Vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp (2L) is provided with: a lamp housing (14); a lampshade (12) which covers the opening part of the lamp housing (14); a lighting unit (3, 4) disposed in a lamp chamber (S) formed by the lamp housing (14) and the lampshade (12); a radar (5) configured so as to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle and acquire radar data indicating the surroundings of the vehicle; and a light guide member (6) disposed so as to face the radar (5) so as to shield at least a part of the radar (5) from the outside of the vehicle, the light guide member being configured so as to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar (5) to pass therethrough. The radar (5) is disposed outside the lamp chamber (S). The light guide member (6) is configured so as to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the invention name "Vehicle Lamps, Radar Modules, Radars and Vehicles", the national application number "202080063252.2", the international application number "PCT / JP2020 / 034129", the international application date "September 9, 2020", and the date of entry into the Chinese national stage "March 9, 2022". Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0003] It is known that a radar such as a millimeter-wave radar configured to obtain data representing the surrounding environment outside the vehicle is mounted on a vehicle lamp (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a millimeter-wave radar is arranged in a lamp chamber of the vehicle lamp, and an opaque design portion is provided on a part of a transparent lampshade in order to shield the millimeter-wave radar from the outside of the vehicle.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-137758 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the vehicle lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the millimeter-wave radar disposed in the lamp chamber can be shielded by the opaque design portion provided on the transparent lampshade, there is a problem that the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp is reduced due to the design portion. Thus, there is room for research on further improving the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp equipped with a radar such as a millimeter-wave radar.

[0009] The present invention aims to further improve the design of the appearance of a vehicle lamp equipped with a radar. In addition, the present invention aims to improve the design of the appearance of a radar module and a radar.

[0010] Technical solutions to the problem

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0012] Lamp housing;

[0013] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0014] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade;

[0015] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle; and

[0016] A light guide member is disposed to face the radar so as to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0017] The radar is disposed outside the lamp housing. The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0018] According to the above structure, at least a part of the radar can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the light guide component, and light can be emitted to the outside from the light guide component. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp can be improved by the light guide component. In addition, since the radar is arranged outside the lamp room, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operating performance of the radar from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting unit arranged in the lamp room.

[0019] This can improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp and improve the reliability of the radar mounted on the vehicle lamp.

[0020] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0021] Lamp housing;

[0022] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0023] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade; and

[0024] A light-guiding component is arranged opposite to the radar in a manner of shielding at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and the light-guiding component is constructed to allow radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough. The radar is arranged outside the lamp chamber in a manner of emitting radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to obtain radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0025] The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0026] A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0027] Lamp housing;

[0028] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0029] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade;

[0030] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle; and

[0031] A light guide member is disposed to face the radar so as to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0032] The light guide component has:

[0033] a light emitting portion configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle; and

[0034] The colored resin portion is formed integrally with the light emitting portion and is formed of an opaque resin.

[0035] The light emitting portion has:

[0036] a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the radar;

[0037] a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and

[0038] A plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0039] The plurality of steps are configured to emit light propagating inside the light guide member to the outside of the vehicle.

[0040] No convex portion is formed at a boundary between the light emitting portion and the colored resin portion.

[0041] According to the above structure, the light guide component can be used to shield at least a part of the radar from the outside of the vehicle. Moreover, while the light emitting portion of the light guide component emits light to the outside of the vehicle, the design of the light guide component can be further improved by using the colored resin portion formed integrally with the light emitting portion. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp can be further improved by using the light guide component.

[0042] Furthermore, no convex portion is formed at the boundary between the light emitting portion and the colored resin portion constituting the light guide member. Therefore, even when the boundary is within the field of view of the radar, it is possible to appropriately prevent the reflected radio waves reflected by the light guide member from adversely affecting the radar data. In this way, it is possible to appropriately prevent the light guide member having the light emitting portion and the colored resin portion from adversely affecting the reliability of the radar data.

[0043] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0044] Lamp housing;

[0045] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0046] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade;

[0047] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing a surrounding environment of the vehicle; and

[0048] A light guide member is disposed to face the radar so as to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0049] The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle, and the light guide member is formed integrally with the lamp cover.

[0050] The light guide component has:

[0051] a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the radar;

[0052] a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and

[0053] A plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0054] The plurality of steps are configured to emit light propagating inside the light guide member to the outside of the vehicle.

[0055] According to the above structure, the light guide component can be used to shield at least a part of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and the light can be emitted to the outside from the light guide component. In this way, the light guide component can be used to improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp. In addition, since the light guide component and the lampshade are formed integrally, the effort of assembling the light guide component to the vehicle lamp can be saved, and the integration of the light guide component and the lampshade can be used to further improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp.

[0056] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0057] Lamp housing;

[0058] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0059] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade;

[0060] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing a surrounding environment of the vehicle; and

[0061] A light guide member is disposed to face the radar so as to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0062] The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0063] The light guide component has:

[0064] a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the radar;

[0065] a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and

[0066] A plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0067] The plurality of steps are configured to emit light propagating inside the light guide member to the outside of the vehicle.

[0068] A decorative film is disposed on the first surface of the light guide component.

[0069] The decorative film is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar and to shield at least a portion of the radar.

[0070] The decorative film does not contain any metal material.

[0071] According to the above structure, the light guide member and the decorative film can shield at least a part of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and emit light to the outside from the light guide member. In this way, the light emission of the light guide member can improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp.

[0072] Furthermore, even when the light guide member does not emit light, the radar can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the decorative film, so the radar can be reliably shielded from the outside of the vehicle regardless of the light guide member emitting light.

[0073] Furthermore, since the decorative film does not contain any metal material, it is possible to prevent the radio waves emitted from the radar from being adversely affected, thereby appropriately preventing the reliability of the radar data from being reduced due to the decorative film.

[0074] A radar module mounted on a vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0075] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle;

[0076] a light guide member disposed opposite to the radar so as to shield the radar from the outside of the vehicle and configured to allow radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough; and

[0077] A supporting member is fixed to the light guiding member and is configured to support the radar.

[0078] The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the light guide member can shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and emit light to the outside from the light guide member. In this way, the light guide member can be used to improve the design of the appearance of the radar module.

[0080] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention may include a vehicle lamp and a radar module mounted on the vehicle lamp.

[0081] The vehicle lamp comprises:

[0082] Lamp housing;

[0083] a lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing; and

[0084] A lighting unit is arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade.

[0085] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0086] Lamp housing;

[0087] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0088] a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade;

[0089] at least one sensor, at least one of the sensors being disposed within the light chamber and configured to acquire sensor data representative of a surrounding environment of the vehicle;

[0090] a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing a surrounding environment of the vehicle; and

[0091] A light guide member is disposed to face the radar so as to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0092] The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0093] The light guide component has:

[0094] a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the radar;

[0095] a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and

[0096] A plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0097] The plurality of steps are configured to emit light propagating inside the light guide member to the outside of the vehicle.

[0098] According to the above structure, the light guide component can shield at least a part of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and emit light from the light guide component to the outside of the vehicle. In this way, the light guide component can be used to improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp equipped with at least one sensor and radar.

[0099] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp comprising:

[0100] Lamp housing;

[0101] A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing;

[0102] a radar disposed in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp cover, and configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle;

[0103] a first light guide member disposed in the lamp chamber so as to face the radar and configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough; and

[0104] A second light guiding member is disposed in the lamp chamber so as to face the radar and is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough.

[0105] The first light guide member is configured to emit first light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0106] The second light guide member is configured to emit second light to the outside of the vehicle.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the radar can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the light emitted by the first light guide member and the second light guide member. Thus, the design of the vehicle lamp equipped with the radar can be further improved by the two light guide members.

[0108] One aspect of the present invention relates to a radar comprising:

[0109] Radar shell;

[0110] A light-emitting radome, wherein the light-emitting radome covers an opening of the radar housing;

[0111] a first circuit substrate, the first circuit substrate being arranged in a space formed by the first radome and the light-emitting radome;

[0112] an antenna unit including a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, wherein the transmitting antenna is arranged on the first circuit substrate and is configured to transmit radio waves to the outside of the radar, and the receiving antenna is configured to receive reflected radio waves reflected by an object existing outside the radar;

[0113] a second circuit substrate, the second circuit substrate being arranged in the space and electrically connected to the first circuit substrate; and

[0114] At least one light source is disposed on the second circuit substrate and is configured to emit light toward the light emitting antenna cover.

[0115] The luminous antenna cover has:

[0116] a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the first circuit substrate;

[0117] a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and

[0118] A plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0119] The plurality of steps are configured to emit light propagating inside the light emitting radome to the outside of the radar.

[0120] According to the above structure, light is emitted to the outside of the radar by using the multiple steps formed in the light-emitting antenna cover. In this way, the design of the appearance of the radar can be improved by using the light-emitting antenna cover that emits light to the outside. For example, when the radar is mounted on a vehicle, the radar itself can be actively used as a decorative component for improving the design of the appearance of the vehicle.

[0121] A vehicle including the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may also be provided.

[0122] Effects of the Invention

[0123] According to the present invention, the design of the appearance of a vehicle lamp equipped with a radar can be further improved. In addition, according to the present invention, the design of the appearance of a radar module and a radar can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0124] Figure 1This is a diagram of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp as viewed from the rear.

[0125] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the left vehicle lamp.

[0126] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the radar is shown enlarged.

[0127] Figure 4 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light emitting portion of the light guide member. Figure 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a recessed portion. Figure 4 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a convex portion.

[0128] Figure 5 It is a front view showing only the light guide component and the radar in outline.

[0129] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing reflected radio waves reflected by the light emitting portion of the light guide member.

[0130] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing reflected radio waves reflected by the downward extending portion of the lamp housing facing the radar.

[0131] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing reflected radio waves reflected by the lower light transmission portion of the lamp housing facing the light emitting portion of the light guide member.

[0132] Fig. 9 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a left-side vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0133] Fig.10 This is a diagram of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp as viewed from the rear.

[0134] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the left vehicle lamp.

[0135] Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the radar is shown enlarged.

[0136] Fig.13 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light emitting portion of the light guide member. Fig.13 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a recessed portion. Fig.13(c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a convex portion.

[0137] Fig.14 It is a front view showing only the light guide component and the radar in outline.

[0138] Fig.15 (a) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the boundary between the light emitting portion and the colored resin portion of the light guide member according to the present embodiment. Fig.15 (b) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the boundary between the light emitting portion and the colored resin portion of the light guide member according to the comparative example.

[0139] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing reflected radio waves reflected by the light emitting portion of the light guide member.

[0140] Fig.17 This is a diagram of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp as viewed from the rear.

[0141] Fig.18 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the left vehicle lamp.

[0142] Fig.19 Yes Fig.18 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the radar is shown enlarged.

[0143] Fig. 20 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light emitting portion of the light guide member. Fig. 20 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a recessed portion. Fig. 20 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a convex portion.

[0144] Fig.21 It is a front view showing only the light guide component and the radar in outline.

[0145] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing reflected radio waves reflected by the light emitting portion of the light guide member.

[0146] Fig.23 This is a diagram of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp as viewed from the rear.

[0147] Fig.24 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the left vehicle lamp.

[0148] Fig.25 Yes Fig.24 An enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the radar is shown enlarged.

[0149] Fig.26It is a diagram showing an example of the layer structure of the decorative film.

[0150] Fig. 27 It is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the left-side vehicle lamp and radar module.

[0151] Fig.28 It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged radar module.

[0152] Fig.29 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light emitting portion of the light guide member. Fig.29 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light emitting portion in a case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a concave portion. Fig.29 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light emitting portion in a case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a convex portion.

[0153] Fig.30 This is a diagram showing an example of an optical pattern formed on a light emitting portion of a light guide member.

[0154] Fig.31 The diagram shows a first light source and a second light source disposed on a circuit board.

[0155] Fig.32 It is a front view of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp according to a sixth embodiment.

[0156] Fig.33 (a) is a front view showing the left-side vehicle lamp. Fig.33 (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the left vehicle lamp.

[0157] Fig.34 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light guide member. Fig.34 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light guide member is a recessed portion. Fig.34 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light guide member in the case where the step formed in the light guide member is a convex portion.

[0158] Fig.35 It is a front view schematically showing an optical pattern formed on a light guide member.

[0159] Fig.36 It is a front view showing a left-side vehicle lamp according to a seventh embodiment.

[0160] Fig.37 It is along Fig.36 The vertical cross-sectional view of the left vehicle lamp cut along line AA is shown.

[0161] Fig.38 Yes Fig.37 The vicinity of the radar is shown in an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view.

[0162] Fig.39 It is a front view schematically showing an optical pattern formed on a light guide member.

[0163] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment, as viewed from the rear.

[0164] Fig.41 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a left-side vehicle lamp according to an eighth embodiment.

[0165] Fig.42 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the first light guide member. Fig.42 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the first light guide member in the case where the step formed in the first light guide member is a recessed portion. Fig.42 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the first light guide member in the case where the step formed in the first light guide member is a convex portion.

[0166] Fig.43 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the second optical pattern formed on the second light guiding member. Fig.43 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the first optical pattern formed on the first light guiding member.

[0167] Fig.44 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a left-side vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment.

[0168] Fig.45 This is a diagram showing a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp according to a ninth embodiment, as viewed from the rear.

[0169] Fig.46 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a left-side vehicle lamp according to a ninth embodiment.

[0170] Fig.47 The diagram shows an example of a first optical pattern formed on a first light guide member and an example of a second optical pattern formed on a second light guide member.

[0171] Fig.48 This is a diagram of a vehicle including a left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side vehicle lamp as viewed from the front.

[0172] Fig.49 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically showing the left-side vehicle lamp.

[0173] Fig.50 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the radar according to the present embodiment.

[0174] Fig.51 (a) is a front view showing a plurality of steps formed in the light emitting portion of the light emitting radome. Fig.51 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light emitting portion in a case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a concave portion. Fig.51 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light emitting portion in a case where the step formed in the light emitting portion is a convex portion.

[0175] Fig.52 (a) is a diagram showing an example of components of a radar mounted on a second circuit board. Fig.52 (b) is a diagram showing another example of components of the radar mounted on the second circuit board.

[0176] Fig.53 This is a diagram showing an example of a light emitting pattern formed on a light emitting portion of a light emitting antenna cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0177] (First Embodiment)

[0178] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0179] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are sometimes appropriately mentioned. These directions are for Figure 1 The relative directions set for the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". Figure 1 Although the “front-rear direction” is not shown, the “front-rear direction” is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0180] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the "horizontal direction" of the vehicle 1 is mentioned, the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the right vehicle lamp 2R and the left vehicle lamp 2L are consistent with the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set in the vehicle 1.

[0181] First, refer to Figure 1A vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle 1 having a left-side vehicle lamp 2L and a right-side vehicle lamp 2R as viewed from the rear. Figure 1 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 2L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1, and a right vehicle lamp 2R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1. The left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R each include a radar 5.

[0182] In the present embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R function as taillights. In addition, the left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Figure 2 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L will be described.

[0183] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the left vehicle lamp 2L and the right vehicle lamp 2R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "vehicle lamp 2". In addition, in the present embodiment, although the vehicle lamp 2 that functions as a taillight is described, the vehicle lamp 2 may also be a headlamp that is arranged on the front surface of the vehicle 1 and equipped with the radar 5.

[0184] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction) of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L. Figure 2 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 2L includes: a lamp housing 14 ; a lamp cover 12 covering an opening of the lamp housing 14 ; two lighting units 3 , 4 ; a radar 5 ; and a light guide member 6 .

[0185] The lamp housing 14 can be formed of an opaque resin material such as polypropylene, AAS resin (weather-resistant ABS resin), etc. The lamp housing 14 has a lower extension portion 140 disposed between the light guide member 6 and the radar 5 in the front-rear direction. The lower extension portion 140 exists within the field of view F of the radar 5, and is therefore configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to pass through.

[0186] The lampshade 12 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, and has a central light-transmitting portion 124, a lower light-transmitting portion 123 formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 124 and extending downward, and an upper extension portion 125 formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 124 and extending upward.

[0187] The central light-transmitting portion 124 is configured to face the lighting units 3 and 4 and transmit the light emitted from the lighting units 3 and 4. When the lighting units 3 and 4 are respectively a tail light and a parking light, the central light-transmitting portion 124 may be formed of a resin material colored red. In addition, when the lighting unit 3 is configured as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 is configured as a turn signal or a backup light, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 124 facing the lighting unit 3 may be formed of a resin material colored red. Furthermore, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 124 facing the lighting unit 4 may be formed of a transparent resin material.

[0188] The lower light-transmitting portion 123 is formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 124, for example, by two-color molding. The lower light-transmitting portion 123 is opposed to the light-guiding member 6, and is configured to transmit the light emitted from the light-guiding member 6. Moreover, since the lower light-transmitting portion 123 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, it is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The lower light-transmitting portion 123 is formed of a transparent resin material, for example. The upper extension portion 125 can be formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 124 by two-color molding.

[0189] The two lighting units 3 and 4 are arranged in a lamp chamber S formed by a lamp housing 14 and a lamp cover 12, and are configured to emit light toward the rear of the vehicle 1. The lighting units 3 and 4 each function as at least one of a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a tail lamp and a stop lamp, a turn lamp, and a backup lamp.

[0190] The radar 5 is arranged outside the lamp room S, and is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the radar 5 is configured to acquire radar data representing the rear area of ​​the vehicle 1 by emitting radio waves toward the rear of the vehicle 1. The radar 5 is, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a microwave radar. The vehicle control unit (on-board computer) not shown is configured to determine the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (particularly information related to objects existing outside the vehicle 1) based on the radar data output from the radar 5.

[0191] The radar 5 includes an antenna unit 52, a communication circuit unit (not shown), a housing, and a radome. The antenna unit 52 includes: a transmitting antenna configured to radiate radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves with a wavelength of 1 mm to 10 mm) into the air; and a receiving antenna configured to receive reflected radio waves after being reflected by an object. After the radiated radio waves radiated from the transmitting antenna are reflected by an object such as another vehicle, the reflected radio waves from the object are received by the receiving antenna.

[0192] The antenna unit 52 may be configured as a patch antenna (a metal pattern formed on a substrate). In this case, the transmitting antenna may have a plurality of antenna elements (metal patterns) arranged in a matrix of n rows × m columns. The receiving antenna may have a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a matrix of n rows × (m+1) columns, for example.

[0193] The communication circuit unit includes a transmitting side RF (radio frequency) circuit, a receiving side RF circuit, and a signal processing circuit. The communication circuit unit is configured as a monolithic / microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The transmitting side RF circuit is electrically connected to the transmitting antenna. The receiving side RF circuit is electrically connected to the receiving antenna. The signal processing circuit generates radar data by processing the digital signal output from the receiving side RF circuit. The antenna unit 52 and the communication circuit unit are arranged in a space formed by the housing and the antenna cover.

[0194] The radar 5 is supported and fixed by a support member 8, which is a bracket made of metal or resin. The support member 8 is fixed to the lamp housing 14 via screws not shown. The support member 8 extends downward from the lamp housing 14. In addition, since the radar 5 and the support member 8 are arranged outside the lamp chamber S, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operation of the radar 5 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4.

[0195] The vertical field of view F (detection range) of the radar 5 may be, for example, in the range of 3° to 100°. The horizontal field of view F of the radar 5 may be, for example, in the range of 120° to 180°.

[0196] The distance d between the radar 5 and the lower extension portion 140 in the front-rear direction can be set to, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the distance d between the lower extension portion 140 and the radar 5 is 20 mm or more, the reflected radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and reflected by the lower extension portion 140 are sufficiently attenuated before reaching the receiving antenna of the radar 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reflected radio waves received by the radar 5 become noise components and adversely affect the radar data.

[0197] In the present embodiment, a part of the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is covered by the lamp cover 12 , the light guide member 6 , and the lamp housing 14 , while another part of the radar 5 is covered by the bumper 100 .

[0198] The light guide member 6 is disposed in the lamp chamber S, and is opposed to the radar 5 via the lower extension portion 140 in a manner that partially shields the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1. The light guide member 6 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, and is therefore configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The light guide member 6 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The light guide member 6 includes a light emitting portion 61 that emits light toward the outside of the vehicle 1, and a light guiding portion 62 that guides the light emitted from the light source 9.

[0199] Below, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the light guide member 6 will be described in detail. Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the radar 5 shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 2L further includes a light source 9 disposed in the lamp chamber S and configured to emit light toward the light guide portion 62 of the light guide member 6. The light source 9 is mounted on the wiring substrate 19. The light source 9 can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD).

[0200] The light emitted from the light source 9 enters the light guide portion 62 through the opening portion 32 of the partition member 30, and is then reflected by the reflection surface 63. A portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 63 is emitted to the outside of the vehicle 1 through the light exit surface 65. On the other hand, another portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 63 is reflected by the reflection surface 64, and then propagates inside the light exit portion 61.

[0201] The light emitting portion 61 includes a first surface 67 facing the radar 5, a second surface 66 located on the opposite side of the first surface 67, and a plurality of steps 68 formed on the first surface (see Figure 4 (a)) The plurality of steps 68 are configured to reflect light propagating through the light emitting portion 61 toward the outside of the vehicle 1 .

[0202] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the plurality of steps 68 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61. The interval d1 between adjacent steps 68 in the plurality of steps 68 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent steps 68, the optical pattern 69 (see Figure 5 ) brightness.

[0203] The step 68 may be formed in the form of a recess on the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61 (see Figure 4 (b)), it may also be formed on the first surface 67 in the form of a convex portion (see Figure 4 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 68 from the first surface 67 in the thickness direction of the light emitting portion 61 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light emitting portion 61 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 68 may be about 30 μm.

[0204] In this regard, it is preferred that the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 68 is smaller than λ / 8. Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. When the relationship of d2, d3<λ / 8 is satisfied, the height d2 or depth d3 of the step will hardly have an adverse effect on the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 and incident on the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61. That is, if the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 68 is smaller than λ / 8, the unevenness of the step 68 can be almost ignored from the perspective of radio wave interference. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave is 3.92 mm, for the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 68, it is preferred that d is smaller than d<0.49 mm.

[0205] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light emitting portion 61 to the outside of the vehicle 1, the step 68 is preferably formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The plurality of steps 68 can reflect the light propagating inside the light emitting portion 61 to the outside of the vehicle 1, so that the light emitting portion 61 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and the like outside the vehicle 1 and passengers of other vehicles can visually confirm the light emission of the light guide member 6.

[0206] like Figure 5 As shown, an optical pattern 69 can be formed on the light emitting portion 61 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 68. Figure 5 In the example shown, a stripe-shaped optical pattern 69 can be formed on the light emitting portion 61 by a collection of a plurality of steps 68. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 69 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 69 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light emitting portion 61. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left-side vehicle lamp 2L can be improved by using the optical pattern 69 formed on the light emitting portion 61.

[0207] In addition, the light guide component 6 can function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle 1 (for example, stop information, turn information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the light guide component 6 can function as a stop lamp that indicates the stop of the vehicle 1 to the outside, a turn lamp that indicates the turn (left or right turn, change of driving lane) of the vehicle 1 to the outside, a reverse lamp that indicates the backing of the vehicle 1 to the outside, or an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle 1. In addition, as an example of an ADS lamp, the light guide component 6 can function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1 is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1 is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0208] For example, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 6 can function as a turn signal. In this case, the light source 9 is configured to emit amber light. Furthermore, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 6 can also function as a reverse light or an ADS light.

[0209] In this way, when the light guide member 6 functions as a turn signal lamp, a backup lamp, or an ADS lamp, it is not necessary to separately provide a lamp (eg, a turn signal lamp) having the same function as the light guide member 6 in the vehicle lamp 2. In this way, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 2 can be reduced.

[0210] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1 by the light guide member 6 and the lower extension 140 of the lamp housing 14, and the optical pattern 69 formed by the light guide member 6 can be visually recognized toward the outside. In this way, the light guide member 6 can be used to improve the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 2. In addition, since the radar 5 is arranged outside the lamp chamber S, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operating performance of the radar 5 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4 arranged in the lamp chamber S. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 2 can be improved, and the reliability of the radar 5 mounted on the vehicle lamp 2 can be improved.

[0211] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 2 involved in the present embodiment, the lower extension portion 140 as a part of the lamp housing 14 is arranged between the light guide member 6 and the radar 5 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, even when the light guide member 6 is not emitting light, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1 by the lower extension portion 140. In this regard, when the light guide member 6 functions as a turn signal, the light guide member 6 is turned off when the vehicle 1 is moving straight or stopped. However, since the radar 5 is shielded from the outside by the lower extension portion 140, pedestrians and the like outside the vehicle 1 cannot visually confirm the radar 5. In this way, the radar 5 can be reliably shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1 by the light guide member 6 and the lower extension portion 140 regardless of the driving state of the vehicle 1.

[0212] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lower extending portion 140 of the lamp housing 14, the light emitting portion 61 of the light guide member 6, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 of the lamp cover 12 are arranged to face the radar 5, and exist within the field of view F of the radar 5. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the lower extending portion 140, the light emitting portion 61, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 are arranged to face the radar 5 so that all radio waves from the radar existing within the field of view F pass through the lower extending portion 140, the light emitting portion 61, and the lower light transmitting portion 123, respectively.

[0213] Therefore, the lower extension portion 140, the light emitting portion 61, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 are respectively configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 toward the outside of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 5, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to a low level in these components.

[0214] Based on the above viewpoints, the following references Figure 6 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 61 of the light guide member 6 will be described. Figure 6 1 and 2 are diagrams showing reflected radio waves R1 and R2 reflected by the light emitting portion 61 . Figure 6 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 61 shown is defined by the following formula (1).

[0215] [Number 1]

[0216]

[0217] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guide member 6 , and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0218] Thus, when the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 61 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (1), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61 facing the radar 5 via the lower extension portion 140 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 66 of the light emitting portion 61 located on the opposite side of the first surface 67 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting portion 61 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave reflected by the light emitting portion 61 becomes weak, so that the situation in which the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data can be avoided. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 6 made of acrylic resin is r1 When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 61 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0219] Furthermore, refer to Figure 7 , the thickness t2 of the lower extension portion 140 of the lamp housing 14 is described below. Figure 7 1 and 2 are diagrams showing reflected radio waves R1 and R2 reflected by the downward extending portion 140 . Figure 7 The thickness t2 of the downward extending portion 140 shown is defined by the following formula (2).

[0220] [Number 2]

[0221]

[0222] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r2 is the relative dielectric constant of the lamp housing 14, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0223] Thus, when the thickness t2 of the lower extension portion 140 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (2), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 143 of the lower extension portion 140 facing the radar 5 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 142 of the lower extension portion 140 located on the opposite side of the first surface 143 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the lower extension portion 140 to the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the lower extension portion 140 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that has an adverse effect on the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the lamp housing 14 made of AAS resin is r2 When t2 is 2.87 and n=2, the thickness t2 of the downward extending portion 140 is approximately 2.31 mm.

[0224] Furthermore, refer to Figure 8 The thickness t3 of the lower light-transmitting portion 123 of the lampshade 12 will be described below. Figure 8 1 and 2 are diagrams showing reflected radio waves R1 and R2 reflected by the lower light transmitting portion 123 . Figure 8 The thickness t3 of the lower light transmitting portion 123 shown is defined by the following formula (3).

[0225] [Number 3]

[0226]

[0227] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r3 is the relative dielectric constant of the lamp housing 12, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0228] Thus, when the thickness t3 of the lower light-transmitting portion 123 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (3), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 127 of the lower light-transmitting portion 123 facing the radar 5 via the lower extension portion 140 and the light-guiding member 6 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 126 of the lower light-transmitting portion 123 located on the side opposite to the first surface 127 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the lower light-transmitting portion 123 to the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to be low. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave reflected by the lower light-transmitting portion 123 becomes weak, so that the situation in which the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data can be avoided. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the lamp housing 12 made of acrylic resin is r3 When t is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t3 of the lower light transmitting portion 123 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0229] In the description of this embodiment, a part of the radar 5 including the antenna part 52 is shielded by the lower extension part 140, the light emitting part 61, and the lower light transmitting part 123, and another part of the radar 5 is shielded by the bumper 100, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, the entire radar 5 may be shielded by the lower extension part 140, the light emitting part 61, and the lower light transmitting part 123.

[0230] In the description of the present embodiment, two lighting units 3 and 4 are provided in the vehicle lamp 2, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, the number of lighting units provided in the vehicle lamp 2 is not particularly limited.

[0231] In the description of the present embodiment, the lower extension portion 140 of the lamp housing 14 is disposed between the light guide member 6 and the radar 5 in the front-rear direction, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the lower extension portion 140 may not be provided between the light guide member 6 and the radar 5. In this case, the radar 5 may be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1 only by the optical pattern 69 formed on the light emitting portion 61. In this case, a decorative film may also be provided on the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61. Even when the light emitting portion 61 does not emit light, the radar 5 may be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1 by the decorative film. The decorative film is composed of, for example, a polymer multilayer film reflector (for example, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd.) in which a low-refractive-index polymer film and a high-refractive-index polymer film are alternately stacked in multiple layers.

[0232] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, a plurality of steps 68 are formed on the first surface 67 of the light emitting portion 61, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, a plurality of steps 68 may be formed on the second surface 66 of the light emitting portion 61, or may be formed on both the first surface 67 and the second surface 66.

[0233] In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 2 functions as a tail lamp, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle lamp 2 may be mounted on the front surface of the vehicle 1 and function as a headlamp equipped with the radar 5. In this case, the lighting unit 3 functions as any one of the high-beam lighting unit and the low-beam lighting unit, and the lighting unit 4 functions as any other of the high-beam lighting unit and the low-beam lighting unit. In addition, in this case, the radar 5 is configured to obtain radar data representing the surrounding environment in the front area of ​​the vehicle 1, and the light guide member 6 that shields the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1 may also function as a daytime running light (DRL).

[0234] Furthermore, when the vehicle lamp 2 functions as a headlamp, the light guide member 6 and the lamp housing 12 may be formed of polycarbonate in consideration of heat resistance to heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4. In addition, the lamp housing 14 may be formed of polypropylene.

[0235] The wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm, and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 6 made of polycarbonate is r1 When 2 is 2.76 and n=2, Figure 6 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 61 is shown to be approximately 2.36 mm.

[0236] The wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm, and the relative dielectric constant ε of the lampshade 12 made of polypropylene is r2 When 2.65 and n=2, Figure 7 The thickness t2 of the lower extension 140 is shown to be approximately 2.41 mm.

[0237] The wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm, and the relative dielectric constant ε of the lamp housing 12 made of polycarbonate is r3 When 2 is 2.76 and n=2, Figure 8 The thickness t3 of the lower light transmitting portion 123 is shown to be approximately 2.36 mm.

[0238] (Modification of the first embodiment)

[0239] Next, refer to Fig. 9 A left-side vehicle lamp 20L according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9It is a longitudinal sectional view of a left-side vehicle lamp 20L according to a modified example. In the following description, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the above embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0240] like Fig. 9 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 20L and Figure 2 The left vehicle lamp 2L shown is different in that the radar 5 is fixed to the vehicle body 210 via the support member 8a. The radar 5 is supported and fixed by the support member 8a, which is a bracket made of metal or resin. The support member 8a is fixed to the vehicle body 210 via screws 380 as a fixing member. In addition, the lamp housing 14 is fixed to the vehicle body 210 via screws 321.

[0241] According to this example, the radar 5 is separated from the lamp housing 14, and the radar 5 is previously fixed to the vehicle body 210 via the support member 8a. Therefore, when the left vehicle lamp 20L is fixed to the vehicle body 210, at least a part of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the light emitted from the light guide member 6. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 20L can be improved by the light guide member 6.

[0242] (Second Embodiment)

[0243] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0244] In the description of the present embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the first embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0245] First, refer to Fig.10 A vehicle 1A according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.10 1A is a diagram showing a vehicle 1A having a left-side vehicle lamp 102L and a right-side vehicle lamp 102R as viewed from behind. Fig.10 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 102L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1A, and a right vehicle lamp 102R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1A. The left vehicle lamp 102L and the right vehicle lamp 102R each include a radar 5 .

[0246] In the present embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 102L and the right vehicle lamp 102R function as taillights. In addition, the left vehicle lamp 102L and the right vehicle lamp 102R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.11The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 102L will be described.

[0247] For convenience of description, the left vehicle lamp 102L and the right vehicle lamp 102R are sometimes collectively referred to as the “vehicle lamp 102.” In addition, in the present embodiment, although the vehicle lamp 102 that functions as a taillight is described, the vehicle lamp 102 may be a headlight that is disposed on the front surface of the vehicle 1A and is equipped with the radar 5.

[0248] Fig.11 FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction) of the left-side vehicle lamp 102L. Fig.11 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 102L includes: a lamp housing 14 ; a lamp cover 12 covering an opening of the lamp housing 14 ; two lighting units 3 , 4 ; a radar 5 ; and a light guide member 106 .

[0249] The light guide member 106 is disposed in the lamp chamber S and faces the radar 5 via the lower extension portion 140 so as to shield a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1A. The light guide member 106 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5 and is configured to transmit radio waves emitted from the radar 5.

[0250] The light guide member 106 includes a light emitting portion 161 that emits light to the outside of the vehicle 1A, a light guiding portion 162 that guides the light emitted from the light source 9, and a colored resin portion 70 formed of an opaque resin. The light emitting portion 51 and the light guiding portion 162 in the light guide member 106 are formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. In the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 161 and the colored resin portion 70 are integrally formed by two-color molding.

[0251] Below, refer to Fig.12 The structure of the light guide member 106 will be described in detail. Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the radar 5 shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 102L further includes a light source 9 disposed in the lamp chamber S and configured to emit light toward the light guide portion 162 of the light guide member 106. The light source 9 is mounted on the wiring substrate 19. The light source 9 can be configured by a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0252] The light emitted from the light source 9 enters the light guide portion 162 through the opening portion 32 of the partition member 30, and is then reflected by the reflection surface 163. A portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 163 is emitted to the outside of the vehicle 1A through the light exit surface 165. On the other hand, another portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 163 is reflected by the reflection surface 164, and then propagates inside the light exit portion 161.

[0253] The light emitting portion 161 includes a first surface 167 facing the radar 5, a second surface 166 located on the opposite side of the first surface 167, and a plurality of steps 168 formed on the first surface 167 (see Fig.13 (a)) The plurality of steps 168 are configured to reflect light propagating through the light emitting portion 161 toward the outside of the vehicle 1A.

[0254] like Fig.13 As shown in (a), the plurality of steps 168 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 167 of the light emitting portion 161. The interval d1 between adjacent steps 168 in the plurality of steps 168 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent steps 168, the optical pattern 169 (see Fig.14 ) brightness.

[0255] The step 168 may be formed in the form of a recess on the first surface 167 of the light emitting portion 161 (see Fig.13 (b)), it may also be formed in the form of a convex portion on the first surface 167 (refer to Fig.13 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 168 from the first surface 167 in the thickness direction of the light emitting portion 161 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light emitting portion 161 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 168 may be about 30 μm.

[0256] In order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light emitting portion 161 to the outside of the vehicle 1A, it is preferable that the step 168 is formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The light propagating in the light emitting portion 161 can be reflected to the outside of the vehicle 1A by the plurality of steps 168, so that the light emitting portion 161 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and the like outside the vehicle 1A and passengers of other vehicles can visually confirm the light emission of the light guide member 106.

[0257] like Fig.14 As shown, the optical pattern 169 can be formed on the light emitting portion 161 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 168. Fig.14 In the example shown, a stripe-shaped optical pattern 169 can be formed on the light emitting portion 161 by a collection of a plurality of steps 168. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 169 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 169 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light emitting portion 161. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left-side vehicle lamp 102L can be improved by forming a plurality of optical patterns 169 on the light emitting portion 161.

[0258] Next, refer to Fig.15The colored resin portion 70 of the light guide member 106 will be described below. Fig.15 (a) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the boundary B between the light emitting portion 161 of the light guide member 106 and the colored resin portion 70 according to the present embodiment. Fig.15 (b) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the boundary B between the light emitting portion 161a and the colored resin portion 70b of the light guide member 106a according to the comparative example. In the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 161 and the colored resin portion 70b are integrally formed by two-color molding.

[0259] like Fig.15 As shown in (a), at the boundary B between the light emitting portion 161 and the colored resin portion 70, the bonding portion 163a of the colored resin portion 70 and the bonding portion 170 of the light emitting portion 161 are bonded to each other. Furthermore, at the boundary B, the first surface 165a of the colored resin portion 70 and the first surface 167 of the light emitting portion 161 are flush with each other, and the second surface 168a of the colored resin portion 70 and the second surface 166 of the light emitting portion 161 are flush with each other.

[0260] Thus, in this embodiment, no convex portion is formed at the boundary B, and the surface of the light-guiding component 106 at and near the boundary B (specifically, the surface of the colored resin portion 70 and the surface of the light-emitting portion 161 at and near the boundary B) is formed as a smooth surface.

[0261] And, if Fig.15 As shown in (a), the thickness of the light guide member 106 (ie, the light emitting portion 161 and the colored resin portion 70 ) other than the light guide portion 162 is constant along the vertical direction.

[0262] On the other hand, Fig.15 In the light guide member 106a according to the comparative example shown in (b), the light emitting portion 161a and the colored resin portion 70b are formed integrally with each other by two-color molding. On the other hand, at the boundary B between the light emitting portion 161a and the colored resin portion 70b, a convex portion 163b is formed on the colored resin portion 70b, and a convex portion 167b is formed on the light emitting portion 161a.

[0263] In the light guide member 106a according to the comparative example, when the boundary B between the light emitting portion 161a and the colored resin portion 70b is present within the field of view F of the radar 5, the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 are reflected by the convex portions 163b and 167b. As a result, the reflected radio waves reflected by the convex portions 163b and 167b are received by the receiving antenna of the radar 5, which may adversely affect the radar data.

[0264] On the other hand, in the light guide member 106 according to the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 161 and the colored resin portion 70 are integrally formed by a two-color molding method in which the convex portions 163b and 167b are not formed at the boundary B. In this way, in the light guide member 106, since no convex portion is formed at the boundary B, even when the boundary B exists within the field of view F of the radar 5, it is possible to appropriately prevent the reflected radio waves reflected by the light guide member 106 from adversely affecting the radar data.

[0265] In addition, the light guide component 106 can function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle 1A (for example, stop information, turn information, back-up information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1A. Specifically, the light guide component 106 can function as a stop lamp that indicates the stop of the vehicle 1A to the outside, a turn lamp that indicates the turn (left or right turn, change of driving lane) of the vehicle 1A to the outside, a reverse lamp that indicates the back-up of the vehicle 1A to the outside, or an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle 1A. In addition, as an example of an ADS lamp, the light guide component 106 can function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1A. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1A is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and on the other hand, the ID lamp is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1A is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0266] For example, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 106 may also function as a turn signal. In this case, the light source 9 is configured to emit amber light. Furthermore, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 106 may also function as a reverse light or an ADS light.

[0267] In this way, when the light guide member 106 functions as a turn signal, a backup light, or an ADS light, it is not necessary to separately provide a light (eg, a turn signal) having the same function as the light guide member 106 in the vehicle lamp 102. In this way, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 102 can be reduced.

[0268] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1A by the light guide member 106 and the lower extension portion 140 of the lamp housing 14, and the optical pattern 169 formed by the light guide member 106 can be visually recognized toward the outside. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 102 can be improved by using the light guide member 106. In particular, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 102 can be further improved by the colored resin portion 70 formed integrally with the light emitting portion 161.

[0269] Furthermore, since the radar 5 is disposed outside the lamp chamber S, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operating performance of the radar 5 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4 disposed in the lamp chamber S. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 102 can be improved, and the reliability of the radar 5 mounted on the vehicle lamp 102 can be improved.

[0270] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 102 according to the present embodiment, the lower extension portion 140 as a part of the lamp housing 14 is arranged between the light guide member 106 and the radar 5 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, even when the light guide member 106 is not emitting light, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1A by the lower extension portion 140. In this regard, when the light guide member 106 functions as a turn signal, the light guide member 106 is turned off when the vehicle 1A is moving straight or stopped. However, since the radar 5 is shielded from the outside by the lower extension portion 140, pedestrians and the like outside the vehicle 1A cannot directly visually confirm the radar 5. In this way, the radar 5 can be reliably shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1A by the light guide member 106 and the lower extension portion 140 regardless of the driving state of the vehicle 1A.

[0271] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lower extending portion 140 of the lamp housing 14, the light emitting portion 161 of the light guide member 106, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 of the lamp cover 12 are arranged to face the radar 5 and exist within the field of view F of the radar 5. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the lower extending portion 140, the light emitting portion 161, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 are arranged to face the radar 5 so that all radio waves from the radar existing within the field of view F pass through the lower extending portion 140, the light emitting portion 161, and the lower light transmitting portion 123, respectively.

[0272] Therefore, the lower extension portion 140, the light emitting portion 161, and the lower light transmitting portion 123 are respectively configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 toward the outside of the vehicle 1A. In order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 5, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to a low level.

[0273] Based on the above view, Fig.16, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 161 of the light guide member 106 is described below. Fig.16 1 and 2 are diagrams showing reflected radio waves R1 and R2 reflected by the light emitting portion 161 . Fig.16 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 161 shown is defined by the following formula (4).

[0274] [Number 4]

[0275]

[0276] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guiding member 106 , and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0277] In this way, when the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 161 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (4), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 167 of the light emitting portion 161 facing the radar 5 via the lower extension portion 140 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 166 of the light emitting portion 161 located on the opposite side of the first surface 167 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting portion 161 can be suppressed to be low. Therefore, since the intensity of the reflected radio wave reflected by the light emitting portion 161 is weakened, it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 106 made of acrylic resin is r1 When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 161 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0278] In the description of the present embodiment, the lower extension portion 140 of the lamp housing 14 is disposed between the light guide member 106 and the radar 5 in the front-rear direction, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the lower extension portion 140 may not be provided between the light guide member 106 and the radar 5. In this case, the radar 5 may be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1A only by the optical pattern 169 formed on the light emitting portion 161. In this case, a decorative film may be provided on the first surface 167 of the light emitting portion 161. In this case, even when the light emitting portion 161 does not emit light, the radar 5 may be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1A by the decorative film. In this way, regardless of whether the light emitting portion 161 emits light or not, the radar 5 may be reliably concealed from the outside of the vehicle 1A by the light emitting portion 161 and the decorative film. The decorative film is configured to transmit the light emitted from the radar 5 and does not contain a metal material. In this regard, the decorative film may include a polymer multilayer film reflector in which low-refractive-index polymer films and high-refractive-index polymer films are alternately laminated (for example, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.).

[0279] (Third Embodiment)

[0280] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0281] In the description of the present embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the first embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0282] First, refer to Fig.17 A vehicle 1B according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.17 1B is a diagram showing a vehicle 1B having a left-side vehicle lamp 202L and a right-side vehicle lamp 202R as viewed from behind. Fig.17 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 202L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1B, and a right vehicle lamp 202R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1B. The left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R each include a radar 5 .

[0283] In the present embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R function as taillights. In addition, the left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.18 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 202L will be described.

[0284] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the left vehicle lamp 202L and the right vehicle lamp 202R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "vehicle lamp 202". In addition, in the present embodiment, although the vehicle lamp 202 that functions as a taillight is described, the vehicle lamp 202 may also be a headlight that is arranged on the front surface of the vehicle 1B and equipped with the radar 5.

[0285] Fig.18 FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction) of the left-side vehicle lamp 202L. Fig.18 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 202L includes: a lamp housing 214 ; a lamp cover 212 covering an opening of the lamp housing 214 ; two lighting units 3 , 4 ; a radar 5 ; and a light guide member 206 .

[0286] The lamp housing 214 can be formed of an opaque resin material such as polypropylene, AAS resin (weather-resistant ABS resin), etc. The lampshade 212 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc. The lampshade 212 has a central light-transmitting portion 224 and an upper extension portion 225 formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 224 and extending upward.

[0287] The central light-transmitting portion 224 is opposed to the lighting units 3 and 4 and is configured to transmit light emitted from the lighting units 3 and 4. When the lighting units 3 and 4 are respectively a tail light and a parking light, the central light-transmitting portion 224 may be formed of a resin material colored red. In addition, when the lighting unit 3 is configured as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 is configured as a turn signal light or a backup light, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 224 opposed to the lighting unit 3 may be formed of a resin material colored red. Furthermore, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 224 opposed to the lighting unit 4 may be formed of a transparent resin material. The upper extension portion 225 is formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 224 by, for example, two-color molding.

[0288] The two lighting units 3 and 4 are arranged in a lamp chamber S2 formed by a lamp housing 214 and a lamp shade 212, and are configured to emit light toward the rear of the vehicle 1B. In this regard, to be precise, the lamp chamber S2 is formed by the lamp housing 214, the lamp shade 212, and an upper extension 262 (described later) of a light guide member 206 formed integrally with the lamp shade 212. The lighting units 3 and 4 function as at least one of a tail light, a stop light, a tail light and a stop light, a turn signal, and a backup light.

[0289] The radar 5 is arranged outside the lamp chamber S2, and is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1B by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle 1B. In the present embodiment, the radar 5 is configured to acquire radar data representing the rear area of ​​the vehicle 1B by emitting radio waves toward the rear of the vehicle 1B. The radar 5 is, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a microwave radar. The vehicle control unit (on-board computer) not shown is configured to determine the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1B (particularly information related to objects existing outside the vehicle 1B) based on the radar data output from the radar 5.

[0290] The radar 5 is supported and fixed by a support member 8, which is a bracket made of metal or resin. The support member 8 is fixed to the lamp housing 214 via screws not shown. The support member 8 extends downward from the lamp housing 214. In addition, since the radar 5 and the support member 8 are arranged outside the lamp chamber S2, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operation of the radar 5 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4.

[0291] The light guide member 206 has an upper extension portion 262 connected to the central light transmission portion 224 of the lamp housing 212 and a light emitting portion 261 configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light guide member 206 is formed integrally with the central light transmission portion 224 by two-color molding, and is formed integrally with the vehicle body panel that functions as the bumper 100. The light guide member 206 is arranged opposite to the radar 5 in a manner that shields a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1B. The light guide member 206 exists in the field of view F of the radar 5, and is therefore configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The light guide member 206 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

[0292] The distance d between the radar 5 and the light emitting unit 261 in the front-back direction can be set to, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the distance d between the light emitting unit 261 and the radar 5 is 20 mm or more, the reflected radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and reflected by the light emitting unit 261 are sufficiently attenuated before reaching the receiving antenna of the radar 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reflected radio waves received by the radar 5 become noise components and adversely affect the radar data. On the other hand, when the distance d is 100 mm or less, all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 can pass through the light emitting unit 261.

[0293] In the present embodiment, most of the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is covered by the light emitting unit 261 , while the remaining part of the radar 5 is covered by the bumper 100 and the lamp housing 214 .

[0294] Below, refer to Fig.19 , the structures of the light guide component 206 and the light guide body 7 are described in detail. Fig.19 Yes Fig.18 FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the radar 5 shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 202L further includes a light source 9 and a light guide 7. The light source 9 is disposed in the lamp chamber S2 and is configured to emit light toward the light guide 7. The light source 9 is mounted on a wiring substrate 219 and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The light source 9 can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0295] The light guide 7 is disposed in the lamp chamber S2 and is optically connected to the light emitting portion 261 of the light guide member 206. The light guide 7 is configured to emit a part of the light emitted from the light source 9 to the outside of the vehicle 1B, and to emit another part of the light emitted from the light source 9 to the light emitting portion 261. The light guide 7 has a first reflecting surface 73, a second reflecting surface 74, a first light emitting surface 75, and a second light emitting surface 76.

[0296] The light emitted from the light source 9 enters the light guide 7 through the opening of the partition member 230, and is then reflected by the first reflection surface 73. A portion of the light reflected by the first reflection surface 73 is emitted to the outside of the vehicle 1B through the first light exit surface 75 and the upper extension portion 262. On the other hand, another portion of the light reflected by the first reflection surface 73 is emitted toward the second reflection surface 74. Thereafter, the light reflected by the second reflection surface 74 is emitted toward the light exit portion 261 through the second light exit surface 76.

[0297] In this way, a part of the light emitted from the light source 9 is incident on the light emitting portion 261 via the light guide 7, so that the light guide member 206 can be illuminated by the light emitted from the light source 9. That is, the light guide member 206 can emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1B by using the light from the light source 9. In addition, since the light guide 7 is arranged between the light source 9 and the light guide member 206, a part of the light emitted from the light source 9 can be efficiently emitted toward the outside of the vehicle 1B, and another part of the light emitted from the light source can be efficiently emitted toward the light guide member 206.

[0298] The light emitting portion 261 includes a first surface 267 facing the radar 5, a second surface 266 located on the opposite side of the first surface 267, and a plurality of steps 268 formed on the first surface 267 (see Fig. 20 (a)) The plurality of steps 268 are configured to reflect light propagating through the light emitting portion 261 toward the outside of the vehicle 1B.

[0299] like Fig. 20As shown in (a), the plurality of steps 268 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261. The interval d1 between adjacent steps 268 in the plurality of steps 268 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent steps 268, the optical pattern 269 (see Fig.21 ) brightness.

[0300] The step 268 may be formed in the form of a recess on the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261 (see Fig. 20 (b)), it may also be formed in the form of a convex portion on the first surface 267 (refer to Fig. 20 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 268 from the first surface 267 in the thickness direction of the light emitting portion 261 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light emitting portion 261 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 268 may be about 30 μm.

[0301] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light emitting portion 261 to the outside of the vehicle 1B, it is preferable that the step 268 is formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The plurality of steps 268 can reflect the light propagating inside the light emitting portion 261 to the outside of the vehicle 1B, so that the light emitting portion 261 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles outside the vehicle 1B can visually confirm the light emission of the light guide member 206.

[0302] like Fig.21 As shown, the optical pattern 269 can be formed on the light emitting portion 261 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 268. Fig.21 In the example shown, a stripe-shaped optical pattern 269 can be formed on the light emitting portion 261 by a collection of a plurality of steps 268. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 269 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 269 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light emitting portion 261. In this way, by forming a plurality of optical patterns 269 on the light emitting portion 261, the design of the appearance of the left-side vehicle lamp 202L can be improved.

[0303] In addition, the light guide component 206 can function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle 1B (for example, stop information, turn information, back-up information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1B. Specifically, the light guide component 206 can function as a stop lamp that indicates the stop of the vehicle 1B to the outside, a turn lamp that indicates the turn (left or right turn, change of driving lane) of the vehicle 1B to the outside, a reverse lamp that indicates the back-up of the vehicle 1B to the outside, or an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle 1B. In addition, as an example of an ADS lamp, the light guide component 206 can function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1B. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1B is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1B is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0304] For example, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 206 may also function as a turn signal. In this case, the light source 9 is configured to emit amber light. Furthermore, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide member 206 may also function as a reverse light or an ADS light.

[0305] In this way, when the light guide member 206 functions as a turn signal, a backup light, or an ADS light, it is not necessary to separately provide a light (eg, a turn signal) having the same function as the light guide member 206 in the vehicle lamp 202. In this way, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 202 can be reduced.

[0306] According to the present embodiment, the light guide member 206 can shield at least a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1B, and the light can be emitted toward the outside of the vehicle 1B from the light guide member 206. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 202 can be improved by the light guide member 206. In addition, the light guide member 206 and the lamp cover 212 are formed integrally, so the work of mounting the light guide member 206 on the vehicle lamp 202 can be saved, and the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 202 can be further improved by the integration of the light guide member 206 and the lamp cover 212.

[0307] According to the present embodiment, the light guide member 206 is formed integrally with the vehicle body panel functioning as the bumper 100. Thus, by integrating the lamp housing 212, the light guide member 206, and the vehicle body panel, the design of the exterior of the vehicle 1B can be further improved.

[0308] In addition, in the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 261 of the light guide member 206 is arranged to face the radar 5 and is present within the field of view F of the radar 5. Specifically, the light emitting portion 261 is arranged to face the radar 5 so that all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 pass through the light emitting portion 261.

[0309] Therefore, the light emitting unit 261 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to the outside of the vehicle 1B. Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of radar data acquired by the radar 5, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting unit 261 to be low.

[0310] Based on the above view, Fig. 22 , the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 261 of the light guide member 206 is described below. Fig. 22 1 and 2 are diagrams showing reflected radio waves R1 and R2 reflected by the light emitting portion 261 . Fig. 22 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 261 shown is defined by the following formula (5).

[0311] [Number 5]

[0312]

[0313] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guide member 206 (light emitting portion 261 ), and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0314] Thus, when the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 261 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (5), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261 facing the radar 5 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 266 of the light emitting portion 261 located on the opposite side of the first surface 267 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting portion 261 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the light emitting portion 261 becomes weak, so that the situation in which the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data can be avoided. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 206 made of acrylic resin is r1 When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 261 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0315] In the description of this embodiment, most of the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is blocked by the light emitting unit 261, and the remaining part of the radar 5 is blocked by the bumper 100 and the lamp housing 214, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, the entire radar 5 may also be blocked by the light emitting unit 261.

[0316] In the description of the present embodiment, two lighting units 3 and 4 are provided in the vehicle lamp 202, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, the number of lighting units provided in the vehicle lamp 202 is not particularly limited.

[0317] In the description of this embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 9 is incident on the light emitting portion 261 via the light guide 7, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, the light guide 7 may not be provided in the vehicle lamp 202. In this case, the light emitted from the light source 9 may be directly incident on the light emitting portion 261.

[0318] The light guide member 206 may not have the upward extension portion 262 . In this case, the central light transmission portion 224 of the lamp housing 212 may be connected to one end of the lamp housing 214 , and one end of the light emitting portion 261 may be formed integrally with the central light transmission portion 224 .

[0319] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 202 involved in the present embodiment, a decorative film may be provided on the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261. In this case, even when the light emitting portion 261 does not emit light, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1B by the decorative film. In this way, regardless of whether the light emitting portion 261 emits light or not, the radar 5 can be reliably concealed from the outside of the vehicle 1B by the light emitting portion 261 and the decorative film. The decorative film is configured to transmit the light emitted from the radar 5 and does not contain a metal material. In this regard, the decorative film may also have a polymer multilayer film reflector (for example, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd.) formed by alternately stacking a low-refractive-index polymer film and a high-refractive-index polymer film in multiple layers.

[0320] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, a plurality of steps 268 are formed on the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, a plurality of steps 268 may be formed on the second surface 266 of the light emitting portion 261, or may be formed on both the first surface 267 and the second surface 266.

[0321] In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 202 functions as a taillight, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp 202 may also be mounted on the front surface of the vehicle 1B and function as a headlight equipped with the radar 5. In this case, the lighting unit 3 functions as any one of the high beam lighting unit and the low beam lighting unit, and the lighting unit 4 functions as any other of the high beam lighting unit and the low beam lighting unit. In addition, in this case, the radar 5 is configured to obtain radar data representing the surrounding environment in the front area of ​​the vehicle 1B. The light guide component 206 that shields the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1B may also function as one of a daytime running light (DRL), a turn signal, and an ADS light.

[0322] Furthermore, when the vehicle lamp 202 functions as a headlamp, the light guide member 206 and the lamp housing 212 may be formed of polycarbonate in consideration of heat resistance to heat generated by the lighting units 3 and 4. In addition, the lamp housing 214 may be formed of polypropylene.

[0323] The wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm, and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 206 made of polycarbonate is r1 When 2 is 2.76 and n=2, Fig. 22 The thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 261 is shown to be approximately 2.36 mm.

[0324] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0325] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0326] In the description of this embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the third embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0327] First, refer to Fig.23 A vehicle 1C according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.23 1C is a diagram showing a vehicle 1C having a left-side vehicle lamp 302L and a right-side vehicle lamp 302R as viewed from the rear. Fig.23 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 302L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1C, and a right vehicle lamp 302R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1C. The left vehicle lamp 302L and the right vehicle lamp 302R each include a radar 5 .

[0328] In this embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 302L and the right vehicle lamp 302R function as taillights. In addition, the left vehicle lamp 302L and the right vehicle lamp 302R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.24 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 302L will be described.

[0329] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the left vehicle lamp 302L and the right vehicle lamp 302R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "vehicle lamp 302". In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 302 that functions as a taillight is described, but the vehicle lamp 302 may also be a headlight that is arranged on the front surface of the vehicle 1C and equipped with the radar 5.

[0330] Fig.24 FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction) of the left vehicle lamp 302L. Fig.24 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 302L includes: a lamp housing 214 ; a lamp cover 212 covering an opening of the lamp housing 214 ; two lighting units 3 , 4 ; a radar 5 ; and a light guide member 206 .

[0331] The light guide member 206 has an upper extension portion 262 connected to the central light transmission portion 224 of the lamp housing 212 and a light emitting portion 261 configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1C. The light guide member 206 is formed integrally with the central light transmission portion 224 by two-color molding, and is formed integrally with the vehicle body panel that functions as the bumper 100. The light guide member 206 is arranged opposite to the radar 5 in a manner that shields a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1C. The light guide member 206 exists within the field of view F of the radar 5, and is therefore configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The light guide member 206 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

[0332] The distance d between the radar 5 and the light emitting unit 261 in the front-back direction can be set to, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the distance d between the light emitting unit 261 and the radar 5 is 20 mm or more, the reflected radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and reflected by the light emitting unit 261 are sufficiently attenuated before reaching the receiving antenna of the radar 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reflected radio waves received by the radar 5 become noise components and adversely affect the radar data. On the other hand, when the distance d is 100 mm or less, all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 can pass through the light emitting unit 261.

[0333] In the present embodiment, most of the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is covered by the light emitting unit 261 , while the remaining part of the radar 5 is covered by the bumper 100 and the lamp housing 214 .

[0334] Below, refer to Fig.25 , the structures of the light guide component 206 and the light guide body 7 are described in detail. Fig.25 Yes Fig.24 FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the radar 5 shown in FIG. Fig.25 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 302L further includes a light source 9 and a light guide 7. The light source 9 is disposed in the lamp chamber S1 and is configured to emit light toward the light guide 7. The light source 9 is mounted on the wiring substrate 219 and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The light source 9 can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0335] like Fig.25 As shown, a decorative film 10 is bonded to the first surface 267 of the light emitting portion 261. The decorative film 10 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1C. The decorative film 10 does not contain a metal material. In addition, the decorative film 10 has a high transmittance to the frequency band of the radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves) emitted from the radar 5. The thickness of the decorative film 10 is, for example, 0.1 mm. The decorative film 10 can be disposed on the first surface 267 in whole or in part. For example, in the case where the decorative film 10 is partially disposed on the first surface 267, the decorative film 10 can also be disposed on the first surface 267 in a manner opposite to a portion other than the antenna portion 52 of the radar 5.

[0336] like Fig.26 As shown in FIG. 1 , as an example of the layer structure of the decorative film 10, the decorative film 10 includes an adhesive layer 110 functioning as an adhesive layer, a decorative layer 111 formed on the adhesive layer 110, a multilayer film reflector 112 formed on the decorative layer 111, a hard coating layer 113 formed on the multilayer film reflector 112, and a protective layer 114 formed on the hard coating layer 113. In the multilayer film reflector 112, for example, a plurality of low-refractive index polymer layers and a plurality of high-refractive index polymer layers are alternately stacked. The multilayer film reflector 112 is provided on the decorative film 10, so that the reflectivity of the decorative film 10 to visible light can be increased. As an example of the multilayer film reflector 112, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd. can be used.

[0337] According to the present embodiment, at least a part of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1C by the light guide member 206, and light can be emitted toward the outside of the vehicle 1C from the light guide member 206. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 302 can be improved by the light guide member 206. In addition, the light guide member 206 and the lamp cover 212 are formed integrally, so the work of mounting the light guide member 206 on the vehicle lamp 302 can be saved, and the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 302 can be further improved by the integration of the light guide member 206 and the lamp cover 212.

[0338] According to the present embodiment, the light guide member 206 is formed integrally with the vehicle body panel functioning as the bumper 100. Thus, by integrating the lamp housing 212, the light guide member 206, and the vehicle body panel, the design of the exterior of the vehicle 1C can be further improved.

[0339] Furthermore, even when the light guide member 206 does not emit light, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1C by the decorative film 10 , so the radar 5 can be reliably shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1C regardless of the light guide member 206 emitting light.

[0340] Furthermore, the decorative film 10 is opposed to the radar 5 in such a manner that all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 pass through the decorative film 10, and on the other hand, the decorative film 10 does not contain a metal material and has a high transmittance to radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent the decorative film 10 from having an adverse effect on the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. As a result, it is possible to appropriately prevent the reliability of radar data from being reduced due to the decorative film 10.

[0341] In addition, in the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 261 of the light guide member 206 is arranged to face the radar 5 and is present within the field of view F of the radar 5. Specifically, the light emitting portion 261 is arranged to face the radar 5 so that all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 pass through the light emitting portion 261.

[0342] Therefore, the light emitting unit 261 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 toward the outside of the vehicle 1C. In order to improve the reliability of radar data acquired by the radar 5, the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting unit 261 is preferably suppressed to be low.

[0343] In the description of this embodiment, most of the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is blocked by the light emitting unit 261, and the remaining part of the radar 5 is blocked by the bumper 100 and the lamp housing 214, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In this regard, the entire radar 5 may also be blocked by the light emitting unit 261.

[0344] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0345] Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0346] In the description of the present embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the first embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0347] In addition, relative to Fig. 27 The directions (up-down, front-back, and left-right directions) set for the radar module 300 shown are consistent with the directions (up-down, front-back, and left-right directions) set for the left vehicle lamp 402L.

[0348] First, refer to Fig. 27 The left vehicle lamp 402L according to the present embodiment will be described below. Fig. 27 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the left vehicle lamp 402L and the radar module 300. Fig. 27 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 402L is a rear lamp (or rear combination lamp) arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle (not shown), and includes a lamp housing 314, a lamp cover 312 covering the opening of the lamp housing 314, and two lighting units 3 and 4. In addition, in the present embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 402L that functions as a tail lamp is described, but the left vehicle lamp 402L may also be a headlamp arranged on the left front side of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the right vehicle lamp arranged on the right side of the vehicle is not specifically mentioned. The right vehicle lamp has the same structure as the left vehicle lamp 402L.

[0349] The lampshade 312 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, and has a central light-transmitting portion 324, a lower light-transmitting portion 323 formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 324 and extending downward, and an upper extension portion 325 formed integrally with the central light-transmitting portion 324 and extending upward.

[0350] The central light-transmitting portion 324 is configured to face the lighting units 3 and 4 and transmit the light emitted from the lighting units 3 and 4. When the lighting units 3 and 4 are respectively a tail light and a parking light, the central light-transmitting portion 324 may be formed of a resin material colored red. In addition, when the lighting unit 3 is configured as a tail light and a parking light, and the lighting unit 4 is configured as a turn signal or a backup light, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 324 facing the lighting unit 3 may also be formed of a resin material colored red. Furthermore, the portion of the central light-transmitting portion 324 facing the lighting unit 4 may also be formed of a transparent resin material.

[0351] The lower light transmissive portion 323 is formed integrally with the central light transmissive portion 324, for example, by two-color molding. The lower light transmissive portion 323 is opposed to the light guide 360 ​​and is configured to transmit light emitted from the light guide 360. The lower light transmissive portion 323 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material. The upper extension portion 325 may also be formed integrally with the central light transmissive portion 324 by two-color molding.

[0352] The two lighting units 3 and 4 are arranged in a lamp chamber S2 formed by a lamp housing 314 and a lamp cover 312, and are configured to emit light toward the rear of the vehicle. The lighting units 3 and 4 each function as at least one of a tail light, a stop light, a tail light and a stop light, a turn signal, and a backup light.

[0353] The left vehicle lamp 402L further includes a light source 9 and a light guide 360 ​​disposed in the lamp chamber S2. The light source 9 is configured to emit light toward the light guide 360. The light source 9 is mounted on the wiring substrate 319 and is electrically connected to a light source drive circuit (not shown). The light source 9 is composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0354] The light guide 360 ​​may be optically connected to the light guide member 330. The light guide 360 ​​is configured to emit part of the light emitted from the light source 9 toward the outside of the vehicle and emit another part of the light emitted from the light source 9 toward the light guide member 330. The light guide 360 ​​has reflection surfaces 363 and 364 and a light exit surface 365.

[0355] The light emitted from the light source 9 enters the light guide 360 ​​through the opening of the partition member 370, and is then reflected by the reflection surface 363. A portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 363 is emitted toward the outside of the vehicle through the light exit surface 365 and the lower light transmission portion 323. On the other hand, another portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 363 is emitted toward the reflection surface 364. Thereafter, the light reflected by the reflection surface 364 enters the light guide member 330 through the air gap between the light guide member 330 and the lower light transmission portion 323. The distance d of the air gap between the light guide member 330 and the lower light transmission portion 323 is, for example, 75 mm.

[0356] The luminous color of the light emitted from the light source 9 may be the same as the luminous color of the light emitted from the first light source 323a and the luminous color of the light emitted from the second light source 323b described later (see Fig.28 In this case, pedestrians or the like outside the vehicle can visually confirm the integrity of the left vehicle lamp 402L and the radar module 300 by using the light emitted from the lower portion of the left vehicle lamp 402L and the light emitted from the light guide member 330 of the radar module 300. In this way, the design of the exterior of the vehicle equipped with the left vehicle lamp 402L and the radar module 300 can be improved.

[0357] Next, the structure of the radar module 300 is described below. Fig. 27 As shown, the radar module 300 is mounted on the left vehicle lamp 402L. Specifically, the radar module 300 is arranged outside the lamp chamber S2 of the left vehicle lamp 402L, and is fixed to the lamp housing 314 via a support member 308 mounted on the lamp housing 314. The radar module 300 includes a radar 5.

[0358] The following reference Fig.28 The specific structure of the radar module 300 will be described. Fig.28 Yes Fig. 27 The radar module 300 is shown in an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view. Fig.28 As shown, the radar module 300 further includes a light guide member 330 , a support member 340 , a circuit board 320 , a first light source 323 a , and a second light source 323 b .

[0359] The light guide member 330 is disposed facing the radar 5 so as to shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle. The light guide member 330 is configured to transmit radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The light guide member 330 is formed of a transparent resin material such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate.

[0360] The support member 340 is fixed to the light guide member 330 and is configured to support the radar 5. In particular, the support member 340 is fixed to the light guide member 330 by engaging the first engagement recess 343a of the support member 340 with the first engagement protrusion 330a of the light guide member 330, and engaging the second engagement recess 343b of the support member 340 with the second engagement protrusion 330b of the light guide member 330. In addition, the radar 5 is arranged on the surface 326 of the circuit substrate 320, and the circuit substrate 320 is arranged on the inner side surface 342 of the support member 340. In this way, the radar 5 is supported by the support member 340 via the circuit substrate 320.

[0361] The light guide member 330 and the support member 340 define a space K, and the radar 5 and the circuit board 320 are arranged in the space K. A plurality of first light sources 323a, a plurality of second light sources 323b, and a light source control circuit unit (not shown) are arranged on a surface 326 of the circuit board 320.

[0362] The first light source 323a and the second light source 323b are respectively composed of semiconductor light emitting elements such as LED and LD. Fig.31 As shown, a plurality of first light sources 323a (in Fig.31 In the example shown, eight first light sources 323a are arranged in the left-right direction near the first end 328 of the circuit substrate 320. Similarly, a plurality of second light sources 323b (in Fig.31 In the example shown, eight second light sources 323 b) are arranged in the left-right direction near the second end 329 of the circuit substrate 320 located on the side opposite to the first end 328.

[0363] Each first light source 323a is configured to emit light toward the end surface 335a of the first extension portion 335 of the light guide member 330. Similarly, each second light source 323b is configured to emit light toward the end surface 334b ​​of the second extension portion 334 of the light guide member 330.

[0364] In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of the first light sources 323a and the number of the second light sources 323b are not particularly limited. For example, the number of the first light sources 323a and the number of the second light sources 323b may be 1 each.

[0365] The light source control circuit unit is electrically connected to the first light source 323a and the second light source 323b, respectively, and is configured to control the lighting of the first light source 323a and the second light source 323b. In addition, when the light guide component 330 functions as a turn signal, the light source control circuit unit can control the lighting of the first light source 323a and the second light source 323b based on the instruction signal sent from the vehicle control unit.

[0366] Next, the structure of the light guide member 330 is described in more detail. The light guide member 330 includes a light emitting portion 331, a first light guiding portion 338 connected to one end of the light emitting portion 331, a second light guiding portion 339 connected to the other end of the light emitting portion 331, a first extending portion 335 connected to the first light guiding portion 338, and a second extending portion 334 connected to the second light guiding portion 339.

[0367] The light emitting portion 331 includes an inner side surface 333 (an example of a first surface) facing the radar 5, an outer side surface 332 (an example of a second surface) located on the opposite side of the inner side surface 333, and a plurality of steps 368 (see Fig.29 (a)) The plurality of steps 368 are configured to emit light propagating in the light emitting portion 331 of the light guide member 330 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0368] like Fig.29 As shown in (a), the plurality of steps 368 may be formed in a lattice shape on the inner side surface 333 of the light emitting portion 331. The interval d1 between adjacent steps 368 in the plurality of steps 368 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent steps 368, the optical pattern 369 (see Fig.30 ) brightness.

[0369] The plurality of steps 368 may be formed as recesses on the inner side surface 333 of the light emitting portion 331 (see Fig.29 (b)), it may also be formed as a convex portion on the inner side surface 333 (see Fig.29 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 368 from the inner side surface 333 in the thickness direction of the light emitting portion 331 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light emitting portion 331 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 368 may be about 30 μm.

[0370] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light emitting section 331 to the outside of the vehicle, the step 368 is preferably formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The light propagating inside the light emitting section 331 can be reflected to the outside of the vehicle by the plurality of steps 368, so that the light emitting section 331 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles outside the vehicle can visually confirm the light emission of the radar module 300.

[0371] like Fig.30 As shown, an optical pattern 369 can be formed on the light emitting portion 331 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 368. Fig.30 In the example shown, a rectangular optical pattern 369 can be formed on the light emitting portion 331 by a collection of a plurality of steps 368. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 369 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 369 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light emitting portion 331. In this way, the design of the appearance of the radar module 300 can be improved by forming the optical pattern 369 on the light emitting portion 331.

[0372] Back to Fig.28 A reflecting surface 336 is formed between the first light guiding portion 338 and the light emitting portion 331. The first extending portion 335 is disposed in the space K and extends toward the circuit substrate 320. An end surface 335a of the first extending portion 335 faces the first light source 323a via a gap.

[0373] After the light emitted from the first light source 323a enters the first extension portion 335, it propagates inside the first light guide portion 338. Then, the light propagating inside the first light guide portion 338 is reflected toward the light exit portion 331 by the reflection surface 336. Then, the light propagating inside the light exit portion 331 is reflected toward the outside of the vehicle through the plurality of steps 368 formed on the inner side surface 333. In this way, the light exit portion 331 of the light guide member 330 emits light using the light emitted from the first light source 323a. More specifically, the optical pattern 369 formed on the light exit portion 331 emits light due to the light emitted from the first light source 323a.

[0374] A reflective surface 337 is formed between the second light guiding portion 339 and the light emitting portion 331. The second extending portion 334 is disposed in the space K and extends toward the circuit substrate 320. An end surface 334b ​​of the second extending portion 334 faces the second light source 323b via a gap.

[0375] After the light emitted from the second light source 323b is incident on the second extension portion 334, it propagates inside the second light guide portion 339. Then, the light propagating inside the second light guide portion 339 is reflected toward the light exit portion 331 by the reflection surface 337. Thereafter, the light propagating inside the light exit portion 331 is reflected toward the outside of the vehicle through the plurality of steps 368 formed on the inner side surface 333. In this way, the light exit portion 331 of the light guide member 330 emits light due to the light emitted from the second light source 323b. More specifically, the optical pattern 369 emits light due to the light emitted from the second light source 323b.

[0376] According to the present embodiment, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the light guide member 330 , and light can be emitted to the outside of the vehicle from the light guide member 330 . In this way, the design of the appearance of the radar module 300 can be improved by the light guide member 330 .

[0377] In addition, the light guide component 330 may also function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle (e.g., stop information, turn information, back-up information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle. Specifically, the light guide component 330 may also function as a stop lamp that indicates to the outside that the vehicle has stopped, a turn lamp that indicates to the outside that the vehicle has turned (left or right, change of driving lane), a reverse lamp that indicates to the outside that the vehicle has backed up, or an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle. In addition, as an example of an ADS lamp, the light guide component 330 may also function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0378] For example, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide component 330 can function as a turn signal. In this case, the first light source 323a and the second light source 323b are configured to emit amber light. Furthermore, when the lighting unit 3 functions as a tail light and a parking light and the lighting unit 4 functions as a reverse light, the light guide component 330 can also function as a reverse light or an ADS light.

[0379] In this way, when the light guide member 330 functions as a turn signal, a backup light, or an ADS light, there is no need to separately provide a light (eg, a turn signal) having the same function as the light guide member 330 in the left vehicle lamp 402L. In this way, the number of components of the left vehicle lamp 402L can be reduced.

[0380] In addition, in the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 331 is arranged to face the radar 5. Therefore, the light emitting unit 331 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 toward the outside of the radar 5. Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 5, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting unit 331 to be low.

[0381] Based on the above viewpoint, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 331 (see Fig.29 ) is defined by the following formula (6).

[0382] [Number 6]

[0383]

[0384] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r is the relative dielectric constant of the light guide member 330 (light emitting portion 331 ), and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0385] In this way, when the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 331 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (6), the reflected radio waves reflected by the inner side surface 333 of the light emitting portion 331 opposite to the radar 5 and the reflected radio waves reflected by the outer side surface 332 of the light emitting portion 331 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 by the light emitting portion 331 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio waves after being reflected by the light emitting portion 331 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid a situation in which the reflected radio waves are received by the receiving antenna of the radar 5 and become noise components that have an adverse effect on the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guiding component 330 made of acrylic resin is r When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the light emitting portion 331 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0386] In addition, a decorative film may be provided on the inner side surface 333 of the light emitting portion 331. Even when the light emitting portion 331 is not emitting light, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the decorative film. The decorative film is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle. The decorative film does not contain a metal material. In addition, the decorative film has a high transmittance to the frequency band of the radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves) emitted from the radar 5. The thickness of the decorative film is, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0387] As an example of the layer structure of the decorative film, the decorative film may have an adhesive layer that functions as an adhesive layer, a decorative layer formed on the adhesive layer, a multilayer film reflector formed on the decorative layer, a hard coating layer formed on the multilayer film reflector, and a protective layer formed on the hard coating layer. In the multilayer film reflector, for example, a plurality of low refractive index polymer layers and a plurality of high refractive index polymer layers are alternately stacked. Since the multilayer film reflector is provided on the decorative film, the reflectivity of the decorative film to visible light can be increased. As an example of the multilayer film reflector, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd. can also be used.

[0388] In addition, the plurality of steps 368 may be formed on the outer side surface 332 of the light emitting portion 331 of the light guide member 330 , or may be formed on both the outer side surface 332 and the inner side surface 333 .

[0389] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 402L functions as a rear lamp, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the left vehicle lamp 402L may also function as a headlamp mounted on the front surface of the vehicle. In this case, the radar module 300 is configured to obtain radar data representing the surrounding environment in the front area of ​​the vehicle, and the light guide component 330 that shields the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle may also function as a daytime running light (DRL).

[0390] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0391] Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of the components shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of the components.

[0392] In the description of the present embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the first embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0393] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" of the vehicle 1D is mentioned, and the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the right vehicle lamp 502R and the left vehicle lamp 502L are consistent with the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1D.

[0394] First, refer to Fig.32 A vehicle 1D according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.32 FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle 1D having a left-side vehicle lamp 502L and a right-side vehicle lamp 502R. Fig.32As shown, a left vehicle lamp 502L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle 1D, and a right vehicle lamp 502R is arranged on the right front side of the vehicle 1D. The left vehicle lamp 502L and the right vehicle lamp 502R respectively include a lighting unit 403, a camera 404, a LiDAR unit 407, a radar 5, and a light guide member 406.

[0395] In this embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 502L and the right vehicle lamp 502R function as headlights. In addition, the left vehicle lamp 502L and the right vehicle lamp 502R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.33 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 502L will be described.

[0396] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the left vehicle lamp 502L and the right vehicle lamp 502R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "vehicle lamp 502". In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 502 that functions as a headlight is described, but the vehicle lamp 502 may also be a rear lamp that is disposed on the rear surface of the vehicle 1D and includes a lighting unit, a camera, a LiDAR unit, a radar, and a light guide member.

[0397] Next, refer to Fig.33 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 502L according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.33 (a) is a front view showing the left vehicle lamp 502L. Fig.33 (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the left vehicle lamp 502L. Fig.33 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 502L includes a lamp housing 414 , a lamp cover 412 covering an opening of the lamp housing 414 , a lighting unit 403 , a camera 404 , a LiDAR unit 407 , a radar 5 , a light guide member 406 , and a light source 408 .

[0398] The lamp housing 414 is formed of an opaque resin material such as polypropylene or AAS resin (weather-resistant ABS resin), and the lamp cover 412 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

[0399] The lighting unit 403 is disposed in a lamp chamber S3 formed by a lamp housing 414 and a lamp cover 412, and is configured to emit light toward the front of the vehicle 1D. In particular, the lighting unit 403 is configured to emit a low-beam light distribution pattern and a high-beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 1D.

[0400] The camera 404 is arranged in the light room S3, and is configured to, after acquiring image data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1D, send the image data to a vehicle control unit (on-board computer) not shown. The LiDAR unit 407 is arranged in the light room S3, and is configured to, after acquiring 3D mapping data (point group data) representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1D, send the 3D mapping data to the vehicle control unit. The radar 5 is arranged in the light room S3. The radar 5 is configured to, on the basis of acquiring radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1D by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle 1D, send the acquired radar data to the vehicle control unit. The radar 5 is, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a microwave radar.

[0401] The vehicle control unit determines the surrounding environment information of the vehicle 1D based on the received image data, 3D mapping data and radar data. Here, the surrounding environment information includes information related to objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles outside the vehicle 1D (the position of the object relative to the vehicle, the distance of the object relative to the vehicle, the angle of the object relative to the vehicle, etc.). Afterwards, the vehicle control unit controls the driving of the vehicle 1D based on the determined surrounding environment information, map information, current position information, etc.

[0402] The radar 5 includes an antenna unit 52, a communication circuit unit (not shown), a housing, and a radome. The antenna unit 52 includes: a transmitting antenna configured to radiate radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves with a wavelength of 1 mm to 10 mm) into the air; and a receiving antenna configured to receive reflected radio waves after being reflected by an object. After the radiated radio waves radiated from the transmitting antenna are reflected by an object such as another vehicle, the reflected radio waves from the object are received by the receiving antenna.

[0403] The antenna unit 52 may be configured as a patch antenna (a metal pattern formed on a substrate). In this case, the transmitting antenna may have a plurality of antenna elements (metal patterns) arranged in a matrix of n rows × m columns. The receiving antenna may have a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a matrix of n rows × (m+1) columns, for example.

[0404] The communication circuit unit includes a transmitting side RF (radio frequency) circuit, a receiving side RF circuit, and a signal processing circuit. The communication circuit unit is configured as a monolithic / microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The transmitting side RF circuit is electrically connected to the transmitting antenna. The receiving side RF circuit is electrically connected to the receiving antenna. The signal processing circuit generates radar data by processing the digital signal output from the receiving side RF circuit. The antenna unit 52 and the communication circuit unit are arranged in a space formed by the housing and the antenna cover.

[0405] The vertical field of view F (detection range) of the radar 5 may be, for example, in the range of 3° to 100°. The horizontal field of view F of the radar 5 may be, for example, in the range of 120° to 180°.

[0406] The light guide member 406 is disposed in the lamp chamber S3 in a manner opposite to the radar 5 so as to shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1D. The light guide member 406 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, and is therefore configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The light guide member 406 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. In the present embodiment, the radar 5 including the antenna unit 52 is entirely covered by the light guide member 406, but a portion of the radar 5 may be covered by the light guide member 406.

[0407] In the present embodiment, the light guide member 406 is disposed opposite to the radar 5 and exists within the field of view F of the radar 5 . Specifically, the light guide member 406 is disposed opposite to the radar 5 so that all radio waves emitted from the radar 5 within the field of view F pass through the light guide member 406 .

[0408] Therefore, the light guide member 406 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to the outside of the vehicle 1D. Furthermore, in order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 5, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 by the light guide member 406 to be low. Therefore, the thickness t1 of the light guide member 406 is defined by the following formula (7).

[0409] [Number 7]

[0410]

[0411] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guiding member 406 , and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0412] When the thickness t1 of the light guide member 406 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (7), the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the first surface 467 of the light guide member 406 opposite to the radar 5 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 466 of the light guide member 406 located on the opposite side of the first surface 467 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 by the light guide member 406 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the light guide member 406 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that has an adverse effect on the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 406 made of acrylic resin is r1 When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the light guide member 406 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0413] In addition, the thickness t2 of a portion of the globe 412 facing the light guide member 406 is defined by the following formula (8).

[0414] [Number 8]

[0415]

[0416] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r2 is the relative dielectric constant of the lamp housing 412, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0417] In this way, when the thickness t2 of the lampshade 412 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (8), the reflected radio wave reflected by the first surface 436 of the lampshade 412 opposite to the radar 5 via the light guide component 406 and the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the second surface 437 of the lampshade 412 located on the opposite side of the first surface 436 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the lampshade 412 to the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the lampshade 412 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the lampshade 412 made of acrylic resin is r2 When t2 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t2 of a portion of the globe 412 facing the light guide member 406 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0418] The light source 408 is disposed in the lamp chamber S3 and is configured to emit light toward the light guide member 406. The light source 408 is mounted on a wiring substrate (not shown) and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The light source 408 can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0419] After the light emitted from the light source 408 enters the end surface 465 of the light guide member 406, it propagates inside the light guide member 406. Then, the light propagating inside the light guide member 406 is formed on a plurality of steps 468 (see Fig.34 ) and thus emitted toward the outside of vehicle 1D.

[0420] like Fig.34 As shown, a plurality of steps 468 are formed on the first surface 467 of the light guide member 406, and are configured to reflect the light propagating in the light guide member 406 toward the outside of the vehicle 1D. Fig.34 As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the interval d1 between adjacent steps 468 among the plurality of steps 468 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent steps 468 , the optical pattern 469 (see FIG. 2 ) described later can be appropriately adjusted. Fig.35 ) brightness.

[0421] The step 468 may be formed in the form of a recess on the first surface 467 of the light guide member 406 (see Fig.34 (b)), it may also be formed in the form of a convex portion on the first surface 467 (refer to Fig.34 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 468 from the first surface 467 in the thickness direction of the light guide member 406 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light guide member 406 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 468 may be about 30 μm.

[0422] In order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light guide member 406 to the outside of the vehicle 1D, it is preferable that the step 468 is formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The light propagating in the light guide member 406 can be reflected to the outside of the vehicle 1D by the plurality of steps 468, so that the light guide member 406 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles outside the vehicle 1D can visually confirm the light emission of the light guide member 406.

[0423] like Fig.35 As shown, an optical pattern 469 can be formed on the light guide member 406 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 468. Fig.35In the example shown, a rectangular optical pattern 469 can be formed on the light guide member 406 by a collection of a plurality of steps 468. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 469 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 469 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light guide member 406. In this way, by forming a plurality of optical patterns 469 on the light guide member 406, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 502L can be improved.

[0424] In addition, the light guide component 406 may also function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle 1D (for example, steering information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1D. Specifically, the light guide component 406 may function as a turn signal that indicates the steering of the vehicle 1D (left or right turn, change of driving lane) to the outside, or as an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle 1D. In addition, as an example of an ADS lamp, the light guide component 406 may also function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1D. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1D is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1D is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode. In addition, the light guide component 406 may also function as a daytime running light (DRL) or a width indicator lamp.

[0425] In this way, when the light guide member 406 functions as a turn signal, ADS light, DRL or width indicator light, it is not necessary to separately provide a light (eg, turn signal) having the same function as the light guide member 406 in the vehicle lamp 502. In this way, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 502 can be reduced.

[0426] According to the present embodiment, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1D by the light guide member 406, and light can be emitted to the outside of the vehicle 1D from the light guide member 406. In this way, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 502 equipped with the camera 404, the LiDAR unit 407, and the radar 5 can be improved by the light guide member 406. In particular, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 502 can be improved by the optical pattern 469 formed on the light guide member 406.

[0427] In addition, in this embodiment, since the camera 404, the LiDAR unit 407, and the radar 5 are arranged in the lamp room S3 of the vehicle lamp 502, the space of the lamp room S3 can be effectively utilized and the overall size of the vehicle lamp 502 can be reduced.

[0428] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0429] Next, we will refer to Figure 36 to Figure 39A seventh embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described. Fig.36 It is a front view showing a left-side vehicle lamp 420L according to the seventh embodiment. Fig.37 It is along Fig.36 The vertical cross-sectional view of the left vehicle lamp 420L is taken along line AA. Fig.38 Yes Fig.37 The vicinity of the radar 425 is shown in an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view. Fig.39 It is a front view schematically showing the optical pattern 479 formed on the light guiding member 426.

[0430] The left vehicle lamp 420L according to the seventh embodiment is greatly different from the left vehicle lamp 502L according to the sixth embodiment in that the radar 425 is disposed outside the lamp chamber S8 of the left vehicle lamp 420L. In the following description, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the sixth embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0431] like Fig.36 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 420L includes lighting units 423a to 423c, a camera 424, a LiDAR unit 427, a radar 425, and a light guide member 426. The left vehicle lamp 420L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle (not shown). In the present embodiment, the right vehicle lamp (not shown) arranged on the right front side of the vehicle has the same structure as the left vehicle lamp 420L.

[0432] like Fig.37 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 420L further includes a lamp housing 450 and a lamp cover 430 covering the opening of the lamp housing 450. The lighting units 423a to 423c, the camera 424, the LiDAR unit 427, and the light guide member 426 are arranged in a lamp room S8 formed by the lamp housing 450 and the lamp cover 430. On the other hand, the radar 425 is arranged outside the lamp room S8.

[0433] The lighting unit 423a is configured to emit a high-beam light distribution pattern toward the outside of the vehicle. The lighting unit 423b is configured to emit a low-beam light distribution pattern toward the outside of the vehicle. The lighting unit 423c functions as a turn signal. The camera 424 has the same function as the camera 404 of the sixth embodiment. The LiDAR unit 427 has the same function as the LiDAR unit 407 of the sixth embodiment. The radar 425 has the same function as the radar 5 of the sixth embodiment. The radar 425 is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1D by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle, and then send the acquired radar data to the vehicle control unit. The radar 425 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar or a microwave radar. The antenna unit 462 of the radar 425 may also be configured as a patch antenna.

[0434] The radar 425 is supported and fixed by a support member 428, which is a bracket made of metal or resin. The support member 428 is fixed to the lamp housing 450 via screws (not shown). The support member 428 extends downward from the lamp housing 450. In addition, since the radar 425 and the support member 428 are arranged outside the lamp chamber S8, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operation of the radar 425 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the lighting units 423a to 423c.

[0435] The lamp housing 450 is formed of an opaque resin material such as polypropylene, AAS resin (weather-resistant ABS resin), etc. The lamp housing 450 has a lower extension portion 452 disposed between the light guide member 426 and the radar 425 in the front-rear direction. The lower extension portion 452 exists within the field of view F1 of the radar 425, and is therefore configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar 425 to pass through.

[0436] The lamp housing 430 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The lamp housing 430 has a lower light transmission portion 433 facing the light guide member 426 and the radar 425. The lower light transmission portion 433 is present in the field of view F1 of the radar 425, and is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 425.

[0437] In the present embodiment, a portion of the radar 425 including the antenna unit 462 is covered by the lamp cover 430 , the light guide member 426 , and the lamp housing 450 , while another portion of the radar 425 is covered by the bumper 410 .

[0438] The light guide member 426 is disposed in the lamp chamber S8, and is opposed to the radar 425 via the lower extension portion 452 in a manner that shields a portion of the radar 425 from the outside of the vehicle. Since the light guide member 426 is present in the field of view F1 of the radar 425, it is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 425. The light guide member 426 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The light guide member 426 includes a light emitting portion 471 that emits light toward the outside of the vehicle 1D and a light guiding portion 472 that guides the light emitted from the light source 429.

[0439] Below, refer to Fig.38 , the structure of the light guide component 426 is described in detail. Fig.38 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 420L further includes a light source 429 disposed in the lamp chamber S8 and configured to emit light toward the light guide portion 472 of the light guide member 426. The light source 429 is mounted on the wiring substrate 19. The light source 429 is configured by a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0440] The light emitted from the light source 429 enters the light guide portion 472 through the opening portion 442 of the partition member 440, and is then reflected by the reflection surface 473. A portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 473 is emitted to the outside of the vehicle through the light exit surface 475. On the other hand, another portion of the light reflected by the reflection surface 473 is reflected by the reflection surface 474, and then propagates inside the light exit portion 471.

[0441] The light emitting portion 471 includes a first surface 477 facing the radar 425, a second surface 476 located on the opposite side of the first surface 477, and a plurality of steps 478 formed on the first surface 477 (see Fig.39 ). The plurality of steps 478 are configured to reflect light propagating in the light emitting portion 471 toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0442] The plurality of steps 478 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 477 of the light emitting portion 471, for example. The interval between adjacent steps 478 in the plurality of steps 478 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval between adjacent steps 478, the brightness of the optical pattern 479 described later can be appropriately adjusted. The steps 478 may also be formed on the first surface 477 of the light emitting portion 471 as a concave portion or a convex portion.

[0443] The steps 478 can reflect light propagating inside the light emitting portion 471 to the outside of the vehicle, thereby making the light emitting portion 471 emit light. In other words, pedestrians outside the vehicle and passengers of other vehicles can visually recognize the light emitted by the light guide member 426.

[0444] In addition, an optical pattern 479 can be formed on the light emitting portion 471 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 478. Fig.39 In the example shown, a stripe-shaped optical pattern 479 can be formed on the light emitting portion 471 by gathering a plurality of steps 478. Thus, the optical pattern 479 formed on the light emitting portion 471 can improve the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 420L.

[0445] In addition, the light guide component 426 may also function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle (e.g., steering information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle. Specifically, the light guide component 426 may also function as a turn signal lamp or an ADS lamp. In addition, the light guide component 426 may also function as a DRL or a width indicator lamp.

[0446] In this way, when the light guide member 426 functions as a turn signal, ADS light, DRL or width indicator light, it is not necessary to separately provide a light (e.g., a turn signal) having the same function as the light guide member 426 in the left vehicle lamp 420L. In this way, the number of components of the left vehicle lamp 420L can be reduced.

[0447] According to the present embodiment, the radar 425 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the light guide member 426, and light can be emitted toward the outside of the vehicle from the light guide member 426. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 420L equipped with the camera 424, the LiDAR unit 427, and the radar 425 can be improved by the light guide member 426. In particular, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 420L can be improved by the optical pattern 479 formed on the light guide member 426.

[0448] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lower extension portion 452 of the lamp housing 450, the light emitting portion 471 of the light guide member 426, and the lower light transmitting portion 433 of the lamp cover 430 are arranged to face the radar 425 and exist within the field of view F1 of the radar 425. Specifically, in the present embodiment, all radio waves from the radar 425 existing within the field of view F1 pass through the lower extension portion 452, the light emitting portion 471, and the lower light transmitting portion 433, respectively.

[0449] Therefore, the lower extension portion 452, the light emitting portion 471, and the lower light transmitting portion 433 are respectively configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 425 to the outside of the vehicle 1D. In order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 425, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the radar 425 to a low level in these components.

[0450] like Fig.38As shown, the thickness t3 of the lower extension portion 452 of the lamp housing 450 is defined by the following formula (9).

[0451] [Number 9]

[0452]

[0453] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 425. r3 is the relative dielectric constant of the lamp housing 450, and n is an integer greater than 1. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 425 is 3.922 mm, the relative dielectric constant ε of the lamp housing 450 made of AAS resin is r3 When t is 2.87 and n=2, the thickness t3 of the downward extending portion 452 is approximately 2.31 mm.

[0454] In addition, the thickness t4 of the light emitting portion 471 of the light guide member 426 is defined by the following formula (10).

[0455] [Number 10]

[0456]

[0457] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 425. r4 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guide member 426, and n is an integer greater than 1. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 425 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light guide member 426 made of acrylic resin is r4 When t is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t4 of the light emitting portion 471 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0458] In addition, the thickness t5 of the lower light transmitting portion 433 of the lamp housing 430 is defined by the following formula (11).

[0459] [Number 11]

[0460]

[0461] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 425. r5 is the relative dielectric constant of the lamp housing 430, and n is an integer greater than 1. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 425 is 3.922 mm, the relative dielectric constant ε of the lamp housing 430 made of acrylic resin is r5 When t is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t5 of the lower light transmitting portion 433 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0462] In the description of the seventh embodiment, a part of the radar 425 including the antenna part 462 is shielded by the lower extension part 452, the light emitting part 471, and the lower light transmitting part 433, and another part of the radar 425 is shielded by the bumper 410, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, the entire radar 425 may be shielded by the lower extension part 452, the light emitting part 471, and the lower light transmitting part 433.

[0463] In addition, in the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, the number of lighting units provided in the vehicle lamp is not particularly limited.

[0464] In addition, in the description of the seventh embodiment, the lower extension portion 452 of the lamp housing 450 is arranged between the light guide member 426 and the radar 425 in the front-to-back direction, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the lower extension portion 452 may not be provided between the light guide member 426 and the radar 425. In this case, the radar 425 may be shielded from the outside of the vehicle only by the optical pattern 479 formed on the light emitting portion 471. In this case, a decorative film may also be provided on the first surface 477 of the light emitting portion 471. Even when the light emitting portion 471 does not emit light, the radar 425 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle by the decorative film.

[0465] In addition, in the description of the sixth embodiment, a plurality of steps 468 are formed on the first surface 467 of the light guide member 406, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, a plurality of steps 468 may be formed on the second surface 466 of the light guide member 406, or may be formed on both the first surface 467 and the second surface 466. Similarly, in the seventh embodiment, a plurality of steps 478 may be formed on the second surface 476 of the light emitting portion 471, or may be formed on both the first surface 477 and the second surface 476.

[0466] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0467] Hereinafter, an eighth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of the components shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of the components.

[0468] In the description of the present embodiment, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the first embodiment may not be described repeatedly.

[0469] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are sometimes appropriately mentioned. These directions are for Fig.40The relative directions set for the vehicle 1E shown in FIG. 1A are shown in FIG. 1B . Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". Fig.40 Although the “front-rear direction” is not shown, the “front-rear direction” is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0470] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" of the vehicle 1E is mentioned, and the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the right vehicle lamp 602R and the left vehicle lamp 602L are consistent with the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1E.

[0471] First, refer to Fig.40 A vehicle 1E according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.40 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle 1E having a left-side vehicle lamp 602L and a right-side vehicle lamp 602R as viewed from behind. Fig.40 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 602L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1E, and a right vehicle lamp 602R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1E. The left vehicle lamp 602L and the right vehicle lamp 602R each include a radar 5 .

[0472] In this embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 602L and the right vehicle lamp 602R function as rear lights (or rear combination lights). In addition, the left vehicle lamp 602L and the right vehicle lamp 602R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.41 The specific structure of the left vehicle lamp 602L will be described. For convenience of description, the left vehicle lamp 602L and the right vehicle lamp 602R may be collectively referred to as "vehicle lamp 602".

[0473] Fig.41 FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction) of the left vehicle lamp 602L. Fig.41 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 602L includes: a lamp housing 514; a lamp cover 512 that covers the opening of the lamp housing 514; a radar 5; a first light guide member 507; a first light source 508a; a second light guide member 506; and a second light source 508b.

[0474] The lamp housing 514 can be formed of an opaque resin material such as polypropylene, AAS resin (weather-resistant ABS resin), etc. The lamp cover 512 is formed of a resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc. The lamp cover 512 and the lamp housing 514 form a lamp chamber S4. The radar 5, the first light guide member 507, the first light source 508a, the second light guide member 506, and the second light source 508b are arranged in the lamp chamber S4.

[0475] The radar 5 is arranged in the lamp chamber S4, and is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1E by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle 1E. In the present embodiment, the radar 5 is configured to acquire radar data representing the rear area of ​​the vehicle 1E by emitting radio waves toward the rear of the vehicle 1E. The radar 5 is, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a microwave radar. The vehicle control unit (on-board computer) not shown in the figure is configured to determine the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1E (particularly information related to objects existing outside the vehicle 1E) based on the radar data output from the radar 5.

[0476] The radar 5 can be supported and fixed by a metal or resin bracket, that is, a supporting member (not shown). The supporting member can be fixed to the lamp housing 514. The vertical field of view F (detection range) of the radar 5 can be, for example, in the range of 3° to 100°. The horizontal field of view F of the radar 5 can be, for example, in the range of 120° to 180°.

[0477] (Structure of the First Light Guide Member 507)

[0478] The first light guide member 507 is disposed in the lamp chamber S4 in a manner opposed to the radar 5, and is configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1E. In this way, at least a portion of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1E by the light emission of the first light guide member 507. In addition, since the first light guide member 507 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, it is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5. The first light guide member 507 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin.

[0479] In addition, the distance d between the radar 5 and the first light guide member 507 in the front-back direction can be set to, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the distance d between the first light guide member 507 and the radar 5 is 20 mm or more, the reflected radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and reflected by the first light guide member 507 are sufficiently attenuated before reaching the receiving antenna of the radar 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reflected radio waves received by the radar 5 become noise components and adversely affect the radar data. On the other hand, when the distance d is 100 mm or less, all radio waves within the field of view F emitted from the radar 5 can pass through the first light guide member 507.

[0480] In addition, the thickness t1 of the first light guide member 507 is defined by the following formula (12).

[0481] [Number 11]

[0482]

[0483] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the first light guiding member 507, and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0484] In this way, when the thickness t1 of the first light guide member 507 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (12), the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507 opposite to the radar 5 and the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the second surface 571 of the first light guide member 507 located on the opposite side of the first surface 572 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the first light guide member 507 to the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level.

[0485] Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the first light guide member 507 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that has an adverse effect on the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the first light guide member 507 made of acrylic resin is r1 When t1 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t1 of the first light guide member 507 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0486] The first light source 508a is disposed on the wiring substrate 510 and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The first light source 508a can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0487] The first light source 508a is configured to emit light toward the first light guide member 507. The light emitted from the first light source 508a propagates inside the first light guide member 507, and is reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1E by the plurality of first steps 578 formed on the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507. In this way, the plurality of first steps 578 are configured to emit the light propagated inside the first light guide member 507 to the outside of the vehicle 1E.

[0488] like Fig.42As shown in (a), the plurality of first steps 578 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507. The interval d1 between adjacent first steps 578 in the plurality of first steps 578 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between adjacent first steps 578, the first optical pattern 579 (see Fig.43 (b)) brightness.

[0489] The first step 578 may be formed in the form of a recess on the first surface 572 (see Fig.42 (b)), it may also be formed on the first surface 572 in the form of a convex portion (see Fig.42 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the first step 578 from the first surface 572 in the thickness direction of the first light guide member 507 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the first light guide member 507 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the first step 578 may be about 30 μm.

[0490] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the first light guide member 507 to the outside of the vehicle 1E, the first step 578 is preferably formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The plurality of first steps 578 can reflect the light propagating inside the first light guide member 507 to the outside of the vehicle 1E, thereby making the first light guide member 507 emit light. In other words, pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles outside the vehicle 1E can visually confirm the light emission of the first light guide member 507.

[0491] Furthermore, if Fig.43 As shown in (b), a first optical pattern 579 can be formed on the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507 by a collection of a plurality of first steps 578. Fig.43 In the example shown in (b), a rectangular first optical pattern 579 can be formed on the first surface 572 by a collection of a plurality of first steps 578. In the present embodiment, the shape of the first optical pattern 579 is not particularly limited, and a first optical pattern 579 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the first surface 572. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 602L can be improved by forming the first optical pattern 579 on the first light guide member 507. In addition, the first optical pattern 579 is formed in an area of ​​the first surface 572 that is lower than the center line C2 passing through the center of the first light guide member 507 in the vertical direction.

[0492] In addition, a decorative film may be bonded to the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507. The decorative film is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1E. The thickness of the decorative film is, for example, 0.1 mm. By bonding the decorative film to the first surface 572, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1E even when the first light guide member 507 is not emitting light.

[0493] (Structure of the Second Light Guide Member 506)

[0494] The second light guide component 506 is arranged in the lamp chamber S4 in a manner opposite to the radar 5 via the first light guide component 507, and is configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1E. In this way, at least a portion of the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1E by the light emission of the second light guide component 506. In addition, since the second light guide component 506 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, the second light guide component 506 is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to pass through. The second light guide component 506 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc. The outer dimensions of the second light guide component 506 may also be the same as the outer dimensions of the first light guide component 507.

[0495] In addition, the thickness t2 of the second light guiding member 506 is defined by the following formula (13).

[0496] [Number 13]

[0497]

[0498] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar 5. r2 is the relative dielectric constant of the second light guiding member 506 , and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0499] In this way, when the thickness t2 of the second light guide member 506 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (13), the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the first surface 562 of the second light guide member 506 opposed to the radar 5 via the first light guide member 507 and the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the second surface 561 of the second light guide member 506 located on the opposite side of the first surface 562 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than or equal to zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the second light guide member 506 to the radio wave emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level.

[0500] Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave after being reflected by the second light guide member 506 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the radar 5 and becomes a noise component that has an adverse effect on the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave of the radar 5 is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the second light guide member 506 made of acrylic resin is r2 When t2 is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t2 of the second light guide member 506 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0501] The second light source 508b is disposed on the wiring substrate 510 and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The second light source 508b can be composed of a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED or LD.

[0502] The second light source 508b is configured to emit light toward the second light guide member 506. The light emitted from the second light source 508b propagates inside the second light guide member 506, and is reflected outside the vehicle 1E by the plurality of second steps 568 formed on the first surface 562 of the second light guide member 506. In this way, the plurality of second steps 568 are configured to emit the light propagated inside the second light guide member 506 to the outside of the vehicle 1E.

[0503] The plurality of second steps 568 may have Fig.42 The plurality of first steps 578 shown in the figure have the same structure. That is, the plurality of second steps 568 may be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 562 of the second light guide member 506. The interval between adjacent second steps 568 is, for example, 400 μm.

[0504] Furthermore, the second step 568 may be formed as a concave portion or a convex portion on the first surface 562. The depth or height of the second step 568 from the first surface 562 in the thickness direction of the second light guide member 506 is, for example, greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm.

[0505] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the second light guide member 506 toward the outside of the vehicle 1E, the second step 568 is preferably formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The light propagating in the second light guide member 506 can be reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1E by a plurality of second steps 568, so that the second light guide member 506 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and other passengers of other vehicles outside the vehicle 1E can visually confirm the light emission of the second light guide member 506.

[0506] Furthermore, if Fig.43 As shown in (a), a second optical pattern 569 can be formed on the first surface 562 of the second light guide member 506 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of second steps 568. Fig.43In the example shown in (a), a rectangular second optical pattern 569 can be formed on the first surface 562 by a collection of a plurality of second steps 568. In this embodiment, the shape of the second optical pattern 569 is not particularly limited, and a second optical pattern 569 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the first surface 572. In this way, the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 602L can be improved by forming the second optical pattern 569 on the second light guide member 506.

[0507] In addition, the second optical pattern 569 is formed in the area of ​​the first surface 562 above the center line C1 passing through the center of the second light guide member 506 in the vertical direction. In particular, when the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 are observed from the front, the first optical pattern 579 and the second optical pattern 569 do not overlap each other. In other words, when the vehicle lamp 602 is observed from the front, the first step 578 and the second step 568 do not overlap each other. In this way, it is possible to well prevent the light emitted from the first light guide member 507 and the light emitted from the second light guide member 506 from mixing with each other.

[0508] In addition, a decorative film may be bonded to the first surface 562 of the second light guide member 506. The decorative film is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 and shield the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1E. The thickness of the decorative film is, for example, 0.1 mm. By bonding the decorative film to the first surface 562, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1E even when the second light guide member 506 is not emitting light.

[0509] The first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 may also function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the driving of the vehicle 1E (e.g., stop information, turn information, back-up information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1E. Specifically, the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 may function as a stop lamp that indicates the stop of the vehicle 1E to the outside, a turn lamp that indicates the turn (left or right turn, change of driving lane) of the vehicle 1E to the outside, a reverse lamp that indicates the back-up of the vehicle 1E to the outside, or an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp that indicates information related to the automatic driving mode of the vehicle 1E. In particular, as an example of an ADS lamp, the first light guide member 507 or the second light guide member 506 may function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1E. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1E is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1E is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0510] In this regard, it is preferable that the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 function as different lights. For example, when the first light guide member 507 functions as a stop light, the second light guide member 506 may function as a light other than a stop light (for example, a turn signal).

[0511] In addition, when the second light guide member 506 functions as a tail light and a parking light and the first light guide member 507 functions as a turn signal and a backup light, the lamp unit other than the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 may not be arranged in the lamp chamber S4. In this case, the second light source 508b may be a red light source emitting red light. Furthermore, the first light source 508a may include a yellow light source emitting yellow light and a white light source emitting white light.

[0512] In addition, a lighting unit such as a stop light may be provided in the lamp chamber S4 according to the lamp functions of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506. For example, when the first light guide member 507 functions as an ID light and the second light guide member 506 functions as a turn signal, a tail light, a stop light, and a reverse light may be provided in the lamp chamber S4.

[0513] According to the present embodiment, the first optical pattern 579 is formed on the first light guide member 507 using a plurality of first steps 578, so that the first light guide member 507 can emit light. Similarly, the second optical pattern 569 is formed on the second light guide member 506 using a plurality of second steps 568, so that the second light guide member 506 can emit light. In this way, the radar 5 can be concealed from the outside of the vehicle 1E by the light emission of the two light guide members. Therefore, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 602 equipped with the radar 5 can be further improved by the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506. In addition, since the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 function as different lamps, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 602 can be reduced.

[0514] (Variation of the Eighth Embodiment)

[0515] Next, refer to Fig.44 A left-side vehicle lamp 620L according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment will be described. Fig.44 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a left-side vehicle lamp 620L according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment. The vehicle lamp 602 according to the eighth embodiment is a rear lamp, while the left-side vehicle lamp 620L according to the modified example is a left-side headlamp mounted on the left front surface of the vehicle. In the following description, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the eighth embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0516] like Fig.44 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 620L includes a lamp housing 540, a lamp cover 520, a lighting unit 503, a radar 5, a first light guide member 507, a first light source 508a, a second light guide member 506, and a second light source 508b.

[0517] The lamp cover 520 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the lamp housing 540. The lighting unit 503 is disposed in a lamp chamber S5 formed by the lamp cover 520 and the lamp housing 540. The lighting unit 503 is configured to emit a high-beam light distribution pattern and / or a low-beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle, for example.

[0518] The radar 5 is arranged outside the lamp chamber S5, and is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle by emitting radio waves toward the outside of the vehicle. The first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 are also arranged outside the lamp chamber S5 in a manner opposite to the radar 5. The first light source 508a and the second light source 508b are also arranged outside the lamp chamber S5. The light emitted from the first light guide member 507 and the light emitted from the second light guide member 506 are emitted toward the outside of the vehicle via the lower extension portion 550 of the lamp housing 540.

[0519] When the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 are mounted on the left vehicle lamp 620L as the left headlight, one of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 functions as a daytime running light (DRL), and the other of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 can function as a turn signal. In this way, the radar 5 can be hidden by the light emission of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506, so the design of the appearance of the left vehicle lamp 620L equipped with the radar 5 can be further improved.

[0520] In addition, since one of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 functions as a DRL and the other of the first light guide member 507 and the second light guide member 506 functions as a turn signal lamp, it is not necessary to separately provide a DRL and a turn signal lamp in the left vehicle lamp 620L. In this way, the number of components of the left vehicle lamp 620L can be reduced.

[0521] (Ninth Embodiment)

[0522] Next, refer to Figure 45 to Figure 47 A vehicle lamp according to a ninth embodiment will be described below. Fig.45 This is a diagram showing a vehicle 1F including a left-side vehicle lamp 200L and a right-side vehicle lamp 200R according to the ninth embodiment, as viewed from the rear. Fig.46It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a left-side vehicle lamp 200L according to the ninth embodiment. Fig.47 1 is a diagram showing an example of a first optical pattern 679 formed on the first light guide member 570 and an example of a second optical pattern 669 formed on the second light guide member 560 .

[0523] like Fig.45 As shown, the left-side vehicle lamp 200L according to the ninth embodiment is significantly different from the left-side vehicle lamp 602L according to the eighth embodiment in that the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 are integrally formed via the partition member 530. In the following description, components having the same reference numerals as those already described in the eighth embodiment will not be described repeatedly.

[0524] like Fig.45 As shown, a left vehicle lamp 200L is arranged on the left rear side of the vehicle 1F, and a right vehicle lamp 200R is arranged on the right rear side of the vehicle 1F. The left vehicle lamp 200L and the right vehicle lamp 200R each include a radar 5 .

[0525] In the present embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 200L and the right vehicle lamp 200R function as rear lamps (or rear combination lamps). In addition, the left vehicle lamp 200L and the right vehicle lamp 200R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.46 The specific structure of the left vehicle lamp 200L will be described. For convenience of description, the left vehicle lamp 200L and the right vehicle lamp 200R may be collectively referred to as a “vehicle lamp 200”.

[0526] like Fig.46 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 200L includes: a lamp housing 514; a lamp cover 512 covering the opening of the lamp housing 514; a radar 5; a first light guide member 570; a first light source 508a; a second light guide member 560; a second light source 508b; and a partition member 530.

[0527] The first light guide component 570 is arranged in the lamp chamber S4 in a manner opposite to the radar 5, and is configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1F. In this way, the light emission of the first light guide component 570 can be used to shield at least a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1E. In addition, since the first light guide component 570 is present in the field of view F of the radar 5, it is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to pass through. The first light guide component 570 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc. The first light guide component 570 can have a thickness t1 specified by the formula (12) already described. As a result, the reflectivity of the first light guide component 570 to the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level.

[0528] The first light source 508a is arranged on the wiring substrate 510a and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The first light source 508a is configured to emit light toward the first light guide member 570. The light emitted from the first light source 508a propagates inside the first light guide member 570, and is reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1E by the plurality of first steps 678 formed on the first surface 672 of the first light guide member 570. In this way, the plurality of first steps 678 are configured to emit the light propagated inside the first light guide member 570 to the outside of the vehicle 1E.

[0529] The plurality of first steps 678 have Fig.42 (a) shows the same structure of the plurality of first steps 578. That is, the plurality of first steps 678 can be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 672 of the first light guide member 570. In addition, the first steps 678 can be formed as a concave portion or a convex portion on the first surface 672. The plurality of first steps 678 can reflect the light propagating inside the first light guide member 570 to the outside of the vehicle 1F, so that the first light guide member 570 can emit light.

[0530] And, if Fig.47 As shown, a first optical pattern 679 can be formed on the first surface 672 of the first light guide member 570 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of first steps 678. Fig.47 In the example shown, a plurality of first steps 678 are combined to form a rectangular first optical pattern 679 on the first surface 672. Thus, the first optical pattern 679 formed on the first light guide member 570 can improve the design of the exterior of the left vehicle lamp 200L.

[0531] The second light guide component 560 is arranged in the lamp chamber S4 in a manner opposite to the radar 5, and is configured to emit light toward the outside of the vehicle 1F. In this way, the light emission of the second light guide component 560 can be used to shield at least a portion of the radar 5 from the outside of the vehicle 1F. In addition, the second light guide component 560 is configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 to pass through. The second light guide component 560 is formed of a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc. The second light guide component 560 may also have a thickness t2 specified by the formula (13) already described. As a result, the reflectivity of the second light guide component 560 to the radio waves emitted from the radar 5 can be suppressed to a low level.

[0532] The second light source 508b is arranged on the wiring substrate 510b and is electrically connected to a light source driving circuit (not shown). The second light source 508b is configured to emit light toward the second light guide member 560. The light emitted from the second light source 508b propagates inside the second light guide member 560, and is reflected toward the outside of the vehicle 1F by the plurality of second steps 668 formed on the first surface 662 of the second light guide member 560. In this way, the plurality of second steps 668 are configured to emit the light propagated inside the second light guide member 560 to the outside of the vehicle 1F.

[0533] The plurality of second steps 668 also have Fig.42 (a) shows the same structure as the plurality of first steps 578. That is, the plurality of second steps 668 can be formed in a lattice shape on the first surface 662 of the second light guide member 560. In addition, the second steps 668 can be formed as a concave portion or a convex portion on the first surface 662. The plurality of second steps 668 can be used to reflect the light propagating inside the second light guide member 560 to the outside of the vehicle 1F, so that the second light guide member 560 can emit light.

[0534] And, if Fig.47 As shown, a second optical pattern 669 can be formed on the first surface 662 of the second light guide member 560 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of second steps 668. Fig.47 In the example shown, a plurality of second steps 668 are combined to form a rectangular second optical pattern 669 on the first surface 662. Thus, the second optical pattern 669 formed on the second light guide member 560 can improve the design of the exterior of the left vehicle lamp 200L.

[0535] The partition member 530 is disposed between the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 in the up-down direction and is formed of an opaque resin member. At this point, the partition member 530 is formed integrally with the first light guide member 570 formed of a transparent resin member by two-color molding, and is formed integrally with the second light guide member 560 formed of a transparent resin member by two-color molding. In this way, the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 are formed integrally with each other via the partition member 530.

[0536] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the partition member 530 can be used to appropriately prevent the light emitted from the first light guide member 570 from mixing with the light emitted from the second light guide member 560. Furthermore, the partition member 530 clearly defines the boundary between the first optical pattern 679 formed on the first light guide member 570 and the second optical pattern 669 formed on the second light guide member 560, thereby further improving the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 200.

[0537] In addition, no convex portion is formed at the boundary between the first light guide member 570 and the partition member 530, and no convex portion is formed at the boundary between the second light guide member 560 and the partition member 530. That is, at the boundary between the first light guide member 570 and the partition member 530, the first surface 672 of the first light guide member 570 and the surface 539 of the partition member 530 facing the radar 5 form a continuous smooth surface. In addition, at the boundary between the second light guide member 560 and the partition member 530, the first surface 662 of the second light guide member 560 and the surface 539 of the partition member 530 form a continuous smooth surface.

[0538] Thus, according to this embodiment, even when the partition component 530 is present within the field of view F of the radar 5, it is possible to appropriately prevent the radar data from being adversely affected by reflected radio waves reflected from the boundary portion between the partition component 530 and the first light guiding component 570 or the boundary portion between the partition component 530 and the second light guiding component 560.

[0539] In addition, the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 may also function as a lamp configured to indicate information related to the travel of the vehicle 1F (e.g., stop information, turn information, back-up information, information related to the automatic driving mode, etc.) to the outside of the vehicle 1F. Specifically, the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 may function as a parking lamp, a turn lamp, a reverse lamp, or an ADS lamp.

[0540] According to the present embodiment, a first optical pattern 679 is formed on the first light guide member 570 using a plurality of first steps 678, so that the first light guide member 570 can emit light. Similarly, a second optical pattern 669 is formed on the second light guide member 560 using a plurality of second steps 668, so that the second light guide member 560 can emit light. In this way, by using the light emission of the two light guide members, the radar 5 can be shielded from the outside of the vehicle 1E. Therefore, the design of the appearance of the vehicle lamp 602 equipped with the radar 5 can be further improved by the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560. In addition, since the first light guide member 570 and the second light guide member 560 function as different lamps, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 200 can be reduced.

[0541] In the description of this embodiment, a plurality of first steps 578 are formed on the first surface 572 of the first light guide member 507, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, a plurality of first steps 578 may be formed on the second surface 571 of the first light guide member 507, or may be formed on both the first surface 572 and the second surface 571. Similarly, a plurality of second steps 568 may be formed on the second surface 561 of the second light guide member 506, or may be formed on both the first surface 562 and the second surface 561.

[0542] (Tenth Embodiment)

[0543] Hereinafter, a tenth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the dimensions of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual dimensions of each component.

[0544] In the description of this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, "left-right direction", "up-down direction" and "front-back direction" are sometimes appropriately mentioned. These directions are for Fig.48 The relative directions set for the vehicle 1G shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction". The "front-back direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". Fig.48 Although the “front-rear direction” is not shown, the “front-rear direction” is a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0545] In addition, in the present embodiment, the "horizontal direction" of the vehicle 1G is mentioned, and the "horizontal direction" is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction), and is a direction including the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the right vehicle lamp 702R and the left vehicle lamp 702L are consistent with the directions (left-right direction, up-down direction, front-back direction) set for the vehicle 1G.

[0546] In the description of this embodiment, the "X-axis direction", "Y-axis direction" and "Z-axis direction" are sometimes appropriately mentioned. These directions are for Fig.49 The relative direction of the radar 705 shown in the figure. Here, one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the remaining two directions. For the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the X-axis direction of the radar 705 is parallel to the up-down direction of the vehicle 1G. The Y-axis direction of the radar 705 is parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle 1G. The Z-axis direction of the radar 705 is parallel to the front-back direction of the vehicle 1G.

[0547] First, refer to Fig.48 A vehicle 1G according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.48 This is a diagram of a vehicle 1G having a left-side vehicle lamp 702L and a right-side vehicle lamp 702R as viewed from the front. Fig.48 As shown in FIG. 1 , a left vehicle lamp 702L is arranged on the left front side of the vehicle 1G, and a right vehicle lamp 702R is arranged on the right front side of the vehicle 1G. The left vehicle lamp 702L and the right vehicle lamp 702R each have a radar 705. In this embodiment, the left vehicle lamp 702L and the right vehicle lamp 702R have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, reference is made to Fig.49 The specific structure of the left-side vehicle lamp 702L will be described.

[0548] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the left vehicle lamp 702L and the right vehicle lamp 702R are sometimes collectively referred to as the "vehicle lamp 702". In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle lamp 702 that functions as a headlight is described, but the vehicle lamp 702 may also be a rear lamp that is arranged on the rear surface of the vehicle 1G and equipped with a radar 705.

[0549] Fig.49 FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view schematically showing the left vehicle lamp 702L. Fig.49 As shown, the left vehicle lamp 702L includes a lamp housing 714 , a lamp cover 712 that covers an opening of the lamp housing 714 , two lighting units 703 and 704 , and a radar 705 .

[0550] The lighting units 703 and 704 are arranged in a lamp chamber S7 formed by a lamp housing 714 and a lamp cover 712. One of the lighting units 703 and 704 functions as a high-beam lighting unit configured to emit a high-beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 1G, and the other of the lighting units 703 and 704 functions as a low-beam lighting unit configured to emit a low-beam light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 1G.

[0551] The radar 705 is arranged in the lamp room S7, and is configured to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1G by emitting radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves, microwaves) to the outside of the vehicle 1G. In the present embodiment, the radar 705 is configured to acquire radar data representing the area in front of the vehicle 1G by emitting radio waves toward the front of the vehicle 1G. The radar 705 is, for example, a millimeter wave radar or a microwave radar. The vehicle control unit (on-board computer) not shown is configured to determine the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1G (especially information related to objects existing outside the vehicle 1G) based on the radar data output from the radar 705. The field of view F (detection range) of the radar 705 in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) can be, for example, in the range of 3° to 100°. The field of view F of the radar 705 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction can be, for example, in the range of 120° to 180°. In addition, the radar 705 can be arranged outside the lamp room S7, or in a specified location of the vehicle 1G.

[0552] Next, refer to Fig.50 The specific structure of the radar 705 is described. Fig.50 705 is a schematic cross-sectional view (particularly a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis direction). Fig.50 As shown, the radar 705 includes a first circuit board 710 , a second circuit board 720 , a radar case 740 , and a light emitting radome 730 that covers an opening of the radar case 740 .

[0553] The space K7 is defined by the light emitting antenna cover 730 and the radar housing 740. The first circuit board 710 is arranged in the space K7. On the surface 716 of the first circuit board 710, an antenna unit 713 and an RF (radio frequency) circuit unit 715 formed as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) are arranged.

[0554] The antenna unit 713 is composed of a plurality of metal patterns 830 (patch antennas) formed on the surface 716 of the first circuit substrate 710. The antenna unit 713 has a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. The transmitting antenna is configured to transmit radio waves (for example, millimeter waves with a wavelength of 1 mm to 10 mm) to the outside of the radar 705. The receiving antenna is configured to receive reflected radio waves reflected by an object (for example, another vehicle) existing outside the radar 705. After the radiated radio waves radiated from the transmitting antenna are reflected by an object such as another vehicle, the reflected radio waves from the object are received by the receiving antenna. In this way, based on the high-frequency signal input to the transmitting antenna and the high-frequency signal output from the receiving antenna, information associated with an object existing outside the vehicle 1G is obtained.

[0555] The transmitting antenna may be composed of a plurality of metal patterns 830 arranged in a matrix of N rows × M columns. On the other hand, the receiving antenna may be composed of a plurality of metal patterns 830 arranged in N rows × (M+1) columns. In this example, the transmitting antenna is composed of metal patterns 830 arranged in 4 rows × 3 columns. The receiving antenna is composed of metal patterns 830 arranged in 4 rows × 4 columns.

[0556] The RF circuit unit 715 includes a transmitting RF circuit and a receiving RF circuit. The transmitting RF circuit is electrically connected to the transmitting antenna and is configured to input a high-frequency signal (TX signal) to the transmitting antenna. The receiving RF circuit is electrically connected to the receiving antenna and the transmitting RF circuit, and performs AD conversion on the IF (intermediate frequency) signal generated based on the high-frequency signal (RX signal) output from the receiving antenna and the TX signal.

[0557] The second circuit substrate 720 is arranged in the space K7 and arranged on the surface 742 of the radar housing 740. The second circuit substrate 720 is electrically connected to the first circuit substrate 710 via an electrical connector, etc., not shown. A signal processing circuit unit 721, a plurality of first light sources 723a, a plurality of second light sources 723b, and a light source control circuit unit 722 are arranged on the surface 726 of the second circuit substrate 720.

[0558] The signal processing circuit unit 721 is electrically connected to the RF circuit unit 715, and is configured to generate radar data representing information related to the object (such as the distance, direction, and relative speed of the object) based on the IF signal (digital signal) output from the receiving side RF circuit. The signal processing circuit unit 721 may include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and a microcontroller. The signal processing circuit unit 721 sends the radar data to the vehicle control unit (not shown). Then, the vehicle control unit determines the surrounding environment information of the vehicle 1G based on the radar data sent from the signal processing circuit unit 721.

[0559] The first light source 723a and the second light source 723b are respectively composed of semiconductor light emitting elements such as LED and LD. Fig.50 and Fig.52 As shown in (a), a plurality of first light sources 723a (in Fig.52 In the example shown in (a), six first light sources 723a) are arranged along the Y-axis direction near the first end 728 of the second circuit substrate 720. Similarly, a plurality of second light sources 723b ( Fig.52 In the example shown in (a), six second light sources 723b) are arranged in the Y-axis direction near the second end 729 of the second circuit substrate 720 located on the opposite side of the first end 728. Each first light source 723a is configured to emit light toward the end surface 735a of the first extension portion 735 of the light emitting antenna cover 730. Similarly, each second light source 723b is configured to emit light toward the end surface 734b of the second extension portion 734 of the light emitting antenna cover 730.

[0560] In addition, Fig.52 In the example shown in (a), six first light sources 723a are arranged along the Y-axis direction near the first end 728, and six second light sources 723b are arranged along the Y-axis direction near the second end 729, but in this embodiment, the number of the first light sources 723a and the number of the second light sources 723b are not particularly limited. For example, the number of the first light sources 723a and the number of the second light sources 723b may be 1 each.

[0561] In addition, if Fig.52 As shown in (b), two first light sources 723a may be arranged near the first end 728, and two second light sources 723b may be arranged near the second end 729. In this case, one of the two first light sources 723a is arranged near the corner 725a of the second circuit substrate 720, and the other of the two first light sources 723a is arranged near the corner 725b of the second circuit substrate 720. Furthermore, a first light guide 727a is arranged between the two first light sources 723a. In this case, light emitted from the two first light sources 723a enters the first light guide 727a. Thereafter, light propagating inside the first light guide 727a is reflected toward the end surface 735a of the first extension portion 735 by a plurality of steps formed on the surface of the first light guide 727a.

[0562] Similarly, one of the two second light sources 723b is arranged near the corner 725c of the second circuit substrate 720, and the other of the two second light sources 723b is arranged near the corner 725d of the second circuit substrate 720. Furthermore, the first light guide 727b is arranged between the two second light sources 723b. In this case, the light emitted from the second light source 723b is incident on the first light guide 727b. Thereafter, the light propagating inside the first light guide 727b is reflected toward the end surface 734b of the second extension portion 734 by the plurality of steps formed on the surface of the first light guide 727b.

[0563] The light source control circuit unit 722 is electrically connected to the first light source 723a and the second light source 723b, respectively, and is configured to control the lighting of the first light source 723a and the second light source 723b. In addition, when the radar 705 functions as a turn signal, the light source control circuit unit 722 can also control the lighting of the first light source 723a and the second light source 723b based on the instruction signal sent from the vehicle control unit.

[0564] Next, the structure of the light emitting antenna cover 730 is described in detail. The light emitting antenna cover 730 is formed of a transparent resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate, etc. The light emitting antenna cover 730 has: a light emitting portion 731; a first light guiding portion 738 connected to one end of the light emitting portion 731; a second light guiding portion 739 connected to the other end of the light emitting portion 731; a first extending portion 735 connected to the first light guiding portion 738; and a second extending portion 734 connected to the second light guiding portion 739.

[0565] The light emitting portion 731 includes: an inner side surface 733 (an example of a first surface) facing the first circuit substrate 710; an outer side surface 732 (an example of a second surface) located on the side opposite to the inner side surface 733; and a plurality of steps 768 (see Fig.51 (a)), which is formed on the inner side surface 733. The plurality of steps 768 are configured to emit the light propagating in the light emitting portion 731 of the light emitting antenna cover 730 to the outside of the radar 705 (particularly in the +Z axis direction).

[0566] like Fig.51 As shown in (a), the plurality of steps 768 may be formed in a lattice shape on the inner side surface 733 of the light emitting portion 731. The interval d1 between the adjacent steps 768 in the plurality of steps 768 is, for example, 400 μm. In this regard, by adjusting the interval d1 between the adjacent steps 768, the optical pattern 769 (see Fig.53 ) brightness.

[0567] The step 768 may be formed in the form of a recess on the inner side surface 733 of the light emitting portion 731 (see Fig.51(b)), it may also be formed in the form of a convex portion on the inner side surface 733 (see Fig.51 (c)). The depth d2 or height d3 of the step 768 from the inner side surface 733 in the thickness direction of the light emitting portion 731 is, for example, in the range of greater than 0 μm and less than 300 μm. For example, when the thickness of the light emitting portion 731 is about 2.4 mm, the depth d2 or height d3 of the step 768 may be about 30 μm.

[0568] In addition, in order to efficiently emit the light propagating in the light emitting section 731 toward the outside of the radar 705, it is preferable that the step 768 is formed as a hemispherical concave portion or a convex portion. The plurality of steps 768 can reflect the light propagating inside the light emitting section 731 toward the outside of the radar 705, so that the light emitting section 731 can emit light. In other words, pedestrians and the like outside the vehicle 1G and passengers of other vehicles can visually confirm the light emission of the radar 705.

[0569] like Fig.53 As shown, an optical pattern 769 can be formed on the light emitting portion 731 by utilizing a collection of a plurality of steps 768. Fig.53 In the example shown, a rectangular optical pattern 769 can be formed on the light emitting portion 731 by a collection of a plurality of steps 768. In the present embodiment, the shape of the optical pattern 769 is not particularly limited, and an optical pattern 769 of a predetermined geometric pattern can be formed on the light emitting portion 731. In this way, the design of the appearance of the radar 705 can be improved by the optical pattern 769 formed on the light emitting portion 731.

[0570] In addition, if Fig.50 As shown, a decorative film 750 is bonded to the inner side surface 733 of the light emitting portion 731. The decorative film 750 is bonded to the inner side surfaces of the first light guiding portion 738 and the first extending portion 735, and to the inner side surfaces of the second light guiding portion 739 and the second extending portion 734.

[0571] The decorative film 750 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the antenna unit 713 and shield the first circuit substrate 710 and the second circuit substrate 720 from the outside of the radar 705. The decorative film 750 does not contain a metal material. In addition, the decorative film 750 has a high transmittance to the frequency band of the radio waves (for example, millimeter waves) emitted from the antenna unit 713. The thickness of the decorative film 750 is, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0572] As an example of the layer structure of the decorative film 750, the decorative film 750 has an adhesive layer that functions as an adhesive layer, a decorative layer formed on the adhesive layer, a multilayer film reflector formed on the decorative layer, a hard coating layer formed on the multilayer film reflector, and a protective layer formed on the hard coating layer. In the multilayer film reflector, for example, a plurality of low refractive index polymer layers and a plurality of high refractive index polymer layers are alternately stacked. Since the multilayer film reflector is provided on the decorative film 750, the reflectivity of the decorative film 750 to visible light can be increased. As an example of the multilayer film reflector, PICASUS (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd. can also be used.

[0573] A reflective surface 736 is formed between the first light guiding portion 738 and the light emitting portion 731. The first extending portion 735 is disposed in the space K7 and extends toward the second circuit substrate 720. An end surface 735a of the first extending portion 735 faces the first light source 723a via a gap.

[0574] The light emitted from the first light source 723a is incident on the first extension portion 735 and then propagates inside the first light guide portion 738. Then, the light propagating inside the first light guide portion 738 is reflected by the reflection surface 736 toward the light exit portion 731. Then, the light propagating inside the light exit portion 731 is reflected toward the outside of the radar 705 by the plurality of steps 768 formed on the inner side surface 733. In this way, the light exit portion 731 of the light emitting radome 730 emits light using the light emitted from the first light source 723a.

[0575] A reflective surface 737 is formed between the second light guiding portion 739 and the light emitting portion 731. The second extending portion 734 is disposed in the space K7 and extends toward the second circuit substrate 720. An end surface 734b of the second extending portion 734 faces the second light source 723b via a gap.

[0576] The light emitted from the second light source 723b enters the second extension portion 734 and propagates inside the second light guide portion 739. Then, the light propagating inside the second light guide portion 739 is reflected toward the light exit portion 731 by the reflection surface 737. Then, the light propagating inside the light exit portion 731 is reflected toward the outside of the radar 705 by the plurality of steps 768 formed on the inner side surface 733. In this way, the light exit portion 731 of the light emitting radome 730 emits light by the light emitted from the second light source 723b.

[0577] According to the present embodiment, the light is emitted toward the outside of the radar 705 by using the plurality of steps 768 formed in the light emitting portion 731. In this way, the design of the appearance of the radar 705 can be improved by the light emitting antenna cover 730. In addition, the radar 705 itself can be actively used as a decorative component for improving the design of the appearance of the vehicle 1G.

[0578] In particular, the design of the appearance of the radar 705 can be improved by the optical pattern 769 formed by the plurality of steps 768. Furthermore, the light emitted from the first light source 723a can be efficiently guided to the light exit portion 731 by the first extension portion 735 provided in the light emitting radome 730, and the light emitted from the second light source 723b can be efficiently guided to the light exit portion 731 by the second extension portion 734 provided in the light emitting radome 730.

[0579] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, even when the light-emitting radome 730 is not emitting light, the first circuit substrate 710 and the second circuit substrate 720 can be shielded from the outside of the radar 705 by the decorative film 750 .

[0580] Furthermore, the decorative film 750 is opposed to the radar 705 in such a manner that all radio waves within the field of view emitted from the radar 705 pass through the decorative film 750, and on the other hand, the decorative film 750 does not contain a metal material and has a high transmittance to radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent the decorative film 750 from having an adverse effect on the radio waves emitted from the radar 705. As a result, it is possible to appropriately prevent the reliability of radar data from being reduced due to the decorative film 750.

[0581] In addition, in the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 731 is arranged to face the antenna unit 713. Therefore, the light emitting unit 731 is configured to transmit the radio waves emitted from the antenna unit 713 toward the outside of the radar 705. In addition, in order to improve the reliability of the radar data acquired by the radar 705, it is preferable to suppress the reflectivity of the radio waves emitted from the antenna unit 713 by the light emitting unit 731 to be low.

[0582] Based on the above viewpoints, the thickness t of the light emitting portion 731 (see Fig.50 The thickness t of the light emitting portion 731 is defined by the following formula (14).

[0583] [Number 14]

[0584]

[0585] Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the transmission antenna of the antenna unit 713. r is the relative dielectric constant of the light emitting antenna cover 730 (light emitting portion 731 ), and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0586] In this way, when the thickness t of the light emitting portion 731 is set to the thickness specified by the above formula (14), the reflected radio wave R1 reflected by the inner side surface 733 of the light emitting portion 731 opposite to the antenna portion 713 and the reflected radio wave R2 reflected by the outer side surface 732 of the light emitting portion 731 weaken each other. Specifically, the phase difference Δθ between the reflected radio wave R2 and the reflected radio wave R1 is (2m+1)π (m is an integer greater than zero), so the reflected radio wave R1 and the reflected radio wave R2 weaken each other. As a result, the reflectivity of the radio wave emitted from the antenna portion 713 by the light emitting portion 731 can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the intensity of the reflected radio wave reflected by the light emitting portion 731 becomes weak, so it is possible to avoid the situation where the reflected radio wave is received by the receiving antenna of the antenna portion 713 and becomes a noise component that adversely affects the radar data. For example, when the wavelength λ of the radio wave is 3.922 mm and the relative dielectric constant ε of the light emitting portion 731 made of acrylic resin is r When π is 2.57 and n=2, the thickness t of the light emitting portion 731 is approximately 2.45 mm.

[0587] In addition, the radar 705 may also function as an automatic driving system (ADS) lamp or a daytime running lamp (DRL) that indicates information related to the driving mode of the vehicle 1G to the outside of the vehicle 1G. In particular, as an example of an ADS lamp, the radar 705 may function as an ID lamp that is turned on or off according to the driving mode of the vehicle 1G. The ID lamp is turned off when the driving mode of the vehicle 1G is a manual driving mode or a driving assistance mode, and is turned on when the driving mode of the vehicle 1G is a high driving assistance mode or a fully automatic driving mode.

[0588] In this way, when the radar 705 functions as an ADS lamp or a DRL, it is not necessary to separately provide an ADS lamp or a DRL in the vehicle lamp 702. In this way, the number of components of the vehicle lamp 702 can be reduced.

[0589] In the description of this embodiment, the plurality of steps 768 are formed on the inner side surface 733 of the light emitting portion 731, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, the plurality of steps 768 may be formed on the outer side surface 732 of the light emitting portion 731, or may be formed on both the inner side surface 733 and the outer side surface 732.

[0590] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted restrictively by the description of the present embodiment. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is only an example, and various changes involved in the embodiments can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0591] This application refers to the disclosures of the following Japanese patent applications as appropriate.

[0592] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-164750 (Application date: September 10, 2019)

[0593] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-183068 (Application date: October 3, 2019)

[0594] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-183069 (Application date: October 3, 2019)

[0595] ・Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-183070 (Application Date: October 3, 2019)

[0596] ・Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-186787 (Application Date: October 10, 2019)

[0597] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-206320 (Application date: November 14, 2019)

[0598] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-206321 (Application date: November 14, 2019)

[0599] ・Japanese Special Application No. 2019-207074 (Application date: November 15, 2019)

[0600] ・Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-216675 (Application Date: November 29, 2019)

[0601] ・Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-088267 (filing date: May 20, 2020).

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: have: Lamp housing; A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing; a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade; a radar configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle; as well as a light guide member, the light guide member being arranged opposite to the radar in a manner to shield at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and the light guide member being configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough, The radar is arranged outside the lamp room, The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle, The light guide member is arranged in the lamp chamber, A portion of the lamp housing is disposed between the light guide component and the radar. The light guide component has: a first surface opposite to the radar; a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface; as well as a plurality of steps, wherein the plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, The plurality of steps are configured to allow light propagating inside the light guide member to be emitted to the outside of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: A light source is further provided. The light source is disposed in the lamp chamber and is configured to emit light toward the light guide member.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light guide member functions as a lamp or a daytime running lamp configured to present information related to the travel of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The plurality of steps are configured to form an optical pattern on the light guide member.

5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The height or depth d of each of the plurality of steps satisfies the following conditions: d<λ / 8; Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio waves emitted from the radar.

6. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The thickness t1 of the light guide component is defined by the following formula: t1=λ / (2ε r1 1 / 2 )*n; Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar, ε r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the light guiding component, and n is an integer greater than 1.

7. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A portion of the lamp housing is disposed between the light guide component and the radar. The thickness t2 of a portion of the lamp housing is defined by the following formula: t2=λ / (2ε r2 1 / 2 )*n; Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar, ε r2 is the relative dielectric constant of a part of the lamp housing, and n is an integer greater than 1.

8. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A portion of the lampshade is opposite to the light guide component, The thickness t3 of a portion of the lampshade is defined by the following formula: t3=λ / (2ε r3 1 / 2 )*n; Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar, ε r3 is the relative dielectric constant of a portion of the lampshade, and n is an integer greater than 1.

9. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The radar is fixed to the lamp housing via a supporting member that supports the radar.

10. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: have: Lamp housing; A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing; a lighting unit, the lighting unit being arranged in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp shade; as well as a light guide member, the light guide member being arranged opposite to the radar in a manner of shielding at least a portion of the radar from the outside of the vehicle, and the light guide member being configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough, the radar being arranged outside the lamp chamber in a manner of emitting radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle, The light guide member is configured to emit light to the outside of the vehicle, The light guide member is arranged in the lamp chamber, A portion of the lamp housing is disposed between the light guide component and the radar. The light guide component has: a first surface opposite to the radar; a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface; as well as a plurality of steps, wherein the plurality of steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, The plurality of steps are configured to allow light propagating inside the light guide member to be emitted to the outside of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, characterized in that: The radar is fixed to the vehicle body via a support portion that supports the radar.

12. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: have: Lamp housing; A lampshade, the lampshade covering the opening of the lamp housing; a radar disposed in a lamp chamber formed by the lamp housing and the lamp cover, and configured to emit radio waves to the outside of the vehicle to acquire radar data representing the surrounding environment of the vehicle; a first light guide member, the first light guide member being arranged in the lamp chamber so as to face the radar and configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough; as well as a second light guide member, the second light guide member being arranged in the lamp chamber so as to face the radar and configured to allow the radio waves emitted from the radar to pass therethrough; The first light guide member is configured to emit first light to the outside of the vehicle. The second light guide member is configured to emit second light to the outside of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle lamp according to claim 12, characterized in that: The vehicle lamp further comprises: a first light source, the first light source being disposed in the lamp chamber and configured to emit the first light toward the first light guide member; as well as A second light source is disposed in the lamp chamber and is configured to emit the second light toward the second light guide member.

14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The first light guide member and the second light guide member function as lamps or daytime running lamps configured to present information related to the travel of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. The lamp functioning as the first light guide member and the lamp functioning as the second light guide member are different from each other.

15. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The first light guide component comprises: a first surface, the first surface being opposite to the radar; a second surface, the second surface being located on a side opposite to the first surface; and a plurality of first steps, wherein the plurality of first steps are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, The plurality of first steps are configured to allow the first light propagating inside the first light guide member to be emitted to the outside of the vehicle. The second light guide member comprises: a third surface, the third surface being opposite to the radar; a fourth surface, the fourth surface being located on a side opposite to the third surface; and a plurality of second steps, wherein the plurality of second steps are formed on at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface, The plurality of second steps are configured to emit the second light propagating inside the second light guide member to the outside of the vehicle. When the vehicle lamp is viewed from the front, the plurality of first steps and the plurality of second steps do not overlap with each other.

16. The vehicle lamp according to claim 15, characterized in that: The plurality of first steps are configured to form a first optical pattern on the first light guide member. The plurality of second steps are configured to form a second optical pattern on the second light guide member.

17. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The second light guiding member faces the radar via the first light guiding member.

18. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The vehicle lamp further includes a partition member, wherein the partition portion is provided between the first light guide member and the second light guide member and is formed of an opaque resin member. The first light guide member and the second light guide member are formed integrally with each other via the partition member.

19. The vehicle lamp according to claim 18, characterized in that: No convex portion is formed at a boundary between the first light guide member and the partition member, and no convex portion is formed at a boundary between the second light guide member and the partition member.

20. The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that: The thickness t1 of the first light guide member is defined by equation (1): The thickness t2 of the second light guide member is defined by equation (2): t1=λ / (2ε r1 1 / 2 )×n…(1) t2=λ / (2εr2 1 / 2 )×n…(2) Here, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave emitted from the radar, ε r1 is the relative dielectric constant of the first light-guiding component, ε r2 is the relative dielectric constant of the second light guiding member, and n is an integer greater than 1.

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