(12) United States Patent
`Lynam et al.
`
`(10) Patent NO.: US 7,195,381 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Mar. 27,2007
`
`VEHICLE INTERIOR LED LIGHTING
`SYSTEM
`
`(56)
`
`Inventors: Niall R Lynam, Holland, MI (US);
`John 0 Lindahl, Fruitport, MI (US)
`Assignee: Donnelly Corporation, Holland, MI
`(US)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 264 days.
`
`Appl. No.: 101054,633
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 22, 2002
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2002101 59270 A1
`
`Oct. 3 1. 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 091793,002, filed on Feb.
`26, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,690,268, provisional appli-
`cation No. 601346,733, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, provi-
`sional application No. 601315,384, filed on Aug. 28,
`2001, provisional application No. 601271,466, filed
`on Feb. 26,2001, provisional application No. 601263,
`680, filed on Jan. 23, 2001.
`
`Int. C1.
`B60Q 1/26
`(2006.01)
`F2l V 29/00
`(2006.01)
`U.S. C1. ...................... 3621494; 3621294; 3621300;
`3621373; 3621800
`Field of Classification Search ................ 3621459,
`3621471, 482,483,487, 488, 492, 494, 543,
`3621544, 545,227,235, 236, 247, 249, 257,
`3621294,362,373, 800, 300; 3131483, 498,
`3131499; 257179, 98, 100
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1111970 Barcus et al. ................ 24014.2
`3,543,018 A
`3,676,668 A * 711972 Collins et al. .............. 3131499
`3,821,590 A * 611974 Kosman et al. ............. 3131499
`3,860,847 A * 111975 Carley ........................ 3131499
`4,035,681 A * 711977 Savage, Jr. ................. 3131499
`4,211,955 A * 711980 Ray ............................ 315153
`(Continued)
`
`DE
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`941408
`411956
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Stewart, James W.; HP SnapLED: LED Assemblies for Automotive
`Signal Applications; Nov. 1, 1998; Hewlett-Packard Journal; vol.
`50, No. 1, Article 1; www.hpl.hp.com/hpjourna1198novInov98al.
`pdf.*
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner-Sandra O'Shea
`Assistant Examiner-Ismael Negron
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-VanDyke, Gardner, Linn &
`Burkhart, LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Avehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes an accessory
`module assembly that is adapted for attachment to an
`interior portion of a vehicle and configured to illuminate, for
`example, an area inside the vehicle. The module assembly
`includes a single high-intensity power light emitting diode
`that has a luminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen per
`watt when the light emitting diode is operated and is
`preferably operated at a forward current of at least 100
`milliamps. The system also includes a voltage conversion
`element for converting the batterylignition voltage of the
`vehicle to the forward operating voltage of the light emitting
`diode.
`
`39 Claims, 32 Drawing Sheets
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_001
`
`

`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`5.179. 471 A
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`362130
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`1591272
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`1591272
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`5.610. 756 A
`1591267
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`2521583
`5.611. 966 A
`................
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`1621545
`511997 Roney et a1
`..............
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`362183.1
`5.649. 756 A
`..........
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`5.668. 663 A
`3591608
`............
`362183.1
`5.669. 698 A
`911997 Veldman et a1
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`5.669. 699 A
`911997 Pastrick et a1
`1621494
`......................
`1621494
`5.669. 704 A
`911997 Pastrick
`..............
`911997 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`5.669. 705 A
`............
`911997 Schofield et a1
`1401461
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`5.671. 996 A * 911997 Bos et a1
`....................
`1621545
`..............
`.
`1011997 Fant. Jr et a1
`1621831
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`111998 Blank et al
`5.708. 410 A
`1401438
`..........
`211998 Schierbeek et a1
`5.715. 093 A
`1591601
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`1591608
`5.724. 187 A
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`1591604
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`611998 Schofield et a1
`..................
`1621240
`5.765. 940 A
`611998 Levy et al
`
`............
`711998 Schofield et a1
`3401903
`..................
`3621494
`811998 Muth et a1
`.........
`811998 Schofield et a1
`2501208.1
`..............
`811998 Kramer et al
`307110.1
`...........
`811998 O'Farrell et a1
`307110.1
`....................
`811998 Schofield
`3401438
`............
`911998 Turnbull et a1
`362183.1
`........................
`911998 Deese
`3621249
`.
`.............
`911998 Fant, Jr et a1
`362183.1
`.....................
`1011998 Spooner
`2481549
`...........
`1011998 Desmond et al
`362183.1
`..............
`1011998 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`..............
`111999 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`............
`211999 O'Farrell et a1
`3621494
`............
`311999 Schofield et a1
`3591604
`......................
`3621494
`311999 Pastrick
`..........
`611999 Varaprasad et a1
`3591273
`............................
`3591571
`611999 Bos
`....................
`711999 Domanski
`331355
`............
`711999 Schofield et a1
`3401903
`....................
`3621494
`811999 Bos et a1
`............
`911999 Schofield et a1
`3401461
`...........
`911999 O'Farrell et a1
`307110.1
`............
`1011999 O'Farrell et a1
`3591871
`.......................
`3621226
`1111999 Bauder
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`1211999 Desmond et al
`3621494
`..........
`1211999 Varaprasad et a1
`3591265
`..........................
`3621494
`1211999 Thau
`..........
`112000 Eberspacher et a1
`315182
`................
`296137.7
`212000 Carter et a1
`..................
`312000 Bingle et a1
`310189
`..............
`.
`312000 Fant, Jr et a1
`3621494
`..................
`412000 Muth et a1
`3621494
`................
`612000 Reimers et a1
`429161
`..................
`296176
`712000 Bingle et a1
`......................
`3621494
`712000 Pastrick
`............
`712000 DeLine et a1
`3401815.4
`..............
`812000 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`..................
`3621558
`812000 Nold et al
`...............
`912000 DeLine et a1
`3481184
`.............
`1012000 Turnbull et a1
`3621494
`..................
`3621494
`1012000 Waldmann
`....................
`3621494
`1012000 Bos et a1
`..........................
`3261494
`1112000 Thau
`..............
`1112000 Pastrick et a1
`3261494
`....................
`4281324
`1112000 Chu et al
`..................
`1112000 Furst et a1
`3621545
`..........
`1112000 Varaprasad et a1
`3591273
`..............
`3401426
`1212000 Teowee et a1
`.........
`1212000 Cammenga et al
`3591267
`............
`3401815.4
`112001 DeLine et a1
`...........
`112001 O'Farrell et a1
`307110.1
`..............
`112001 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`............
`212001 Desmond et al
`3621494
`............
`312001 Schofield et a1
`3401903
`............................
`3591565
`312001 Bos
`............
`412001 Schofield et a1
`3401461
`............
`3401815.4
`412001 DeLine et a1
`........................
`512001 Miller
`3621494
`............
`612001 DeLine et a1
`3401425.5
`.........
`612001 Varaprasad et a1
`26411.31
`..............
`612001 Stidham et a1
`3621494
`..................
`3621494
`712001 Todd et a1
`..............
`812001 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`...........
`812001 Bedrosian et a1
`3621545
`............
`3401815.4
`812001 DeLine et a1
`..............
`812001 Mertens et a1
`3621494
`..............
`812001 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`..........................
`3621505
`912001 Berg
`............
`912001 Schofield et a1
`3401442
`......................
`3621494
`1012001 Pastrick
`..............
`1012001 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`.............
`1112001 Agrawal et al
`3591265
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_002
`
`

`
`US 7.195. 381 B2
`Page 3
`
`..............
`1112001 Spooner et a1
`3591872
`................
`1212001 Heslin et a1
`2501239
`............
`1212001 DeLine et a1
`3401815.4
`.............
`1212001 Skiver et a1
`3401815.4
`............
`1212001 Desmond et a1
`3621494
`..........................
`3621494
`112002 Thau
`..................
`312002 Bingle et a1
`310189
`............
`412002 DeLine et a1
`3401815.4
`......................
`412002 Wesson
`3621545
`...............
`512002 DeLine et a1
`3621494
`..................
`512002 Bingle et a1
`296176
`....................
`3401461
`512002 Bos et a1
`.........
`612002 Bloomfield et a1
`3401467
`....................
`3621545
`712002 Bos et a1
`..............
`712002 Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`..............
`2961180.1
`Pavao et al
`............
`DeLine et a1
`3401815.4
`................
`Hutzel et a1
`3591838
`............
`DeLine et a1
`3401425.5
`..............
`.
`Fant, Jr et a1
`3621494
`............
`Schofield et a1
`3401442
`..............
`3621494
`Pastrick et a1
`..............
`Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`Lynam ....................... 3591874
`................
`Hutzel et a1
`7011208
`..............
`Pastrick et a1
`3621494
`............
`Schofleld et a1
`3401438
`................
`3591874
`Lynam et al
`....................
`3621494
`Bos et a1
`......................
`3621494
`Pastrick
`..............
`Pastrick et a1
`3261494
`................
`3621494
`Deline et a1
`
`200310016542 A1
`
`112003 Pastrick et a1 .
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Edgar. Julian; Goodbye 12 Volts . . . Hello 42 Volts!; Oct . 5. 1999;
`Autospeed; Issue 50; www.autospeed.co.nz/cms/A_0319/article.
`html.*
`Kobe. Gerry; 42 Volts Goes Underhood; Mar . 2000; Automotive
`Industries; Cahners Publishing Company; www.findarticles.com/p/
`artic1es1mi_m3012/is_3_180/ai_61361677*
`Jewett. Dale; Aug . 2000; Automotive Industries; Cahners Publish-
`ing
`Company;
`www.findarticles.com/plarticleslmi_m30 121
`is_8_180/ai-64341779. *
`National Semiconductor. LM78S40. Universal Switching Regulator
`Subsystem. National Semiconductor Corporation. Apr . 1996. p . 6.*
`PCT International Search Report dated Jun . 8. 2002. for PCT
`application corresponding to the present application .
`* cited by examiner
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_003
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 27,2007
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`Sheet 1 of 32
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`FIG. I
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_004
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`Sheet 2 of 32
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_005
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`Sheet 3 of 32
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`US 7,195,381 B2
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`3 4 a
`
`+ ~ ~ h ,
`
`4" 4
`
`//
`
`// 44 44
`ul l/l
`
`.
`
`,
`
`
`
`C
`
`f
`
`\
`
`FIG. 5 "v
`
`A
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_006
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_007
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`US 7,195,381 B2
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_008
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 27,2007
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`\ 2 t 8 FIG. 10
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_009
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 27,2007
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`Sheet 7 of 32
`
`FIG. 12
`
`VEHICLE
`C V C T f )rA
`4
` L l V l
`3 1 J
`VOLTAGE
`
`234
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_010
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`U.S. Patent
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`FIG. 17
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_011
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_012
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_013
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`US 7,195,381 B2
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`US 7,195,381 B2
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_015
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_016
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_017
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_018
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_019
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_021
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`3600
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`11I9113d'S°fl
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`‘LZ‘Jew Z9.10SZ199llS
`
`LO0Z
`
`Figure 36
`Figure 36
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`Z8I8‘£°S6I‘LSfl
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`Valeo Exhibit 1004_028
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`US 7,195,381 B2
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`TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF
`THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`1
`VEHICLE INTERIOR LED LIGHTING
`SYSTEM
`
`2
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,590, which is assigned to Donnelly
`Hohe, which are incorporated by reference herein in their
`entireties. Other examples of the use of LEDs in vehicular
`interior and exterior mirror assemblies are disclosed in U.S.
`This application claims priority from and incorporates by
`reference herein in their entireties U.S. Provisional Appli- 5 Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590;
`cation Ser. No. 601346,733, filed Jan. 7, 2002, entitled
`6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,868,116;
`IMPROVED VEHICULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, by
`5,497,306; 6,132,072; 5,803,579; 5,671,996; and 5,497,305;
`Applicants John 0 . Lindahl and Niall R. Lynam, U.S. World IPO Applications W055914Al and W055685A1;
`Provisional Applications Ser. No. 601263,680, filed Jan. 23,
`and European Pat. Application EP917734, and of the use of
`2001; Ser. No. 601271,466, filed Feb. 26,2001; and Ser. No. 10 LEDs as warning lights such as in taillights are disclosed in
`601315,384, filed Aug. 28, 2001, and is a continuation-in-
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,035; 6,286,984; 6,102,559; 6,276,822;
`part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 091793,002,
`5,975,715; and 5,765,940, all of which patents and patent
`entitled VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEMS INCORPORATING
`applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
`AN ACCESSORY MODULE, filed Feb. 26,2001, now U.S.
`their entireties.
`LEDs are desirable in certain applications since they
`Pat. No. 6,690,268.
`typically produce less heat than incandescent light sources
`and are more compact. In addition, LEDs produce direc-
`tional light. As a result, the light from the LEDs can be
`directed or manipulated by merely selective positioning or
`The present invention relates to automotive lighting, more 20 orienting of the LEDs. Hence, the various optical devices
`specifically to lighted mirrors for a vehicle, such as an
`associated with incandescent light sources, such as reflectors
`automobile, sports utility vehicle, truck or similar road
`and optical lenses, can be optionally simplified and even
`transportation vehicle. More particularly, the present inven-
`eliminated, saving material costs and assembly time.
`tion relates to a lighting system that incorporates at least one
`However, most vehicular batterylignition systems operate
`non-incandescent light source, such as a light emitting diode 25 at around 12 volts nominal (although ignition voltages can
`(LED) light source, including a high intensity LED light
`vary from about 9 volts to about 16 volts during vehicular
`source, and especially to a vehicular lighting system for a
`use) whereas most LED units typically operate at a lower
`vehicular accessory such as a lighted interior mirror assem-
`voltage; typically less than about 5 volts (and in or around
`bly, a lighted exterior mirror assembly, and a lighted acces-
`1.5 volts to 2.5 volts being common). Because of the
`sory module.
`30 different circuit requirements for LEDs, LED applications
`Mirror manufacturers have developed a wide variety of
`typically require specialized tooling of the mirror assem-
`incandescent-based lighting products for use in mirrors.
`blies. Some manufacturers are slower to retool existing
`Typically, prior art lighted mirror assemblies that use incan-
`incandescent lighted mirror assembles to accommodate
`descent lighting have a mirror case, a mirror reflector, and
`LEDs and, as a result, have and will continue to have a large
`wiring that carries circuitry for powering the various com- 35 inventory of mirror assemblies that are tooled for incandes-
`ponents in the mirror assembly, including the incandescent
`cent light sources. Other manufactures may have already
`light source, which typically comprises a filament light bulb.
`retooled their mirror assemblies as hybrid mirror assemblies
`In some applications, a lighted mirror assembly may incor-
`that have some LED applications, such as console lighting,
`porate a carrier, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,
`while other lights in the mirror assemblies remain as incan-
`698 and 6,124,886, which are commonly assigned to Don- 40 descent based light applications, such as map lights. In
`nelly Corporation of Holland, Mich., the entire disclosures
`which case, these mirror assemblies may have one circuit for
`of which are herein incorporated by reference. The carrier
`the LED application and another circuit for the incandescent
`provides a mounting surface for various electricallelectronic
`light application.
`devices housed in the mirror assembly, including a circuit
`Heretofore, therefore, lighted mirror assemblies have
`for an incandescent light source or other light sources. The 45 required application-specific circuitry to power the light
`mirror assembly also typically includes a reflector element
`sources because of the different current and voltage needs of
`and a lens, which are configured to direct the light from the
`these various light sources (incandescent or LED). When
`incandescent light source in a desired light pattern. In
`mirror assemblies are tooled for incandescent light sources,
`addition, most, if not all of these mirror assemblies, incor-
`these mirror assemblies have heretofore been limited to
`porate a way to service the incandescent light source. For 50 using incandescent-light-source replacements for the incan-
`example, these incandescent light sources are typically
`descent light sources. Therefore, mirror manufacturers that
`mounted in a socket, such as screw type sockets, a wedge
`have their current production of mirror assemblies tooled for
`type socket, a cartridge type socket (which typically
`incandescent light source applications have not been able to
`includes two spaced apart clips), a bayonet type socket, a
`take full advantage of the recent developments in the use of
`bi-pin socket, or the like, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 55 non-incandescent light sources.
`Also, LED readinglmap lights used in lighted interior
`5,178,448; 5,649,756; 5,673,994; 5,813,745; and 6,042,253,
`the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference
`mirror assemblies, and in turn-signal and security-lighted
`herein, which permits the bulb or lamp to be retrieved for
`exterior mirror assemblies, often use a plurality of LEDs in
`replacement. When the incandescent light source is plugged
`order to provide the desired light intensity across the zone
`into its respective connector, it is normally connected to a 60 desired illuminated.
`Consequently, there is need for an improved non-incan-
`switched line which when thrown, directs current from the
`ignition linelbattery of the vehicle to the light source.
`descent lighting system, including a way to incorporate a
`However more recently, non-incandescent light sources,
`non-incandescent light source in a mirror assembly that has
`such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), have been incorpo-
`been tooled to receive an incandescent light source.
`rated into mirror assemblies, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. 65 Use of a non-incandescent LED light source as a source
`Nos. 5,371,659 and 5,671,996, which are commonly
`of illumination in a vehicle such as in a lighted interior or a
`lighted exterior mirror assembly is known, such as is dis-
`assigned to Donnelly Corporation of Holland, Mich. and
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_036
`
`

`
`US 7,195,381 B2
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`3
`4
`nected in series and, more preferably, at least three light
`closed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602;
`emitting diodes connected in series.
`6,152,590; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321;
`In yet another aspect, the non-incandescent light source
`5,868,116; 5,497,306; 6,132,072; 5,803,579; 5,671,996; and
`assembly includes at least one polarity indicator associated
`5,497,305; World IPO Applications W055914Al and
`W055685A1; and European Pat. Application EP917734, all 5 with at least one of the connectors. For example, the polarity
`of which patents and patent applications are hereby incor-
`indicator may comprise either an indentation or a projection.
`porated herein by reference. Such LED-lighted interior and
`In addition, the respective connector may include the polar-
`exterior mirror systems work well for their intended pur-
`ity indicator.
`In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source cir-
`pose. However, most vehicular batteryiignition systems
`operate at around 12 volts nominal (although ignition volt- l o cuit further includes a polarity rectifier, such as a diode
`ages can vary from about 9 volts to about 16 volts during
`bridge rectifier, which eliminates the polarity of the light
`vehicular use) whereas most LED units typically operate at
`source module. In this manner, the light source unit can be
`a lower voltage; typically less than about 5 volts (and in or
`plugged in with the connectors in either orientation without
`around 1.5 volts to 2.5 volts being common). Also, LED
`a need for a polarity indicator.
`readinglmap lights used in lighted interior mirror assem- 1s
`In another form of the invention, a non-incandescent light
`blies, and in turn-signal and security-lighted exterior mirror
`source unit includes a modular package having an electrical
`assemblies, often use a plurality of LEDs in order to provide
`component such as a resistor or a non-light emitting diode,
`the desired light intensity across the zone desired illumi-
`preferably on a circuit board, at least one non-incandescent
`nated.
`light source, and an interface, preferably including at least
`Therefore, there is a need for an improved LED lighting 20 one electrical andor mechanical connector connecting to a
`non-incandescent light source circuit andor socket. The
`system such as an improved LED lighted mirror system,
`non-incandescent light source interfaceicircuit of the non-
`incandescent light source unit is electrically connected to the
`non-incandescent light source and preferably includes a pair
`Accordingly, the present invention provides for a non- 25 of electrical connectors for connecting the non-incandescent
`light source circuit to the light source circuit of the mirror
`incandescent light unitimodule that can be used as a direct
`replacement for an incandescent light source in a mirror
`In One aspect, the non-incandescent light source of the
`assembly that has been tooled for the incandescent light
`non-incandescent light source unit comprises a plurality of
`source.
`30 light emitting diodes. For example, the circuit of the non-
`In one form of the invention, a non-incandescent light
`incandescent light source unit may include a silicon wafer or
`source unit includes a non-incandescent light source assem-
`similar microelectronic chip element having the light emit-
`bly with at least one non-incandescent light source and a
`ting diodes established as junctions on the chip surface, as
`non-incandescent light source circuit. The non-incandescent
`is known in the light emitting diode (LED) art. The chip may
`light source circuit is electrically coupled to the non-incan-
`35 include a plurality of individual junctions forming the indi-
`descent light source and includes a pair of electrical con-
`vidual light emitting diodes. Optionally, the light emitting
`nectors for connecting the non-incandescent light source
`diodes are enclosed in a surround that functions both as an
`circuit to a light source circuit of a mirror assembly. The
`encapsulant to protect the LED junctions from environmen-
`non-incandescent light source assembly is adapted to releas-
`tal and mechanical damage and as an optical element (such
`ably establish mechanical connection and electrical connec-
`40 as a lens andor a diffuser) for light emitted by the LED
`tion with the mirror assembly.
`junctions on the chip surface.
`In one aspect, the non-kXlldescent light source circuit
`In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source cir-
`includes a current limiting element or device, such as a
`cuit includes a current limiting device, such as at least one
`resistor or a non-light emitting diode, for controlling the
`resistor, for limiting the current flowing to the non-incan-
`current flowing to the non-incandescent light source. In 45 descent light source,
`other aspects, the non-incandescent light source preferably
`In further aspects, the modular package includes a base,
`a light emitting
`light
`which includes a ground contact and a power contact for
`such as fluorescent 'Ources
`Or
`electrically coupling to the circuit of the mirror assembly.
`be used). In a
`may
`The connectors are electrically coupled to the contacts to
`further aspect, the light source unit
`a plurality of 50 thereby power the light sources. For example, the base may
`light emitting diodes. For
`the light emitting diodes
`comprise a threaded base, In another aspect, the connectors
`may be connected wherein their total additive forward
`comprise pins,
`is greater than about
`'perating
`In another aspect, the modular package includes an elon-
`their total additive forward operating voltage may be greater
`gated body with the electrical connectors positioned at
`Or in a range of about
`than about
`to l 6
`For 55 opposed ends portions of the elongate body. For example,
`with a 42
`ignitiOn/battery
`the connectors may comprise looped connectors that project
`their total additive forward operating voltage may be greater
`outwardly from the elongate body,
`Or in a range of about l 6 to about 42
`than about l 6
`In an alternate aspect, the modular package includes an
`volts.
`elongated body and includes contacts positioned at opposed
`In yet other aspects the light source unit includes at least 60 ends pofiions of the elongate body, with the connectors
`two light emitting diodes electrically connected in series.
`electrically coupled to the contacts, For example, the con-
`Optionally, the unit may include at least four emitting diodes
`tacts may comprise f m s t o - c o ~ c a ~ shaped contacts,
`connected in series.
`According to yet another form of the invention, a vehicle
`In another aspect, the light source unit may include two or
`mirror assembly includes a mirror housing having a reflec-
`more groups of light emitting diodes electrically connected 65 tive element and a non-incandescent light source unit. The
`in parallel. Furthermore, each group of the light emitting
`mirror housing includes a light source circuit with a pair of
`diodes may include at least two light emitting diodes con-
`contacts for receiving a light source. The non-incandescent
`
`Or
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1004_037
`
`

`
`US 7,195,381 B2
`
`6
`5
`light source unit includes at least one non-incandescent light
`According to another aspect of the present invention, an
`source and a non-incandescent light source circuit. The
`exterior rearview mirror includes a primary or principal
`non-incandescent light source circuit electrically couples the
`reflective element and an auxiliary reflective element and a
`non-incandescent light sources to a pair of electrical con-
`bezel frame element, The bezel frame element includes a
`nectors, which connect the non-incandescent light source 5 frame element
`which separates and demarcates the
`circuit to the contacts of the light source circuit of the mirror
`auxiliary reflective element from the principal reflective
`housing. The receiving contacts of the incandescent light
`element, At least one light source is positioned at or along
`source circuit receive the corresponding contacts of the
`the frame element portion for providing
`The
`non-incandescent light source circuit of the non-incandes-
`light source may comprise a turn signal indicator or a
`cent light source unit preferably to form both electrical l o
`security light or the like.
`interconnection and mechanical connection whereby the
`According to other aspects of the present invention, the
`non-incandescent light source unit is securely retained,
`Present invention provides a vehicular lighting system, and
`preferably releasably retained, in the vehicle mirror assem-
`in particular, a lighted vehicular mirror system that utilizes
`bly.
`In one aspect, the non-incandescent light source circuit is a lighting assembly comprising, preferably, no more than
`three light emitting diode light sources (more preferably, no
`includes a current limiting element or device for controlling
`more than two light emitting diode light sources, and most
`the current flowing to the non-incandescent light source,
`preferably, a single light emitting diode light source) to
`In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source com-
`provide intense illumination (preferably with a light inten-
`prises a plurality of light emitting diodes, In a further aspect,
`the li