Vehicle logo

Abstract

Provided is a light-emitting vehicle logo that suppresses the occurrence of uneven illumination at the outer periphery of an outer lens in a light-emitting state. A light-emitting vehicle logo (10) is provided with: a light source (14A); a light guide (16) that guides light emitted from the light source (14A); an outer lens (18) that contains a diffusion material that diffuses light therein, and that emits light through which the light emitted from the light guide (16) passes; and a housing (12) in which the light guide (16) is stored and to which the outer peripheral portion of the outer lens (18) is joined, thereby forming a space in which the light guide (16) is disposed between the housing (12) and the outer lens (18). When viewed from the outer lens (18) side, the light source (14A) is disposed on the inner peripheral portion (18B) side of the outer lens (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle logos. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a car emblem that emits light through an outer lens (decorative element) via light from a light source (LED) disposed within a housing.

[0003] However, it is considered that when the outer peripheral portion of the outer lens, which is connected to the housing, emits light, it is not easy to place the light source near the connection portion of the outer lens and the housing. In this case, it is considered that uneven illumination occurs at the outer peripheral portion of the outer lens in the luminous state, and there is room for improvement in this respect in the structure described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224413 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above situation, the present invention aims to obtain a car logo that can suppress uneven illumination at the outer periphery of the outer lens when it is emitting light.

[0006] The first type of car logo includes: a light source; a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source; an outer lens configured to include a diffusion material that diffuses light within the outer lens and emits light by allowing light emitted from the light guide to pass through; and a housing that, by storing the light guide and having an outer periphery of the outer lens attached thereto, forms a space between the housing and the outer lens for arranging the light guide. When viewed from the outer lens side, the light source is arranged on the inner periphery side of the outer lens, and light from the light source is guided to the outer periphery of the light guide. The light from the light source guided by the light guide is guided from the light guide to the outer periphery of the outer lens. The light guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens diffuses within the outer periphery of the outer lens and passes through the outer periphery of the outer lens.

[0007] For the second type of car logo, based on the first type of car logo, the outer periphery of the outer lens is covered by a light-transmitting coating on the side opposite to the housing.

[0008] For the third type of car logo, based on the second type of car logo, the aforementioned coating becomes a metal vapor-deposited film.

[0009] For the fourth type of car logo, based on the car logo of any of the first to third types, the outer periphery of the light guide is arranged along the joint portion that joins the outer lens to the housing.

[0010] In the first type of car logo, light emitted from a light source is guided by a light guide. Furthermore, the light from the light source, guided by the light guide, is directed to the outer periphery of the outer lens. The light guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens diffuses within and passes through the outer periphery of the outer lens. Thus, in the first type of car logo, even when the light source is positioned on the inner periphery of the outer lens when viewed from the outer lens side, light from the light source can still be guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens. Furthermore, the light guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens can diffuse within and pass through the outer periphery of the outer lens. Therefore, uneven illumination at the outer periphery of the outer lens during illumination can be suppressed.

[0011] In the second type of car logo, the surface of the outer periphery of the outer lens opposite to the housing is covered by a light-transmitting coating, thereby reducing the influence of diffusion materials caused by the appearance design of the outer periphery of the outer lens.

[0012] In the third type of car logo, a metallic luster can be imparted to the outer periphery of the outer lens when it is not emitting light. Furthermore, a light diffusion effect caused by the metallic vapor-deposited film, i.e., the coating layer, can be achieved. This further suppresses uneven illumination at the outer periphery of the outer lens when it is emitting light.

[0013] In the fourth type of car logo, the outer periphery of the light guide is arranged along the joint portion that joins the outer lens to the housing, thereby making it easy to guide light from the outer periphery of the light guide to the outer periphery of the outer lens. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the luminous car logo of this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It means along Figure 1 The 2-2 line cut-off view of the illuminated car logo shown.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0017] 10... Illuminated car emblem (car logo); 12... Housing; 14A... Light source; 16... Light guide; 16B... Outer periphery of the light guide; 18... Outer lens; 18A... Outer periphery of the outer lens; 18B... Inner periphery of the outer lens; 22... Coating layer. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1The luminous emblem 10, which is the emblem of this embodiment, is shown. As shown in the figure, in the luminous emblem 10 of this embodiment, light transmitted through the outer periphery 18A of the outer lens 18 (described below) illuminates in a manner that depicts an elliptical ring shape, and light transmitted through the inner periphery 18B of the outer lens 18 illuminates in a manner that depicts the letter "TR". Furthermore, arrows FR and UP in the figure represent the front and upper sides of the luminous emblem 10, respectively. Additionally, arrows RH and LH in the figure represent the right and left sides of the luminous emblem 10, respectively. Hereinafter, only the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions will be used in the description; unless otherwise specified, the front-back direction of the luminous emblem 10, the up-down direction of the luminous emblem 10, and the left-right direction of the luminous emblem 10 will be indicated as front-back, up-down, and left-right.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the luminous car logo 10 is configured to include a housing 12, a plurality of light sources 14A, 14B, and 14C disposed within the housing 12, a light guide 16 disposed within the housing 12, an outer lens 18 mounted on the housing 12, a mask 20 formed on the outer lens 18, and a coating layer 22.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, as an example, the housing 12 is formed of resin material in a box shape with an open front. The housing 12 includes: a bottom wall portion 12A extending in the vertical and horizontal directions as its thickness direction; a side wall portion 12B extending from the outer peripheral end of the bottom wall portion 12A toward the front; and an end portion 12D extending from the end of the side wall portion 12B opposite to the bottom wall portion 12A via a stepped portion 12C toward the front. The end portion 12D is biased relative to the side wall portion 12B in the opposite direction to the light guide 16 described below.

[0021] As an example, light sources 14A, 14B, and 14C are LEDs or similar devices that emit light when energized, and are mounted on substrate 24. These light sources 14A, 14B, and 14C are supported by housing 12 by fixing substrate 24 to housing 12. Furthermore, when viewed from the outer lens 18 side, each light source 14A, 14B, and 14C is positioned on the inner periphery 18B side of the outer lens 18. Light source 14A is primarily used to emit light from the outer periphery 18A of the outer lens 18. Similarly, light sources 14B and 14C are primarily used to emit light from the inner periphery 18B of the outer lens 18.

[0022] As an example, the light guide 16 is formed of a transparent resin material and guides light emitted from the light source 14A. The light guide 16 has a plate-shaped main body 16A formed with its thickness along the rearward direction. The outer edge of the main body 16A, as seen from the front, is elliptical. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 16B of the main body 16A is an inclined surface 16C that slopes towards the opposite side to the center (centroid when viewed from the front) of the main body 16A as it approaches the front. Additionally, a front-opening conical recess 16D is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the main body 16A. The inner peripheral surface of this conical recess 16D is a conical surface 16E that narrows in a funnel shape as it approaches the rear. Furthermore, the light guide 16 has a central protrusion 16F that protrudes rearward from the portion in the main body 16A where the conical recess 16D is formed. Furthermore, a light source placement recess 16G is formed in the central protrusion 16F, which is recessed towards the front. Moreover, the light source 14A is disposed within the light source placement recess 16G.

[0023] The light guide 16 described above is supported by the housing 12 at a position forward of the light sources 14A, 14B, and 14C. Furthermore, with the light guide 16 supported by the housing 12, the outer peripheral portion 16B of the light guide body portion 16A of the light guide 16 is arranged at the front side along the joint portion that engages the end portion 12D with the outer lens 18 relative to the stepped portion 12C formed in the housing 12.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, as an example, the outer lens 18 is formed using a resin material containing a light-diffusing material, and emits light within a defined range by allowing light irradiated from the aforementioned light guide 16 to pass through. The outer lens 18 is formed as a plate with its thickness along the rear-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the shape of the outer edge of the outer lens 18 as seen from the front is formed as an elliptical shape corresponding to the light guide body portion 16A. The end portion of the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18 is joined to the front end of the end portion 12D of the housing 12. Thus, the open end of the housing 12 is closed by the outer lens 18. Here, in this embodiment, the front surface portion of the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18 and the front surface portion of the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18 that emits light in a manner resembling the letter "TR" become a convex portion 18C that protrudes forward relative to other areas of the front surface portion of the outer lens 18.

[0025] The mask 20 is a light-blocking layer used to prevent light from passing through a portion of the outer lens 18 that differs from a predetermined range, by being disposed along the front surface of the outer lens 18. Alternatively, as an example, the mask 20 may be a coating formed along the front surface of the outer lens 18. Furthermore, the mask 20 may also be disposed along the rear surface of the outer lens 18. Moreover, in this embodiment, the mask 20 is disposed in a range within the outer lens 18 that differs from the light-emitting portions (the portions emitting light in a manner depicting the letter "TR" in the outer peripheral portion 18A and the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18).

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the coating layer 22 is a vapor-deposited metal film formed in such a way that it covers the convex portion 18C of the outer lens 18 from the front. The thickness of the coating layer 22 is such that light can pass through it.

[0027] (The function and effects of this implementation method)

[0028] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the luminous emblem 10 of this embodiment described above, light emitted from light sources 14B and 14C passes through the light guide body 16A of the light guide 16 and reaches the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18. The light from the light sources 14B and 14C reaching the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18 is diffused by the diffusion material within the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18 and passes through the portion of the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18 where the mask 20 is not formed. Therefore, the inner peripheral portion 18B of the outer lens 18 emits light in a manner that depicts the letter "TR".

[0030] On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 14A is guided from the central protrusion 16F of the light guide 16 to the light guide body 16A. The light from the light source 14A that is guided to the light guide body 16A is reflected by the conical surface 16E of the conical recess 16D and reaches the inclined surface 16C of the outer peripheral portion 16B of the light guide body 16A. Furthermore, most of the light reaching the inclined surface 16C is reflected forward and diffuses through the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18 while passing through the diffusion material within the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18. Thus, the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18 emits light in an elliptical ring shape. In this way, even in the configuration where the light source 14A is positioned on the inner peripheral portion 18B side of the outer lens 18 when viewed from the outer lens 18 side, the light from the light source 14A can still be guided to the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18 in the luminous emblem 10 of this embodiment. Furthermore, light guided to the outer periphery 18A of the outer lens 18 can diffuse within and pass through the outer periphery 18A of the outer lens 18. This suppresses uneven illumination at the outer periphery 18A of the outer lens 18 during illumination.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the luminescent portion 18C of the outer lens 18 is covered by a light-transmitting coating layer 22. This reduces the influence of diffusion materials caused by the appearance design of the convex portion 18C of the outer lens 18. In addition, in this embodiment, the coating layer 22 is a metallic vapor-deposited film, which imparts a metallic luster to the convex portion 18C of the outer lens 18 when it is not luminescent. Furthermore, the light diffusion effect formed by the metallic vapor-deposited film, i.e., the coating layer 22, is obtained, thereby further suppressing uneven illumination at the convex portion 18C of the outer lens 18 when it is luminescent.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 16B of the light guide body 16A of the light guide 16 is arranged on the front side along the joint portion that joins the end portion 12D with the outer lens 18 relative to the stepped portion 12C formed on the housing 12. In this structure, light can be easily guided from the outer peripheral portion 16B of the light guide body 16A to the outer peripheral portion 18A of the outer lens 18.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of forming a metal vapor-deposited film, i.e., a coating layer 22, on the outer lens 18 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The material of the coating layer 22 can be appropriately set considering the appearance design sought by the luminous car logo 10. In addition, a structure in which the coating layer 22 is not formed on the outer lens 18 can also be used.

[0034] The present invention has been described above as an embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not limited to the above description. It is self-evident that various modifications can be made in addition to the above without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. A car logo, characterized in that, have: light source; A light guide, which guides the light emitted from the light source; An outer lens is configured to contain a diffusion material that diffuses light within the outer lens and emits light by allowing light emanating from the light guide to pass through it; as well as The housing, by storing the light guide and engaging the outer periphery of the outer lens, thereby forming a space between the housing and the outer lens for arranging the light guide. When viewed from the outer lens side, the light source is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the outer lens, and light from the light source is guided to the outer peripheral side of the light guide. Light from the light source is guided by the light guide and then guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens. The light guided to the outer periphery of the outer lens diffuses within the outer periphery of the outer lens and passes through the outer periphery of the outer lens.

2. The vehicle emblem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the outer lens, on the side opposite to the housing, is covered by a light-transmitting coating.

3. The vehicle emblem according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coating is a vapor-deposited metal film.

4. The vehicle emblem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the light guide is arranged along the joint portion that engages the outer lens with the housing.

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