source 14 can be an incandescent, halogen, or high intensity discharge (HID)

lamp or bulb. If necessary, an appropriate ballast 16 may be used in conjunction

with the bulb of the primary light source 14.

[0021] A circumferential mounting member 18 is provided to extend outwardly

from the open end 20 of the reflector 12. The mounting member 18 presents a

plurality of circumferentially-spaced mounting surfaces 22 situated radially outwardly

from the open end 20 of the reflector 12 when assembled.

[0022] A secondary light source 24 may be comprised of a plurality of light

emitting diodes (LEDs) 26 which are positioned on the mounting surfaces 22 of the

mounting member 18 circumferentially around the open end 20 of the reflector 12. In

the illustrated embodiment, the LEDs 26 are situated in pairs on each of the

mounting surfaces 22. Each of the LEDs may be positioned within or integrally

formed with a lens that directs light substantially normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the

surface on which it is mounted. Each LED 26, or groups (such as pairs) thereof,

may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or heat sink 28 for ease of

assembly and operation according to well-known requirements.

[0023] For assembly, the LEDs 26 of the secondary light source 24 and reflector

12 are assembled to the mounting member 18, which is then assembled along with

the primary light source 14 and ballast 16 (if required) into a housing 30. Access to

service or replace the primary light source 14 may be gained through a rear opening

32 in the housing 30. The opening 32 may be closed with a removable cover 34

attached with a threaded fastener 36. A lens 38 is secured around its periphery to

either the mounting member 18 (as shown) or housing 30.

[0024] Referring now also to Figs. 2-4, therein it can be seen that the

substantially parabolic reflector 12 has an axis, indicated at 40, corresponding with

the direction along which the primary light source 14 projects a long-range beam of

light. The circumferential mounting member 18 presents a plurality of nonparallel mounting surfaces 22. Eight such mounting surfaces 22 are provided in the illustrated embodiment. The uppermost (22a) and lowermost (22b) mounting surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the axis 40 and the LEDs 26 of the secondary light source 24 mounted on these surfaces 22a, 22b project light in a direction substantially parallel to the axis 40. Each of the other six mounting surfaces 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h present mounting surfaces which are nonparallel to each other and to the upper and lower mounting surfaces 22a, 22b. In the illustrated embodiment, pairs of LEDs 26, mounted on a PCB/heat sink, are situated and attached to the mounting surfaces 22a-h to project light in a direction substantially normal to each of their respective mounting surfaces.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the LEDs 26 includes a lens (either integral or

attached) to project a substantial portion of the light produced in a direction normal to

the base on which it is situated. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the positioning of the

LEDs 26 on the mounting surfaces 22 directs the light of each LED 26 primarily as

shown by vector arrows 42. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the vertical component of this

direction vector is substantially parallel to the axis 40 of the beam of light produced

by the primary light source 14 and parabolic reflector 12. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the

horizontal components of these direction vectors 42 are such that laterally positioned

LEDs 26 project light which crosses the axis 40. In this manner, a more uniform

"blanket" of light is produced at short range and over an area approximating a

horizontal rectangle. Light from the secondary light source 24 is not significantly

directed upwardly or downwardly where, at short distances, the light would not

benefit the vehicle operator.

[0026] Referring now specifically to Figs. 5-8, therein is shown at 44 a hybrid light assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As in the previously described embodiment, the assembly 44 includes a primary reflector 12, which is generally parabolic, and a primary light source 14 is situated at or near the base of the reflector 12 in order to project a relatively tightly focused, long-range beam of light. The primary light source 14 may be an incandescent, halogen, or high intensity discharge (HID) lamp or bulb.

[0027] A secondary light source 46 is comprised of a plurality of light-emitting

diodes (LEDs) 48, which are positioned circumferentially around the open end 20 of

the primary reflector 12, and a plurality of substantially parabolic secondary reflectors

50 associated with the LEDs 48. The secondary reflectors 50 can be formed as a

single unit 52, if desired. A circumferential mounting member 54 may be provided to

extend outwardly from the open end 20 of the reflector 12 to support the LEDs 48

and secondary reflectors 50 or unit 52. Each of the secondary reflectors 50 directs a

beam of light from its associated LED 48.

[0028] Referring now also to Figs. 7 and 8, therein it can be seen that the primary

reflector 12 has an axis, indicated at 40, corresponding with the direction along

which the primary light source 14 projects a long-range beam of light. The

circumferential series of secondary reflectors 50 directs a plurality of nonparallel light

beams. Twenty such secondary reflectors 50 and LEDs 48 are provided in the

illustrated embodiment. The uppermost pair (50a) and lowermost pair (50b) of

secondary reflectors can project light beams that are substantially parallel to the

axis 40. Left and right lateral pairs 50c, 50d of secondary reflectors may project light

beams that are vertically substantially parallel to the axis 40, but that are horizontally

angled to cross the beam from the primary light source 14. Each of the other twelve secondary reflectors 50e, 50f, 50g, 50h, 50i, 50j can be oriented to project secondary light beams which are nonparallel to each other and to the light beams of the upper and lower secondary reflectors 50a, 50b. Each of these other secondary reflectors may project light at horizontal angles progressively increasing from that of the uppermost and lowermost reflector pairs 50a, 50b (parallel to the axis 40) to the lateral pairs 50c, 50d (having the greatest horizontal angle relative to the axis 40).

Vector arrows representing the relative orientation of the light beams from the

secondary reflectors 50a-j in the horizontal and vertical planes are illustrated in Figs.

7 and 8.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the orientation of the secondary reflectors 50

directs the light of each LED 48 primarily as shown by vector arrows 56. As

illustrated in Fig. 7, the vertical component of the direction vectors is substantially

parallel to the axis 40 of the beam of light produced by the primary light source 14

and primary parabolic reflector 12. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the horizontal components

of these direction vectors 56 are such that laterally positioned LEDs 48 project light

which crosses the axis 40. In this manner, a more uniform "blanket" of light is

produced at short range and over an area approximating a horizontal rectangle.

Light from the secondary light source 46 is not significantly directed upwardly or

downwardly where, at short distances, the light would not benefit the vehicle

operator.

[0030] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described

in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible,

all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the

foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claim or claims.

[0031] It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include" and any of their

derivatives (eg comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this

specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is

not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated

or implied

[0032] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be

taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms

part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A hybrid lamp assembly, comprising:

a substantially parabolic reflector having an open end;

a primary light source operably assembled with the parabolic reflector to

project a primary light beam; and

a secondary light source comprising a plurality of LED lamps positioned

circumferentially around the open end and a plurality of substantially parabolic

secondary reflectors associated with the plurality of LED lamps and configured to

project secondary light beams, the LED lamps each being mounted to project light

directed by the secondary reflector with which it is associated;

wherein upper and lower reflectors project light beams substantially parallel to

the beam of the primary light source and lateral reflectors are angled inwardly in a

horizontal plane to project light beams that cross the beam of the primary light

source,

wherein other reflectors project light beams nonparallel to each other and to

light beams projected by the upper and lower reflectors, wherein each of the

other reflectors project light beams at horizontal angles progressively increasing

from that of the upper and lower reflectors to the lateral reflectors.
2. A hybrid lamp assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a

housing in which the reflector, mounting member, reflector ring, and light sources are

mounted.
3. A hybrid lamp assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a lens.
4. A hybrid lamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary light

source is configured to project a long-range beam of light and the LEDs of the

secondary light source are configured to project a shorter range blanket of light.