Vehicle lighting and doors

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lighting device. The vehicle lighting device (21) comprises a light source (24) and an elongated light guide (25), wherein the elongated light guide (25) extends linearly from one end adjacent to the light source (24) along the direction in which light enters, and irradiates light from a linear light-emitting surface (32), and a convex portion (34) is formed on the light guide (25), and the convex portion (34) is arranged along the length direction on the back side of the light-emitting surface (32), and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which light enters. The width (W1 to W12) of the convex portion (34) varies according to the distance from the light source (24). Thus, the production capacity of the light guide can be improved while achieving uniform brightness in the length direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle door using the same. The vehicle lighting device has a light source and an elongated light guide, wherein the light guide extends linearly from one end adjacent to the light source along the light entry direction and irradiates light from a linear light-emitting surface. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a linear lighting device for vehicle interior with a linear light-emitting surface. The linear lighting device has a long light guide that guides light from a light source from one end in the length direction and irradiates the light from the linear light-emitting surface. A plurality of notches are formed on the light guide, and the plurality of notches are arranged along the length direction on the back side of the light-emitting surface and extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the light enters. The depth of the notch gradually increases according to the distance from the light source, thereby achieving uniform brightness of light along the length direction.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a linear lighting device for vehicle interior with a linear light emitting surface. The linear lighting device has a long light guide that irradiates light from the linear light emitting surface. Light from a light source is introduced into the light guide from one end in the longitudinal direction. The light guide is mounted on a long lens extending in the longitudinal direction along the light emitting surface. A groove extending in the longitudinal direction and used to receive the light guide is formed on the lens.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a door lining (vehicle interior component) that allows light from a light guide to leak into a compartment from a gap between a switch panel and an armrest. A storage groove for storing the light guide is formed on the armrest. The armrest has: a guide surface that guides the light guide to move toward the storage groove; and a rib that faces the guide surface in the storage groove and presses the light guide onto the guide surface by elasticity. In this way, the light guide can be fixed without shaking.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 192797

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-70126

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-117398 Summary of the invention

[0010] [Technical problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is desirable to form a light guide using molding technology. If a notch is formed on the back of the light-emitting surface according to the shape of the mold when forming the light guide, the cutting operation of the notch can be omitted, the production capacity of the light guide can be improved, and the production cost can be reduced. However, it is very difficult to accurately cut a protrusion with a varying height on the mold corresponding to the varying depth of the notch.

[0012] In Patent Document 2, the light guide is embedded in the groove of the lens and is held, so when the light guide and the lens move relative to each other in the plane direction in response to the vibration of the vehicle body, friction vibration of the light guide or the lens may generate a friction sound such as "squeaking". This friction sound may sometimes be irritating to passengers in the vehicle.

[0013] As disclosed in Patent Document 3, a groove extending linearly along the direction of light entry is formed on a rod-shaped light guide. A claw facing the guide surface in the storage groove engages in the groove. The claw allows the light guide that enters the storage groove to move through between the claw and the guide surface, but prevents the light guide from escaping from the storage groove by engaging with the groove. In this way, the light guide is retained in the storage groove of the handrail. Since the groove is required to be formed on the light guide, the shape of the light guide is limited.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device capable of achieving light emission with uniform brightness in the longitudinal direction while improving the productivity of a light guide.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting device capable of suppressing friction noise between a light guide and a lens.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior component capable of satisfactorily fixing a light guide while increasing the degree of freedom of the shape of the light guide.

[0017] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0018] According to the first technical solution of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle lighting device, comprising a light source and an elongated light guide, wherein the elongated light guide extends linearly from one end adjacent to the light source along the direction in which light enters, and irradiates light from a linear light-emitting surface, wherein a convex portion or a concave portion is formed on the light guide, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion is arranged along the length direction on the back side of the light-emitting surface, and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which light enters, and wherein the length of the convex portion or the concave portion varies according to the distance from the light source.

[0019] According to a second aspect, in addition to the structure of the first aspect, the length of the convex portion or the concave portion increases as it is farther away from the light source.

[0020] According to a third aspect, in addition to the structure of the first aspect or the second aspect, the convex portions or the concave portions are arranged at a fixed pitch in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, in addition to the structure of the third aspect, the height of the convex portion or the depth of the concave portion is fixed.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, in addition to the structure of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the convex portion or the concave portion is formed to have a ridgeline in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction and to have a triangular cross-section.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect, in addition to the structure of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the convex portions or the concave portions are grouped in the length direction, and the lengths of the convex portions or the concave portions are set to be constant for each group.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect, in addition to the structure of the sixth aspect, the number of the convex portions or the concave portions is set to be fixed for each group.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a vehicle door having the structure of any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0026] According to the 9th technical solution of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle lighting device, comprising a light source, an elongated light guide and an elongated lens, wherein the elongated light guide extends linearly from one end adjacent to the light source along the direction of light entry to irradiate light from a linear light-emitting surface; the elongated lens is arranged in front of the light-emitting surface to allow light irradiated from the light-emitting surface to pass through, and a contact body is arranged on the surface of at least one of the light guide and the lens, the contact body forming the following surface property state: when at least one of the light guide and the lens moves relative to the other while in contact with the other, the vibration of at least one of the light guide and the lens is suppressed.

[0027] According to a tenth technical solution, in addition to the structure of the ninth technical solution, the contact body is a concavo-convex part formed by surface treatment of at least one of the light guide and the lens.

[0028] According to the eleventh technical solution, based on the structure of the ninth technical solution or the tenth technical solution, a groove extending in the longitudinal direction for accommodating the light guide is formed on the lens, and the contact body is arranged on the inner surface of the groove.

[0029] According to a twelfth technical solution, in addition to the structure of any one of the ninth to eleventh technical solutions, the contact body is arranged in the entire contact area between the light guide and the lens.

[0030] According to a thirteenth technical solution, in addition to the structure of any one of the ninth to eleventh technical solutions, the contact body is arranged in a partial area of ​​a contact region between the light guide and the lens.

[0031] According to the 14th technical solution, based on the structure of any one of the 9th to 13th technical solutions, the contact body is located in the region of the lens that guides light outward from the light-emitting surface of the light guide, and is configured in a region other than the incident surface facing the light guide.

[0032] According to a fifteenth technical solution, based on the structure of the fourteenth technical solution, the incident surface is a plane.

[0033] According to a sixteenth technical solution, there is provided a vehicle door having the structure of any one of the ninth to fifteenth technical solutions.

[0034] According to the 17th technical solution of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle interior component, comprising: a rod-shaped light guide, which extends linearly from one end receiving light along the light entry direction and has a reflecting surface, which refracts the light propagating along the entry direction and reflects it toward the linear light-emitting surface extending along the entry direction; a supporting body, which has a surface for guiding the movement of the light guide along a specific direction orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide; a first limiting plate, which is formed on the supporting body and limits the movement of the light guide guided along the specific direction; a second limiting plate, which is elastically deformed from a first position to a second position relative to the supporting body, wherein the first position is a position where the light guide is pressed against the supporting body and the first limiting plate, and the second position is a position where a gap is formed between the supporting body and the light guide to allow the light guide to move along the surface of the supporting body in the specific direction to pass through; and a fixing component, which has higher rigidity than the second limiting plate and limits the second limiting plate to the first position when fixed relative to the supporting body.

[0035] According to the eighteenth invention, in addition to the structure of the seventeenth invention, a protrusion piece that contacts the other is formed on one of the fixing member and the second restricting piece.

[0036] According to a nineteenth technical solution, in addition to the structure of the eighteenth technical solution, a protrusion piece that contacts the fixing member is formed on the second restricting piece.

[0037] According to a twentieth technical solution, in addition to the structure of any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth technical solutions, the first limiting piece and the second limiting piece are arranged to be staggered along the linear direction of the light guide.

[0038] According to the 21st technical solution, based on the structure of any one of the 17th to 20th technical solutions, the fixing part is a wall part, which covers the light guide, the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate while forming a gap between the wall part and the supporting body to allow light from the light guide to leak out, and is in contact with the second limiting plate on the inner surface.

[0039] According to the 22nd technical solution, based on the structure of any one of the 17th to 21st technical solutions, the light guide has a semi-cylinder, which is obtained by dividing the light guide with an imaginary plane and is in contact with the support body and the second limiting plate. The imaginary plane is a plane defined between the light-emitting surface and the reflecting surface and parallel to the reflecting surface.

[0040] According to a 23rd technical solution, in addition to the structure of any one of the 17th to 22nd technical solutions, the fixing member and the second restricting piece are in contact with each other via a buffer material.

[0041] According to a 24th technical solution, there is provided a vehicle door having the structure of any one of the 17th to 23rd technical solutions.

[0042] According to the 25th technical solution of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle lighting device, comprising a rod-shaped light guide and a fixing component, wherein the rod-shaped light guide extends linearly from one end receiving light in the direction of light entry, and has a reflecting surface that refracts light propagating in the direction of entry and reflects it toward a linear light-emitting surface extending in the direction of entry; the fixing component has a main body that is opposite to the reflecting surface and extends linearly in parallel with the light guide, and fixes the light guide on a vehicle interior component, the light guide comprising: a semi-cylinder obtained by dividing the light guide by an imaginary plane, the imaginary plane being a plane defined between the light-emitting surface and the reflecting surface and parallel to the reflecting surface; a first curved surface that is continuous from one end of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder to the reflecting surface in two first sections that are orthogonal to the central axis of the semi-cylinder and separated in the axial direction; and a second curved surface that is In the second section which is arranged between the two first sections and is orthogonal to the central axis, it is continuous from the other end of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder to the reflecting surface, and the fixing component has a first supporting body and a second supporting body, the first supporting body in the first section is arranged to face the first curved surface while extending from the main body, so that the first protrusion of the partial spherical surface in contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylinder protrudes, and has the elasticity of moving the first protrusion away from the curved surface of the semi-cylinder in response to the movement of the first curved surface orthogonal to the imaginary plane; the second supporting body in the second section is arranged to face the second curved surface while extending from the main body, so that the second protrusion of the partial spherical surface in contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylinder protrudes, and has the elasticity of moving the second protrusion away from the curved surface of the semi-cylinder in response to the movement of the second curved surface orthogonal to the imaginary plane.

[0043] According to the 26th technical solution, based on the structure of the 25th technical solution, the fixing part has: a third protrusion with a partial spherical surface, which protrudes from the inner surface of the first supporting body and contacts the first curved surface; and a fourth protrusion with a partial spherical surface, which protrudes from the inner surface of the second supporting body and contacts the second curved surface.

[0044] According to the 27th technical solution, based on the structure of the 25th technical solution or the 26th technical solution, a convex portion is formed on the reflecting surface, the convex portion protrudes outward from the reflecting surface and extends in a direction orthogonal to the entry direction of the light, and a stop portion is formed on at least one of the first supporting body and the second supporting body, and the stop portion contacts the end of the convex portion in the circumferential direction around the center axis.

[0045] According to a 28th technical solution, in addition to the structure of any one of the 25th to 27th technical solutions, the second support body is arranged at a position offset from the first support body in the axial direction of the light guide body.

[0046] According to the 29th technical solution, the vehicle door has the vehicle lighting device of any one of the 25th to 28th technical solutions.

[0047] Effects of the Invention

[0048] According to the first technical solution, the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface is adjusted based on the length of the convex part or the concave part. Therefore, the length of the concave part or the convex part can be changed in the mold in correspondence with the convex part or the concave part of the light guide. Compared with changing the height of the convex part, the depth of the concave part, and the spacing between the convex part or the concave part through the mold, the mold processing can be made easier. Since the convex part and the concave part are formed during the molding by the mold, the production capacity of the light guide is improved. As a result, the production cost is reduced.

[0049] According to the second technical solution, when the length of the convex portion or the concave portion increases in the direction perpendicular to the light entry direction, the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface increases due to refraction and diffuse reflection. Therefore, for the light that becomes weaker as it moves away from the light source, it is possible to ensure sufficient brightness of light on the light-emitting surface.

[0050] According to the third technical solution, the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface is affected by the pitch of the convex or concave parts. Therefore, when the pitch of the convex or concave parts is set to be fixed, the length change of the convex or concave parts can be simplified. The design of the mold can be simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold can be reduced.

[0051] According to the fourth technical solution, in the mold, it is sufficient to form a concave portion of a fixed depth corresponding to the convex portion of the light guide, and to form a convex portion of a fixed height corresponding to the concave portion, so that the design of the mold can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the mold can be reduced.

[0052] According to the fifth aspect, light can be diffused well.

[0053] According to the sixth technical solution, it is possible to suppress the graininess of light emitted from the light emitting surface.

[0054] According to the seventh technical solution, the graininess of the light irradiated from the light emitting surface can be suppressed.

[0055] According to the eighth technical solution, the production cost of the vehicle door can be reduced.

[0056] According to the 9th technical solution, even if the vehicle body vibrates and relative movement occurs between the light guide and the lens in the surface direction, the friction vibration of the light guide and the lens is suppressed based on the surface property state of at least one of the light guide and the lens. Therefore, the friction sound between the light guide and the lens can be suppressed (or eliminated).

[0057] According to the tenth technical solution, only the concavo-convex parts are formed on the surfaces of the light guide and the lens to suppress the friction noise, so there is no need to install other inherent parts for suppressing the friction vibration.

[0058] According to the eleventh technical solution, the light guide can be embedded in the lens and held by the lens. The light guide can be supported by the elastic force of the lens. In this way, even if the light guide continues to contact the lens, the friction sound between the light guide and the lens is suppressed (or eliminated).

[0059] According to the twelfth technical solution, a contact body is arranged covering the entire contact area between the light guide and the lens, so that the friction sound between the light guide and the lens is suppressed (or eliminated) in the entire contact area.

[0060] According to the thirteenth technical solution, since the contact body is arranged in a partial area of ​​the contact area between the light guide and the lens, the friction resistance can be appropriately adjusted in the contact area between the light guide and the lens.

[0061] According to the 14th technical solution, the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface will not be blocked by the contact body, and can leak out to the outside through the lens.

[0062] According to the fifteenth technical solution, the incident surface of the lens is defined by a plane, so that light reflected from the irradiation surface of the lens to the outside can be reflected by the incident surface and emitted from the irradiation surface. This can enhance the light emitted from the irradiation surface.

[0063] According to the 16th technical solution, a decorative light effect is achieved on the vehicle door, and even if the vehicle body vibrates, the generation of harsh noise that is heard by the passengers in the vehicle can be suppressed (or eliminated).

[0064] According to the 17th technical solution, when the second limiting piece is located at the second position in response to elastic deformation, a gap is ensured between the second limiting piece and the supporting body. The light guide can move along the surface of the supporting body and pass between the second limiting piece and the supporting body. The movement of the light guide is limited by the first limiting piece. Then, under the action of elasticity, the second limiting piece returns to the first position. The second limiting piece pushes the light guide against the supporting body and the first limiting piece. Thereafter, when the fixing component is fixed, the fixing component limits the second limiting piece to the first position. Therefore, the second limiting piece continues to press the light guide against the supporting body and the first limiting piece. It is possible to prevent the light guide from falling off. In this way, the light guide can be well fixed on the supporting body.

[0065] According to the eighteenth technical solution, by adjusting the size (height) of the protruding piece, the pressing force transmitted to the second limiting piece can be adjusted. In this way, the light guide can be well fixed to the support body.

[0066] According to the nineteenth aspect, by adjusting the size (height) of the protruding piece, the pressing force transmitted to the second limiting piece can be adjusted. In this way, the light guide can be well fixed to the support body.

[0067] According to the twentieth aspect, the second limiting piece can be displaced by utilizing the elastic deformation of the light guide and the support body. Therefore, the light guide can easily pass between the second limiting piece and the support body.

[0068] According to the 21st technical solution, the support body and the wall member are combined to form the appearance of the vehicle interior part. The gap can realize indirect lighting by allowing the light of the light guide to leak out. In this way, since the wall member also serves as a fixing member, it is possible to avoid increasing the number of parts in order to limit the second limiting piece.

[0069] According to the twenty-second technical solution, the support body and the second limiting piece are in contact with the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide, so that the light guide can be prevented from falling off between the support body and the second limiting piece. The light guide can be well fixed to the support body.

[0070] According to the twenty-third aspect, the buffer material is sandwiched between the fixing member and the second restricting piece, so that the generation of abnormal noise due to the friction between the fixing member and the second restricting piece can be suppressed.

[0071] According to the 24th technical solution, in the vehicle door, the light guide can be well fixed on the supporting body.

[0072] According to the 25th technical solution, the fixing component can support at least the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide at three points through the two first protrusions and the second protrusion axially arranged between the first protrusions. Under the action of the three-point support, the light guide can be maintained on the fixing component in parallel with the main body. When the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane and passes through the space sandwiched by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide spread the first support body and the second support body. At this time, the side surface of the light guide contacts the partial spherical surface of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, so it does not cover the entire length of the contact with the fixing component, thereby suppressing the occurrence of scratches on the outer surface of the light guide. Light propagation can be maintained well inside the light guide. Here, the two first supports can also be connected to each other and continuous.

[0073] According to the 26th technical solution, the first protrusion and the third protrusion contact the curved surface of the semi-cylinder and the first curved surface, thereby limiting the movement of the light guide body orthogonal to the imaginary plane. Similarly, the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion contact the curved surface of the semi-cylinder and the second curved surface, thereby limiting the movement of the light guide body orthogonal to the imaginary plane. In this way, the light guide body can be prevented from shaking relative to the fixing member.

[0074] According to the 27th technical solution, the rotation stopper limits the rotation of the light guide around the central axis of the light guide. Therefore, the position of the light emitting surface of the light guide can be fixed relative to the fixing component around the central axis of the light guide. The direction of light can be set relative to the vehicle interior component.

[0075] According to the 28th technical solution, when the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane and passes through the space sandwiched by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide spread the first support body and the second support body. At this time, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be displaced by twisting the main body. The elasticity required by the first support body and the second support body can be suppressed. The rigidity of the fixing member can be improved.

[0076] According to the 29th technical solution, in the vehicle door, the fixing component can support at least the semi-cylindrical body of the light guide at three points through two first protrusions and a second protrusion axially arranged between the first protrusions. Under the action of the three-point support, the light guide can be held in parallel with the main body on the fixing component. When the light guide moves in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane and passes through the space sandwiched by the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the first curved surface and the second curved surface of the light guide can spread the first support body and the second support body. At this time, the side surface of the light guide contacts the partial spherical surface of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, so it does not cover the entire length of the contact with the fixing component, thereby suppressing the generation of scratches on the outer surface of the light guide. Light propagation can be maintained well inside the light guide. Here, the two first supports can also be connected to each other and be continuous. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle door according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 2 It is a magnified three-dimensional image of the lighting device.

[0079] Figure 3 is an enlarged exploded view of the lighting device.

[0080] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional enlarged image of the light guide.

[0081] Figure 5 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a convex portion on the light guide.

[0082] Figure 6 It is an enlarged top view of the convex part.

[0083] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a mold used when molding a light guide.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a partial enlarged top view of the lower mold.

[0085] Fig. 9 It is an enlarged perspective view of a light guide according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view observed on a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of the lens and the light guide.

[0087] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the inner surface of the lens.

[0088] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the inner surface of a lens having a contact body according to a modification.

[0089] Fig.13 This is a concept drawing of the car door.

[0090] Fig.14 It is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the structure of a lighting device according to a third embodiment.

[0091] Fig.15 (A) is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the 15A-15A cutaway view, Fig.15 (B) is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the 15B-15B cutaway view, Fig.15 (C) is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line 15C-15C.

[0092] Fig.16 and Fig.15 (B) corresponds to a cross-sectional view showing a cut surface of the lighting device when the upper door lining is removed.

[0093] Fig.17 It is a three-dimensional enlarged image of the light guide.

[0094] Fig.18 It is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the light guide.

[0095] Fig.19 and Fig.15 (B) corresponds to a cross-sectional view showing a cut surface of the lighting device involved in the modification.

[0096] Fig. 20 It is an enlarged perspective view of the lighting device involved in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Fig.21 It is a three-dimensional enlarged image of the light guide.

[0098] Fig. 22 (A) is along Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of the section taken at 22A-22A, Fig. 22 (B) is along Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of the 22B-22B cutaway, Fig. 22 (C) is along Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of the 22C-22C cutaway.

[0099] Fig.23 (A) is an enlarged front view of the fixed component. Fig.23 (B) in the figure is an enlarged rear view of the fixed part.

[0100] Fig.24 and Fig. 22 Correspondingly, this is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state of the light guide entering the fixing member.

[0101] Fig.25 and Fig. 20 Correspondingly, it is a perspective enlarged view of a lighting device having a fixing member whose axial length is shorter than half the length of the light guide.

[0102] Fig.26 and Fig. 20 Correspondingly, this is a perspective enlarged view of a lighting device having two fixing components for one light guide.

[0103] Fig. 27 and Fig. 20 Correspondingly, it is a perspective enlarged view of a lighting device including a fixing member having two second supports arranged alternately with the first support in the axial direction.

[0104] Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 11: vehicle door; 21: vehicle lighting device; 24: light source; 25: light guide; 32: light emitting surface; 34: convex portion; 34a: ridge line (of convex portion); 48: concave portion; P: pitch (of convex portion or concave portion); W1~W12: width (of convex portion or concave portion). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0107] Figure 1The structure of the vehicle door according to the first embodiment mounted on the vehicle is schematically shown. The vehicle door 11 includes: a vehicle door body 12 which is hinged to the frame of the vehicle in a freely openable and closable manner; and a vehicle door trim 13 which is attached to the inner side of the vehicle door body 12. A vehicle door armrest 14 and a vehicle door storage compartment 15 are formed on the vehicle door trim 13, wherein the vehicle door armrest 14 is used to support the arm of the passenger; and the vehicle door storage compartment 15 is located below the vehicle door armrest 14 and is used to store small objects. Above the vehicle door armrest 14, a vehicle door inner handle 16 operated when opening and closing the vehicle door 11 is assembled on the vehicle door trim 13. A switch 18 and a lighting system 19 are embedded in the vehicle door armrest 14, wherein the switch 18 is operated when opening and closing the vehicle window glass 17; and the lighting system 19 not only illuminates the vehicle door inner handle 16 and the switch 18 in a dark environment, but also has the effect of decorating the vehicle door 11.

[0108] The lighting system 19 has a lighting device 21, which is respectively embedded in the left and right door armrests 14, and illuminates the edge of the door armrest 14 when the lighting is on. The lighting device 21 is connected to the control unit (ECU) 22 of the vehicle through LIN communication. The control unit 22 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 21. According to the LIN communication, when the lighting device 21 is connected to the control unit 22, it can be connected in series or in parallel through a wire harness 23.

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting device 21 includes: a light source 24; an elongated light guide 25, which extends linearly from one end arranged adjacent to the light source 24 in the direction of light entry; and an elongated lens 26, which covers the light guide 25 and transmits the light irradiated from the light guide 25. The light source 24 emits light from the light emitting body to the linear direction of the light guide 25 in response to power supply. The light source 24 is connected to one end of the light guide 25. The light guide 25 linearly guides the light irradiated from the light source 24 in the linear direction (length direction). The light leaks from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 25. The light guide 25 is formed of a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

[0110] The lens 26 includes a main body 28 extending in the longitudinal direction and forming a groove 27 for accommodating the light guide 25; and an elongated protrusion piece 31, which corresponds to the deepest part of the groove 27, protrudes outward from the main body 28 in a trapezoidal shape, and has an irradiation surface 29 formed by a plane extending parallel to the light guide 25. The protrusion piece 31 is inserted into the gap of the door trim 13 so that the irradiation surface 29 faces the vehicle compartment. The lens 26 guides the light leaking from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide 25 to the irradiation surface 29, and emits the light from the irradiation surface 29 into the vehicle compartment. The lens 26 is formed of a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

[0111] like Figure 3As shown, the light guide 25 radiates light from a linear light emitting surface 32 formed by a cylindrical surface having a linear central axis. The lens 26 is arranged in front of the light emitting surface 32. The light radiated from the light emitting surface 32 passes through the lens 26 and is emitted from the irradiation surface 29.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, on the back side of the light emitting surface 32, a plane 33 is divided and arranged parallel to the irradiation surface 29 of the lens 26. A chord is drawn on the cross section of the plane 33 that is perpendicular to the central axis. The width of the plane 33 (the length of the chord) remains constant in the linear direction. A convex portion 34 is formed on the plane 33, and the convex portion 34 is arranged along the length direction of the light guide 25 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction. The convex portions 34 are arranged at a fixed pitch P covering the entire length direction. As shown Figure 5 As shown, the convex portion 34 is formed to have a ridgeline 34a in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction (the linear direction of the light guide 25) and a triangular cross section. The ridgeline may be chamfered to form a curved surface. The height Ht of all convex portions 34 is constant.

[0113] In the direction orthogonal to the light entry direction (line direction), the length of the convex portion 34 increases as it is away from the light source 24. Here, the convex portions 34 are grouped along the length direction, such as Figure 6 As shown, the lengths (widths) W1, W2, ... of the protrusions 34 are set to be constant for each group G1 to G12. The number of protrusions 34 is set to be constant for each group G1 to G12. Each protrusion 34 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 25.

[0114] Next, the function of this embodiment is described. When the light source 24 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 25 along the linear direction (length direction) of the light guide 25. The light is diffusely reflected by the convex portion 34 on the back of the light emitting surface 32 and refracted in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction. The refracted light is irradiated forward from the light emitting surface 32. The irradiated light is emitted into the vehicle compartment from the irradiation surface 29 through the lens 26. In this way, the edge of the door armrest 14 is illuminated in a linear shape.

[0115] At this time, the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 is adjusted based on the width of the convex portion 34. That is, when the width of the convex portion 34 increases in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the light enters, the brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 increases due to refraction and diffuse reflection. Therefore, as described later, in the mold, the width of the concave portion can be changed in accordance with the convex portion 34 of the light guide 25, and the mold can be processed more easily than changing the height of the convex portion 34 and the pitch P of the convex portion 34 in the mold. The convex portion 34 is formed when the mold is used for molding, and therefore, the production capacity of the light guide 25 is improved. As a result, the production cost of the lighting device 21 is reduced. In turn, the production cost of the vehicle door is reduced.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the width of the convex portion 34 increases as it moves away from the light source 24. Although the brightness of light decreases with the distance from the light source 24, the width of the convex portion 34 increases with the distance from the light source 24, and the amount of light refraction increases. For light that becomes weaker as it moves away from the light source 24, sufficient brightness is ensured in the light-emitting surface 32. A fixed brightness is achieved along the line direction. Here, the convex portions 34 are grouped along the length direction, and the width of the convex portions 34 is set to be fixed in each group G1 to G12. As a result, the granularity of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 is suppressed. In addition, the number of convex portions 34 is set to be fixed in each group G1 to G12, so that the granularity of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 is further suppressed.

[0117] In the lighting device 21 according to the present embodiment, the protrusions 34 are arranged at a fixed pitch P along the length direction. The brightness of the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface 32 is affected by the pitch P of the protrusions 34. Therefore, when the pitch P of the protrusions 34 is set to be fixed, the change in the width of the protrusions 34 is simplified. The design of the mold is simplified. The manufacturing cost of the mold is reduced.

[0118] The height of the convex portion 34 is constant. It is sufficient to form a concave portion of a constant depth in the mold corresponding to the convex portion 34 of the light guide 25, thereby simplifying the design of the mold and reducing the manufacturing cost of the mold.

[0119] The convex portion 34 is formed to have a ridge line 34a in a direction perpendicular to the light entering direction and to have a triangular cross section, so that light can be diffused well.

[0120] Here, a method for manufacturing the light guide 25 is described. Figure 7 As shown, a mold 41 is prepared. The mold 41 has an upper mold 41a and a lower mold 41b that are connected to each other through a planar bonding surface 42. When the upper mold 41a is overlapped on the lower mold 41b, a cavity 43 is divided between the upper mold 41a and the lower mold 41b. The cavity 43 is equivalent to a space that imitates the shape of the light guide 25. The bonding surface 42 is located at the maximum diameter of the cylindrical surface.

[0121] On the lower mold 41b, corresponding to the plane 33 of the light guide 25, a plane 44 is formed parallel to the bonding surface 42 at a position farthest from the bonding surface 42. On the plane 44, corresponding to each convex portion 34, the recessed portions 45 are arranged in the line direction. Each recessed portion 45 extends in a direction orthogonal to the line direction. The recessed portions 45 are arranged at a fixed pitch P covering the entire line direction. The recessed portions 45 are formed to have ridges extending in a direction orthogonal to the line direction and have a triangular cross-section. The depth of all the recessed portions 45 is fixed. The recessed portions 45 are grouped in the line direction, and the widths W1 to W12 of the recessed portions 45 are set to be fixed in each group G1 to G12. The number of recessed portions 45 is set to be fixed in each group G1 to G12. Each recessed portion 45 is formed in a symmetrical shape relative to the symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the cylindrical surface.

[0122] Between the recessed parts 45, the push rod 46 faces the cavity 43. On the cavity 43, a gate 47 is formed at the central position in the longitudinal direction. Molten resin is supplied to the cavity 43 from the gate 47. When the resin filled in the cavity 43 is hardened, a molded body is formed. The molded body leaves the lower mold 41b under the action of the push rod 46. The resin body of the gate 47 is formed by cutting from the molded body.

[0123] Fig. 9 The light guide 25 involved in the second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. On the light guide 25, a recess 48 is formed on the plane 33 instead of the aforementioned convex portion 34. The recess 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction, similar to the convex portion 34. The recesses 48 cover the entire length direction and are arranged at a fixed pitch P. The recesses 48 have ridges in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction (the linear direction of the light guide 25) and have a triangular cross-section. The ridges can also be chamfered to form a curved surface. The depth of all recesses 48 is fixed.

[0124] The width of the recess 48 increases as it moves away from the light source 24. Here, the recesses 48 are grouped in the longitudinal direction, and the widths W1, W2, ... of the recesses 48 are set to be constant for each group G1 to G12. The number of recesses 48 is set to be constant for each group G1 to G12. Each recess 48 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 25.

[0125] Fig.10 The lens 26 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. A contact body 51 is arranged on the surface of the lens 26, and the contact body 51 forms a surface property state that suppresses the vibration of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 when the lens 26 moves relatively while in contact with the light guide 25. The contact body 51 is a concavoconvex part formed by surface treatment of the lens 26. When the concavoconvex part is formed, for example, the lens 26 is subjected to embossing.

[0126] The contact body 51 is arranged on the inner surface of the groove 27. The contact body 51 is located in the region of the lens 26 that guides light from the light emitting surface 32 of the light guide 25 to the outside and is arranged outside the incident surface 52 facing the light guide 25. The contact body 51 is arranged outside the space sandwiched between the plane 33 of the light guide 25 and the irradiation surface 29. The incident surface 52 of the lens 26 is a plane. Fig.11 As shown, the contact body 51 is arranged in the entire contact region between the light guide 25 and the lens 26. Here, the contact body 51 only needs to be continuous at least along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 25 and cover the entire length of the contact region.

[0127] Next, the function of this embodiment is described. When the light source 24 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 25 along the linear direction (length direction) of the light guide 25. The light is diffusely reflected by the convex portion 34 on the back of the light emitting surface 32 and refracted in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction. The refracted light is irradiated forward from the light emitting surface 32. The irradiated light is emitted into the vehicle compartment from the irradiation surface 29 through the lens 26. In this way, the edge of the door armrest 14 is illuminated in a linear shape.

[0128] The width of the convex portion 34 increases as it moves away from the light source. Although the brightness of light decreases as the distance from the light source 24 increases, the width of the convex portion 34 increases as the distance from the light source 24 increases, and the amount of light refraction increases. For the light that becomes weaker as it moves away from the light source 24, sufficient brightness is ensured in the light emitting surface 32. Constant brightness is achieved along the line direction.

[0129] In the present embodiment, a contact body 51 is arranged on the surface of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 (here, the surface of the lens 26) to form a surface property state that suppresses the vibration of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 when the contact body 51 and the lens 26 move relatively to each other. Even if the vehicle body vibrates and the light guide 25 and the lens 26 move relatively to each other in the surface direction, the friction vibration of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed based on the surface property state of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26, and therefore, the friction sound of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated). A light decorative effect is achieved at the door 11, and even if the vehicle body vibrates, the generation of harsh noise that is heard by passengers in the vehicle cabin is suppressed (or eliminated).

[0130] The contact body 51 is a concavoconvex part formed by surface treatment of at least one of the light guide 25 and the lens 26 (here, the lens 26). Therefore, when suppressing the friction sound, the concavoconvex part is only formed on the surface of the light guide 25 and the lens 26, and thus, it is not necessary to inherently install other components to suppress the friction vibration. As long as the concavoconvex part is formed by embossing when the lens 26 is formed, the increase of the working process can be avoided when assembling the lighting device 21. The increase of the production cost can be avoided.

[0131] The contact body 51 is arranged on the inner surface of the groove 27 formed on the lens 26 for accommodating the light guide 25. The light guide 25 is embedded in the lens 26 and is held by the lens 26. The light guide 25 is supported by the elastic force of the lens 26. In this way, even if the light guide 25 and the lens 26 continue to contact, the friction sound between the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated).

[0132] The contact body 51 is arranged over the entire contact region between the light guide 25 and the lens 26. Since the contact body 51 is arranged over the entire contact region between the light guide 25 and the lens 26, the friction sound between the light guide 25 and the lens 26 is suppressed (or eliminated) over the entire contact region.

[0133] The contact body 51 is located in the region of the lens 26 that guides light from the light emitting surface 32 of the light guide 25 to the outside and is arranged outside the incident surface 52 facing the light guide 25. The light irradiated from the light emitting surface 32 is not blocked by the contact body 51, and passes through the lens 26 to leak outward.

[0134] In this embodiment, the incident surface 52 of the lens 26 is a plane. The incident surface 52 of the lens 26 is defined by a plane, so the light reflected by the irradiation surface 29 irradiated from the lens 26 to the outside is reflected by the incident surface 52 and emitted from the irradiation surface 29. In this way, the light emitted from the irradiation surface 29 is strengthened.

[0135] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, the contact body 51 may be arranged in a partial area of ​​the contact region between the light guide 25 and the lens 26. The contact body 51 may also be arranged intermittently along the length direction of the light guide 25, covering the entire length of the contact region.

[0136] Fig.13 The structure of a door mounted on a car is schematically shown. The door 111 has: a door body 112, which is hinged to the frame of the vehicle in a freely openable and closable manner; and a door trim (interior component) 113, which is attached to the inner side of the door body 112. A door armrest 114 and a door storage compartment 115 are formed on the door trim 113, wherein the door armrest 114 is used to support the arm of the passenger; the door storage compartment 115 is located below the door armrest 114 and is used to store small items. A switch 117 is embedded in the door armrest 114 to be operated when opening and closing the window glass 116.

[0137] The door trim 113 includes a door lining 118 which is attached to the inner side of the door body 112 and defines an opening 118a above the door armrest 114, and a decorative cover 119 which is disposed in the opening 118a of the door lining 118 and is fixedly mounted on the door body 112. An inner door handle 121 which is operated when the door 111 is opened or closed is assembled on the decorative cover 119.

[0138] The lighting system 122 is embedded in the door trim 113. In addition to illuminating the inner door handle 121 and the switch 117 in a dark environment, the lighting system 122 also has the effect of decorating the door 111. The lighting system 122 has a lighting device 123, and the lighting device 123 illuminates the decorative cover 119 in a linear shape along the lower edge of the upper door lining 118b. The lighting device 123 forms light leaking from the gap defined between the lower edge of the upper door lining 118b and the decorative cover 119. The lighting device 123 is connected to the electronic control unit (ECU) 124 of the vehicle through LIN communication. The electronic control unit 124 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting device 123. According to the LIN communication, when the lighting device 123 is connected to the electronic control unit 124, it can be connected in series or in parallel through a wire harness 125.

[0139] like Fig.14 As shown, the lighting device 123 according to the third embodiment includes a rod-shaped light guide 126 and a light source 127 connected to one end of the light guide 126. The light guide 126 extends linearly along a light entry direction 128 from one end connected to the light source 127. The light source 127 emits light from the light emitting body along the linear direction of the light guide 126 in response to the supply of power. The light guide 126 irradiates light from a linear light emitting surface 129 formed by a cylindrical surface having a linear central axis.

[0140] The light guide 126 is supported by the decorative cover 119. The decorative cover 119 includes: an inner panel 119a, which surrounds the inner door handle 121 and is exposed to the compartment, and has an upper end extending in the horizontal direction along the lower edge of the upper door lining 118b; and a support body 119b, which is continuous from the upper end of the inner panel 119a and extends linearly in parallel with the light guide 126. The support body 119b includes: a horizontal wall 131, which extends from the upper end of the inner panel 119a in a curved manner toward the door body 112; and a vertical wall 132, which stands upward from the inner end of the horizontal wall 131 facing the door body 112. The surface of the horizontal wall 131 guides the light guide 126 to move from the upper end of the inner panel 119a toward the vertical wall 132 and in a specific direction orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 126.

[0141] On the vertical wall 132, the first limiting pieces 133 and the second limiting pieces 134 are alternately arranged along the line direction of the light guide 126. The first limiting pieces 133 and the second limiting pieces 134 are staggered along the line direction of the light guide 126. Here, the second limiting pieces 134 are located between the first limiting pieces 133. However, the first limiting pieces 133 may be arranged between the second limiting pieces 134. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the first restricting piece 133 has a rib 135 that protrudes from the inner surface of the vertical wall 132 and restricts the movement of the light guide 126 that is guided toward the vertical wall 132 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131 .

[0142] like Fig.15 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , the second limiting piece 134 includes: a plate piece 134a which is continuous from the upper end of the vertical wall 132 and faces the horizontal wall 131; and a locking piece 134b which is continuous from the open end of the plate piece 134a and extends toward the horizontal wall 131. The locking piece 134b is displaced relative to the support body 119b based on the elastic deformation of the plate piece 134a.

[0143] The second limiting piece 134 is provided with a protruding piece 136 that contacts the inner surface of the upper door lining 118b. The upper door lining 118b has a wall member that has higher rigidity than the second limiting piece 134 and contacts the second limiting piece 134 on the inner surface. The upper door lining 118b limits the locking piece 134b of the second limiting piece 134 to the first position, wherein the first position is a position where the light guide 126 is pressed against the horizontal wall 131 of the support body 119b and the first limiting piece 133.

[0144] The second restricting piece 134 has a support portion 137 formed thereon, which extends upwardly and continuously from the vertical wall 132 . The support portion 137 overlaps with the inner surface of the door body 112 , and is fastened to the door body 112 by screws 138 .

[0145] like Fig.15 As shown in (A), (B) and (C) of FIG. 1 , the upper door lining 118b covers the light guide 126, the first limiting sheet 133 and the second limiting sheet 134 while forming a gap 139 between the upper door lining 118b and the support 119b to allow light from the light guide 126 to leak out. Fig.15 As shown in (C), the positions of the first limiting plate 133 and the second limiting plate 134 deviate in the linear direction of the light guide 126. Although the light guide 126 is supported by the horizontal wall 131, a gap SP1 is ensured between the light guide 126 and the vertical wall 132, and a gap is ensured between the light guide 126 and the upper door lining 118b.

[0146] like Fig.16As shown in FIG. 1 , when the restriction of the second restriction piece 134 by the upper door lining 118b is released, the second restriction piece 134 can be displaced to the second position farther from the support body 119b than the first position. A gap is formed between the locking piece 134b at the second position and the support body 119b to allow the light guide 126 to pass along the surface of the horizontal wall 131 toward the vertical wall 132. The light guide 126 can move back and forth along the surface of the support body 119b in response to the elastic deformation of the second restriction piece 134.

[0147] like Fig.17 As shown, the light guide 126 has a reflective surface 141 that refracts and reflects light toward a linear light emitting surface 129 extending along a light entry direction 128. A plane 142 is divided on the reflective surface 141. A cross section of the plane 142 that is perpendicular to the central axis draws a chord. The width of the plane 142 (the length of the chord) remains constant in the linear direction. The light guide 126 is formed of a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

[0148] The convex parts 143 are formed on the plane 142, and the convex parts 143 are arranged along the line direction of the light guide 126 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction. The convex parts 143 are arranged at a fixed pitch P covering the entire line direction. The convex parts 143 have a ridge 143a in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction (the line direction of the light guide 126) and are formed in a triangular cross section. The ridge 143a may also be chamfered to be a curved surface.

[0149] In the first range RN1 based on the light source 127, the length of the convex portion 143 increases as it moves away from the light source 127. The length of the convex portion 143 is equivalent to the width of the convex portion 143 measured in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction (line direction). Here, the convex portions 143 are grouped along the line direction of the light guide 27, and the lengths (widths) W1, W2, etc. of the convex portions 143 are set to be fixed in each group G1 to G9. The number of convex portions 143 is set to be fixed in each group G1 to G9. Each convex portion 143 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry plane LR containing the central axis of the light guide 126. In the first range RN1, the heights of all convex portions 143 are fixed.

[0150] In the second range RN2 exceeding the first range RN1 based on the light source 127, the length Wc of the convex portion 143 is constant. Fig.18As shown, the height Hs of the convex portion 143 increases as it is away from the light source 127. Here, the convex portions 143 are grouped along the line direction of the light guide 126, and the height Hs of the convex portions 143 is set to be constant for each group G10 to G12. The number of convex portions 143 is set to be constant for each group G10 to G12. Each convex portion 143 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry plane LR including the central axis of the light guide 126. In the symmetry plane LR, the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 143 appears in a similar shape.

[0151] like Fig.15 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , the light guide 126 includes a semi-cylinder 145 which is obtained by dividing the light guide 126 by an imaginary plane VP, which is a plane defined between the light emitting surface 129 and the reflecting surface 141 and parallel to the plane 142 of the reflecting surface 141, and which contacts the horizontal wall 131 of the support body 119b and the stopper 134b of the second limiting piece 134. That is, the interval SC between the stopper 134b located at the second position and the horizontal wall 131 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the semi-cylinder 145. The light guide 126 has a curved surface 146 which continuously extends from one end of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 145 toward the reflecting surface 141 and contacts the stopper 134b of the second limiting piece 134 when displaced along the surface of the horizontal wall 131. The curved surface 146 is curved with the same curvature as that of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 145. When the light guide 126 is pressed between the locking piece 134 b and the horizontal wall 131 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131 , the curved surface 146 generates a driving force that moves the locking piece 134 b away from the horizontal wall 131 .

[0152] Next, the function of this embodiment is described. When the light source 127 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 126 along the linear direction (length direction) of the light guide 126. The light is diffusely reflected by the convex portion 143 on the back of the light emitting surface 129 and refracted in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction. The refracted light is emitted outward from the light emitting surface 129. The emitted light leaks out from the gap 139 between the upper door lining 118b and the decorative cover. In this way, the door trim 113 can be decorated based on linear light emission.

[0153] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle door 111 is described. The decorative cover 119 is mounted on the vehicle door body 112. The decorative cover 119 is fixed to the vehicle door body 112 by screws 138. The lighting device 123 is mounted on the decorative cover 119. The light guide 126 may be mounted on the decorative cover 119 before mounting the decorative cover 119.

[0154] When the lighting device 123 is installed, the light guide 126 is guided along the surface of the support body 119b. The light guide 126 is pressed toward the vertical wall 132 along the surface of the horizontal wall 131. The light guide 126 contacts the locking piece 134b of the second limiting piece 134 through the curved surface 146 that is continuous from the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 145 to the reflecting surface 141. Therefore, the pressing force of the light guide 126 is converted into a driving force that moves the locking piece 134b away from the horizontal wall 131.

[0155] The locking piece 134b of the second limiting piece 134 is displaced to the second position based on the elastic deformation of the plate piece 134a. A gap is ensured between the second limiting piece 134 and the support body 119b. The light guide 126 moves along the surface of the support body 119b in a direction orthogonal to the central axis. The light guide 126 passes between the upper door lining 118b and the support body 119b.

[0156] The light guide 126 is abutted against the rib 135 of the first limiting piece 133. Therefore, the movement of the light guide 126 is restricted. The locking piece 134b returns to the first position based on the elasticity of the plate 134a. The locking piece 134b of the second limiting piece 134 presses the light guide 126 against the support body 119b and the first limiting piece 133. In this way, the light guide 126 is mounted on the decorative cover 119.

[0157] Next, the door lining 118 is fixed to the door body 112. The upper door lining 118b contacts the protruding piece 136 of the second limiting piece 134. As a result, the locking piece 134b of the second limiting piece 134 is limited to the first position. Since the door lining 118 has high rigidity, the light guide 126 can be well held between the second limiting piece 134 and the horizontal wall 131 and the first limiting piece 133. The light guide 126 is prevented from falling off. In this way, the light guide 126 can be well fixed to the decorative cover 119.

[0158] In this embodiment, the protrusion piece 136 that contacts the upper door lining 118b is formed on the second restricting piece 134. Therefore, by adjusting the size (height) of the protrusion piece 136, the pressing force transmitted to the second restricting piece 134 is adjusted. In this way, the light guide 126 is well fixed to the support body 119b of the decorative cover 119.

[0159] In the door trim 113 according to the present embodiment, the first limiting piece 133 and the second limiting piece 134 are arranged to be staggered along the line direction of the light guide 126. The second limiting piece 134 can also be displaced by utilizing the elastic deformation of the light guide 126 and the support 119b. Therefore, the light guide 126 can easily pass between the second limiting piece 134 and the support 119b.

[0160] The upper door lining 118b according to the present embodiment includes a wall member that covers the light guide 126, the first limiting piece 133, and the second limiting piece 134 while forming a gap 139 between the upper door lining 118b and the support body 119b for allowing light from the light guide 126 to leak out, and that contacts the second limiting piece 134 on the inner surface. The decorative cover 119 and the upper door lining 118b are combined to form the appearance of the door trim 113. The gap 139 realizes indirect lighting that allows light from the light guide 126 to leak out. In this way, the upper door lining 118b also serves as a fixing member of the lighting device 123, thereby avoiding an increase in the number of parts for limiting the second limiting piece 134.

[0161] The light guide 126 according to the present embodiment has a semi-cylinder obtained by dividing the light guide 126 by an imaginary plane, and is in contact with the support 119b and the second limiting piece 134, wherein the imaginary plane is a plane defined between the light emitting surface 129 and the reflecting surface 141 and parallel to the reflecting surface 141. The support 119b and the second limiting piece 134 are in contact with the semi-cylinder of the light guide 126, thereby preventing the light guide 126 from falling off between the support 119b and the second limiting piece 134. The light guide 126 can be well fixed to the support 119b.

[0162] like Fig.19 As shown, a buffer member 147 may be sandwiched between the upper door lining 118b and the protruding piece 136 of the second restricting piece 134. The upper door lining 118b and the protruding piece 136 are in contact with each other via the buffer member 147. When the buffer member 147 is sandwiched in this way, the generation of abnormal noise due to the friction between the upper door lining 118b and the second restricting piece 134 can be suppressed.

[0163] like Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lighting device 151 according to the fourth embodiment includes: a rod-shaped light guide 152; a light source 153 connected to one end of the light guide 152; and a fixing member 154 having a main body 154a extending linearly in parallel with the light guide 152, and fixing the light guide 152 to the door trim 113. The light source 153 emits light from the light emitter to the linear direction of the light guide 152 in response to power supply. The main body 154a of the fixing member 154 is formed of a long plate along the linear direction of the light guide 152.

[0164] The light guide 152 extends linearly from one end connected to the light source 153 in the light entry direction 155. The light guide 152 has a reflection surface 157 that refracts and reflects light toward a linear light emitting surface 156 extending in the light entry direction 155. The main body 154a of the fixing member 154 faces the reflection surface 157 of the light guide 152. The light guide 152 is formed of a transparent resin material such as methacrylic resin.

[0165] like Fig.21 As shown, one end surface 152a of the light guide 152 receives light from the light source 153. The light guide 152 extends linearly along a light entry direction 155 orthogonal to the end surface 152a. The light propagates in the light guide 152 toward the other end along the entry direction 155.

[0166] In the light guide 152, a semi-cylinder 159 is divided by an imaginary plane 158 defined between the light emitting surface 156 and the reflecting surface 157 and parallel to the reflecting surface 157. The curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 is connected to one ridge of the reflecting surface 157 at the first curved surface 161, and is connected to another ridge of the reflecting surface 157 at the second curved surface 162, wherein the first curved surface 161 is a curved surface continuous from one intersection line 159a with the imaginary plane 158, and the second curved surface 162 is a curved surface continuous from another intersection line 159b with the imaginary plane 158. The first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 have the same curvature as the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159.

[0167] A plurality of convex portions 163 are formed on the reflecting surface 157, and the plurality of convex portions 163 protrude outward from the plane of the reflecting surface 157 and extend in a direction orthogonal to the light entry direction 155. The convex portions 163 are arranged along the axial direction (linear direction) of the light guide 152. The convex portions 163 may also be arranged at a fixed pitch P covering the entire axial direction. A chord is drawn in a cross section of the plane of the reflecting surface 157 orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152. The width of the plane (the length of the chord) remains constant along the linear direction.

[0168] The convex portion 163 may have an edge line 163a in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction 155 (the axial direction of the light guide 152) and may have a triangular cross section. The edge line 163a may be chamfered to form a curved surface. When the height of all convex portions 163 is set to be fixed, the length of the convex portion 163 in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction 155 may increase as it moves away from the light source 153. The convex portion 163 may also be formed in the same manner as the convex portion 143 described above.

[0169] like Fig. 20 As shown, the fixing member 154 includes: two first support bodies 154b, which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the light guide 152 and extend from the main body 154a while facing the first curved surface 161; and a second support body 154c, which extends from the main body 154a while facing the second curved surface 162 at a position facing the space formed between the first support bodies 154b. Here, the second support body 154c is arranged at a position offset from the first support body 154b in the axial direction of the light guide 152. The main body 154a, the first support body 154b and the second support body 154c can be integrally formed of a resin material, for example.

[0170] like Fig. 22 (A) and Fig. 22 As shown in (C) in FIG. 1 , the fixing member 154 has two first protrusions 164, and in two first sections SF that are orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152 and separated in the axial direction, the two first protrusions 164 are in contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159. In the first section SF, the first curved surface 161 is continuous from the first end (one end) (intersection line 159a) of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 to the reflecting surface 157. Fig.23 As shown in (A) in FIG. 1 , the first protrusion 164 protrudes from the inner surface of each first support body 154b. The first protrusion 164 contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 at a partial spherical surface (e.g., a spherical cap). Fig. 22 (A) and Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 1 (C), a rotation stopper 165 is formed on the first support body 154 b , and the rotation stopper 165 contacts the end of the protrusion 163 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the semi-cylindrical body 159 .

[0171] like Fig. 22 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , the fixing member 154 has a second protrusion 166, and the second protrusion 166 contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 in the second section SS which is arranged between the two first sections SF and is orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152. In the second section SS, the second curved surface 162 is continuous from the second end (the other end relative to the aforementioned one end) of the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 (intersection line 159b) to the reflecting surface 157. Here, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , the second protrusion 166 protrudes from the inner surface of the second support body 154c. The second protrusion 166 contacts the curved surface of the semi-cylinder 159 at a partial spherical surface (e.g., a spherical cap). Fig. 22 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , a rotation stopper 167 is formed on the second support body 154 c , and the rotation stopper 167 contacts the end of the protrusion 163 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the semi-cylindrical body 159 .

[0172] like Fig. 22 As shown in (A), (B), and (C) in FIG. 1 , the fixing member 154 includes: a third protrusion 168 corresponding to each first protrusion 164 and contacting the first curved surface 161 in the first section SF; and a fourth protrusion 169 corresponding to the second protrusion 166 and contacting the second curved surface 162 in the second section SS. Fig.23 As shown in (A) in FIG. 1 , the third protrusion 168 protrudes from the inner surface of the first support body 154b. The third protrusion 168 contacts the first curved surface 161 at a partial spherical surface (e.g., a spherical cap). The centers of the first protrusion 164 and the third protrusion 168 are positioned on an imaginary plane PLf that is orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152. Fig.23As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , the fourth protrusion 169 protrudes from the inner surface of the second support body 154c. The fourth protrusion 169 contacts the second curved surface 162 at a partial spherical surface (e.g., a spherical crown). The centers of the second protrusion 166 and the fourth protrusion 169 are positioned on an imaginary plane PLs that is orthogonal to the central axis of the light guide 152.

[0173] like Fig. 22 As shown in (A), (B), and (C) in the figure, the light emitting surface 156 of the light guide 152 faces the irradiation body 171 of the decorative cover 119. The upper door lining 118b covers the lighting device 151 above the irradiation body 171. A gap 173 open to the compartment of the vehicle is defined between the upper door lining 118b and the irradiation body 171. The occupants of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat can observe the surface of the irradiation body 171 through the gap 173.

[0174] like Fig. 20 As shown, in the axial direction, at the position corresponding to the two first supporting bodies 154b, the mounting piece 174 is integrally formed on the main body 154a. An overlapping surface 174a is formed on the mounting piece 174. The mounting piece 174 overlaps with the mounting surface 175 on the decorative cover 119 side through the overlapping surface 174a. The mounting hole 176 having an axis orthogonal to the overlapping surface 174a is formed on the mounting piece 174. For example, a mounting boss 175a protruding from the mounting surface 175 of the decorative cover 119 can be inserted into the mounting hole 176. The fixing member 154 is fixed to the decorative cover 119 by a screw 177 screwed into the mounting boss 175a.

[0175] Next, the function of this embodiment is described. When the light source 153 emits light, the light travels in the light guide 152 along the linear direction (length direction) of the light guide 152. The light is diffusely reflected by the convex portion 163 on the back of the light emitting surface 156 and refracted in a direction orthogonal to the linear direction. The refracted light is emitted from the light emitting surface 156 to the outside. Fig. 22 As shown in (A), (B), and (C) in FIG. 1 , the emitted light is irradiated on the irradiator 171. In this way, the door trim 113 can be decorated by linear light emission.

[0176] In the present embodiment, the fixing member 154 supports at least the semi-cylindrical body 159 of the light guide 152 at three points by means of two first protrusions 164 and a second protrusion 166 disposed between the first protrusions 164 in the axial direction. Under the action of the three-point support, the light guide 152 is held on the fixing member 154 in parallel with the main body 154a. Furthermore, the first protrusion 164 and the third protrusion 168 are in contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 and the first curved surface 161, thereby limiting the movement of the light guide 152 orthogonal to the imaginary plane 158. Similarly, the second protrusion 166 and the fourth protrusion 169 are in contact with the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 and the second curved surface 162, thereby limiting the movement of the light guide 152 orthogonal to the imaginary plane 158. In this way, the light guide 152 can be prevented from shaking relative to the fixing member 154.

[0177] The rotation stopper 165 of the first support 154b restricts the rotation of the light guide 152 in the first direction around the central axis Xc of the semi-cylinder 159. The rotation stopper 167 of the second support 154c restricts the rotation of the light guide 152 in the second direction opposite to the first direction around the central axis Xc of the semi-cylinder 159. Therefore, the position of the light emitting surface 156 of the light guide 152 is fixed relative to the fixing member 154 around the central axis Xc of the semi-cylinder 159. The direction of light can be well set relative to the irradiator 171 of the decorative cover 119.

[0178] When assembling the lighting device 151, the light guide 152 is mounted on the fixing member 154. Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152 are in contact with the first protrusion 164 on the first support 154b and the second protrusion 166 on the second support 154c, respectively. The light guide 152 is pressed toward the main body 154a in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane 158. When the light guide 152 passes through the space sandwiched by the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166, the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152 spread the first support 154b and the second support 154c.

[0179] At this time, the side surface of the light guide 152 contacts the partial spherical surface of the first protrusion 35 and the second protrusion 36, so that the light guide 152 does not contact the fixing member 154 over the entire length, and scratches on the outer surface of the light guide 152 are suppressed. The light propagation can be well maintained in the light guide 152. The first support 154b and the second support 154c are located at positions offset from each other in the axial direction. Therefore, when the first support 154b and the second support 154c are stretched apart, the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166 are displaced by the twisting of the main body 154a of the fixing member 154. As a result, the elasticity required for the first support 154b and the second support 154c can be suppressed. The rigidity of the fixing member 154 can be improved.

[0180] When the light guide 152 passes through the space sandwiched by the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166, the first protrusion 164 and the second protrusion 166 contact the curved surface of the semi-cylindrical body 159 of the light guide 152. The light guide 152 is pressed toward the main body 154a by the restoring force of the first support body 154b and the second support body 154c. The third protrusion 168 and the fourth protrusion 169 contact the first curved surface 161 and the second curved surface 162 of the light guide 152, respectively. The rotation stopper 165, 67 engages with one end of the convex portion 163.

[0181] The fixing member 154 may be Fig. 20 As shown, the main body 154a has a length in the axial direction of the light guide 152 corresponding to the total length of the light guide 152, and can also be as shown in FIG. Fig.25 As shown, the main body 154a has an axial length shorter than half the length of the light guide 152. Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 1 , for one light guide 152, two or more fixing members 154 are arranged along the axial direction. The fixing member 154 may also be as follows: Fig. 27 As shown, there are two or more second supports 154c arranged alternately with the first supports 154b. Each of the first supports 154b and the second supports 154c can be constructed in the same manner as the first supports 154b and the second supports 154c described above. In addition, in each fixing member 154, the two first supports 154b can be connected to each other and continuous. The first supports 154b and the second supports 154c can also face each other across the light guide 152.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting device (21), comprising a light source (24), an elongated light guide (25) and an elongated lens (26), wherein the elongated light guide (25) extends linearly from one end adjacent to the light source (24) in the direction of light entry, and irradiates light from a linear light-emitting surface (32); the elongated lens (26) is arranged in front of the light-emitting surface (32) to allow the light irradiated from the light-emitting surface (32) to pass through, and a convex portion (34) or a concave portion (48) is formed on the light guide (25), and the convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) is arranged in the length direction on the back side of the light-emitting surface (32) and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction of light entry, It is characterized in that In a direction orthogonal to the direction of light entry, the length of the convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) varies according to the distance from the light source. A groove (27) extending in the length direction and accommodating the light guide (25) is formed on the lens (26). A contact body (51) is arranged on the inner surface of the groove (27) of the lens (26), and the contact body (51) has a surface property state that suppresses the vibration of the light guide (25) when the light guide (25) moves relatively while in contact with the lens (26). The length (W1-W12) of the convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) increases as it moves away from the light source (24).

2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The convex portions (34) or the concave portions (48) are arranged at a fixed pitch (P) in the length direction.

3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height (Ht) of the convex portion (34) or the depth of the concave portion (48) is fixed.

4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The convex portion (34) or the concave portion (48) is formed to have a ridge line (34a) in a direction perpendicular to the light entry direction and to have a triangular cross section.

5. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The convex portions (34) or the concave portions (48) are grouped along the length direction, and the lengths (W1 to W12) of the convex portions (34) or the concave portions (48) are set to be constant for each group (G1 to G12).

6. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of the convex portions (34) or the concave portions (48) is set to be fixed in each group (G1 to G12).

7. A vehicle door, characterized in that: A vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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