WO2010078424A1

WO2010078424A1 - Lighting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2010078424A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/069817
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. Wheatley
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2008-12-30
Filing date: 2009-12-30
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

Lighting assemblies (10) having an enclosure (11) having a reflective interior surface (12), a transmissive area (13), a light source (17, 18), and at least one of a diffusing element or a partially reflective element (25). Light assemblies described herein are useful as functional or decorative elements, for example, in displays, signs, and vehicles (e.g., automobile, trucks, etc.). Useful embodiments of light assemblies described herein for vehicles include automobile and truck (vehicle) lighting, dash lighting, instrument cluster lighting, door sill lighting, dome lighting, and under cabinet lighting.

Description

LIGHTING ASSEMBLY

Background

[0001] Light emitting diodes ("LEDs") (also sometimes referred to as "solid state lamps") are well known in the art. Known LEDs include those having a light emission collimated to a range from 20° to 30° in at least one direction (e.g., the thickness direction of an enclosure). One limitation of lighting with LEDs is providing uniform illumination over an output surface. The ratio between the size of the LED die and illuminated area typically ranges from several 100 to several 1,000 to 1, to even more than 10000 to 1 (i.e., size of the lighted area vs. the size of the LED die). One technique for trying to obtain more uniform lighting from LEDs is to utilize numerous, relatively closely spaced LEDs, which is an approach that is inefficient from both a cost standpoint having to use numerous LEDS, as well as the sensitivity of these systems to drift or failure of an individual LED.

[0002] LEDs are used in a variety of applications. Distributing light from LEDs is a common need shared by signs, displays, and liquid crystal displays. Here, a light distribution enclosure is placed behind an element which can be a colored panel, a graphic, or an LCD panel. Often, the goal is to achieve uniform illumination in a thin form factor, and with the fewest possible light sources.

[0003] LEDs have been used to light vehicle sill plates, but tend to lack desired efficiency, brightness, and uniformity. Current lighted sill plate designs can use multiple LEDs directly coupled to a light distribution assembly. Generally this is a sheet of clear plastic, but it could also be a bundle of plastic optical fibers. Typically these approaches lack lighting uniformity, sufficient brightness, or both.

[0004] One approach to try to provide a more efficient distribution of light is to use multiple LEDs directly attached to the edge of a light guide. Use of light guides can add significant weight to a system. Summary

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a lighting assembly comprising: an enclosure having an interior surface and a first transmissive area of at least 1 mm² (in some embodiments, at least 2 mm², 3 mm², 4 mm², 5 mm², 10 mm², 100 mm², 1000 mm², or even at least 10,000 mm², or more) and first and second generally opposed major surfaces, the interior surface comprising a first surface area region generally opposite and facing the first major surface of the first transmissive area, and wherein the first major surface of the first transmissive area is partially reflective with a specular interior major surface, the first surface area region is specularly reflective and has an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 98% (in some embodiments, at least 98.5% or more) for visible light of any polarization, and the remainder of the interior surface area has an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% (in some embodiments, at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, or more; in some embodiments, specularly reflective)) for visible light of any polarization; a first light source member disposed to emit light into the enclosure over a limited angular distribution; and at least one of (a) a diffusing element having a first major surface positioned over the second major surface of the first transmissive area, and being closer to the second major surface of the first transmissive area than to the first major surface of the first transmissive area or (b) a partially reflective element having a first major surface position over the second major surface of the first transmissive area, and being closer to the second major surface of the first transmissive area than to the first major surface of the first transmissive area. It is understood that all the reflectivity values encompass all visible light reflected into a hemisphere (i.e., such values include both specular, and diffuse reflections). It is understood that an element can be one or several optical elements which collectively function as the partial reflector or diffusive element. The term "transmissive" as used herein means at least 50% (optionally, at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or even at least 90%) of the photons for at least one wavelength in the of light (e.g., in the visible spectrum) striking the area/film/element/etc. are transmitted through and exit the area/film/element/etc, as applicable. In some embodiments, the lighting assembly further comprises an additional transmissive area(s) (i.e., one two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more) within the second surface area region.

[0006] Typically, the additional transmissive area(s) (i.e., one, two, three, four, five, or more discontinuous area(s)) is at least 1 mm² (in some embodiments, at least 2 mm², 3 mm², 4 mm², 5 mm², 10 mm², 100 mm², 1000 mm², or even at least 10,000 mm², or more). Areas adjacent and/or between a transmissive area(s) are non-transmissive (or even non-transmissive) areas.

[0007] In some embodiments, and typically desirably, the light emitting diode(s), when energized have a uniform lumens output.

[0008] Light assemblies described herein are useful as functional or decorative elements, for example, in displays, signs, and vehicles (e.g., automobile, trucks, etc.). Useful embodiments of light assemblies described herein for vehicles include automobile and truck (vehicle) lighting, dash lighting, instrument cluster lighting, door sill lighting, dome lighting, and under cabinet lighting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The FIG. is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lighting assembly described here.

Detailed Description

[0010] Referring to the FIG., exemplary lighting assembly 10 has enclosure 11 having interior surface 12 and first transmissive 13, partially reflective film 23, and partially reflective element (and/or diffusing element) 25. Interior surface 12 comprises first surface area region 14 and second surface area region 15 generally opposite first surface area region 14, wherein partially reflective film 23, and partially reflective element (and/or diffusing element) 25 are collectively transmissive. First and (optional) second light emitting diodes 17, 18 each having a light emission cone in a range from 20° to 30° are positioned generally opposite each other within enclosure 11. First and second asymmetric reflective films 19, 20 positioned over first and second light emitting diodes 17, 18 over the light emission cones of first and second light emitting diodes, respectively. Optionally, the transmissive area may not extend over the same amount of area as second surface area region 15 such that there is a non-transmissive area(s). Optionally, adjacent and/or between a transmissive area(s) are non-transmissive (or even non-transmissive) areas.

[0011] The enclosure can be made of any of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, etc. The shape of the enclosure may be any of a variety of shapes including generally rectangular and triangular (including with squared off edges (internal and/or external), as well as those with oblong or rounded edges (internal and/or external)), as well as elliptical, and other Euclidean geometrical shapes.

[0012] Desirable length to width ratios of the enclosure are, for example, in a range from 10:1 to 40:1 (in some embodiments, 15:1 to 40:1, 20:1 to 40:1, 25:1 to 40:1, or even 30:1 to 40:1). Desirable length to height (i.e., first surface area region to generally opposed, second surface area region) ratios of the enclosure are, for example, in a range from 20:1 to 150:1 (in some embodiments, in a range from 50:1 to 100:1).

[0013] Suitable light emitting diodes are known in the art, and are commercially available. Such light emitting diodes include those having Lambertian light emission pattern. In some embodiments, the LED may be used with a wedge-shaped reflector so that light may be emitted into the enclosure with a restricted or partially collimated angular distribution. Further, in some embodiments, light sources that at least partially collimate the emitted light may be preferred. Such light sources can include lenses, extractors, shaped encapsulants, or combinations thereof of optical elements to provide a desired output into the enclosure. Further, the light source can include injection optics that partially collimate or confine light initially injected into the enclosure to propagate in directions close to a transverse plane (the transverse plane being parallel to the output area of the light source) (e.g., an injection beam having an average deviation angle from the transverse plane in a range from 0° to 45°, or 0° to 30°, or even 0° to 15°).

[0014] LEDs are available in a variety of power usage ratings, including those ranging from less than 0.1 watt to 5 watts (e.g., power usage ratings up to 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, or even up to 5 watts) per LED. LEDs are available in colors ranging from violet (about 410 nm) to deep red (about 700 nm). Basic colors of LEDs are blue, green, red and amber, although other colors, such as white, are also available. Ultraviolet LEDs can also be used. These can be used, for example, with a down converting phosphor to convert their emitted light to visible light.

[0015] Light from a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode) can be introduced into the enclosure in a variety of ways. For example, a light source (e.g., an LED (chip)) itself can be placed inside the enclosure. A lens connected to a light source (e.g., an LED) can protrude into the enclosure even though the light source itself is outside the enclosure. In some cases, a light source (e.g., LED) can be located a meter away or more and have its light transported to the enclosure by, for example, a light fiber system. Light fiber systems use total internal reflection to propagate light from the injection end of the fiber to an exit point. The exit end of the fiber can be inserted into the enclosure, and optionally used with collimation technique (e.g., lenses or an external collimating wedge). Techniques of transporting light in a solid medium include low absorption solids (e.g., low loss glass fiber or acrylic fiber). It is often preferable to use a lower refractive index cladding surrounding the glass or acrylic core. The low index cladding prevents or reduces accidental light leakage that may occur from scratching, or objects physically touching the core. Further, for example, it is possible to use a hollow technique for light transport rather than solid. In this case a cavity comprised of a low-loss omnidirectional specular, or semi-specular mirror can be used. Light, preferably collimated, is injected into one end of this transport cavity, and by multiple reflections is transported to an extraction point which may be, in the case of a tube, the opposite end. The extraction end of this transport system can be positioned proximate the enclosure so as to introduce light into the enclosure.

[0016] Typically, the light source(s) is positioned, and/or light from the light source diodes is introduced into the enclosure, with respect to an interior surface, within a range from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm (in some embodiments, 0.75 cm to 1.5 cm) and/or, with respect to the first surface area region, within 50 (in some embodiments, 25) percent of the distance between the first and second surface area regions.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the light source member(s) disposed to emit light into the enclosure over a limited angular distribution comprises a light emitting diode(s) having a light emission collimated to a range from 20° to 30° in at least one direction positioned to be closer to the first surface area region than to the second surface area region, wherein when light is emitted from the light emitting diode(s), the light is reflected multiple times by the interior surface to provide diffuse light and a asymmetric reflective film(s) positioned over the light emission cone of the light emitting diode(s) (respectively).

[0018] A partial reflective element is an optical element or a collection of optical elements which reflect at least 30% of incident light while transmitting the remainder, minus absorption losses. Examples of partial reflectors include, polarizing and non- polarizing multilayer optical films, microreplictated structures (e.g. brightness enhancement film), blend systems, wire grid polarizers, partially transmissive metals such as silver or nickel, metal/dielectric stacks such as silver and indium tin oxide, and asymmetric optical films. An exemplary polarizing multilayer partial reflector is available, for example, from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, under the trade designation "DBEF."

[0019] A diffusing element is an optical element or a collection of elements having light transmission of at least 50%. Diffusing elements can be volume diffusers such as diffuser plates, or foams. They can also be surface diffusers, diffractive or holographic diffusers, bead coated substrates, or surface structure on substrates. An exemplary surface diffuser is available, for example, as a diffuser film from Keiwa Company, Osaka, Japan under the trade designation "OPALUS."

[0020] Specularly reflective surfaces having an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 98% for visible light by the light source(s) of any polarization can be provided, for example, by a film(s) such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,882,774 (Jonza et al.) and 6,641,880 (Deyak et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporate herein by reference; additional details regarding such films can also be found in said patents. Embodiments of such films are marketed by 3M Company under the trade designation "VIKUITI ENHANCED SPECULAR REFLECTOR FILM." Other suitable reflective materials include those marketed by Alanod Aluminum-Veredlung GmbH & Co., Ennepetal, Germany, under the trade designation "MIRO-2 ANODIZED ALUMINUM FILM").

[0021] A partial reflector (element) is an optical element or a collection of optical elements which reflect at least 30% of incident light while transmitting the remainder, minus absorption losses. Exemplary partially reflective elements include foams, polarizing and non-polarizing multilayer optical films, microreplictated structures (e.g. brightness enhancement films ("BEF")), polarized and non-polarized blends, wire grid polarizers, partially transmissive metals such as silver or nickel, metal/dielectric stacks such as silver and indium tin oxide, and asymmetric optical films. Asymmetric optical films are also appropriate as partial reflectors. "Asymmetric optical films" as used herein refer to a multilayer optical film (MOF) reflective polarizer that includes a multilayer construction (e.g., coextruded polymer microlayers that have been oriented under suitable conditions to produce desired refractive index relationships and desired reflectivity characteristics) having a very high reflectivity for normally incident light in the block polarization state and a lower but still substantial reflectivity (e.g., 25% to 90%) for normally incident light in the pass polarization state. Suitable asymmetric reflective films are further described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,014 (Ouderkirk et al.) and U.S. Patent Application having Serial No. 60/939,084, filed May 20, 2007 (Attorney Docket No. 63031US002), and PCT Patent Application No. US2008/064133 (Attorney Docket No. 63274WO004), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also useful as partial reflectors are perforated partial reflectors or mirrors (e.g., perforating specularly reflective films having an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 98% of any polarization such as described above (e.g., that marketed by 3M Company under the trade designation "VIKUITI ENHANCED SPECULAR REFLECTOR FILM"). Crossed polarizers can be used as partial reflectors; the angle of crossing can be used to adjust the ratio of transmission to reflection. Also, polymers filled with inorganic particulates such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) can be used.

[0022] A reflective polarizer has two orthogonal axes, a pass axis and a block axis. Along the block axis, a reflective polarizer will typically reflect 90-100% of light having it polarization axis aligned with the reflection axis. It will typically transmit 80-90% of the light having polarization aligned with its transmission axis. Since a randomized light field incident on a reflective polarizer would have equal amount of light incident along both orthogonal planes of a reflective polarizer, the reflective polarizer will transmit slightly less than 50% of the incident light (near zero transmission for the half of the light incident along the block axis, and 80-90% transmission for the half of the light incident along the pass axis). [0023] If two reflective polarizers are used, the two films can be rotated so that their pass axes are not parallel. The first polarizer reflects essentially all the light incident along its block axes and transmits nearly all of the orthogonal light to the second reflective polarizer. Since the second reflective polarizer is rotated relative to the first, the second polarizer reflects part of the light that was transmitted from the first. The angle of crossing can be used to increase the amount of reflected light, with the maximum reflectance of the pair occurring when the pass axes are orthogonal to one another.

[0024] In some embodiments, lighting assembly described herein, the first and second surface area regions are parallel, while in others, the first and second surface area regions are non-parallel. This can be used, for example, to control the uniformity of light output, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application having Serial No. 61/030,767, filed February 22, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] Films for constructing lighting assemblies described herein may be supported, for example, by a transmissive substrate. Suitable transmissive substrates can include optical films, sheets, or plates. Suitable materials include glass, transmissive engineering thermoplastics (e.g., polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, styrene acrylonitrile, cyclo olefin polymer ("COP"; available from Z eon Chemicals L. P., Louisville, KY), polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene 2,6-naphthalate, and fluoropolymers).

[0026] Optionally, articles and light assemblies described herein further comprising additional transmissive and discontinuous areas (e.g., one two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more additional transmissive and discontinuous areas(s) within the second surface area region. Optionally, the transmissive area(s) are in the shape of, or otherwise include, both alphanumerics and trademark indicia. The transmissive and discontinuous areas can be made of any material suitable for the particular light assembly desired, which may include acrylic, polycarbonate, plastics, and glass, as well as a material described below for the transmissive element.

[0027] Exemplary non-transmissive substrates include metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) sheets and polymeric (e.g., plastic (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, polycvinychloride, rubbers, and foams), including carbon filled plastic) sheets. [0028] Optionally, lighting assembly described herein further comprising a tinted transmissive element (e.g., a film) having a major surface parallel to a major surface of the non-transmissive substrate and may be present or between any major surface opposite the first surface area region. Alternatively, or in addition, a tinted transmissive element (e.g., a film) can be placed inside the enclosure, including parallel and/or perpendicular to a major surface of the non-transmissive substrate. Suitable films are known in the art and include tinted (e.g., dyed or pigmented) films and color shifting films. Transmissive tinted and color shifting films are available, for example, from 3M Company under the trade designation "SCOTCHCAL 3630" in about 60 different colors.

[0029] "Color shifting film" as used herein refers to a film comprising alternating layers of at least a first and second layer type, wherein the first layer type comprises a strain hardening polymer (e.g., a polyester), wherein the film has at least one transmission band and one reflection band in the visible region of the spectrum, the transmission band having an average transmission of at least 70%, and wherein at least one of said transmission band and reflection band varies at normal incidence by less than about 25 nm over a square inch. Optionally, the film comprises alternating polymeric layers of at least a first and a second layer type, wherein the film has at least one transmission band and at least one reflection band in the visible region of the spectrum, and wherein at least one of the transmission band and reflection band has a band edge that varies at normal incidence by no more than 8 nm over a distance of at least 2 inches along each of two orthogonal axes in the plane of the film. Optionally, at least one of the transmission band and the reflection band has a bandwidth at normal incidence that varies by no more than 2 nm over a surface area of at least 10 cm². Optionally, the film has exactly one transmission band in the visible region of the spectrum. Optionally, the film has exactly one reflection band in the visible region of the spectrum. Color shifting films can be made, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,230 (Weber et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporate herein by reference; additional details regarding such films can also be found in said patent.

[0030] Films typically have a major surface covered with adhesive. Suitable adhesives are well known in the art (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives) will generally be found on one surface of the film (continuous or portions depending on the embodiment involved) and allows the film to be attached to another surface.

[0031] Suitable light assembly configurations can be designed and assembled using known techniques by one skilled in the art after reviewing the instant disclosure.

[0032] Light assemblies described herein are useful as functional or decorative elements, for example, in displays, signs, and vehicles (e.g., automobile, trucks, etc.). Useful embodiments of light assemblies described herein for vehicles include automobile and truck (vehicle) lighting, dash lighting, instrument cluster lighting, door sill lighting, dome lighting, and under cabinet lighting.

[0033] In some embodiments, lighting assembly described herein comprise at least one (in some embodiments, at least two, three, or more) subdividing reflective element to provide at least a first and second, divided zones. In some embodiments, the at least the first and second, divided the zones are independently controlled (e.g., via optical sensors and feedback controls known in the art). For example, it is possible to have two of more hollow cavities adjacent, for example, by using a reflective subdivider running lengthwise along the direction of light propagation. Each cavity would have at least one light source. Such a divider limits or prevents light from one cavity entering the adjacent cavity and thus enables independent control of each zone. Such functionality would be useful in segmented auto tail lights, or in zoned LED LCD TV backlights.

[0034] In both zoned and non-zoned systems of described herein, it is advantageous to use a light sensor and feedback circuitry. One or more light sensors can be placed in or external to the optical enclosure to sense the intensity of light and provide signal to a control circuit to adjust light output of the source. Appropriate brightness sensors include those manufactured by Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Piano TX.

[0035] Optionally, at least two (in some embodiments, at least three, four, five, or more) lighting assembly described herein are placed adjacent one another.

Various Possible Embodiments

1. A lighting assembly comprising: an enclosure having an interior surface and a first transmissive area of at least 1 mm² and first and second generally opposed major surfaces, the interior surface comprising a first surface area region generally opposite and facing the first major surface of the first transmissive area, and wherein the first major surface of the first transmissive area is partially reflective with a specular interior major surface, the first surface area region is specularly reflective and has an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 98% for visible light of any polarization, and the remainder of the interior surface area has an on- axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light of any polarization; a first light source member disposed to emit light into the enclosure over a limited angular distribution; and at least one of (a) a diffusing element having a first major surface position over the second major surface of the first transmissive area, and being closer to the second major surface of the first transmissive area than to the first major surface of the first transmissive area or (b) a partially reflective element having a first major surface position over the second major surface of the first transmissive area, and being closer to the second major surface of the first transmissive area than to the first major surface of the first transmissive area.

2. The lighting assembly according to embodiment 1 comprising the diffusing element.

3. The lighting assembly according to either embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the diffusing element is a film.

4. The lighting assembly according to embodiment 1 comprising the partially reflective element.

5. The lighting assembly according to either embodiment 1 or 4, wherein the partially reflective element is a film.

6. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first surface area region has an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 98.5% for visible light of any polarization.

7. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first light source member disposed to emit light into the enclosure over a limited angular distribution comprises a first light emitting diode having a light emission collimated to a range from 20° to 30° in at least one direction positioned to be closer to the first surface area region than to the second surface area region, wherein when light is emitted from the first light emitting diode, the light is reflected multiple times by the interior surface to provide diffuse light and a first asymmetric reflective film positioned over the light emission cone of the first light emitting diode.

8. The lighting assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the light source includes at least one of an incandescent light, a light emitting diode, or an arc discharge lamp.

9. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 2 mm².

10. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 3 mm².

11. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 4 mm².

12. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 5 mm².

13. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 10 mm²

14. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 100 mm².

15. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 1000 mm².

16. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 10,000 mm².

17. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the aligned discontinuous area is in the shape of at least one alphanumeric.

18. The lighting assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the aligned discontinuous area is in the shape of at least one trademark indicia.

19. The lighting assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the first and second major surfaces of both the non-transmissive substrate and the film that is specularly reflective comprise two transmissive areas of at least 1 mm².

20. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the specular reflectance of the remaining interior surface is provided by at least one film. 21. The light assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the enclosure is generally rectangular in shape.

22. The light assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is in the shape of at least one alphanumeric.

23. The light assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first transmissive area is in the shape of at least one trademark indicia.

24. The light assembly according to any preceding embodiment, further comprising additional transmissive areas within the second surface area region.

25. The light assembly according to embodiment 24, wherein the transmissive areas are in the shape of alphanumerics.

26. The light assembly according to embodiment, wherein the transmissive areas include both alphanumerics and trademark indicia.

27. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment having a length, wherein the first light emitting diode is positioned, with respect to an interior surface, within a range from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

28. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment having a distance between the first and second surface area regions, wherein the first light emitting diode is positioned, with respect to the first surface area region, within 50 percent of the distance between the first and second surface area regions.

29. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment further comprising a tinted transmissive element having a major surface parallel to a major surface of the partial reflective element.

30. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment having at least one subdividing reflective element to provide at least a first divided zone and a second divided zone.

31. The light assembly of embodiment 30 where at least the first divided zone and the second divided zone are independently controlled.

32. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment having at least one optical sensors and feedback control.

33. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first and second surface area regions are parallel. 34. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first and second surface area regions are non-parallel.

35. At least two of the lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment placed adjacent one another.

36. The lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment that is a door sill lighting assembly.

37. A vehicle comprising the lighting assembly according to any preceding embodiment.

[0036] Foreseeable modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. This invention should not be restricted to the embodiments that are set forth in this application for illustrative purposes.

Claims

What is claimed is:

2. The lighting assembly according to claim 1 comprising the diffusing element, wherein the diffusing element is a film.

3. The lighting assembly according to claim 1 comprising the partially reflective element, wherein the partially reflective element is a film.

4. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first light source member disposed to emit light into the enclosure over a limited angular distribution comprises a first light emitting diode having a light emission collimated to a range from 20° to 30° in at least one direction positioned to be closer to the first surface area region than to the second surface area region, wherein when light is emitted from the first light emitting diode, the light is reflected multiple times by the interior surface to provide diffuse light and a first asymmetric reflective film positioned over the light emission cone of the first light emitting diode.

5. The lighting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source includes at least one of an incandescent light, a light emitting diode, or an arc discharge lamp.

6. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 2 mm².

7. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first transmissive area is at least 10,000 mm².

8. The lighting assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second major surfaces of both the non-transmissive substrate and the film that is specularly reflective comprise two transmissive areas of at least 1 mm².

9. The light assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising additional transmissive areas within the second surface area region.

10. The light assembly according to claim 9, wherein at least each transmissive area and the aligned discontinuous area is in a shape of indicia.

11. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim having a length, wherein the first light emitting diode is positioned, with respect to an interior surface, within a range from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

12. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim having a distance between the first and second surface area regions, wherein the first light emitting diode is positioned, with respect to the first surface area region, within 50 percent of the distance between the first and second surface area regions.

13. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim having at least one subdividing reflective element to provide at least a first and second, divided zones.

14. The lighting assembly according to any preceding claim that is a door sill lighting assembly.

15. A vehicle comprising the lighting assembly according to any preceding claim.