Backlighting device

An illumination device for a vehicle instrument comprising:

• a substantially Y shaped light guide having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a third leg portion coupled at a junction;
• a light emitting diode coupled to an end of the first leg portion of said light guide, wherein the second leg portion and the third leg portion include an internal peripheral portion and an external peripheral portion, and wherein the second leg portion and the third leg portion have a plurality of first grooves formed in the internal peripheral portion, a depth of the first grooves greater when a distance of the first grooves from the junction is greater and the second leg portion and the third leg portion have a plurality of second grooves formed along the external peripheral portion, a depth of the second grooves greater when a distance of the second grooves from the junction is greater, the second leg portion and the third leg portion arranged to illuminate a segment of the vehicle instrument.

An instrument assembly for a vehicle comprising:

• an information bearing surface;
• a reflector disposed adjacent said information bearing surface;
• an illumination device including a substantially Y shaped light guide having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a third leg portion coupled at a junction and a light emitting diode coupled to an end of the first leg portion of the light guide, wherein the second leg portion and the third leg portion include an internal peripheral portion and an external peripheral portion, and wherein the second leg portion and the third leg portion have a plurality of first grooves formed in the internal peripheral portion and a plurality of second grooves formed in the external peripheral portion, the second leg portion and the third leg portion arranged to illuminate said information bearing surface, said illumination device disposed between said information bearing surface and said reflector, wherein light leaving said illumination device is reflected by said reflector toward said information bearing surface.