MXPA00001209A - Bireflective lens element - Google Patents

Abstract

A bireflective lens element (10) comprising a light input surface (12) and a direct transmitting area (16) communicating with the light input surface (12). A light source (30) is disposed adjacent to the light input surface (12) for projecting light into the lens element (10) to create a light emitting-assembly. A first portion of input light is directed through the lens elements (10) in a first predetermined pattern. A primary(40) and a secondary reflecting area (16) is between the light input surface (12) and an illumination surface (20) surrounding the direct light transmitting area (16). A second portion of input light is redirected through the lens element (10) to the illumination surface (20) in a second predetermined pattern. Specifically, the secondary reflective area (18) has a plurality of extracting facets (42) extending inwardly into the secondary reflective area (18) for intercepting light from the primary reflective area (14). The first predetermined pattern combines with the second predetermined pattern to output light from the illumination surface (20) in a substantially uniform pattern covering the broad area of the lens element (10).

Description

BIRREFLECTOR LENS ELEMENT FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE The subject invention relates to a mounting that emits dim light, and more particularly, to a faint birefying lens which achieves an efficient and uniform illumination surface with only a single light source and the lens element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional light emission mounts for the headlights, side lights, and taillights of an automotive vehicle typically include a recessed bulb filament in a reflector housing behind a cover lens. The light emitted from the bulb filament is reflected from the outer reflector housing through the cover lens to form a beam or a flat light image. The cover lens forms the light in the desired model, that is, the beam of the front headlights or side model or rear signal. However, the conventional reflector and bulb lighting systems have disadvantages as far as REF. : 32536 refers to the design and size of flexibility. The bulb and the reflector require a significant amplitude and depth to acquire the desired focus and light scattering through the cover lens, thus, limiting the capacity of the flow path and contour of the light system. Other systems have been developed to provide alternatives to the conventional reflector and filament filament system using a light conductor and collimator to direct light to a reflective emitter which has a plurality of lens facets to change the direction of light in the desired trajectory and model. These systems are exemplified in U.S. Patents 5,197,792 to Jiao et al., Issued March 30, 1993. The "792" patent of Jiao et al., However, has a number of deficiencies. One of such deficiencies is the lighting design creating a "black" or shaded area in the middle of the lens. This is created because the light is not allowed to travel through a deflector which is mounted in the center of the assembly. Other deficiencies are that the design is not rotationally symmetrical, and is not easily compatible with a diode that emits light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The subject invention is a bireflector lens element comprising a light input surface and a direct transmission area communicating with the light input surface. A first portion of entrance light that is directed through the lens elements in a first predetermined pattern. A primary and secondary reflective area that are between the light input surface and a lighting surface that surrounds the area that transmits direct light. A second portion of input light that changes the direction through the lens element to the illumination surface in a second predetermined pattern. The subject invention also incorporates a light source adjacent to the light input surface for projecting light into the lens element which creates an assembly that emits light. Further, the subject invention includes the secondary reflective area having a plurality of extraction facets extending internally in the secondary reflective area to intercept the light from the primary reflective area. Each of the facets includes a parabolic surface substantially for changing the direction of light from the primary reflective area exteriorly outside the bireflector lens element to the illumination surface. Accordingly, the subject invention incorporates the advantages of a mounting that emits dim light while eliminating any "black" or shaded area within the lens. In addition, the subject invention incorporates a new design for the facets to assist in changing the direction of light from a light source to the illumination surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of this The invention will be readily appreciated as they will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a bireflector lens element according to the present invention; which shows a central primary reflective area and eight discrete secondary reflective areas surrounding the central primary reflective area as well as the virtual portions of the secondary reflective areas shown in the imaginary lines; Figure 2 is a cross section of the lens element of Figure 1 taken through line 2-2 with a cross section of a lens holder added as an enhancement to the bireflector lens element of the present invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the area within the circle 3 in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view in the direction indicated by line 4-4 in Figure 2 showing a diode structure emitting light and the mounted posts of the bireflector lens element according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic view of an alternative mode of the facets; Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a rear window of a motor vehicle with a light center mounted to stop the lamp incorporating the bireflective lens elements according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross section of an optical structure of a dual bireflector lens element; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional cross-sectional view of a bireflector lens element according to the present invention together with a support lens that changes the direction showing the bireflector lens element inclined slightly with respect to the support lens; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bireflector lens element according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross section of another alternate embodiment of the bireflector lens element according to the present invention; Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross section of yet another alternate embodiment of the bireflector lens element according to the present invention; and Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross section of another alternate embodiment of the bireflector lens element according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY For convenience in the following description, the various directional or other spatial references are made with respect to the orientation of the structure (s) shown in the drawings. It is understood, however, that such references, include without limitation, the orientations, upper, lower, on, background, front, back, left, right, vertical, horizontal, lateral, or longitudinal, are only made for convenience and they must not necessarily be constructed to be limited in the invention described therein. A bireflector lens element according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference number 10 in Figures 1 and 2. The lens element 10 includes a light input surface 12, a primary reflective area 14, which preferably has an area that transmits direct light 16 centrally located therein, a secondary reflective area 18 around the primary reflective area 14, an illumination or exit, a surface 20, and edges 22, 24, 26, and 28. The lens element The bireflector of the present invention is preferably molded from an optical grade plastic, such as acrylic / PMMA or a polycarbonate. The function of the lens element 10 is to take light emitted from a single light source, such as a diode structure emitting light ("LED") generally indicated as 30, and change the direction of the light so that light is emitted from the illumination surface 20 in a direction substantially normal to the surface 20. Specifically, a first portion of the entrance light passes through the direct light transmission area 16 of the lens element 10 in a first predetermined pattern. A second portion of the entrance light is changed direction through the lens element 10 to the illumination surface 20 in a second predetermined pattern. More specifically, the second portion of entrance light is emitted through the surface of light input to the primary reflection area which changes the direction of the input light to the secondary reflective area. The input light is then changed direction again from the secondary reflective area towards the illuminating surface. The first predetermined model is combined with the second predetermined model for the output light in a substantially uniform or desired pattern. This illumination of the surface can be achieved by an ultra-thin element. The angular expansion of the light emitted from the surface 20 can be achieved by another optical element, as an array of support lenses, generally designated by reference to the number 32 as shown in Figure 2 and further described hereinbelow. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the light source 30 is shown as a conventional LED structure including an LED 34 and associated electrical conductors (not shown) encapsulated in an epoxy body structure comprising a base portion 36. and a domed portion 38. The domed portion 38 can be adjusted to achieve the specific output characteristics. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the LED or the LEDs can be mounted on a carrier (not shown) that provides a support and mounting structure for the LED (s) and can also include the circuit for driving and controlling the LED ( s). As shown in Figure 2, the primary reflective area 14 comprises a primary reflective surface 40, preferably in the form of a generally parabolic or curved turning surface, and the secondary reflective area 18 comprising a plurality of extraction facets 42 and the adjacent stepped descends 44. More specifically, the secondary reflective area 18 includes a plurality of facets 42 extending inwardly in the secondary reflective area 18 to intercept the light from the primary reflective area 14 and change the direction of light towards the surface 20. As schematically represented by the arrow designated by the reference letter "A", the lens element 10 takes the light from the light source 30 which enters through the input surface 12 on the opposite side of the element 10 and reflects the light by the total interior reflection outside the primary reflective surface 40 towards the plurality of the extraction tabs 42 of the secondary reflective area 18. The primary reflective surface 40 changes the direction of light in a direction that is radially outside and generally parallel to the outlet surface 20. From the extraction facets 42, light is reflected from new by the total interior reflection towards the illumination surface 20 of the element 10. As shown in Figure 3, each of the extraction facet 42 is preferably oriented at an angle T = 45 ° with respect to a normal "N" to the exit surface 20 so that the extracted light is substantially normal to the surface 20. The twice reflected light which is emitted from the illumination surface 20 is thus substantially aligned.

Preferably the primary reflective area 14 includes a peripheral stepped descending 46 extending over the perimeter of the primary reflective turning surface 40. This stepped descending 46 can be formed with a small projection angle to facilitate molding. The details of the preferred embodiment of the extraction facets 42 and stepped descends 44 of the secondary reflective area 18 are shown in Figure 3. As mentioned above, the extraction facets 42 can be formed by the multiple facet groups of 45. ° the associated stepped descenders 44 are rotated on a common axis extending through the center of the primary reflective area 14. On the common axis in which the facets 42 and stepped descends 44 are rotated on the optical axis of the lens element 10. The facets 42 can be designed with stepped descenders 44 inclined slightly out of the normal "N" by a projection angle a. The projection angle a provides the relief to facilitate removal of the element from a mold and can be of almost any value although it is contemplated to employ a projection angle of about 5 °. The stepped descenders interconnect a coupling edge of a facet to a leading edge of an adjacent facet. In the embodiment shown, the stepped descenders 44 are of such size and are oriented so that the faceted profile starts from an outer edge of the flat portion of the entrance surface 12 and extends to the lighting surface 30 having the element 10. without truncating the edges 24 and 28. This design feature is shown in Figure 2 shaded as a "virtual" secondary reflective area having extraction facets 42 'and the associated stepped descends 44' which extend to the illumination surface virtual 20 '. As shown by reference the line marked "P" the stepped descenders 44 and 44 'and the facets 42 and 42' are oriented along a linear base profile. However, curved base profiles, such as concave or convex profiles, can be used. Because the light makes contact with the primary reflective surface 40 the direction is changed laterally towards the extraction facets 42, it can be seen that the exit of the lens 10 will be defined by the illumination surface 20 with a dark circular portion in the middle of the the same due to the molded piece shaded by the primary reflective area 14.

To minimize shading caused by the primary reflective area 14, it is preferred that the direct transmission area 16 be provided to the center of the primary reflective area 14. As shown by the arrow generally designated by reference to the letter "B", the light transmitted from the light source 30 which enters through the entrance surface 12 and makes contact in the direct transmission area 16 is transmitted directly through a lens element 10, thus providing illumination in the shaded region of the area reflective primary 14 and providing a substantially uniform or wide area of illumination of the lens element 10. The direct transmission area 16 is preferably a flat area defining the base of the primary reflective surface 40 but may comprise an orifice formed through the center of the primary reflective area 14 or some type of transmission lens structure directly, such as a concave lens, convex, or Fresnel. The lens structure aligns the light directly through the lens element. The secondary reflective area 18 can be defined by a group of extraction facets 42 and the stepped descends 44 of the associated facet rotated 360 ° on the primary reflective area 14, and the shape of the lens element 10 can be rectangular in any way, square, round, proportion aspect or some other. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the element 10 is rectangular with the largest dimension defining a longitudinal direction and the shortest dimension defining a transverse direction. To create a lens element 10 with a rectangular shape, the extraction facets are divided into discrete pie slice regions, or sectors, each of which comprise a truncated arc of rotation. In the present preferred embodiment, eight discrete sectors, which progress clockwise in Figure 1 of the distant right sector, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62, are provided as additionally described later. The element 10 shown in Figure 1 has a right lateral secondary reflective area 48. In addition, the virtual right lateral reflective area 48 'is shown imaginaryly to show how far the reflective area 48 will extend if the facet profile was allowed to extend from the entrance surface 12 outside on the virtual illumination surface 20 '(see Figure 2). The virtual illumination surface 20 'is a virtual extension of the actual illumination surface 20. Similarly, a left lateral secondary reflective area is generally designated by the reference number 56 and the associated virtual left lateral reflective area is imaginary and generally designated by the reference number 56 '. The upper secondary reflective area and the associated virtual upper secondary reflective area are designated by the reference numbers 60 and 60 ', respectively. The lower secondary reflective area and the associated virtual lower secondary reflective area are generally designated by the reference numbers 52 and 52 ', respectively. The upper right secondary reflective area and associated virtual upper right secondary reflective area are generally designated by the reference numbers 62 and 62 ', respectively. The lower right secondary reflective area and associated virtual lower right secondary reflective area are generally designated by the reference numbers 50 and 50 ', respectively. The upper left secondary reflective area and the associated virtual upper left secondary reflective area are generally designated by the reference numbers 58 and 58 ', respectively.

Finally, the lower left secondary reflective area and the associated virtual lower left secondary reflective area are generally designated by the reference numbers 54 and 54 ', respectively. For each discrete secondary reflective area, the associated virtual reflective area represents to what extent this reflective area will extend radially outwardly to the virtual illumination surface 20 'if the facet profile were not truncated at an edge of the lens element 10. As can be seen in Figure 1, the lens element 10 is preferably symmetrical about the vertical and horizontal axes extending through its center. That is, the right lateral secondary reflective area 48 is a mirror image of the left lateral secondary reflective area 56, the upper secondary reflective area 60 is a mirror image of the lower secondary reflective area 52, and the secondary right upper reflective areas 62, lower right 50, upper left 58, and bottom left 54 are all mirror images or the same. It can also be seen from Figure 1, as represented by the associated virtual secondary reflective areas, that the slope of the facet profiles vary between the discrete secondary reflective regions. For example, the right virtual secondary reflective area 48 'further extends externally radially then the upper right and lower right virtual secondary reflective areas 50' and 62 ', respectively, which further extend radially outside the reflective areas secondary virtual superiors and inferiors 60 'and 52', respectively. Thus, the slope of the facet profile of the upper and lower secondary reflective areas 60 and -52, respectively, are outstanding from those of the remaining secondary reflective areas, and the slope of the facet profile of the lower left, left reflexive areas. upper, lower right, and upper right, 62, 50, 58, and 54, respectively, are slope of the slope of the facet profile of the left and right secondary reflective areas 56 and 48, respectively, but it is superficial of the slope of facet profile of the upper and lower secondary reflective areas 60 and 52, respectively. Since the angle T of the reflection facet is preferably 45 ° and the projection angle a is preferably about 5 °, the profile of the secondary reflective area is changed by varying the length of the individual step descenders 44, although the length of the individual facets 42 can also be varied if desired. The uniformity of the illumination of the surface from the illumination surface 20 is dependent on the input light being symmetrically directed on the primary reflective surface 40. Accordingly, it is preferred that the light source 30 be disposed at the horizontal and vertical center of the primary reflective area 14, (ie, on the optical axis of the lens element 10) as a central position can result in a portion of the primary reflective surface 40 being shaded by other areas of the primary reflective surface 40. To facilitate positioning If the appropriate light source, or LED structure 30, with respect to the lens element 10, the lens element 10 preferably includes mounting posts 64, 66 to align and position the lens element 10 with respect to the light source 30. The LED structures, such as those preferably used in conjunction with the present invention, typically include slits 68 and 70 formed therein. n the base portion 36 of the LED structure 30. (see Figures 2 and 4). The mounting posts 64, 66 extend from the opposite sides of the entrance surface 12 from the positions equidistant from the center thereof and centered transversely to the element 10. The posts 64 and 66 are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance between the innermost portions of the slits 68 and 70. The lens element 10 and the light source 30 are coupled together by inserting the posts 64 and 66 into the slits 68 and 70, respectively. Poles 64 and 66 are positioned and oriented to place the dome-shaped portion 38 in a centered position with respect to the primary reflective area 14 of element 10. In other words, inserting posts 64 and 66 into slits 68 and 70 it is ensured that the LED structure 30 is positioned on the optical axis of the bireflector lens element 10. Two or more bireflecting lens elements according to the present invention can be coupled together at their respective edges. An optical structure of the dual element is generally designated with the reference number 80 in Figure 7. The optical structure 80 includes a right bireflector lens element 82 and a left bireflector lens element 84.

The right bireflector lens element 82 includes a primary reflective area 86 having an associated primary reflective surface 88 and a direct transmission area 90, a secondary reflective area 92 having a plurality of associated faceted extraction facets 94 and descending 96, and an input surface 98 with an associated light source 100 coupled with element 82 by mounting posts 102 and 104. Similarly, the left bireflector lens element 84 includes a primary reflective area 106 having an associated primary reflective surface 108 and a direct transmission surface 110, a secondary reflective area 112 having a plurality of associated stepped extraction facets 114 and descending 116, and an entrance surface 118 with an associated light source 120 coupled to element 84 by mounting posts 122 and 124. The right bireflector lens element 82 and the bireflective lens element i Left 84 are joined together in a transition area 126 and define a common lighting surface 128. The left and right bireflective lens elements 82 and 84 can, however, be oriented such that their respective illumination surfaces are not coplanar to each other.

The bireflective lens element 10 of the present invention can be advantageously used in various applications in which the illumination of the surface from a relatively thin profile optical structure is required. A bireflector lens element coupled with a light source, such as an LED, constitutes an example of the access of the optical design of the unit cell whereby one or more associated optical structures and light sources (i.e., one or more unit cells) are constructed and arranged to match lighting design requirements and / or packaging constraints. In particular, a bireflector lens element can be used in several automotive lamp signal applications, for example, a stop lamp mounted to the center in a high part ("CHMSL") or a rear combination lamp. As shown in Figure 6, a motor vehicle 130 has a CHMSL 132 mounted on the rear window 134. The CHMSL shown incorporates twelve rectangular bireflective lens elements 10 with the associated light sources (not shown) to effect an illumination of the signal lamp surface. The CHMSL 132 is shown mounted within the rear window 134 on the rear seat shelf.

A CHMSL can, however, be mounted in a variety of locations on a vehicle, for example on the cover of the rear cover of the vehicle of or on the roof of the vehicle. The bireflective lens elements can be incorporated into a CHMSL wherever it is mounted. In addition, the CHMSL 132 is shown with two lines of six lens elements 10 stacked one on top of the other. Depending on the brightness of the individual light sources used, about twelve combinations of light source / lens elements can be used in the CHMSL. Also, individual combinations of lens element / light source can be placed in different ways. For example, depending on the style requirements and / or packaging constraints of the vehicle, the CHMSL may comprise a single line of combinations of the lens element / light source, or may comprise more than two lines of lens element combinations / light source. For a CHMSL, the bireflective lens element 10 can be coupled with the light distribution projections 32 positioned adjacent the illumination surface 20 to assist in dispersing and changing direction the second portion of entrance light outside and / or behind the bireflector lens element 10 (see Figures 2, 8, and 12). Preferably, as shown in the Figures, the light scattering projections 32 comprise a support lens element 32 having a series of supports 136 formed on an entrance surface thereof. Federal traffic safety regulations require that a CHMSL be visible at 10 ° points left and right of the lamp and 10 ° above and 5 ° below the lamp. Therefore, the support lenses 32 are specifically adjusted to extend the light over this test point range. Other examples of light scattering projections 32 may include a series of prisms and / or other geometric shapes. In fact, the light scattering projections 32 may be of any suitable shape or of such a large size as a sufficient amount of light is uniformly dispersed out through the illumination surface 20 and / or changed direction again in the lens element 10. The support lens 32 can be adjusted by varying the size of the individual supports of the series of supports 136 and by varying the vertical and horizontal radii of curvature of the individual supports. Relatively small lens lenses are preferred as they are more effectively separated from the partially adjusted image of the bireflector lens element. In the preferred embodiment, the supports are 2 mm square and have a radius of curvature of 3.8 mm vertically and 2.4 mm horizontally. The parabolic equation for the surface of a support lens is as follows: x = y2 / 4.8 + z2 / 7.6, where, / x / < 1 mm / z / < 1 mm In addition, as shown in Figure 8, to accommodate the upper and lower asymmetrical visibility requirements, the bireflector lens element 10 can be tilted up to an "ß" angle of approximately 2.2 ° with respect to the arrangement of the support lens 32. The bireflective and / or supporting lens elements, or others, can be similarly adjusted to comply with other designs of desired light patterns or also with regional visibility requirements - • Through computer simulation, facets were found of extraction 42 have an amplitude of 1 mm or larger to operate more efficiently than facets that have an amplitude of only 0.5 mm if a radius of curvature "R" (see Figure 4) of 0.2 mm is assumed in the simulation . The radius of curvature "R" is a factor introduced in the simulation to consider manufacturing tolerances and the inability to mold the perfectly sharp corners between the stepped descenders 44 and the facets 42. The variations of the basic bireflective lens element of the Figure 2 are shown in Figures 9 to 13. Figures 9 and 10 describe an alternative bireflective lens 10 having smooth flat surfaces 43 disposed between the facets 42 of the preferred embodiment. The primary reflective area 14 has a cone-shaped surface 41 that extends from the flat base area of the direct transmission area 16 to the illumination surface 20. In addition, the secondary reflective areas 18 are angularly angled therein to form a concave lens element 10. Finally, a lens structure 74, such as a Fresnel lens, is formed on the inlet surface 12 to align the light directly through the lens element 10. As best shown in Figure 5, an alternative arrangement of facets is preferably shown including a reflective surface defining a composite curve for the change of direction of the light towards the illumination surface 20. As also shown in Figure 5, the facets are spaced apart by the flat surfaces adjacent smooths 43. Alternatively, the extraction facets 42 and the stepped descends 44 are shown in the preferred embodiment of the F Figures 2 and 3 as flat, of uniform size and spacing along the profile of the facet. The size, shape, and orientation of the stepped facets and / or descends can be varied to adjust the exit light according to the particular lighting requirements. The reflectivity of the reflective surface 40 and the facets 42 can also be improved by a reflective coating, such as aluminum deposited under vacuum. As shown in Figure 11, the lens element 140 includes a primary reflective area 142 with a primary reflective surface 144 that is not a surface of generally parabolic or curved shape but is in the shape of a right cone of angle,, for example 45 °. In addition, the entrance surface 146 of the element 140 is not a flat surface but is formed as an optical light conditioning surface, in the illustrated embodiment, it is a Fresnel surface. In Figure 12, the lens element 150 includes an exit surface 152 that is not planar, but includes a series of supports 154 integrally formed with the element 150. In Figure 13, the lens element 160 has a reflective area. primary 162 which includes a plurality of reflective primary surfaces 164 to constitute generally parabolic or curved turn surfaces separated by circumferential facets 166. The embodiment of Figure 13 is another means by which light can be provided within the casting shaded by the primary reflective area 162. Light from a light source (not shown) enters the element 160 through the entrance surface 168. A portion of light is reflected by the total internal reflection of the primary reflective surfaces 164 towards the extraction facets 170 of the secondary reflective area 172. Another portion of the input light is directly transmitted through the direct transmission area 174 and the facets 166 of the primary reflective area 162 towards the illumination surface 176. The facets 166 are preferably substantially parallel to the illumination surface 176 but may have an angular orientation for directing light transmitted through the facet or a curved shape for extend or focus the light transmitted through the facet. further, the primary reflective surfaces 164 can be conical surfaces instead of curved surfaces. The thin bireflector lens element of the present invention provides a number of advantages in addition to its ultra-thin profile and design flexibility. The bireflector lens element achieves surface illumination effectively, with a limited number of light sources. Conventional efforts to increase the efficiency of a lighting system usually involve secondary optical treatments, or components, such as reflective cones to capture and focus light from a light source. Providing secondary treatment can increase cost and complexity due to the additional components and manufacturing steps required. The bireflective lens element achieves effective and uniform illumination of the surface over a wide area with only a single point of the light source and the lens element. Therefore, the efficiency is improved while eliminating the secondary optical treatments of the lighting system. In addition, because secondary optical treatments, such as reflective cones, are not normally necessary with a bireflector lens element, the surface behind the lens elements may be visible through the illumination surface of the lens element when the light source is off. The ability to see through the lens element when the light source is off is beneficial in some designed scenarios where it is desirable to minimize the visibility of a light system employing the bireflecting lens elements when the light sources are off. Similarly, by providing a colored background behind the lens elements that is the same color as that of the structure surrounding the lighting system, it is possible to have the lighting system blend with its surroundings when the light sources are off.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as a priority:

Claims (32)

1. CLAIMS 1. A bireflective lens element characterized in that it comprises; a light input surface, a direct transmission area communicating with the light input surface, directing a first portion of the light input through the lens elements in a first predetermined pattern, a primary reflection area and secondary between the light input surface and a lighting surface surrounding the direct light transmission area to change direction to a second portion of the input light through the lens element to the illumination surface in a second predetermined pattern, wherein the first and second portion of the entrance light creates uniform illumination on the illumination surface and the lens.
2. 2. A mounting according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct transmission area comprises a substantially flat area defining a base of the primary reflective area.
3. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the planar area includes a lens for the alignment of the light directly through the lens element.
4. 4. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary reflective area comprises a substantially curved surface extending from the flat base area to the illumination surface to change direction the second portion of entrance light from the entrance surface of light towards the secondary reflection area.
5. 5. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the primary reflective area comprises a substantially cone-shaped surface extending from the flat base area to the illumination surface to change direction the second input light portion from the surface of light input to the secondary reflection area.
6. 6. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary reflective area includes a plurality of extraction facets extending internally in the secondary reflective area to intercept the second portion of input light from the primary reflective area and change the direction of the light towards the lighting surface.
7. 7. An assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the facets are spaced apart by the adjacent stepped descends which interconnect a coupling edge of a facet to a leading edge of an adjacent facet.
8. 8. An assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the facets are spaced separately by adjacent flat and smooth surfaces.
9. 9. An assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the facets include a reflective surface substantially curved to change the direction of the second portion of the entrance light towards the lighting surface.
10. 10. An assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the secondary reflective area is substantially rectangular to define the front illumination surface and the facets are divided into discrete pie slice-shaped regions.
11. 11. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the primary reflective area is centrally disposed within the rectangular secondary reflective area.
12. 12. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes a series of light scattering projections positioned adjacent the illumination surface to aid in the dispersion and change of direction of the second portion of the light 'inlet from the element. of bireflector lens.
13. 13. An assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the light scattering projections comprise a series of support lenses for dispersing the input light.
14. 14. An assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the lens element is inclined upwardly with respect to the support lenses.
15. 15. An assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the support lenses are an integral part of the secondary reflective area by which the illumination surface is formed.
16. 16. A mounting according to claim 1, characterized in that they additionally include a transition area for joining two bi-reflective lens elements and creating a common lighting surface.
17. 17. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally includes a plurality of primary reflective areas to constitute curved turning surfaces separated by the circumferential facets to change the direction of the second portion of input light in the secondary reflective area.
18. 18. A light emission assembly for use in a vehicle characterized in that it comprises a bireflector lens element which includes a light input surface and a light source adjacent to the light input surface for projecting light into the lens element , is a first predetermined model, a direct light transmission area_ which communicates with the light input surface to direct a first portion of input light through the lens element, a primary and secondary reflective area disposed between the surface of light input and a lighting surface surrounding the direct light transmission area to change direction a second portion of input light from the light input surface towards the illumination surface in a second predetermined pattern.
19. 19. An assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the direct transmission area comprises a substantially flat area to define a base of the primary reflective area.
20. 20. An assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the primary reflective area comprises a substantially curved surface extending from the flat base area to the illumination surface to change direction the second portion of entrance light from the entrance surface of light towards the secondary reflection area.
21. 21. An assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the secondary reflective area includes a plurality of extraction facets that extends internally in the secondary reflective area to intercept the second portion of input light from the primary reflective area and change direction of light towards the lighting surface.
22. 22. An assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the facets include a substantially parabolic reflective surface for changing direction to the second input light portion towards the illumination surface.
23. 23. An assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally includes a series of light scattering projections positioned adjacent to the illumination surface to help disperse and change direction to the second portion of input light from the bireflector lens element .
24. 24. An assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the light source includes a light emitting diode.
25. 25. An assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that it additionally includes mounting posts for aligning and positioning the lens element with respect to the light emitting diode.
26. 26. A light emission assembly for use in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a bireflective lens element that includes a primary reflective area and a secondary reflective area, the primary reflective area changes the direction of light through the lens element and in the secondary reflective area in a predetermined pattern, the secondary reflective area includes a plurality of extraction facets that extend internally in the secondary reflective area to intercept the light from the primary reflective area, and each of the facets includes a substantially curved to change the direction of the light from the primary reflective area externally away from the bireflector lens element to a lighting surface.
27. 27. An assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the facets are spaced apart by the adjacent stepped descends which interconnect a coupling edge of a facet to a leading edge of an adjacent facet.
28. 28. An assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the facets are spaced separately by adjacent flat and smooth surfaces.
29. 29. An assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that it additionally includes a direct transmission area for directing light through the lens element in a predetermined pattern different from the model of the secondary reflective area.
30. 30. An assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the direct transmission area comprises a substantially flat area defining a base of the primary reflective area.
31. 31. An assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that it additionally includes a light source adjacent to the planar area.
32. 32. An assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the primary reflective area comprises a substantially curved surface extending from the flat base area to the illuminating surface. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A bireflector lens element (10) comprises a light input surface (12) and a direct transmission area (16) communicating with the light input surface (12). A light source (30) is arranged adjacent to the light input surface (12) to protect the light in the lens element (10) to create a light emitting assembly. A first portion of entrance light is directed through the lens elements (10) in a first predetermined pattern. A secondary reflection area (16) and primary (40) is between the light input surface (12) and a lighting surface (20) that surrounds the direct light transmission area (16). A second portion of input light is changed direction through the lens element (10) to the illumination surface (20) in a second predetermined pattern. Specifically, the secondary reflective area (18) has a plurality of extraction facets (42) extending internally in the secondary reflective area (18) to intercept light from the primary reflective area (14). The first. The predetermined pattern is combined with the second predetermined pattern to generate the light from the illumination surface 20 in a substantially uniform pattern to cover the wide area of the lens element 10.