Vehicle lighting

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle lamp having a completely new appearance design. The vehicle lamp (100) comprises: a light source (23); a housing (30) having the light source (23) inside; and an outer lens (10) which, together with the housing (30), forms a lamp chamber, and the outer surface of the outer lens (10) at least in a portion exposed outside the vehicle body is entirely provided with a semi-translucent metal layer (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp externally mounted on a vehicle such as a truck, a taxi, or a bus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, side marker lights are known as vehicle lamps externally mounted on trucks, etc. Generally, the side marker lights include a housing, a light source unit, and a shell-shaped outer lens, and have a function as a marking light that lights up at night to indicate the width of the vehicle.

[0003] Therefore, in the side marker lamp of Patent Document 1, although a ring-shaped reflector is provided near the housing, the outer lens is a general transparent or functional color lens, and there is a problem that the appearance does not change when not lit during the day.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-155389 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Therefore, it is desired to develop a new vehicle lamp that ensures visibility when lit at night and has an appearance different from that of a general outer lens when not lit during the day.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp having a novel design.

[0010] Means used to solve problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a vehicle lamp involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light source; a shell, which has the light source inside; and an outer lens, which together with the shell forms a lamp chamber, and the outer surface of the outer lens, at least the part exposed outside the vehicle body, is entirely provided with a semi-transparent metal layer.

[0012] In the above-mentioned method, since a semi-transparent metal layer (semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror vapor-deposited film) is formed on the outer surface of the outer lens, it gives a feeling like a mirror decoration when not lit, and since it functions as a lighting when lit, it can provide unexpectedness as an appearance design when lit. In addition, since a semi-transparent metal layer is directly formed on the outer surface of the outer lens, it is possible to achieve an impressive appearance such as electroplating that is not available in previous vehicle lamps. In addition, since no protective cover is further provided, the cost can be reduced.

[0013] In the above aspect, preferably, the outer lens has a shape such that the lamp chamber protrudes forward, and the outer lens is attached so as to be exposed from the vehicle body.

[0014] According to this structure, when the light is not on at night, since the light from other vehicles is reflected, visibility can be ensured even when the light is not on.

[0015] In addition, in the above aspect, preferably, an optical step is formed on the inner surface of the outer lens.

[0016] With this structure, it has a mirror appearance when not lit, and the texture formed by the optical steps can be visually recognized only when lit, so the change in appearance is large, which can give the demander a newer impression.

[0017] In addition, in the above aspect, preferably, the outer lens is made of a colored transparent material.

[0018] With this structure, it has a mirror-like (metallic) appearance when not lit, and emits colored light when lit, so the appearance changes greatly, which can give the customer a more brand-new impression.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above aspect, preferably, the outer lens includes the semi-translucent metal layer on the entire outer surface.

[0020] With this structure, when not lit, the entire lamp has an integrated mirror-like appearance, which does not look like a lamp at first glance but can give a more novel impression.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the vehicle lamp according to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp having a novel design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a state where the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a truck as a side marker lamp.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp including a mounting plate.

[0025] Figure 3 1 is a top view of the vehicle lamp.

[0026] Figure 4 The vehicle lamp is along Figure 3 A sectional view taken along line IV-IV.

[0027] Figure 5The photographs show the vehicle lamp in the non-lit state and the lit state.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a state where a vehicle lamp according to another embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle as a decorative lamp.

[0029] Figure 7 (A) is the front view of the vehicle lamp. Figure 7 (B) is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line BB in (A).

[0030] Figure 8 Along the vehicle lighting Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in (A).

[0031] Fig. 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp including a mounting plate.

[0032] Fig.10 The diagram shows the states of the vehicle lamp when it is not lit and when it is lit.

[0033] Description of Reference Numerals

[0034] 2: Truck (vehicle);

[0035] 5: Vehicle;

[0036] 100: Vehicle lamps;

[0037] 10: outer lens;

[0038] 12: Semi-translucent metal layer;

[0039] 13: optical step;

[0040] 14: optical step;

[0041] 23: LED light source (light source);

[0042] 30: Shell;

[0043] 200: Vehicle lamps;

[0044] 210: outer lens;

[0045] 212: semi-transparent metal layer;

[0046] 213: optical step;

[0047] 223: LED light source (light source);

[0048] 230: Shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show embodiments thereof. Figure 1 The preferred embodiments are described below. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the invention but are examples. The features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily all essential to the invention. The same components and members shown in the drawings are labeled with the same names and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, in the cross-sectional views, the components visible on the inner side of the cross-section are appropriately omitted for ease of description.

[0050] In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in each figure are set for convenience of explanation, and are not to be construed as limiting unless otherwise specified.

[0051] (Example 1)

[0052] As the vehicle lamp 100 according to the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to a side marker lamp of a truck 2. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 is mounted on both sides (only the left side is shown) of the outside of the truck 2 via the mounting plate 3 so as to be exposed from the vehicle body. Alternatively, it may be directly mounted on the vehicle body.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the vehicle lamp 100 schematically includes an outer lens 10 , a light source unit 20 , and a housing 30 .

[0054] The outer lens 10 is made of, for example, a yellow transparent resin. A transparent resin such as colorless or colored acrylic resin (PMMA) or polycarbonate is preferably used as the material of the outer lens 10. In addition, a colorless or colored light-transmitting resin may also be used as the material of the outer lens 10.

[0055] The outer lens 10 has a shell shape that protrudes forward from the housing 30 and opens at the rear.

[0056] The housing 30 is made of an opaque resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene and has a disk shape having a wall portion on the outer periphery. The lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp 100 is defined by closing the opening of the outer lens 10 with the housing 30. As a result, the lamp chamber is shaped to protrude forward.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 30 has a disc shape with a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the opening of the outer lens 10, and has an outer peripheral wall 30a extending in the front-to-back direction on the periphery. In the central part of the housing 30, a rib 31 extending in the front-to-back direction is formed in a spider web shape to enhance the strength of the housing 30.

[0058] The housing 30 has a hole 37 in the center through which the wiring conductor 34 passes. Also, slightly inside the outer periphery of the housing 30, two left and right screw holes 35 are radially opposed to each other through which mounting screws 26 described later pass.

[0059] The light source unit 20 is constituted by mounting a substrate 22 on a disc-shaped pedestal 21. On the substrate 22, LED (light emitting diode) light sources 23 and resistors 24 are mounted alternately in a manner of four at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and are connected by wiring 25. A wiring conductor 34 is mounted in the central part of the pedestal 21 via a wiring holding portion 33, and the wiring 25 is connected to the wiring conductor 34 in the central part of the pedestal 21.

[0060] Screw holes 26 a into which mounting screws 26 (threads are omitted in the figure) are inserted are provided at both left and right end portions of the pedestal 21 .

[0061] The light source unit 20 is fixed to the housing 30 by the mounting screw 26 through the nut 27 with a washer. A separate nut and washer may be used instead of the nut 27 with a washer. The outer lens 10 and the housing 30 are bonded together by ultrasonic welding.

[0062] The vehicle lamp 100 is usually circulated in a state where the housing 30, the light source unit 20 and the outer lens 10 are assembled together and the nut 36 with a washer is screwed and fixed to the mounting screw 26, and is externally mounted on the truck 2 via the mounting plate 3. A separate nut and washer may be used instead of the nut 36 with a washer.

[0063] As a rough outline, the lower end of the mounting plate 3 is a semicircular shape formed along the lower part of the shell, and the upper end of the metal plate having a lateral width substantially equal to the lateral width of the shell 30 is bent at a right angle. Two mounting holes 3a are formed on the vertical surface of the mounting plate 3 at positions corresponding to the mounting screws 26, and an opening 3b for passing the wiring wires 34 is formed between the mounting holes 3a. In addition, two mounting holes 3c for mounting to the truck 2 are formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 3.

[0064] The vehicle lamp 100 is mounted on the mounting plate 3 by passing the wiring wires 34 through the openings 3b, passing the mounting screws 26 through the mounting holes 3a, and tightening the nuts 36 with washers. Then, the vehicle lamp 100 is mounted on the mounting plate 3 and is screwed to the truck 2 through the mounting holes 3c.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, a semi-transparent metal layer 12 that reflects a portion of incident light and transmits a portion is directly formed on the outer surface (surface) of the outer lens 10. The semi-transparent metal layer 12 is a so-called semi-transparent half-mirror vapor-deposited film, and aluminum, silver, titanium, gold, etc. can be used as a metal material.

[0066] In addition, the transmittance of the semi-translucent metal layer 12 can be arbitrarily set within the following range: when not lit, it is a mirror surface so that the inside of the vehicle lamp 100 is difficult to be visually recognized from the outside, and when lit, it acts as a marker light to transmit the required amount of light. Considering the balance between the above-mentioned light transmittance and concealment, for example, the range of 5% to 60% is preferred, and about 15% is particularly preferred.

[0067] In addition, a known protective film made of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) or the like may be formed on the surface of the semi-translucent metal layer 12 as a protective film of a plating or vapor-deposited film in order to prevent the occurrence of defects.

[0068] Optical steps 13 and 14 are formed on the inner surface of the outer lens 10. The optical step 14 is formed at the front end of the outer lens 10 and is formed as a plurality of quadrangular pyramids arranged concentrically. The optical step 13 is formed as a radial line extending from the periphery of the optical step 14 toward the rear.

[0069] The outer wall 30a of the housing 30 is subjected to a metallic surface treatment by electroplating or metal coating in the same tone as the semi-transparent metal layer 12. Thus, when not lit, the lamp as a whole has a metallic mirror appearance, which helps to give a new impression without giving the impression of a lamp.

[0070] Next, the function of the vehicle lamp 100 will be described. Figure 5 As shown in the left figure in FIG. 1 , when the light is not on, the light from the outside is reflected by the semi-translucent metal layer 12, giving the device a mirror appearance.

[0071] On the other hand, when the light from the LED light source 23 is turned on, the light incident on the optical step 14 is diffused on the optical step 14, passes through the semi-translucent metal layer 12 and irradiates toward the front of the lamp. The light incident on the optical step 13 is diffused in the circumferential direction of the lamp, passes through the semi-translucent metal layer 12 and irradiates toward the front and rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, Figure 5 As shown in the right figure in FIG. 1 , the light is emitted while reflecting the texture of the optical steps 13 and 14 , and has an appearance that complies with the function of a marker light that displays a predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0072] Thus, according to the above configuration, a vehicle lamp having a completely new appearance that shows a mirror appearance when not lit and presents an appearance that conforms to the function when lit can be provided. Since the vehicle lamp involved in this embodiment has a mirror appearance as a whole when not lit, it is not conspicuous as a lamp during the day when the lights are turned off. In particular, drivers of large vehicles such as trucks like to use decorative parts with metal electroplating finishing having a mirror appearance, so that the aesthetics that are unified with such decorative parts can be exerted.

[0073] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 100 according to the embodiment, the semi-translucent metal layer 12 is formed on the surface of the outer lens 10 by direct vapor deposition. Therefore, there is no transparent cover made of resin or the like further outside the vapor-deposited layer, so that an unprecedented appearance can be provided as a lamp such as a so-called electroplating finish. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a protective cover made of resin or the like, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost is also suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, at night, even when not lit, the vehicle lamp 100 reflects light from the headlights of other vehicles, street lamps, and other external sources, thereby ensuring a certain degree of visual recognition. At this time, since the portion exposed to the outside of the vehicle is entirely formed with a semi-translucent metal layer 12, no blind spot is formed. In particular, the outer lens 10 has a shape that makes the lamp chamber protrude forward and is exposed from the vehicle body, which is more advantageous. In the case of a side marker lamp such as the vehicle lamp 100, the width of the vehicle can be easily identified even when the vehicle lamp 100 is turned off and the vehicle is parked, which can prevent accidents.

[0075] In addition, as described above, the transmittance of the semi-translucent metal layer 12 can be arbitrarily set within the following range: when the vehicle lamp 100 is not lit, it is a mirror surface so that the interior of the vehicle lamp 100 is difficult to be visually recognized from the outside, and when it is lit, it acts as a marker light to transmit the required amount of light. Considering the balance between the above-mentioned light transmittance and concealment, for example, it is preferably in the range of 5% to 60%, and particularly preferably about 15%. This is because, if it is in such a range, when it is not lit, the internal structure is usually not visible under natural light, which can ensure the unexpectedness of the change in appearance.

[0076] In addition, the optical steps 13 and 14 applied to the inner surface of the outer lens 10 are not essential, and the function as a sign light can be ensured by controlling the light distribution by other methods such as using a reflector, an inner lens, etc. However, by forming the optical steps, when the lamp is lit, the lamp itself can show the texture formed by the optical steps, thereby strengthening the impression of the change in appearance.

[0077] As described above, the material of the outer lens 10 can be colored or colorless, transparent or translucent resin, but using a colored transparent resin is particularly advantageous because the difference between the metallic appearance when not lit and the appearance when lit is significant.

[0078] (Example 2)

[0079] As the vehicle lamp 200 involved in the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a decorative lamp externally mounted on a vehicle such as a taxi. Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle lamp 200 is attached to the bumper of the vehicle 5 in a bilaterally symmetrical manner and used decoratively, and has a function as a marker lamp that improves the visibility of the vehicle 5 .

[0080] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the vehicle lamp 200 schematically includes an outer lens 210 , a light source unit 220 , and a housing 230 .

[0081] In addition, the vehicle lamp 200 has a horizontally long rod shape with both ends tapered in a front view.

[0082] The outer lens 210 has a shape formed along the overall shape of the vehicle lamp 200 in the main viewing angle, and has a box-like shape that protrudes forward and opens to the rear. As a result, the lamp chamber is formed in a protruding shape from the housing to the front. In this example, the outer lens 210 is made of a colorless transparent resin. As a material for the outer lens 210, it can be selected from the same materials as the outer lens 10.

[0083] The housing 230 is made of an opaque resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and has a shape that matches the opening of the outer lens 210. The housing 230 blocks the opening of the outer lens 210, thereby defining a lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp 200.

[0084] Screw holes 235 for inserting light source mounting screws 226 are formed near both ends of the housing 230. A through hole 237 for passing a wiring conductor (not shown) is formed in the central portion of the housing 230. In addition, screw holes 238 for screwing with mounting screws 205 mounted on the mounting plate 203 are provided on the back of the middle portion between the through hole 237 and the screw holes 235 on both sides.

[0085] The light source unit 220 has a substrate 221 having a shape corresponding to the main view shape of the lamp, and a plurality of (20 in the illustrated example) LED light sources 223 are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the left-right direction on the substrate 221. In addition, through holes 227 for light source mounting screws 226 to be inserted are formed at both ends of the substrate 221.

[0086] The light source unit 220 is fixed to the housing 230 by screwing the light source mounting screw 226 into the screw hole 235 via the through hole 227. In addition, the outer lens 210 and the housing 230 are bonded together by ultrasonic welding.

[0087] The vehicle lamp 200 is usually distributed in a state where the housing 230 , the light source unit 220 , and the outer lens 210 are assembled together.

[0088] The vehicle lamp 200 is mounted on the vehicle 5 via the mounting plate 203. Specifically, the mounting screws 205 are inserted into the mounting holes 203a of the mounting plate 203, the mounting plate 203 is screwed, and then the mounting plate 203 is screwed with the vehicle body mounting screws 206.

[0089] like Figure 7 (B) Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a semi-translucent metal layer 212 similar to the semi-translucent metal layer 12 of the vehicle lamp 100 is formed on the entire surface of the outer lens 210. Figure 7 As shown in (A) and (B) in FIG. 1 , a plurality of optical steps 213 extending in a wavy line in the left-right direction are formed in parallel on the inner surface of the outer lens. Figure 7 In (A), although the optical step 213 is indicated by a dotted line, the optical step 213 does not appear when the light is off.

[0090] As a result, if Fig.10 As shown in the upper figure in FIG. 2 , when the light is not on, the light from the outside is reflected by the semi-transparent metal layer 212 to present a mirror appearance.

[0091] On the other hand, when lit, Fig.10 As shown in the lower figure, light from the LED light source 223 enters the optical step 213 and diffuses, and irradiates forward through the semi-transparent metal layer 212, thereby having an appearance that follows the function of being a marker light that reflects the texture of the optical step 213 and emits light.

[0092] In this way, even in the vehicle lamp 200 having a shape different from that of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the vehicle lamp 100 can be achieved.

[0093] As mentioned above, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the above-mentioned embodiment is just an example of the present invention, and they can be combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such forms are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0094] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, examples of applying the present invention to side marker lights and decorative lights are described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as permitted by law, it can be widely used in various vehicle lamps such as headlights, position lights, tail lights, side turn signal lights, brake lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, hazard warning lights, position lights, reversing lights, fog lights, etc.

[0095] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is set that the outer lens as a whole has a semi-transparent metal layer 12, 212, but the semi-transparent metal layer 12, 212 only needs to be formed on at least the entire portion exposed to the outside of the vehicle. When the outer lens extends to a portion not exposed to the outside of the vehicle, it is not necessarily necessary to form the semi-transparent metal layer 212 on the surface of the entire outer lens.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: The vehicle lamp comprises: light source; a housing having the light source therein; and an outer lens, which together with the housing forms a lamp chamber, The outer surface of the outer lens is entirely provided with a semi-translucent metal layer at least on a portion exposed to the outside of the vehicle body. The transmittance of the semi-transparent metal layer is in the range of 5% to 60%. An optical step is formed on the inner surface of the outer lens. The optical steps are formed by a plurality of quadrangular pyramids which are continuously arranged in concentric circles.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer lens has a shape that makes the lamp chamber protrude forward. The outer lens is installed to be exposed from the vehicle body.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer lens is made of colored transparent material.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer lens includes the semi-translucent metal layer on the entire outer surface.

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