1. CPC Sections
  2. CPC Section F
  3. CPC Class F21
  4. CPC Subclass F21S
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CPC
COOPERATIVE PATENT CLASSIFICATION
​​
F21S
NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS [2020-05]
NOTES

  • This subclass covers:
    • devices or systems intended for fixed installation or for use at a permanent location, e.g. free-standing floor- or table-lamps.
    • aspects related to the optical, mechanical, thermal or electrical arrangement of elements in vehicle illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exterior, e.g. headlamps.
    • aspects related to the optical, mechanical, thermal or electrical arrangement of elements in vehicle light signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exterior, e.g. brake lamps or direction indicator lights.
  • This subclass does not cover:
    • devices or systems specially adapted for transportation, which are covered by subclass F21L.
    • aspects related to the vehicles in which lighting devices are arranged, e.g. the arrangement or operation of lighting devices on vehicles, which are covered by B60Q.
    • control of vehicle lighting devices in relation to the vehicle as a whole, e.g. for levelling, swivelling or aiming. Such arrangements are covered by group B60Q 1/06, even if the movement of the lighting device occurs inside the lamp housing.
  • Non-electric lighting devices or systems are classified in groups F21S 11/00 - F21S 15/00 only if a special adaptation related to the use of a non-electric light source is of interest.
  • In this subclass, it is desirable to add the indexing codes of subclasses F21W and F21Y.
WARNING

  • In this subclass non-limiting references (in the sense of paragraph 39 of the Guide to the IPC) may still be displayed in the scheme.
Electric lighting [2013-01]
F21S 2/00
Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S 4/00 - F21S 10/00 or F21S 19/00, e.g. of modular construction [2021-08]
F21S 2/005
.
{of modular construction} [2013-01]
F21S 4/00
Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources [2013-01]
F21S 4/10
.
with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights [2016-01]
F21S 4/15
. .
the cables forming a grid, net or web structure [2016-01]
F21S 4/20
.
with light sources held by or within elongate supports [2016-01]
F21S 4/22
. .
flexible or deformable, e.g. into a curved shape [2016-01]
F21S 4/24
. . .
of ribbon or tape form, e.g. LED tapes [2016-01]
F21S 4/26
. . .
of rope form, e.g. LED lighting ropes, or of tubular form [2016-01]
F21S 4/28
. .
rigid, e.g. LED bars [2016-01]
F21S 6/00
Lighting devices intended to be free-standing (F21S 9/00, F21S 10/00, {F21S 13/12} take precedence {lighting devices specially adapted to be transported from place to place, e.g. lighting devices carried on wheeled supports F21L; details of supports for lighting devices F21V 21/00}) [2013-01]
F21S 6/001
.
{being candle-shaped (with varying lighting effect of simulating flames F21S 10/04; string of light sources F21S 4/00)} [2013-01]
F21S 6/002
.
{Table lamps, e.g. for ambient lighting} [2013-01]
F21S 6/003
. .
{for task lighting, e.g. for reading or desk work, e.g. angle poise lamps} [2013-01]
F21S 6/004
.
{with a lamp housing in direct contact with the floor or ground} [2013-01]
F21S 6/005
.
{with a lamp housing maintained at a distance from the floor or ground via a support, e.g. standing lamp for ambient lighting} [2013-01]
F21S 6/006
. .
{for direct lighting only, e.g. task lighting} [2013-01]
F21S 6/007
. .
{for indirect lighting only, e.g. torchiere with reflector bowl directed towards ceiling} [2013-01]
F21S 6/008
. .
{with a combination of direct and indirect lighting} [2013-01]
F21S 8/00
Lighting devices intended for fixed installation (F21S 9/00, F21S 10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S 4/00) [2013-01]
F21S 8/003
.
{Searchlights, i.e. outdoor lighting device producing powerful beam of parallel rays, e.g. for military or attraction purposes (searchlights mounted on a vehicle B60Q 1/245)} [2022-05]
F21S 8/006
.
{Solar simulators, e.g. for testing photovoltaic panels} [2013-01]
F21S 8/02
.
of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters (specially adapted for vehicle exteriors F21S 41/00-F21S 45/00) [2018-01]
F21S 8/022
. .
{intended to be recessed in a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement or false floor} [2013-01]
F21S 8/024
. .
{intended to be recessed in a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade} [2013-01]
F21S 8/026
. .
{intended to be recessed in a ceiling or like overhead structure, e.g. suspended ceiling} [2013-01]
F21S 8/028
. .
{being retractable, i.e. having two fixed positions, one recessed, e.g. in a wall, floor or ceiling, and one extended when in use} [2013-01]
F21S 8/03
.
{of surface-mounted type (F21S 8/02, F21S 8/04 take precedence; details of wall or floor bases F21V 21/02)} [2015-10]
F21S 8/031
. .
{the device consisting essentially only of a light source holder with an exposed light source, e.g. a fluorescent tube} [2013-01]
F21S 8/032
. .
{the surface being a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement} [2013-01]
F21S 8/033
. .
{the surface being a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade} [2013-01]
F21S 8/035
. . .
{by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light} [2013-01]
F21S 8/036
. . .
{by means of a rigid support, e.g. bracket or arm} [2013-01]
F21S 8/037
. . .
{for mounting in a corner, i.e. between adjacent walls or wall and ceiling} [2013-01]
F21S 8/038
. .
{intended to be mounted on a light track (suspended from a light track F21S 8/066; details of supporting elements displaceable along a guiding element F21V 21/34)} [2013-01]
F21S 8/04
.
intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures (F21S 8/02 takes precedence; {details of ceiling bases F21V 21/03}) [2013-01]
F21S 8/043
. .
{mounted by means of a rigid support, e.g. bracket or arm} [2013-01]
F21S 8/046
. .
{having multiple lighting devices, e.g. connected to a common ceiling base} [2013-01]
F21S 8/06
. .
by suspension [2013-01]
F21S 8/061
. . .
{with a non-rigid pendant, i.e. a cable, wire or chain} [2013-01]
F21S 8/063
. . .
{with a rigid pendant, i.e. a pipe or rod} [2013-01]
F21S 8/065
. . .
{multi-branched, e.g. a chandelier} [2013-01]
F21S 8/066
. . .
{from a light track (details of supporting elements displaceable along a guiding element F21V 21/34)} [2013-01]
F21S 8/068
. . .
{from a stretched wire} [2013-01]
F21S 8/08
.
with a standard {(F21S 6/00 takes precedence)} [2013-01]
F21S 8/081
. .
{of low-built type, e.g. landscape light} [2013-01]
F21S 8/083
. . .
{of bollard type, i.e. with lighting fixture integrated into the standard or mounted on top of it and having substantially the same diameter} [2013-01]
F21S 8/085
. .
{of high-built type, e.g. street light} [2013-01]
F21S 8/086
. . .
{with lighting device attached sideways of the standard, e.g. for roads and highways} [2013-01]
F21S 8/088
. . .
{with lighting device mounted on top of the standard, e.g. for pedestrian zones} [2013-01]
F21S 9/00
Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply [2013-01]
F21S 9/02
.
the power supply being a battery or accumulator [2013-01]
F21S 9/022
. .
{Emergency lighting devices} [2013-01]
F21S 9/024
. . .
{using a supplementary light source for emergency lighting} [2013-01]
F21S 9/026
. .
{rechargeable by using wind power, e.g. using wind turbines} [2013-01]
F21S 9/028
. .
{rechargeable by using hydropower, e.g. using water powered turbines} [2013-01]
F21S 9/03
. .
rechargeable by exposure to light [2013-01]
F21S 9/032
. . .
{the solar unit being separate from the lighting unit} [2013-01]
F21S 9/035
. . .
{the solar unit being integrated within the support for the lighting unit, e.g. within or on a pole} [2013-01]
F21S 9/037
. . .
{the solar unit and the lighting unit being located within or on the same housing} [2013-01]
F21S 9/04
.
the power supply being a generator [2013-01]
F21S 9/043
. .
{driven by wind power, e.g. by wind turbines} [2013-01]
F21S 9/046
. .
{driven by hydropower, e.g. by water powered turbines} [2013-01]
F21S 10/00
Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect [2013-01]
F21S 10/002
.
{using liquids, e.g. water} [2022-08]
F21S 10/005
.
{using light guides (light guides specially adapted for lighting devices G02B 6/0001)} [2018-01]
F21S 10/007
.
{using rotating transparent or colored disks, e.g. gobo wheels} [2013-01]
F21S 10/02
.
changing colors {(F21S 10/002 - F21S 10/007, F21S 10/04 take precedence)} [2016-05]
F21S 10/023
. .
{by selectively switching fixed light sources} [2013-01]
F21S 10/026
. .
{by movement of parts, e.g. by movement of reflectors or light sources (F21S 10/007 takes precedence)} [2013-01]
F21S 10/04
.
simulating flames [2013-01]
F21S 10/043
. .
{by selectively switching fixed light sources} [2013-01]
F21S 10/046
. .
{by movement of parts, e.g. by movement of reflectors or light sources} [2013-01]
F21S 10/06
.
flashing, e.g. with rotating reflector or light source {(signalling lighting devices mounted on vehicles B60Q 1/26)} [2013-01]
F21S 10/063
. .
{for providing a rotating light effect} [2013-01]
F21S 10/066
. . .
{by selectively switching fixed light sources} [2013-01]
Non-electric lighting [2013-01]
F21S 11/00
Non-electric lighting devices or systems using daylight {(roofs with sky-light opening E04D 13/03; sun blinds for windows with means for redirecting light onto ceiling of a room E06B 9/00; hybrid lighting devices combining artificial and natural light F21S 19/00; solar heat collectors F24S; solar cells or solar cell modules H01L 31/00)} [2018-05]
F21S 11/002
.
{characterised by the means for collecting or concentrating the sunlight, e.g. parabolic reflectors or Fresnel lenses} [2013-01]
F21S 11/005
. .
{with tracking means for following the position of the sun} [2013-01]
F21S 11/007
.
{characterised by the means for transmitting light into the interior of a building} [2013-01]
F21S 13/00
Non-electric lighting devices or systems employing a point-like light source; Non-electric lighting devices or systems employing a light source of unspecified shape [2017-02]
F21S 13/02
.
Devices intended to be fixed, e.g. ceiling lamp, wall lamp [2013-01]
F21S 13/04
. .
with a pendant [2013-01]
F21S 13/06
. . .
multi-branched, e.g. chandelier [2013-01]
F21S 13/08
. .
with suspension from a stretched wire [2013-01]
F21S 13/10
. .
with a standard, e.g. street lamp [2013-01]
F21S 13/12
.
Devices intended to be free-standing, e.g. table lamp, floor lamp [2013-01]
F21S 13/14
.
Lighting systems [2013-01]
F21S 15/00
Non-electric lighting devices or systems employing light sources not covered by main groups F21S 11/00, F21S 13/00 or F21S 19/00 [2013-01]
F21S 2017/00
Details solely applicable to the devices covered by groups F21S 13/00 and F21S 15/00 [2013-01]
F21S 2017/02
.
Fastening and lifting of the lamp-glass [2013-01]
F21S 19/00
Lighting devices or systems employing combinations of electric and non-electric light sources; Replacing or exchanging electric light sources with non-electric light sources or vice versa [2016-08]
F21S 19/005
.
{Combining sunlight and electric light sources for indoor illumination} [2013-01]
Vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors [2018-01]
F21S 41/00
Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps (reversing lights F21S 43/00) [2021-08]
F21S 41/10
.
characterised by the light source [2018-01]
F21S 41/12
. .
characterised by the type of emitted light [2018-01]
F21S 41/125
. . .
Coloured light [2018-01]
F21S 41/13
. . .
Ultraviolet light; Infrared light [2018-01]
F21S 41/135
. . .
Polarised [2018-01]
F21S 41/14
. .
characterised by the type of light source [2021-08]
F21S 41/141
. . .
Light emitting diodes [LED] [2021-08]
F21S 41/143
. . . .
the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device [2021-08]
F21S 41/145
. . . . .
the main emission direction of the LED being opposite to the main emission direction of the illuminating device [2021-08]
F21S 41/147
. . . .
the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device [2021-08]
F21S 41/148
. . . . .
the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis [2021-08]
F21S 41/151
. . . .
arranged in one or more lines [2021-08]
F21S 41/153
. . . . .
arranged in a matrix [2021-08]
F21S 41/155
. . . .
Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED] [2018-01]
F21S 41/16
. . .
Laser light sources [2021-08]
F21S 41/162
. . .
Incandescent light sources, e.g. filament or halogen lamps [2018-01]
F21S 41/164
. . . .
having two or more filaments [2018-01]
F21S 41/166
. . . .
characterised by the shape of the filament [2018-01]
F21S 41/168
. . . .
having a filament arranged transversally to the optical axis of the illuminating device [2018-01]
F21S 41/17
. . .
Discharge light sources [2021-08]
F21S 41/172
. . . .
High-intensity discharge light sources [2021-08]
F21S 41/173
. . . .
Fluorescent light sources [2018-01]
F21S 41/176
. . .
Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element [2021-08]
F21S 41/18
. . .
{Combination of light sources of different types or shapes} [2018-01]
F21S 41/19
. .
Attachment of light sources or lamp holders (achieving variable light distribution by movable light sources F21S 41/657) [2018-01]
F21S 41/192
. . .
{Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors} [2018-01]
F21S 41/194
. . .
{Bayonet attachments} [2018-01]
F21S 41/196
. . .
{Wire spring attachments} [2018-01]
F21S 41/198
. . .
{Snap-fit attachments} [2018-01]
F21S 41/20
.
characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters [2018-01]
F21S 41/24
. .
Light guides [2018-01]
F21S 41/25
. .
Projection lenses [2018-01]
F21S 41/255
. . .
Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline [2018-01]
F21S 41/26
. . .
Elongated lenses [2018-01]
F21S 41/265
. . .
Composite lenses; Lenses with a patch-like shape [2018-01]
F21S 41/27
. . .
Thick lenses [2018-01]
F21S 41/275
. . .
Lens surfaces, e.g. coatings or surface structures [2018-01]
F21S 41/28
. .
{Cover glass} [2018-01]
F21S 41/285
. .
{Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S 41/24-F21S 41/28} [2018-01]
F21S 41/29
. .
Attachment thereof (for achieving variable light distribution F21S 41/63) [2018-01]
F21S 41/295
. . .
{specially adapted to projection lenses} [2018-01]
F21S 41/30
.
characterised by reflectors [2018-01]
F21S 41/32
. .
Optical layout thereof [2021-08]
F21S 41/321
. . .
{the reflector being a surface of revolution or a planar surface, e.g. truncated} [2018-01]
F21S 41/322
. . .
{the reflector using total internal reflection} [2018-01]
F21S 41/323
. . .
{the reflector having two perpendicular cross sections having regular geometrical curves of a distinct nature} [2018-01]
F21S 41/33
. . .
Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature [2021-08]
F21S 41/331
. . . .
{the reflector consisting of complete annular areas} [2018-01]
F21S 41/332
. . . . .
{with continuity at the junction between adjacent areas} [2018-01]
F21S 41/333
. . . . .
{with discontinuity at the junction between adjacent areas} [2018-01]
F21S 41/334
. . . .
{the reflector consisting of patch like sectors} [2018-01]
F21S 41/335
. . . . .
{with continuity at the junction between adjacent areas} [2018-01]
F21S 41/336
. . . . .
{with discontinuity at the junction between adjacent areas} [2018-01]
F21S 41/337
. . . .
{the reflector having a structured surface, e.g. with facets or corrugations} [2018-01]
F21S 41/338
. . . .
{the reflector having surface portions added to its general concavity} [2018-01]
F21S 41/36
. . .
Combinations of two or more separate reflectors [2021-08]
F21S 41/365
. . . .
successively reflecting the light [2021-08]
F21S 41/37
. .
characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings [2018-01]
F21S 41/39
. .
Attachment thereof (achieving variable light distribution by movable reflectors F21S 41/675) [2018-01]
F21S 41/395
. . .
{specially adapted to extension reflectors} [2018-01]
F21S 41/40
.
characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades [2018-01]
F21S 41/43
. .
characterised by the shape thereof [2018-01]
F21S 41/435
. . .
{Hoods or cap-shaped} [2018-01]
F21S 41/47
. .
Attachment thereof (achieving variable light distribution by movable screens F21S 41/683) [2018-01]
F21S 41/50
.
characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers [2018-01]
F21S 41/55
. .
Attachment thereof [2018-01]
F21S 41/60
.
characterised by a variable light distribution [2018-01]
F21S 41/62
. .
for adaptation between right-hand and left-hand traffic [2018-01]
F21S 41/63
. .
by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates [2018-01]
F21S 41/635
. . .
{by moving refractors, filters or transparent cover plates} [2018-01]
F21S 41/64
. . .
by changing their light transmissivity, e.g. by liquid crystal or electrochromic devices [2018-01]
F21S 41/645
. . . .
{by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices} [2018-01]
F21S 41/65
. .
by acting on light sources [2018-01]
F21S 41/657
. . .
by moving light sources [2018-01]
F21S 41/663
. . .
by switching light sources (by switching incandescent light sources F21S 41/162) [2018-01]
F21S 41/67
. .
by acting on reflectors [2018-01]
F21S 41/675
. . .
by moving reflectors [2018-01]
F21S 41/68
. .
by acting on screens [2018-01]
F21S 41/683
. . .
by moving screens [2018-01]
F21S 41/686
. . . .
Blades, i.e. screens moving in a vertical plane [2018-01]
F21S 41/689
. . . .
Flaps, i.e. screens pivoting around one of their edges [2018-01]
F21S 41/692
. . . .
Shields, i.e. screens not creating an image meant to be projected [2018-01]
F21S 41/695
. . . .
Screens rotating around a vertical axis (rotating flaps F21S 41/689) [2018-01]
F21S 41/698
. . . .
Shaft-shaped screens rotating along its longitudinal axis [2018-01]
F21S 43/00
Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights [2021-08]
F21S 43/10
.
characterised by the light source [2018-01]
F21S 43/13
. .
characterised by the type of light source [2021-08]
F21S 43/14
. . .
Light emitting diodes [LED] [2018-01]
F21S 43/145
. . . .
Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED] [2018-01]
F21S 43/15
. . .
Strips of light sources [2018-01]
F21S 43/16
. . .
Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element [2021-08]
F21S 43/19
. .
Attachment of light sources or lamp holders [2018-01]
F21S 43/195
. . .
{Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors} [2018-01]
F21S 43/20
.
characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters [2018-01]
F21S 43/235
. .
Light guides [2018-01]
F21S 43/236
. . .
characterised by the shape of the light guide [2018-01]
F21S 43/237
. . . .
rod-shaped [2018-01]
F21S 43/239
. . . .
plate-shaped [2018-01]
F21S 43/241
. . . .
of complex shape [2018-01]
F21S 43/242
. . .
characterised by the emission area [2018-01]
F21S 43/243
. . . .
emitting light from one or more of its extremities [2018-01]
F21S 43/245
. . . .
emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces [2018-01]
F21S 43/247
. . .
with a single light source being coupled into the light guide [2018-01]
F21S 43/249
. . .
with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide [2018-01]
F21S 43/251
. . .
the light guides being used to transmit light from remote light sources [2018-01]
F21S 43/255
. .
{Filters} [2018-01]
F21S 43/26
. .
{Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S 43/235 - F21S 43/255} [2018-01]
F21S 43/27
. .
Attachment thereof [2018-01]
F21S 43/30
.
characterised by reflectors [2018-01]
F21S 43/31
. .
Optical layout thereof [2018-01]
F21S 43/315
. . .
{using total internal reflection} [2018-01]
F21S 43/33
. .
characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings [2018-01]
F21S 43/37
. .
Attachment thereof [2018-01]
F21S 43/40
.
characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors [2018-01]
F21S 43/50
.
characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers [2018-01]
F21S 43/51
. .
{Attachment thereof} [2018-01]
F21S 45/00
Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light [2021-08]
F21S 45/10
.
Protection of lighting devices (cooling of lighting devices F21S 45/40; waterproofing of lighting devices F21S 45/50) [2018-01]
F21S 45/20
.
Promoting gas flow in lighting devices, e.g. directing flow toward the cover glass for demisting (ventilation F21S 45/30; forced cooling F21S 45/42) [2021-08]
F21S 45/30
.
Ventilation or drainage of lighting devices [2018-01]
F21S 45/33
. .
specially adapted for headlamps [2018-01]
F21S 45/37
. .
specially adapted for signal lamps [2018-01]
F21S 45/40
.
Cooling of lighting devices [2018-01]
F21S 45/42
. .
Forced cooling [2018-01]
F21S 45/43
. . .
using gas [2021-08]
F21S 45/435
. . . .
circulating the gas within a closed system [2021-08]
F21S 45/46
. . .
using liquid [2021-08]
F21S 45/465
. . . .
from other vehicle cooling systems, e.g. from air-conditioning or engine cooling systems [2021-08]
F21S 45/47
. .
Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings [2021-08]
F21S 45/48
. . .
with means for conducting heat from the inside to the outside of the lighting devices, e.g. with fins on the outer surface of the lighting device [2021-08]
F21S 45/49
. .
Attachment of the cooling means [2018-01]
F21S 45/50
.
Waterproofing [2018-01]
F21S 45/60
.
Heating of lighting devices, e.g. for demisting [2018-01]
F21S 45/70
.
Prevention of harmful light leakage [2021-08]