Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-19
2001-12-18
Tso, Laura K. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Automobile
C362S511000, C362S541000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331067
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to electric lamps and particularly to automotive lamps. More particularly the invention is concerned with interiorly mounted lamps.
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lamp in accordance with the preamble of patent claim
1
.
BACKGROUND ART
It is known to mount a lamp inside a vehicle that projects light through a window such as a high mounted stop lamp. These lamps and their associated lamps housings may be mounted on the window or suspended from the interior ceiling to be adjacent a window.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to provide a motor vehicle lamp which can be used independently of the form of the light source in the motor vehicle.
This object is achieved according to the invention by the distinguishing features of patent claim
1
. Particularly advantageous designs of the invention are described in the subclaims.
The motor vehicle lamp according to the invention has a light source, at least one optical conductor which is optically coupled to the light source, and operating means for the light source. According to the invention, the optical conductor has a light exit surface whose curvature is adapted to the curvature of the motor vehicle. The abovenamed features permit the motor vehicle lamp according to the invention to be fitted with commercially available light sources and operating means and to be adapted with simple means to different vehicle shapes. To adapt the lamp according to the invention to the motor vehicle shape, it suffices to fit the shape of the at least one optical conductor, in particular the curvature of its light exit surface, to the configuration of the corresponding motor vehicle area.
In accordance with the particularly preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, the curvature of the light exit surface of the optical conductor is adapted to the contour of the vehicle rear window or to the contour of the vehicle body. It is possible thereby to implement stop lamps and turn signal lamps which are fitted with commercially available lamps and optimally coordinated with the vehicle shape.
It is advantageous to use a neon gas discharge lamp or a fluorescent lamp as a light source. These lamps have a high light yield and a long service life, and can be produced with small dimensions. Moreover, red or orange light can be produced in a simple way with their aid. A commercially available electronic ballast is advantageously used as operating means for the abovenamed lamps. Such ballasts are distinguished by a compact design. In order to ensure light is coupled as effectively as possible into the at least one optical conductor, the at least one optical conductor is provided with a tubular cutout for holding the light source. The diameter of the cutout is preferably coordinated with the dimensions of the light source. In order to improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the motor vehicle lamp according to the invention, the electronic ballast is fitted with an electrically conducting layer or foil or with a metal housing which is connected to frame potential or ground potential. Moreover, for the same purpose the lamp or/and the at least one optical conductor is provided with an electrically conducting layer or foil which is connected to frame potential or ground potential.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4935722 (1990-06-01), Pollack
patent: 5211466 (1993-05-01), Jarocki et al.
patent: 5347435 (1994-09-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5400225 (1995-03-01), Currie
patent: 5634708 (1997-06-01), Koie et al.
patent: 6128431 (2000-10-01), Siminovitch
Meyer William E.
Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen MBH
Tso Laura K.
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