Lighting device

By employing a housing structure for the mounting, receiving, and retaining parts in the lighting device, the problem of the light guide falling off during assembly is solved, achieving stable connection and efficient assembly.

CN117774822BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-12TOYODA GOSEI CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TOYODA GOSEI CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-08-17
Publication Date
2026-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing linear lighting devices, the light guide is prone to moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and falling off the housing during assembly, resulting in poor assembly.

Method used

A lighting device is designed with a housing structure, including a mounting part, a receiving part, and a holding part. The light guide is fixed in the receiving recess by the holding part, and an exposed opening is provided at the emission surface to ensure a stable connection between the light guide and the housing.

Benefits of technology

It improves the workability of assembly, prevents the light guide from detaching from the housing, simplifies the assembly process, and improves the positioning accuracy and assembly efficiency of the light guide and the light source.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN117774822B_ABST
    Figure CN117774822B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Provided is a lighting device capable of improving the workability of assembly. A lighting device (1) has: a light source portion (4) that outputs light (43); an elongated light guide (3) that has a first end surface (30) through which light is incident, a second end surface (31) opposite the first end surface, an exit surface (32) that is one of the lengthwise side surfaces intersecting the first end surface and the second end surface and through which light is emitted, and at least one holding portion (36) provided at at least one of the lengthwise side surfaces other than the exit surface, guides light from the first end surface toward the second end surface; and a housing (2) that has a mounting portion (20) for mounting the light source portion, a housing recess (222) that has an end portion (220) on the mounting portion side open and houses the light guide, and an exposure opening (223) through which the exit surface is exposed, and a holding portion (24) that holds the light guide in the housing recess across the at least one holding portion.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device. Background Technology

[0002] As prior art, a linear lighting device is known to include: a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting unit housing and a light-emitting body; a light guide having a light guide body portion formed in a rod shape and a light guide flange portion disposed at a first end portion which is one end portion of the light guide body portion in the length direction; and a housing having a housing body portion that is formed in a rod shape and partially opened when viewed in the length direction, and internally accommodates the light guide body portion (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The linear lighting device utilizes the first end of the main body of the housing along its length and the light-emitting unit housing to clamp the flange of the light guide.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-64560

[0005] In the current linear lighting device, after the light guide is inserted into the housing until the light-emitting unit is assembled into the housing, the light guide may move in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and fall off the housing, resulting in poor assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that can improve the workability of assembly.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a lighting device comprising: a light source portion that outputs light; an elongated light guide having at least one holding portion disposed on at least one of a first end face into which light enters, a second end face opposite to the first end face, an exiting surface that emits light as one of the side faces in a length direction intersecting the first and second end faces, and a side face in a length direction different from the exiting surface, guiding light from the first end face to the second end face; and a housing having a mounting portion, a receiving portion, and a holding portion, the mounting portion for mounting the light source portion, the receiving portion having a receiving recess with an end opening on the mounting portion side for receiving the light guide, and an exposure opening exposing the exiting surface, the holding portion holding the light guide in the receiving recess through at least one holding portion.

[0008] The effects of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the workability of assembly can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram of a vehicle interior illustrating an example of the configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(b) is a diagram showing an example of an illuminated area by a lighting device.

[0011] Figure 2 (a) is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 (c) is an unfolded diagram showing an example of a lighting device.

[0012] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the housing of the lighting device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the mounting section side. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a light guide mounted on a housing.

[0013] Figure 4 (a) View of the lighting device according to the first embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 2 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 4 (b) is to Figure 4 (a) is an example of an enlarged view of part B.

[0014] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is an example of a diagram illustrating the insertion of the light guide relative to the housing in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 (c) is an example of a diagram used to illustrate the mounting of the light source unit relative to the housing.

[0015] Figure 6 (a) is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 (c) is an unfolded diagram showing an example of a lighting device.

[0016] Figure 7 (a) View of the lighting device according to the second embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a section cut by the DD line. Figure 7 (b) is viewed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a section cut by the EE line.

[0017] Figure 8 (a) View of the lighting device according to the second embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a section cut by the FF line. Figure 8 (b) is to Figure 6 (a) is an example of an enlarged view of part G.

[0018] Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of a light guide for a lighting device according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the fitting of the held part and the holding part of the lighting device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation of the light source section during the assembly of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] [First Implementation]

[0022] (Overview of lighting device 1)

[0023] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram of a vehicle interior illustrating an example of the configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is a diagram showing an example of an illuminated area by a lighting device. Figure 2 (a) is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 (c) is an unfolded diagram showing an example of a lighting device. Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the housing of the lighting device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the mounting section side. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a light guide mounted on a housing. Figure 4 (a) View of the lighting device according to the first embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 2 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 4 (b) is to Figure 4 (a) is an example of an enlarged view of part B. Furthermore, in the various figures involved in the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between the figures sometimes differ from the actual ratios and shapes.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown in (a), the lighting device 1 of this embodiment is mainly used for lighting to decorate the interior parts of the vehicle 9, but it is not limited to this and can also be used for lighting to decorate the exterior parts. As an example, the lighting device 1 is arranged around the dashboard 90 and the center console 94, but it can also be arranged in the headliner or the like, and is not limited to this. In addition, the illumination light 10 of the lighting device 1 can be used directly or indirectly for lighting.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the instrument panel 90 is an interior trim component located in front of the driver's seat 97 and the front passenger seat 98. The instrument panel 90 is configured to have an upper panel 90a forming the upper part and a lower panel 90b forming the lower part. An air conditioning vent 91 and an instrument panel 92 are provided on the upper panel 90a. A glove box 93 is provided on the lower panel 90b. As an example, the lighting device 1 can be used for illumination to decorate the air conditioning vent 91, the instrument panel 92, and the glove box 93.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), a tray 95, a control box 96, etc. are arranged on the center console 94. As an example, the lighting device 1 can be used as lighting to decorate the tray 95, the control box 96, etc.

[0027] like Figure 1 (b)~ Figure 3 As shown in (b), the lighting device 1 is generally configured as follows: it includes: a light source 4 that outputs light 43; an elongated light guide 3 having a first end face 30 into which light 43 enters, a second end face 31 opposite to the first end face 30, an exiting surface 32 that emits light 43 as one of the sides in the length direction intersecting the first end face 30 and the second end face 31, and at least one holding portion 36 provided on at least one side in the length direction different from the exiting surface 32. The light 43 is guided from the first end face 30 to the second end face 31; and the housing 2 has a mounting part 20, a receiving part 22 and a holding part 24. The mounting part 20 is for mounting the light source part 4. The receiving part 22 has a receiving recess 222 with an opening at the end 220 on the mounting part 20 side and for receiving the light guide 3, and an exposure opening 223 that exposes the emission surface 32. The holding part 24 holds the light guide 3 in the receiving recess 222 through at least one held part 36.

[0028] like Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 As shown in (c), in this embodiment, the holding portion 36 is disposed on the first end face 30 side of the light guide 3. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4As shown in (b), the retaining portion 24 of this embodiment is provided in the receiving recess 222 on the mounting portion 20 side of the housing 2. It has a retaining recess (described later) into which the retaining portion 36 is inserted, and a claw (described later) that is a wall on the mounting portion 20 side of the retaining recess and guides the insertion of the light guide 3 relative to the receiving recess 222 and further suppresses it from falling out of the receiving recess 222.

[0029] And, as an example, such as Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 As shown in (c), the holding portion 36 of this embodiment has a first holding portion 36a protruding from the left side surface 34, which is a first side surface adjacent to the emission surface 32, and a second holding portion 36b protruding from the right side surface 35, which is a second side surface opposite to the left side surface 34. Furthermore, the holding portion 36 is not limited to this, and there may be one or more.

[0030] Additionally, as an example, such as Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) shows that the holding part 24 of this embodiment has a first holding part 24a for holding the first held part 36a, and a second holding part 24b for holding the second held part 36b. In addition, the holding part 24 is not limited to this and is provided in accordance with the number of held parts 36.

[0031] (Structure of shell 2)

[0032] The mounting portion 20 and the receiving portion 22 of the housing 2 are formed as a single unit by injection molding of a resin material. Furthermore, any resin material that can be used for injection molding is acceptable.

[0033] like Figure 2 (b)~ Figure 3 As shown in (b), the mounting portion 20 has a mounting opening 200 on the back side 20d for inserting the light source portion 4. The lower surface 20e of the mounting portion 20 is open, and when the light source portion 4 is mounted in the mounting opening 200, a portion of the light source portion 4 protrudes from the lower surface 20e.

[0034] like Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the mounting opening 200 has two guide ribs 201 on its inner surface 200a, inner surface 200b, and upper inner surface 200c, respectively. These guide ribs 201 guide the insertion of the light source section 4 and inhibit... Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) The movement of the light source part 4 in the left and right directions of the paper.

[0035] Additionally, the mounting portion 20 has a through hole 202a extending from the inner surface 200a to the side surface 20a; and a through hole 202b extending from the inner surface 200b to the side surface 20b. Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 As shown in (c), the through hole 202a has a shape for the light source portion side claw portion 401a of the light source portion 4 to be inserted. Similarly, the through hole 202b has a shape for the light source portion side claw portion 402a to be inserted. Furthermore, the through holes 202a and 202b may not necessarily be holes that extend to the side surfaces 20a and 20b.

[0036] And, as Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the mounting part 20 has an opening 200e on the bottom surface 200d of the mounting opening 200. The upper part of the opening 200e has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the shape of the cylindrical part 400a of the light source part 4. An insertion opening 221 for inserting the light guide 3 is provided on the end surface 220a, which is the bottom surface of the opening 200e.

[0037] The receiving portion 22 has an elongated shape. A receiving recess 222 is provided on the lower surface 22a of the receiving portion 22. For example... Figure 1 As shown in (b), the shape of the receiving recess 222 in the width direction corresponds to the shape of the left side 34, right side 35, and opposite side 33 of the light guide 3. Furthermore, regarding left and right, when viewed from the first end face 30, which serves as the incident surface into which the light 43 enters, the side surface on the left side of the first end face 30 is designated as the left side face 34, and the side surface on the right side is designated as the right side face 35.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown in (b), the lower surface 22a side of the receiving recess 222 becomes an exposed opening 223. Illuminating light 10 is emitted from this exposed opening 223 to illuminate the object 6.

[0039] like Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the end 220 of the receiving portion 22 is provided with an insertion opening 221 that communicates with the mounting opening 200. This insertion opening 221 is an opening for inserting the light guide 3, and is provided on the end face 220a of the receiving portion 22 on the mounting portion 20 side. The insertion opening 221 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the light guide 3 in the width direction.

[0040] As an example, such as Figure 2 (a)~ Figure 2 As shown in (c), the receiving section 22 has multiple mounting pieces 25. As an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (b), the mounting plate 25 is used when it is installed on the mounting side component 7 via bolts or the like.

[0041] As described above, the retaining part 24 has a first retaining part 24a and a second retaining part 24b. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first retaining portion 24a has a retaining recess 240, a claw portion 241, and a wall portion 242. In addition, the second retaining portion 24b has a retaining recess 244, a claw portion 245, and a wall portion 246.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first held portion 36a of the light guide 3 is embedded in the holding recess 240 of the first held portion 24a. The holding recess 240 is a space formed between the claw portion 241 and the wall portion 242, and is a hole through which the end portion 220 passes. The claw portion 241 has a bevel 241a on the light source portion 4 side. This bevel 241a contacts the first held portion 36a when the light guide 3 is inserted. The claw portion 241 elastically deforms through this contact during insertion, thus the first held portion 36a extends beyond the claw portion 241 and is embedded in the holding recess 240.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), the second held portion 36b of the light guide 3 is embedded in the holding recess 244 of the second held portion 24b. This holding recess 244 is a space formed between the claw portion 245 and the wall portion 246, and is a hole through which the end portion 220 passes. The claw portion 245 has a bevel 245a on the light source portion 4 side. This bevel 245a contacts the second held portion 36b when the light guide 3 is inserted. The claw portion 245 elastically deforms through this contact during insertion, thus the second held portion 36b extends beyond the claw portion 245 and is embedded in the holding recess 244.

[0044] like Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the claw portion 241 of the first holding portion 24a is positioned lower than the claw portion 245 of the second holding portion 24b, corresponding to the positions of the first held portion 36a and the second held portion 36b of the light guide 3.

[0045] Furthermore, the first holding portion 24a also has a lower claw portion 243. That is, the first holding portion 24a uses the claw portion 241 and the lower claw portion 243 to hold the first held portion 36a in the holding recess 240. The lower claw portion 243 has a bevel 243a, which contacts the light guide 3 during insertion. In addition, as a variation, the first holding portion 24a can be a structure having either the claw portion 241 or the lower claw portion 243, or it can have only the claw portion.

[0046] The second holding portion 24b also has a lower claw portion 247. That is, the second holding portion 24b uses the claw portion 245 and the lower claw portion 247 to hold the second held portion 36b in the holding recess 244. The lower claw portion 247 has a bevel 247a, which contacts the light guide 3 during insertion. Furthermore, as a variation, the second holding portion 24b can be a structure having either the claw portion 245 or the lower claw portion 247, or it can have only a claw portion.

[0047] like Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the claw portion 241 of the first holding portion 24a is configured to protrude from the inner surface 220b in a direction intersecting the end face 220a. The lower claw portion 243 is provided on the end face 220a.

[0048] The claw portion 245 of the second retaining portion 24b is configured to protrude from the inner surface 220c in a direction intersecting the end face 220a. This inner surface 220c is opposite to the inner surface 220b. The lower claw portion 247 is provided on the end face 220a.

[0049] The end face 220a is provided with guide ribs 248a and 248b, an inclined portion 248c, and ribs 248d. The guide rib 248a is provided on the upper side of the insertion opening 221 to guide the upper part of the first held portion 36a. The guide rib 248b is provided on the upper side of the insertion opening 221 to guide the upper part of the second held portion 36b. The inclined portion 248c is inclined relative to the end face 220a in the insertion direction of the light guide 3 and is provided on the lower side of the insertion opening 221 to guide insertion of the light guide 3 towards the exit surface 32 side.

[0050] Rib 248d is an elongated rib provided on end face 220a. Guide ribs 248a, 248b and 248d define the distance between the light source part 4 and end face 220a.

[0051] (Structure of light guide 3)

[0052] The light guide 3 is formed using a transparent resin material. As an example, the light guide 3 is a column with a parallel first end face 30 and a second end face 31 as its bottom surface, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, the first end face 30 into which the light 43 enters can be tilted toward the direction of the exiting surface 32 in a way that bends the light 43 toward the exiting surface 32.

[0053] The light guide 3 has a shape in its cross-section along the width direction where the side of the exit surface 32 is longer than the side of the opposing surface 33 opposite to the exit surface 32. Specifically, as... Figure 3As shown in (b), when viewed from the first end face 30, the light guide 3 has a trapezoidal shape with the upper bottom side surface being the opposite surface 33, the lower bottom side surface being the emission surface 32, and the leg side surface being the left side surface 34 and the right side surface 35.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the light 43 emitted from the exit surface 32 illuminates the object 6 as illumination light 10. Figure 1 In (b), the dotted line represents the lighting range 100 in the width direction of the lighting device 1. As an example, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (b), the light guide 3 increases the distance R of the illumination range 100 in the width direction of the illuminated object 6, so the shape in the width direction is set as a trapezoid.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in (c), the light guide 3 has a plurality of grooves 33a on its opposing surfaces 33. These grooves 33a are arranged along the width direction of the light guide 3, i.e., in the direction intersecting the left side surface 34 and the right side surface 35. As an example, the grooves 33a have V-shapes or U-shapes, formed at equal intervals, and deepen as they move away from the first end surface 30. The grooves 33a are arranged to reflect and scatter the light 43 propagating inside the light guide 3 towards the exit surface 32.

[0056] The first retaining part 36a is configured to protrude from the left side surface 34. The second retaining part 36b is configured to protrude from the right side surface 35. The first retaining part 36a and the second retaining part 36b are... Figure 3 In the accompanying drawing (b), it protrudes in the horizontal direction. As an example, the first held portion 36a and the second held portion 36b have a columnar shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0057] (Structure of Light Source Section 4)

[0058] The light source unit 4 includes a housing 40, a light-emitting element 41, and a lens 42. As an example, the housing 40 is formed into a box shape using resin material. Figure 2 As shown in (c), a cylindrical portion 400a of the housing 40 is provided on the front surface 400. The lens 42 is disposed within the cylindrical portion 400a.

[0059] A light source side claw 401a is provided on the first side 401 of the housing 40. Additionally, a light source side claw 402a is provided on the second side 402. When the light source 4 is installed in the mounting opening 200 of the housing 2, the light source side claw 401a is inserted into the through hole 202a, and the light source side claw 402a is inserted into the through hole 202b, thus mounting the light source 4 to the housing 2. That is, the light source 4 is positioned relative to the housing 2 by the engagement of the light source side claw 401a and the through hole 202a, and the light source side claw 402a and the through hole 202b.

[0060] Regarding lighting device 1, such as Figure 4 As shown in (b), the light source 4 is mounted on the housing 2 that holds the light guide 3. Therefore, compared with the case where the light guide is held by the housing and the light source, the distance L from the light-emitting element 41 to the first end face 30 of the light guide 3 is specified with high precision.

[0061] The connector 5 is connected to the lower surface 403 of the housing 40. Power is supplied to the light source 4 via the connector 5.

[0062] As an example, the light-emitting element 41 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the light-emitting element 41 outputs light 43 toward the light guide 3 via the lens 42. The optical axis 44 of the light 43 passes through the center of the light guide 3.

[0063] (Regarding the assembly of lighting device 1)

[0064] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is an example of a diagram illustrating the insertion of the light guide relative to the housing in the lighting device according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 (c) is an example of a diagram used to illustrate the mounting of the light source unit relative to the housing.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the light guide 3 is inserted into the housing 2 in the direction of arrow C, and is guided by the inclined portion 248c to enter the insertion opening 221 from the second end face 31. The light guide 3 has a trapezoidal shape, so it is easy to insert with the exit surface 32 on the side exposed by the opening 223.

[0066] Next, as Figure 5 As shown in (b), the light guide 3 is further inserted such that the first held portion 36a is embedded and held in the first held portion 24a, and the second held portion 36b is embedded and held in the second held portion 24b. Through this insertion, the light guide 3 is integrally formed with the housing 2 and positioned relative to the housing 2.

[0067] Next, as Figure 5 As shown in (c), the light source 4 is inserted into the mounting part 20 of the housing 2 from the direction of arrow C, which is the same direction as the light guide 3, and is mounted on the housing 2, thus completing the assembly of the lighting device 1.

[0068] This insertion integrates the light source unit 4 with the housing 2. Furthermore, multiple guide ribs 201, 248a, 248b, and 248d are used to position the light source unit 4 relative to the housing 2. Consequently, the light source unit 4 is also positioned relative to the light guide 3.

[0069] (Effects of the first embodiment)

[0070] The lighting device 1 according to this embodiment can improve the workability of assembly. Specifically, the lighting device 1 uses the housing 2 to hold the light guide 3, so compared with the case where it is not held, the light guide 3 is easier to detach from the housing 2, making the work easier and improving the workability of assembly.

[0071] In lighting devices that use a housing and a light source unit to hold the light guide, the design freedom for the light source unit, which needs to suppress the movement of the light guide along its length, is reduced. However, since the lighting device 1 uses a housing 2 to hold the light guide 3, the design freedom for the light source unit 4 is increased.

[0072] The lighting device 1 has a held part 36 on the side of the light guide 3 other than the emission surface 32, which is held in the holding part 24. Therefore, compared with the case where the emission surface is held and the device is installed in the housing, the lighting light 10 is not obstructed from being emitted from the emission surface 32, and efficient lighting can be achieved.

[0073] The lighting device 1 is held in the housing 2 at a position close to the first end face 30, which serves as the incident surface of the light guide 3. Therefore, the accuracy of the distance L from the light source 4 to the first end face 30 can be improved compared to the case where it is far away.

[0074] The light guide 3 of the lighting device 1 has a trapezoidal shape, which makes it easier to insert the light-emitting surface 32 with the exposed opening 223 in a side-moving manner compared to cases without this structure, thus improving the workability of assembly.

[0075] The light guide 3 and the light source 4 of the lighting device 1 are installed in the same direction relative to the housing 2, which improves the workability of assembly compared to other situations.

[0076] [Second Implementation]

[0077] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the held part and the holding part are located on the receiving recess side of the receiving part.

[0078] Figure 6 (a) is a side view showing an example of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 (c) is an unfolded diagram showing an example of a lighting device. Figure 7(a) View of the lighting device according to the second embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a section cut by the DD line. Figure 7 (b) is viewed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the EE line. Figure 8 (a) View of the lighting device according to the second embodiment from the direction of the arrow. Figure 6 (a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a section cut by the FF line. Figure 8 (b) is to Figure 6 (a) is an example of an enlarged view of part G. Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly of a light guide for a lighting device according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the fitting of the held part and the holding part of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the installation of the light source section during the assembly of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and structures as in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] (Overview of lighting device 1)

[0080] The holding part 36 is configured as a recessed part, i.e. the lower part of the recess, provided on at least one of the left side surface 34, which is the first side surface, and the right side surface 35, which is the second side surface, adjacent to the emission surface 32.

[0081] In addition, the holding part 24 is a protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the receiving recess 222 from at least one of the first wall part 222a and the second wall part 222b that are correspondingly formed with the holding part 36 to the receiving recess 222. The light guide 3 is held in the receiving recess 222 by the bottom part 222c of the receiving recess 222 and the lower surface of the protrusion.

[0082] As an example, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 7 As shown in (a), the holding portion 36 of this embodiment has: a first holding portion 36c which is the lower part of the first recess 340a provided on the left side 34; and a second holding portion 36d which is the lower part of the second recess 350a provided on the right side 35.

[0083] Additionally, as an example, such as Figure 6(a)~ Figure 7 (b) As shown, the holding portion 36 of this embodiment has: a third holding portion 36e which is the lower part of the third recess 340b provided on the left side 34; and a fourth holding portion 36f which is the lower part of the fourth recess 350b provided on the right side 35.

[0084] That is, the held portion 36 has a first held portion 36c to a fourth held portion 36. Furthermore, the number of held portions 36 is not limited thereto.

[0085] Additionally, as an example, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 7 As shown in (a), the holding portion 24 of this embodiment has: a first holding portion 249a provided corresponding to the first held portion 36c; and a second holding portion 249b provided corresponding to the second held portion 36d.

[0086] And, as an example, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 7 (b) As shown, the holding part 24 of this embodiment has a third holding part 249c provided corresponding to the third held part 36e; and a fourth holding part 249d provided corresponding to the fourth held part 36f.

[0087] That is, the retaining portion 24 has a first retaining portion 249a and a third retaining portion 249c on the left side 34, and a second retaining portion 249b and a fourth retaining portion 249d on the right side 35. Furthermore, the lower surface of the protrusion refers to the lower surface 24c of the first retaining portion 249a, the lower surface 24d of the second retaining portion 249b, the lower surface 24e of the third retaining portion 249c, and the lower surface 24f of the fourth retaining portion 249d. Moreover, the number of retaining portions 24 is not limited to this, and they may be provided on at least one of the left side 34 and the right side 35 depending on the number of portions being retained.

[0088] The receiving recess 222 has a through hole, which is formed between at least one of the first wall portion 222a and the bottom portion 222c, and between the second wall portion 222b and the bottom portion 222c, depending on the position of the holding portion 36.

[0089] As an example, such as Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7(b) As shown, the receiving recess 222 of this embodiment has: a first through hole 224a and a third through hole 224c, which are disposed between the first wall portion 222a and the bottom portion 222c respectively, corresponding to the first held portion 36c and the third held portion 36e; and a second through hole 224b and a fourth through hole 224d, which are disposed between the second wall portion 222b and the bottom portion 222c respectively, corresponding to the second held portion 36d and the fourth held portion 36f.

[0090] As an example, the first through hole 224a to the fourth through hole 224d are configured to insert a clamp or the like when the light guide 3 is removed from the receiving recess 222. Furthermore, as a variation, the first held portion 36c to the fourth held portion 36f can be configured to extend into the first through hole 224a to the fourth through hole 224d.

[0091] Furthermore, the receiving recess 222 has at least one cut-out recess 26 in a shape that partially cuts at least one of the first wall portion 222a and the second wall portion 222b. The light guide 3 has at least one protrusion 37 provided according to the cut-out recess 26. For example... Figure 8 As shown in (b), the protrusion 37 is inserted into the cut recess 26 and contacts the cut surface 260 on the receiving portion 22 side of the cut recess 26 to perform positioning relative to the receiving recess 222.

[0092] As an example, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 As shown in (c), this embodiment has one notch recess 26 and one protrusion 37, but it is not limited to this.

[0093] (Structure of shell 2)

[0094] like Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 As shown in (c), the light guide 3 of the housing 2's receiving portion 22 is gently curved, thus having a shape corresponding to the curvature of the light guide 3.

[0095] Additionally, the receiving portion 22 has a cylindrical protrusion 225 on the mounting portion 20 side, which is cylindrical and protrudes from the front surface 20c. For example... Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 As shown in (b), the cylindrical protrusion 225 has an insertion hole 225a for inserting the light guide 3 into the first end face 30 side. Regarding this insertion hole 225a, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a), the receiving recess 222 side is smaller, and the light source part 4 side is larger. The light guide 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 225a such that the first end face 30 is opposite to the light-emitting element 41 of the light source part 4.

[0096] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), the receiving recess 222 has a plurality of ribs 222d on its bottom surface 222c, which contact the opposing surface 33 opposite to the emission surface 32. In this embodiment, two ribs 222d are provided with spaced between the first through hole 224a and the second through hole 224b, and two more are provided with spaced between the third through hole 224c and the fourth through hole 224d. Furthermore, the ribs 222d can be provided on the opposing surface 33 of the light guide 3. Alternatively, the lighting device 1 may not have ribs 222d, and may have a structure in which the bottom surface 222c contacts the light guide 3.

[0097] (Structure of light guide 3)

[0098] As an example, such as Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 As shown in (c), the light guide 3 has a cylindrical shape that curves gently in the middle, but is not limited to this. The light guide 3 has a first recess 340a and a third recess 340b on the left side 34, and a second recess 350a and a fourth recess 350b on the right side 35. In addition, the light guide 3 has a protrusion 37 on the left side 34 of the receiving portion 22.

[0099] (Regarding the assembly of lighting device 1)

[0100] First, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), the light guide 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 225a of the housing 2 from the first end face 30.

[0101] Next, as Figure 9 As shown in (b), the light guide 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 225a until the protrusion 37 moves to the position of the notch recess 26, and then the protrusion 37 is embedded in the notch recess 26. At this time, the protrusion 37 contacts the inclined surface 261 of the notch recess 26, thus moving the light guide 3 in the direction of the insertion hole 225a, that is, away from the end portion 27 of the housing 2, until it is embedded until the contact surface 370 on the mounting portion 20 side contacts the notch surface 260. The light guide 3 is positioned on the housing 2 by the contact surface 370 of the protrusion 37 with the notch surface 260 of the notch recess 26.

[0102] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (a), the first held portion 36c, which is closer to the mounting portion 20, is held by the lower surface 24c and the bottom surface 222c of the first holding portion 249a, and the second held portion 36d is held by the lower surface 24d and the bottom surface 222c of the second holding portion 249b. The light guide 3 is pressed into the direction of the bottom surface 222c of the receiving recess 222.

[0103] Next, as Figure 10As shown in (b), the third holding part 36e, which is farther away from the mounting part 20, is clamped by the lower surface 24e and bottom surface 222c of the third holding part 249c, and the fourth holding part 36f is clamped by the lower surface 24d and bottom surface 222c of the fourth holding part 249d. The light guide 3 is pressed into the direction of the bottom surface 222c of the receiving recess 222.

[0104] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, the light source 4 is installed in the mounting opening 200 of the mounting part 20 of the housing 2, and the assembly of the lighting device 1 is completed.

[0105] (Effects of the second implementation method)

[0106] The lighting device 1 of this embodiment can install the light source 4 while the light guide 3 is installed in the housing 2. Therefore, compared with the case where the light guide is held by the housing and the light source, the light guide 3 will not fall off the housing 2, making the operation easier and improving the workability of assembly.

[0107] The lighting device 1 has a housing 2, a recessed section 26 for positioning the light guide 3, and a protrusion 37 located close to the mounting portion 20. Therefore, compared to a device without this structure, it is easy to understand how much the light guide 3 can be inserted, improving workability. Furthermore, the accuracy of the distance from the first end face 30 and the light-emitting element 41 is improved. Additionally, regarding the lighting device 1, since it is easy to understand that the light guide 3 can be inserted at any degree, it is not necessary to include a component in the housing 2 that stops the movement of the first end face 30.

[0108] It is easy to understand that the light guide 3 of the lighting device 1 can be inserted at any degree, thus suppressing the contact between the light guide 3 and the light source 4. Therefore, the light guide 3 can be installed on the housing 2 after the light source 4 is installed on the housing 2.

[0109] The lighting device 1 can be easily positioned using the recessed part 26 and the protrusion 37, thus improving the workability of the engagement of the holding part 24 and the held part 36 compared to the case without this structure.

[0110] Several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. The above-described new embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, all combinations of the features described in the above embodiments and modifications are not essential to the method for solving the problems of the invention. Moreover, the above-described embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0111] Explanation of the label

[0112] 1…Lighting device, 2…Housing, 3…Light guide, 4…Light source, 5…Connector, 6…Illuminated object, 7…Mounting side component, 9…Vehicle, 10…Light beam, 20…Mounting part, 20a…Side side, 20b…Side side, 20c…Front surface, 20d…Back side, 20e…Lower surface, 22…Receiving part, 22a…Lower surface, 24…Holding part, 24a…First holding part, 24b…Second holding part, 24c~24f…Lower surface, 25…Mounting piece, 26…Notch recess, 27…End part, 30…First end face, 31…Second end face, 32…Emission surface, 3 3…opposite face, 33a…groove, 34…left side face, 35…right side face, 36…held part, 36a…first held part, 36b…second held part, 36c~36f…first held part~fourth held part, 37…protrusion, 40…housing, 41…light-emitting element, 42…lens, 43…light, 44…optical axis, 100…illumination range, 200…mounting opening, 200a, 200b…inner surface, 200c…upper inner surface, 200d…bottom surface, 200e…opening, 201…guide rib, 202a, 202b…through hole, 220…end 220a…end face, 220b, 220c…inner surface, 221…insertion opening, 222…receiving recess, 222a…first wall portion, 222b…second wall portion, 222c…bottom surface, 222d…rib, 223…exposed opening, 224a~224d…first through hole~fourth through hole, 225…cylindrical protrusion, 225a…insertion hole, 240…retaining recess, 241…claw portion, 241a…bevel, 242…wall portion, 243…lower claw portion, 243a…bevel, 244…retaining recess, 245…claw portion, 245a…bevel, 246… …wall portion, 247…lower claw portion, 247a…sloping surface, 248a, 248b…guide rib, 248c…inclined portion, 248d…rib, 249a~249d…first holding portion~fourth holding portion, 260…cut surface, 261…sloping surface, 340a…first recess, 340b…third recess, 350a…second recess, 350b…fourth recess, 370…contact surface, 400…front surface, 400a…cylindrical portion, 401…first side surface, 401a…light source portion side claw, 402…second side surface, 402a…light source portion side claw, 403…lower surface.

Claims

1. A lighting device, wherein, The lighting device has: The light source section outputs light; An elongated light guide has at least one holding portion provided at least one of the following: a first end face into which light enters, a second end face opposite to the first end face, an exiting surface that emits light as one of the side faces in the length direction intersecting the first and second end faces, and a side face in the length direction different from the exiting surface; the light is guided from the first end face to the second end face. The housing has a mounting portion, a receiving portion, and a holding portion. The mounting portion is for mounting the light source portion. The receiving portion has an end opening on the mounting portion side and a receiving recess for receiving the light guide, as well as an exposure opening for exposing the emission surface. The holding portion holds the light guide in the receiving recess through the at least one held portion. The retaining portion is disposed on the first end face side of the light guide. The retaining portion is disposed in the receiving recess on the mounting portion side of the housing, having a retaining recess into which the retaining portion is inserted, and a claw portion that is a wall on the mounting portion side of the retaining recess and guides the insertion of the light guide relative to the receiving recess and further suppresses its detachment from the receiving recess.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The held portion has: a first held portion protruding from a first side adjacent to the emission surface; and a second held portion protruding from a second side opposite to the first side. The holding part has: a first holding part that holds the first held part; and a second holding part that holds the second held part.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the emitting surface of the light guide in the width direction is longer than the length of the opposite surface.

4. A lighting device, wherein, The lighting device has: The light source section outputs light; An elongated light guide has at least one holding portion provided at least one of the following: a first end face into which light enters, a second end face opposite to the first end face, an exiting surface that emits light as one of the side faces in the length direction intersecting the first and second end faces, and a side face in the length direction different from the exiting surface; the light is guided from the first end face to the second end face. The housing has a mounting portion, a receiving portion, and a holding portion. The mounting portion is for mounting the light source portion. The receiving portion has an end opening on the mounting portion side and a receiving recess for receiving the light guide, as well as an exposure opening for exposing the emission surface. The holding portion holds the light guide in the receiving recess through the at least one held portion. The retaining part is a recessed portion, i.e., the lower part of the recess, provided on at least one of the first side and the second side adjacent to the emission surface. The retaining portion is a protrusion that protrudes inward from at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion that correspondingly form the receiving recess with respect to the retained portion. The lower part of the recess, i.e., the retained portion, is clamped by the bottom surface of the receiving recess and the lower surface of the protrusion, thereby holding the light guide in the receiving recess. The held portion has: a first held portion, which is the lower part of a recessed portion, i.e., a first recess, provided on the first side surface; and a second held portion, which is the lower part of a recessed portion, i.e., a second recess, provided on the second side surface. The holding portion includes: a first holding portion, which is disposed corresponding to the first held portion; and a second holding portion, which is disposed corresponding to the second held portion. The receiving recess has a through hole, which is formed in accordance with the position of the held part at least one between the first wall portion and the bottom portion, and between the second wall portion and the bottom portion.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein, The receiving recess has at least one cut recess that is shaped to partially cut through at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The light guide has at least one protrusion corresponding to the notch recess. The protrusion is inserted into the cut recess and contacts the cut surface of the receiving portion side of the cut recess to perform positioning relative to the receiving recess.

6. The lighting device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The receiving recess has multiple ribs on the bottom surface that contact the opposing surface opposite to the exiting surface.