Lighting fixtures and display panels

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology that enables an illumination device to illuminate a bright sign. The display panel (3) of the illumination device (1) is configured with a layered structure having the following components: a transparent substrate layer (30); a decorative layer (33) having a general decorative portion (33g) and a display decorative portion (33d); and a shielding layer (35) having a general shielding portion (35g) and a display shielding portion (35d), wherein at least a portion of the outer edge of the display shielding portion (35d), namely the shielding outer edge portion (35e), is radially outward compared to the paired decorative outer edge portions (33e).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel for illuminating a sign, and an illumination device having the display panel. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, lighting devices have been proposed that illuminate various indicators, such as the operating status of electrical products. In such lighting devices, a display panel disposed on the surface side of a light source is provided with a display area for allowing light emitted from the light source to pass through and display the indicator on the surface side of the light source (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-117681

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an illumination device in which the aforementioned display area is provided on the end wall of the knob portion (so-called button) of a push-button switch, and the vicinity of the knob portion is illuminated.

[0005] When a lighting device illuminates multiple different signs, the lighting device is equipped with multiple light sources, and a display panel disposed on the surface side of each light source is provided with multiple display areas corresponding to each light source.

[0006] That is, in this lighting device, the light emitted by each light source passes through different display areas, thereby displaying multiple different signs.

[0007] This lighting device can be described as having a light source and multiple light-emitting parts combined with a display area corresponding to the light source.

[0008] However, in a lighting device having multiple light-emitting parts as described above, when adjacent light-emitting parts are close to each other, light leakage may sometimes occur between the adjacent light-emitting parts.

[0009] That is, in a lighting device having multiple light-emitting parts, sometimes the light emitted by the light source of one light-emitting part enters the light path of its adjacent light-emitting part (in other words, another light-emitting part), and is emitted to the outside through the display area of ​​the adjacent light-emitting part.

[0010] In this situation, the boundaries between adjacent light-emitting parts become blurred, making it sometimes difficult to use each light-emitting part to illuminate and display a clear sign.

[0011] Furthermore, in this situation, the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the lighting fixture may also be compromised. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its object is to provide a technology that enables an illumination device to illuminate a bright sign.

[0013] The lighting device of the present invention, which solves the above problems, has the following features:

[0014] Multiple light sources;

[0015] A display panel, located on the surface side of the light source; and

[0016] The light-shielding housing contains the light source in a state that allows the light path of the light source facing the surface to be open.

[0017] The display panel has a laminated structure comprising: a transparent substrate layer; a decorative layer located on the surface side compared to the transparent substrate layer; and a shielding layer located on the back side compared to the transparent substrate layer.

[0018] The decorative layer has a general decorative portion and a plurality of display decorative portions, which are disposed on the surface side of each of the light sources and have a higher light transmittance than the general decorative portion.

[0019] The shielding layer has a general shielding portion and a plurality of display shielding portions, which are respectively opposite to pairs of display decorative portions and have a higher light transmittance than the general shielding portion.

[0020] In a projection view projected in the surface-backward direction, at least a portion of the outer edge of the display shielding portion, i.e. the shielding outer edge portion, is radially outward compared to the outer edges of the paired display decorative portions, i.e. the decorative outer edges portion.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] The lighting device of the present invention is capable of illuminating and displaying prominent signs. Furthermore, the display panel according to the present invention enables the lighting device to illuminate and display prominent signs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the lighting device of Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the lighting device of Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a portion of the multiple symbols displayed by the lighting device of Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation in Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the cross-section of the lighting device of Example 1 at position AA.

[0027] Figure 5This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The lighting device of the present invention includes: a plurality of light sources; and a display panel located on the surface side of the light sources. The display panel has a decorative layer located on the surface side of the transparent substrate layer. The decorative layer has: a display decorative portion located on the surface side of the light sources; and a general decorative portion, which is the portion excluding the display decorative portion, wherein the light transmittance of the display decorative portion is higher than that of the general decorative portion.

[0031] Therefore, in the lighting device of the present invention, the light emitted by each light source and passing through the transparent substrate layer of the display panel also passes through the display decoration portion of the decorative layer of the display panel and is emitted towards the surface side of the display panel. Thus, a mark corresponding to the appearance of the display decoration portion is illuminated on the surface side of the lighting device of the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the display panel of the lighting device of the present invention, in addition to the aforementioned decorative layer and transparent substrate layer, also has a shielding layer located on the back side of the transparent substrate layer. The shielding layer has: a display shielding portion, which is the portion located on the surface side of each light source; and a general shielding portion, which is the portion excluding the display shielding portion, wherein the light transmittance of the display shielding portion is higher than that of the general shielding portion.

[0033] That is, regarding the display panel of the lighting device of the present invention, the display shielding portion and the display decorative portion paired with the display shielding portion are arranged in the thickness direction of the display panel through a transparent substrate layer. Moreover, it can be said that the display shielding portion and the display decorative portion in the display panel, as well as the portion in the transparent substrate layer sandwiched by them, correspond to the display area for allowing light emitted from the light source to pass through and displaying the mark on the surface side of the light source.

[0034] In the lighting device of the present invention, light emitted by each light source and traveling toward the surface side of the light source passes through the display shielding portion of the shielding layer and enters the transparent substrate layer, and is emitted toward the surface side of the display panel through the display decoration portion of the decorative layer. On the other hand, light emitted by each light source and traveling in a direction other than the surface side of the light source is shielded by the general shielding portion of the shielding layer.

[0035] That is, the shielding layer blocks the light from all directions except the surface side in the light path emitted by each light source.

[0036] Therefore, the light emitted by each light source is difficult to reach adjacent display areas, and the lighting device of the present invention can illuminate and display prominent signs.

[0037] Here, a portion of the light emitted by the light source is blocked by a general shielding part. However, if the amount of light blocked by this general shielding part is too large—in other words, if the size of the display shielding part is too small relative to the display decorative part—it becomes difficult for sufficient light to reach the entire display decorative part. In this case, it may appear as if a part of the decorative display part is missing, resulting in damage to the appearance of the display panel.

[0038] In contrast, in the lighting device of the present invention, at least a portion of the outer edge of the display shielding portion of the display panel, namely the shielding outer edge portion, is located radially outward compared to the outer edges of the paired display decorative portions, namely the decorative outer edge portions.

[0039] Therefore, the lighting device according to the present invention can deliver sufficient light to the entire display decoration section, and can suppress problems such as the appearance of a missing part of the decoration display section.

[0040] Therefore, the lighting device of the present invention can illuminate and display signs more clearly.

[0041] Similarly, according to the display panel of the present invention, a bright sign can be illuminated using the lighting device of the present invention.

[0042] The lighting device and display panel of the present invention will now be described with respect to each of their constituent elements. Furthermore, the display panel of the present invention is the display panel of the lighting device of the present invention.

[0043] The following describes the methods for implementing the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the numerical range "x~y" described in this specification includes a lower limit x and an upper limit y. Moreover, new numerical ranges can be formed by arbitrarily combining the aforementioned upper and lower limits, as well as the values ​​described in the embodiments. Furthermore, values ​​arbitrarily selected from any of the aforementioned numerical ranges can be set as the upper and lower limits of a new numerical range.

[0044] The lighting device of the present invention has a display panel on which various indicators, representing the operating status of an electrical product, are illuminated. The lighting device of the present invention can be separate from the corresponding electrical product or integrated with it.

[0045] For example, the lighting device of the present invention can be specifically implemented as a lighting device for vehicles. In this case, it is preferable that the lighting device of the present invention illuminates signs indicating the operating status of various electrical products used in vehicles.

[0046] More specifically, this symbol can be used to indicate, for example, the on / off state of the vehicle's air conditioning unit, the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, the airflow of the air conditioning unit, the on / off state of the seat heater, and the on / off state of the vehicle's autonomous driving system.

[0047] Furthermore, the lighting device of the present invention can illuminate a sign indicating the operating status of the aforementioned electrical product, and is integrated with a switch for controlling the operation of the electrical product. In this case, occupants can perform switch-based on-off operations on the electrical product by touching the sign.

[0048] The lighting device of the present invention has multiple light sources, a light-shielding housing, and a display panel.

[0049] The type of light source is not limited; any common light source, such as LED lamps or halogen lamps, can be used. Furthermore, the number of light sources is not particularly limited. The light emitted by the light source is preferably visible light with a wavelength of 360–830 nm.

[0050] The light-shielding housing section houses each of the aforementioned light sources. The lighting device of the present invention may have multiple light-shielding housing sections that house multiple light sources individually, or it may have a single light-shielding housing section that houses multiple light sources uniformly.

[0051] In any case, the light-shielding housing only needs to accommodate each light source in a state where the light path of the light source facing the surface is open. In other words, the light-shielding housing only needs to accommodate the light source in a state where light emitted by the light source can pass through on the surface side of each light source, and light is blocked from the portion of each light source other than the surface side. By using the light-shielding housing to block light from the portion of the light source other than the surface side, it is possible to suppress the light emitted by each light source from reaching other display areas adjacent to the corresponding display area.

[0052] More specifically, the light-shielding housing preferably has a sidewall that covers the light source from the radially outward side. Moreover, in order to suppress the loss of light emitted by the light source, it is more preferable that the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall, i.e. the surface on the light source side, is a reflective surface that reflects visible light.

[0053] As described above, the display panel has a layered structure having a transparent substrate layer, a decorative layer, and a shielding layer, and is disposed on the surface side of the light source.

[0054] The transparent substrate layer, as transparent as the characters themselves, is thicker than the decorative layer and the masking layer. Preferably, the thickness of the decorative layer and the masking layer is less than or equal to 10% of the thickness of the transparent substrate layer, more preferably less than or equal to 5%.

[0055] Furthermore, the term "transparent" as used in this specification refers to a visible light transmittance greater than or equal to 70%. The transparent substrate layer may or may not be colorless.

[0056] The material of the transparent substrate layer is not particularly limited, but resin materials such as polycarbonate and acrylic are preferred.

[0057] The decorative layer is configured to be positioned closer to the surface than the transparent substrate layer. As described above, the decorative layer has both a display decorative portion and a general decorative portion.

[0058] The display decorative portion is the part of the decorative layer located on the surface side of each light source, while the general decorative portion is the part of the decorative layer excluding the display decorative portion. The lighting device of the present invention has multiple light sources and a number of display decorative portions corresponding to each light source.

[0059] The light transmittance of the decorative display section is higher than that of the general decorative section. This is to allow for luminous display on the surface of the display panel that corresponds to the shape of the decorative display section.

[0060] Examples of combinations of preferred ranges for the light transmittance of the display decorative part and the general decorative part include: the display decorative part being in the range of 30% to 1% and the general decorative part being in the range of less than 1%; the display decorative part being in the range of 25% to 2% and the general decorative part being in the range of less than 2%; or the display decorative part being in the range of 20% to 3% and the general decorative part being in the range of less than 3%.

[0061] Furthermore, the transmittance in this specification refers to the transmittance of light emitted by the light source within a specific wavelength range. For example, when the light source emits visible light, the transmittance of each part only needs to be the transmittance of visible light.

[0062] Display decorative parts are preferably made of transparent materials such as transparent resin. General decorative parts are preferably made of one or more of the following materials: paint, colored resin material, adhesive resin material, metal, etc. For reference, adhesive resin material refers to a material that colors the resin itself by mixing pigments or other coloring materials with the resin material, or by mixing glossy materials and coloring materials together with the resin material.

[0063] The method for forming a decorative layer on the surface of the transparent substrate layer is not particularly limited; for example, known methods such as printing, coating, vapor deposition, and bonding can be used. Furthermore, in cases where the decorative layer is formed by bonding to the surface of the transparent substrate layer, other layers such as an adhesive layer can be placed between the transparent substrate layer and the decorative layer. In this case, it is preferable that the light transmittance of the other layer is similar to that of the transparent substrate layer or the light transmittance of the decorative portion of the decorative layer. Particularly preferred is that the refractive index of the adhesive layer is similar to that of the transparent substrate layer. In this specification, "similar" means within a range of less than ±5% of the value in question.

[0064] The shape of the decorative display section is not particularly limited, as long as it is set to various shapes corresponding to the logo to be displayed. The light transmittance of the decorative display section can be uniform. Alternatively, the light transmittance of the decorative display section can vary from section to section.

[0065] In cases where the light transmittance of the display decoration varies depending on each part, the light transmittance of the display decoration refers to the light transmittance of the part with the highest light transmittance in the display decoration.

[0066] The same applies to general decorative parts; their light transmittance can be the same or it can vary depending on each part.

[0067] In cases where the light transmittance of a general decorative section varies depending on each part, the light transmittance of a general decorative section refers to the light transmittance of the part with the highest light transmittance in the general decorative section.

[0068] Alternatively, for example, a portion with lower light transmittance can be provided inside the portion with higher light transmittance of the display decoration, and characters, symbols, etc. can be displayed by the portion with lower light transmittance.

[0069] Here, if the light transmittance of the inner part is less than or equal to the light transmittance of the part with the highest light transmittance in a general decorative part, the inner part can be regarded as a general decorative part.

[0070] Furthermore, even if the light transmittance of the inner portion is greater than that of the portion with the highest light transmittance in the general decorative section, that is, if the light transmittance of the inner portion is greater than or equal to 5% higher than that of the portion with the highest light transmittance in the general decorative section, the inner portion can be regarded as a general decorative section if the light transmittance of that portion is less than the same degree relative to the light transmittance of the display decorative section.

[0071] The masking layer is a layer positioned further back on the back side, i.e., the light source side, than the transparent substrate layer. As described above, the masking layer has a display masking portion and a general masking portion.

[0072] Each display shielding portion is a part of the shielding layer that is respectively provided on the back side of the aforementioned display decorative portion. Therefore, the display shielding portion can be referred to as a part of the shielding layer that is respectively opposite to the paired display decorative portions.

[0073] As described above, the lighting device of the present invention has multiple light sources and multiple display decorative parts, and therefore the display shielding parts are also provided in a number corresponding to the light sources and the display decorative parts.

[0074] The light transmittance of the display shield is higher than that of a general shield. Preferred ranges for the light transmittance of the display shield include 50% or greater, 70% or greater, and 90% or greater. Preferred ranges for the light transmittance of a general shield include 30% or less, 10% or less, and 5% or less. The light transmittance of the display shield is particularly preferably 100%, and the light transmittance of a general shield is particularly preferably 0%.

[0075] Furthermore, examples of combinations of the preferred range of light transmittance of the display shielding portion and the preferred range of light transmittance of the general shielding portion include: the display shielding portion being in a range of 50% or greater and the general shielding portion being in a range of 30% or less; the display shielding portion being in a range of 70% or greater and the general shielding portion being in a range of 10% or less; or the display shielding portion being in a range of 90% or greater and the general shielding portion being in a range of 5% or less.

[0076] The display shielding portion may simply have an opening, or it may be made of a transparent material such as transparent resin. Generally, the shielding portion is preferably made of one or more of the following materials: paint, colored resin material, adhesive resin material, metal, etc.

[0077] The method for forming a masking layer on the back side of the transparent substrate layer is not particularly limited; for example, known methods such as printing, coating, vapor deposition, and bonding can be used.

[0078] Furthermore, when a shielding layer is formed on the back side of the transparent substrate layer by bonding, other layers such as the adhesive layer can be placed between the transparent substrate layer and the shielding layer. In this case, it is preferable that the light transmittance of the other layer is higher than that of the transparent substrate layer or the light transmittance of the display shielding portion of the shielding layer (in other words, high transmittance). Additionally, it is particularly preferable that the refractive index of the adhesive layer is higher than that of the transparent substrate layer (in other words, high refractive index).

[0079] The shape of the display shielding part of the shielding layer only needs to correspond to the shape of the paired display decorative parts. The light transmittance of the display shielding parts can be the same or different for each part.

[0080] When the light transmittance of the display shielding portion varies depending on each part, the light transmittance of the display shielding portion refers to the light transmittance of the part with the highest light transmittance in the display shielding portion.

[0081] The same applies to general shaded areas; their light transmittance can be uniform or it can vary depending on each part.

[0082] In cases where the light transmittance of a general shaded area varies depending on each part, the light transmittance of a general shaded area refers to the light transmittance of the part with the highest light transmittance in the general shaded area.

[0083] As described above, the display panel of the lighting device of the present invention has a plurality of display decorative portions and display shielding portions that are opposite to each other and are paired together. The paired display decorative portions and display shielding portions constitute part of the light path of light emitted from the same light source.

[0084] In the lighting device of the present invention, in a projection view projected in the surface-backward direction, the outer edge of the display shielding portion, which is at least a part of the outer edge of the display shielding portion, is radially outward than the outer edge of the decorative portion, which is the outer edge of the paired display decorative portion. In other words, with the optical axis of the light source as the center, the outer edge of the shielding portion corresponding to the light source is radially outward than the decorative outer edge portion.

[0085] Furthermore, in other words, in the lighting device of the present invention, it is possible that only a portion of the outer edge of the display shielding part is the shielding outer edge part which is radially outward compared to the aforementioned decorative outer edge part, or it is possible that the entire outer edge of the display shielding part is the shielding outer edge part.

[0086] In any case, at least some part of the outer edge of the shielding will produce an effect based on the outer edge of the shielding, that is, to make a sufficient amount of light reach the display decoration and to make the bright sign illuminated based on the decoration display.

[0087] Here, when the lighting device of the present invention is mounted in a vehicle, there is a preferred relationship between the dimensions of the various parts of the display panel. Specifically, the thickness t of the transparent substrate layer, the refraction angle θ2 of the transparent substrate layer, and the radial distance x between the outer edge of the shielding portion and the outer edge of the decorative portion preferably satisfy the relationship x = t × tanθ2. A detailed description will be given in the embodiment section, but when the above-mentioned dimensions satisfy the above-mentioned relationship, the markings displayed by the lighting device can be visually confirmed more clearly when observed by an occupant seated in the seat.

[0088] For reference, the refraction angle θ2 of the transparent substrate layer can be derived using the formula θ2 = arcsin(sinθ1 / nd) based on the refractive index nd of the transparent substrate layer and the incident angle θ1 of the transparent substrate layer. The incident angle θ1 of the transparent substrate layer refers to the angle formed by the straight line L1 connecting the center point of the eyes of the seated occupant to the point on the surface of the decorative outer edge of the display trim located at the foremost point in the occupant's direction of travel, and the straight line connecting the surface side to the back side.

[0089] The aforementioned incident angle θ1 varies depending on the height of the occupant seated, the seat position, etc. In the lighting device of the present invention, for example, the incident angle θ1 can be adjusted for each occupant seated by making the display panel movable, but it is also possible to envision the occupant as the target and specify a general value for the incident angle θ1 based on the occupant's seat height, etc.

[0090] Specifically, when the occupant's eyes are positioned low, i.e., when the angle of incidence θ1 is small, it is particularly easy to produce a problem where it appears as if a part of the aforementioned decorative display is missing.

[0091] Therefore, when specifying the general value of the incident angle θ1, it is preferable to use a shorter passenger as the occupant to be considered.

[0092] As described below, in the embodiments of this application, the occupant of the object is a crash test mannequin, namely Hybrid-III AF05 (so-called AF05 test subject). The AF05 test subject is a crash test mannequin based on the standard of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [49 CFR Part 572] of the United States Highway Traffic Safety Administration, simulating a short female.

[0093] Furthermore, as a basic value for calculating the incident angle θ1, the vertical distance L2 between the surface end of the display trim, which is located furthest from the occupant's eyes, and the occupant's eyes can also be used.

[0094] Of course, the value of L2 also varies depending on the height of the passenger sitting in the seat, the seat position, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to set a general value for L2, and 450mm can be given as an example of such a general value.

[0095] Furthermore, as a general value for the incident angle θ1 mentioned above, 55° or 50° can be specifically cited as examples.

[0096] In the lighting device of the present invention, the display panel and the light-shielding housing can be either in close contact with each other in the surface-backward direction or separate from each other. When the back of the display panel is composed of a shielding layer, it is preferable that the display panel and the light-shielding housing be separated from each other to prevent damage to the shielding layer.

[0097] When the display panel and the light-shielding housing are separated from each other in the surface-backward direction, the light emitted by the light source leaks outward from between the display panel and the light-shielding housing.

[0098] If light leaking outward from between the display panel and the light-shielding housing reflects onto an area of ​​the display panel other than the display area, the illuminated markings displayed by the lighting device of the present invention may become indistinct.

[0099] Therefore, preferably, the display panel of the lighting device of the present invention has a protrusion for covering the gap between the light-shielding housing portion and the display panel.

[0100] Preferably, the protrusion is positioned further radially outward than the outer edge of the shielding portion of the display panel, and preferably its back side is composed of a general shielding portion of the shielding layer.

[0101] By providing such a protrusion in the lighting device of the present invention, light leakage from between the display panel and the light-shielding housing can be suppressed, and the lighting device of the present invention can illuminate and display a brighter sign.

[0102] The height of the protrusion is not particularly limited. However, in order to suppress light leakage from the gap between the light-shielding housing and the display panel with higher reliability, it is particularly preferable that the rear end of the protrusion is located further back than the surface end of the light-shielding housing.

[0103] The lighting device of the present invention will now be described with specific examples.

[0104] (Example 1)

[0105] The lighting device of Embodiment 1 forms part of a central console located inside a vehicle, and the display panel in the lighting device forms part of the upper panel of the central console.

[0106] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the lighting device of Embodiment 1.

[0107] in, Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates the positional relationship between the lighting device of Embodiment 1 and the occupant seated in the seat. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0108] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a portion of the multiple symbols displayed by the lighting device of Embodiment 1. Figure 4 It is a schematic representation in Figure 2The diagram illustrates the cross-section of the lighting device of Example 1 at position AA. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 1.

[0109] In the following text, "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" refer to the directions shown in the diagrams. Furthermore, the up-down direction aligns with the vertical direction, the front-back direction aligns with the vehicle's direction of travel, and the left-right direction aligns with the vehicle's width direction.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1 forms part of the central console 90 for a vehicle and is arranged together with other parts of the central console 90 in the vehicle interior 99 (not shown).

[0111] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1 is located on the front side of the armrest 91 and the rear side of the beverage holder 92 of the central console 90.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, the lighting device 1 includes multiple light sources 2, a display panel 3, and a light-shielding housing 4, wherein the display panel 3 is exposed inside the vehicle interior. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 3 of the lighting device 1 in Embodiment 1 displays a sign indicating the on / off state of the seat heater and three indicator signs indicating the operating status of the heater.

[0113] As will be described later, each of the two light sources is lit up to illuminate and display various signs.

[0114] If the fourth light source (omitted in the diagram) is illuminated, the corresponding seat heater (omitted in the diagram) indicator SH will illuminate. This indicates to the occupant 98 that the seat heater is on.

[0115] Additionally, if the first light source in the diagram is not illuminated, the first indicator mark I-1, which is the corresponding indicator mark, will be illuminated.

[0116] If the second light source shown in the diagram is not illuminated, then the second indicator mark I-2, which is the corresponding indicator mark, will be illuminated.

[0117] If the third light source in the diagram is omitted from the illumination, then the third indicator mark I-3, which is the corresponding indicator mark, will be illuminated.

[0118] If only indicator I-1 is illuminated, occupant 98 determines that the seat heater is operating at a low temperature. If both indicator I-1 and indicator I-2 are illuminated, occupant 98 determines that the seat heater is operating at a medium temperature. If all three indicators I-1, I-2, and I-3 are illuminated, occupant 98 determines that the seat heater is operating at a high temperature.

[0119] like Figure 4 As shown, in the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, the light-shielding housing 4 and the light source 2 are disposed on the back side of the display panel 3.

[0120] Each light source 2 is an LED lamp, housed in the light-shielding housing 4, and emits light towards the surface side.

[0121] like Figure 4 As shown, the light-shielding housing 4 includes: a main body 40; and a substrate 41 and a reflective layer 45 integrated with the main body 40 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0122] The main body 40 of the light-shielding housing 4 is formed as a box with an opening on the surface side and is made of an adhesive resin that is almost opaque. The main body 40 has a cylindrical sidewall 42 that covers the light source 2 from the radially outward. The sidewall 42 is axially oriented in the surface-backward direction and has openings on both the surface and backward sides. A substrate 41 is disposed inside the main body 40, and the light source 2 is mounted on the substrate 41.

[0123] like Figure 5 As shown, a reflective layer 45 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of each sidewall 42, which reflects visible light toward the radially inward side, i.e., the light source 2 side. This reflective layer 45 reflects visible light.

[0124] The light emitted by each light source 2 also travels in directions other than the surface side, but is reflected by the reflective layer 45 and most of it is emitted towards the surface side of the light-shielding housing part 4.

[0125] The display panel 3 has a transparent substrate layer 30, a decorative layer 33, and a shielding layer 35.

[0126] The transparent substrate layer 30 is made of polycarbonate and is as transparent as a character.

[0127] The decorative layer 33 has a general decorative part 33g and a plurality of display decorative parts 33d.

[0128] Decorative layer 33 uses a resin-based transparent base and coloring pigments as materials. More specifically, the display decorative part 33d uses only a transparent base as a material, while the general decorative part 33g uses a colored paint made of a mixture of transparent base and coloring pigments as a material. Decorative layer 33 is printed and formed on the surface side of transparent substrate layer 30.

[0129] Regarding the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, the light transmittance of each display decorative part 33d is about 80%, and the light transmittance of the general decorative part 33g is about 20%.

[0130] The number of display decorative parts 33d corresponds to the number of light sources 2, and each display decorative part 33d is disposed on the surface side of each light source 2. The center of each display decorative part 33d is approximately aligned with the center of its corresponding light source 2.

[0131] The masking layer 35 has a general masking portion 35g and a plurality of display masking portions 35d. The masking layer 35 is made of a colored paint obtained by mixing a transparent base agent and a coloring pigment, and is printed on the back side of the transparent substrate layer 30, except for the areas that become the display masking portions 35d. Therefore, the general masking portion 35g is the part of the masking layer 35 composed of paint, and each display masking portion 35d can also be referred to as an opening provided in the masking layer 35.

[0132] In the lighting device 1 of Example 1, the light transmittance of each display shielding part 35d is 100%, while the light transmittance of the general shielding part 35g is almost 0%.

[0133] In addition, the display shielding portion 35d is provided in a number corresponding to the number of light sources 2, and each display decorative portion 33d is respectively disposed on the back side of each light source 2. It can be said that the display decorative portion 33d disposed on the surface side of a light source 2 and the display shielding portion 35d disposed on the back side are in pairs.

[0134] A light-emitting area is formed by the pair of display decorative portions 33d and display shielding portions 35d, and the portion of the transparent substrate layer 30 between them. Additionally, a light-emitting part is formed by this light-emitting area and its corresponding light source 2. The lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1 has multiple light-emitting parts, and the display panel 3 of the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1 has multiple display areas.

[0135] The center of each display shielding part 35d is slightly offset from the center of its corresponding light source 2.

[0136] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the outer edge of each display shielding portion 35d, which is located in front of the line of sight of the occupant 98, is located radially outward, i.e., in front, compared to the outer edge of the pair of display decorative portions 33d.

[0137] Here, in the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, the refractive index nd of the transparent substrate layer 30 is 1.58, and the incident angle θ1 of the transparent substrate layer 30 is 50°. Therefore, the refraction angle θ2 of the transparent substrate layer 30 is θ2 = arcsin(sinθ1 / nd) = 29°.

[0138] For reference, the value of θ1 above is calculated in the following manner.

[0139] First, with the AF05 test subject seated, the center point of the subject's eyes is calculated. Furthermore, a straight line L1 is drawn connecting this center point to a point on the surface of the outer edge of the decorative portion 33e that is at the foremost point in the direction of travel for the AF05 test subject. The angle between L1 and the perpendicular is defined as θ1.

[0140] Here, the thickness t of the transparent substrate layer 30 is 3 mm. Therefore, the radial distance x between the shielding outer edge 35e and the decorative outer edge 33e is x = t × tanθ2 ≈ 1.7 (mm).

[0141] In the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, light emitted by each light source 2 and traveling toward the surface side of the light source 2 passes through the display shielding portion 35d of the shielding layer 35 and enters the transparent substrate layer 30, and is emitted toward the surface side of the display panel 3 through the display decoration portion 33d of the decorative layer 33. On the other hand, light emitted by each light source 2 and traveling in a direction other than the surface side of the light source 2 is reflected by the reflective layer 45 of the light shielding housing portion 4 and changes the light path at the surface side of the light source 2, or is shielded by the general shielding portion 35g of the shielding layer 35.

[0142] Therefore, the light emitted by each light source 2 is difficult to reach the adjacent display area, and the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1 is able to illuminate and display the bright sign.

[0143] Furthermore, in the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, the shielding outer edge 35e of the display panel 3 is radially outward compared to the decorative outer edge 33e of the paired display decorative parts 33d. Therefore, in the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1, a sufficient amount of light can reach the portion of the display decorative parts 33d, particularly the portion located in front of the occupant 98's line of sight, enabling the entire display decorative part 33d to emit bright light. This suppresses problems such as the appearance of missing decorative display parts and allows for the illumination of prominent markings.

[0144] (Example 2)

[0145] The lighting device of Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as the lighting device of Embodiment 1, except for the shape of the display panel.

[0146] Figure 6This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 1.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, in the display panel 3 of the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 2, a protrusion 35p is formed in the part that is radially outward from the outer edge 35e, protruding toward the rear side.

[0148] The rear end of the protrusion 35p is located radially outward from the side wall 42 of the light-shielding housing 4, and further back than the surface end of the side wall 42. Additionally, a general shielding portion 35g with a shielding layer 35 is provided on the rear side of the protrusion 35p.

[0149] Except for the protrusion 35p and the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p, the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0150] In the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 2, the protrusion 35p and the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p cover the sidewall 42 of the light-shielding housing portion 4 from the front and radially outward. Therefore, the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p can efficiently shield light leaking towards the front and radially outward of the light-shielding housing portion 4. Thus, the lighting device 1 according to Embodiment 2 can illuminate and display more clearly the markings.

[0151] (Example 3)

[0152] Except for the shape of the display panel, the lighting device of Embodiment 3 is substantially the same as the lighting device of Embodiment 1.

[0153] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the dimensions of the various parts of the lighting device in Embodiment 3.

[0154] like Figure 7 As shown, in the display panel 3 of the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 3, a protrusion 35p is formed in the part that is radially outward from the outer edge 35e, protruding toward the rear side.

[0155] The rear end of the protrusion 35p is located radially inward than the side wall 42 of the light-shielding housing 4, and further back than the surface end of the side wall 42. Additionally, a general shielding portion 35g with a shielding layer 35 is provided on the rear side of the protrusion 35p.

[0156] In addition, apart from the protrusion 35p and the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p, the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 3 is substantially the same as the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0157] Regarding the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 3, the side wall 42 of the light-shielding housing 4 is also covered from the front and radially outward by the protrusion 35p and the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p. Therefore, in the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 3, similar to the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 2, the general shielding portion 35g located on the back side of the protrusion 35p can efficiently shield the light leaking to the front and radially outward of the light-shielding housing 4. Thus, the lighting device 1 of Embodiment 3 can also illuminate and display more vivid signs.

[0158] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the structural elements shown in this specification, including the embodiments, can be extracted and combined arbitrarily to implement the invention.

[0159] Explanation of the label

[0160] 1: Lighting device 2: Light source

[0161] 4: Light-shielding housing part; 3: Display panel

[0162] 30: Transparent substrate layer; 33: Decorative layer

[0163] 33g: General decorative part; 33d: Display decorative part

[0164] 33e: Decorative outer edge; 35: Shielding layer

[0165] 35g: General shaded area; 35d: Display shaded area

[0166] 35e: Covering the outer edge; 35p: Protrusion.

[0167] t: Thickness of the transparent substrate layer; θ2: Refraction angle of the transparent substrate layer.

[0168] x: Radial distance between the outer edge of the shield and the outer edge of the decoration.

Claims

1. A lighting device, wherein, The lighting device has: Multiple light sources; The display panel is located on the surface side of the light source; as well as The light-shielding housing contains the light source in a state that allows the light path of the light source facing the surface to be open. The display panel has a laminated structure comprising: a transparent substrate layer; a decorative layer located on the surface side compared to the transparent substrate layer; and a shielding layer located on the back side compared to the transparent substrate layer. The decorative layer has a general decorative portion and a plurality of display decorative portions, which are disposed on the surface side of each of the light sources and have a higher light transmittance than the general decorative portion. The shielding layer has a general shielding portion and a plurality of display shielding portions, which are respectively opposite to pairs of display decorative portions and have a higher light transmittance than the general shielding portion. In a projected view along the surface-backward direction, the outer edge of the shielding portion, which is at least a part of the outer edge of the display shielding portion, is radially outward compared to the outer edge of the decorative portion, which is the outer edge of the paired display decorative portion. The display panel has a protrusion that extends radially outward from the outer edge of the shielding portion, protruding towards the rear side. The rear end of the protrusion is located on the rear side compared to the surface end of the light-shielding housing. The back side of the protrusion is formed by the general shielding portion of the shielding layer. The general shielding portion extends radially outward beyond the back of the protrusion.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The relationship between the thickness t of the transparent substrate layer, the refraction angle θ2 of the transparent substrate layer, and the radial distance x between the outer edge of the shielding portion and the outer edge of the decorative portion satisfies x=t×tanθ2.

3. A display panel, disposed on the surface side of a plurality of light sources housed in a light-shielding housing portion in a state such that the light path toward the surface side is open, wherein, The display panel has a laminated structure comprising: a transparent substrate layer; a decorative layer located on the surface side compared to the transparent substrate layer; and a shielding layer located on the back side compared to the transparent substrate layer. The decorative layer has a general decorative portion and a plurality of display decorative portions, which are disposed on the surface side of each of the light sources and have a higher light transmittance than the general decorative portion. The shielding layer has a general shielding portion and a plurality of display shielding portions, which are respectively opposite to pairs of display decorative portions and have a higher light transmittance than the general shielding portion. In a projected view along the surface-backward direction, the outer edge of the shielding portion, which is at least a part of the outer edge of the display shielding portion, is radially outward compared to the outer edge of the decorative portion, which is the outer edge of the paired display decorative portion. The display panel has a protrusion that extends radially outward from the outer edge of the shielding portion, protruding towards the rear side. The rear end of the protrusion is located on the rear side compared to the surface end of the light-shielding housing. The back side of the protrusion is formed by the general shielding portion of the shielding layer. The general shielding portion extends radially outward beyond the back of the protrusion.

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