Opaque outer lens with integrated light element
A light-emitting assembly includes an outer lens. The outer lens has a lens exterior surface and a lens interior surface. The outer lens also defines a window between the lens exterior surface and the lens interior surface. The light-emitting assembly additionally includes a light element fixed to the outer lens in the window. The light element is exposed on the lens exterior surface, and configured to direct a beam of light away from the outer lens exterior surface. Such a light-emitting assembly may be specifically adapted for use on a motor vehicle.
1. A light-emitting assembly comprising:
an outer lens having a lens exterior surface and a lens interior surface, and defining a window between the lens exterior surface and the lens interior surface; and
a light element fixed to the outer lens in the window, exposed on the lens exterior surface, and configured to direct a beam of light away from the lens exterior surface;
wherein:
the light-emitting assembly is configured to define a tail lamp of a motor vehicle;
the lens exterior surface has a shape defining a 90-degree corner;
the window extends around the 90-degree corner; and
the light element fills the window, including around the 90-degree corner.
2. The light-emitting assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the outer lens is opaque, such that the lens exterior surface does not pass light to the lens interior surface.
3. The light-emitting assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light element is integrated into and retained by the outer lens.
4. The light-emitting assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light element is configured as a light bar or a light pipe.
5. The light-emitting assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light element is arranged flush with the lens exterior surface or recessed in the lens exterior surface.
6. The light-emitting assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting assembly additionally includes a light source configured to generate light source energy and direct the light source energy into the light element.
7. A motor vehicle comprising:
a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface and a second vehicle body end opposing the first vehicle body end; and
a light-emitting assembly mounted to the vehicle body, configured to direct a beam of light away from the vehicle body, and having:
an outer lens having a lens exterior surface, a lens interior surface, and defining a window between the lens exterior surface and the lens interior surface; and
a light element fixed to the outer lens in the window, exposed on the lens exterior surface, and configured to direct a beam of light away from the vehicle body;
wherein:
the light-emitting assembly is configured to define a tail lamp;
the lens exterior surface has a shape defining a 90-degree corner;
the window extends around the 90-degree corner; and
the light element fills the window, including around the 90-degree corner.
8. The motor vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the outer lens is opaque (non-transparent/translucent), such that the lens exterior surface does not pass light to the lens interior surface.
9. The motor vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the light element is integrated into and retained by the outer lens.
10. The motor vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the light element is configured as a light bar or a light pipe.
11. The motor vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the light element is arranged flush with the lens exterior surface or recessed in the lens exterior surface.
12. The motor vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the light-emitting assembly additionally includes a light source configured to generate light source energy and direct the light source energy into the light element.