Vehicle lighting structure

Abstract

A vehicle lighting structure (1) includes: a trim panel (20) having a panel shape extending in a vertical direction and a vehicle width direction, and disposed at a rear end of a luggage compartment (12), and including a lighting hole (23); a lighting device (30) which is arranged on the outside of the vehicle of the trim panel (20) and supplies light through the lighting hole (23) towards the interior of the luggage compartment (12); and a protruding portion (24) that protrudes obliquely downward from an upper hole edge (23A) of the illumination hole (23) toward an inner space of the luggage compartment (12). Thus, light from the lighting device is less likely to enter the eyes of a person or passenger standing alongside the vehicle, and the rear space of the luggage compartment near the rear end may be lightly illuminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting structure in a baggage compartment. Background Technology

[0002] A lighting structure for installation in the luggage compartment of a vehicle is known. In one example of this lighting structure, a bulb is disposed in a space formed in the side surface of the trunk compartment of the vehicle, and light from the bulb is supplied to the interior space of the trunk compartment through a downward-facing aperture (lens). This structure is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4704405. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A single lighting unit can be installed in the rear of the luggage compartment to save installation and wiring space or reduce production costs. As an example, the lighting unit can be installed in the luggage compartment finisher, which is constructed as the rear wall of the luggage compartment.

[0004] The battery can be positioned at the front of the luggage compartment, and in this configuration, illumination is needed not only for the luggage compartment floor but also for the area in front of the luggage compartment. Therefore, it is desirable to mount the lighting unit at a higher position to illuminate a wider area. However, with the lighting unit mounted at a higher position, the light emitted by the unit may be directed into the eyes of people or passengers standing next to the vehicle, causing glare. Due to radial light diffusion, light from a lighting unit mounted on the side surface of the trunk is unlikely to reach the area directly below the unit because of its higher position. Consequently, the rear portion of the luggage compartment floor becomes darker.

[0005] The purpose of the technology described herein is to provide a vehicle lighting structure in which light from the lighting device is less likely to be directed toward the eyes of a person or passenger standing next to the vehicle, and light is supplied to the rear portion of the luggage compartment.

[0006] The technology described herein relates to a vehicle lighting structure comprising: a decorative panel having a panel shape extending in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle and disposed at the rear end of a luggage compartment, and including a lighting hole; a lighting device disposed on the vehicle exterior of the decorative panel and supplying light to the interior space of the luggage compartment through the lighting hole; and a protrusion that protrudes obliquely downward from the upper edge of the lighting hole toward the interior space of the luggage compartment.

[0007] With this configuration, the light emitted by the lighting device diffuses radially and travels through the lighting holes toward the interior space of the luggage compartment, with some of the light from the lighting device traveling upwards and being reflected by the protruding portion. Therefore, the light is less likely to be directed toward the eyes of people or passengers standing next to the vehicle, and glare is suppressed. The upward-traveling light is reflected downwards by the protruding portion. Thus, compared to a configuration without the protruding portion, the rear portion of the luggage compartment floor near the trim panel can be brightly illuminated.

[0008] The lighting hole may have an inner circumferential surface, and at least the lower surface of the inner circumferential surface may be inclined parallel to the protruding portion. With this configuration, the rear portion of the luggage compartment near the trim panel can be illuminated more brightly with light from the lighting device compared to a configuration where the lower circumferential surface of the lighting hole extends along the thickness direction (in the horizontal direction) of the trim panel.

[0009] The lighting opening can be located in the upper part of the trim panel, which is higher than the middle of the trim panel in the vertical direction, and the lighting device can be arranged to face the lighting opening. With this configuration, the area or space in front of the luggage compartment can be illuminated.

[0010] The protruding part can have a smooth lower surface that reflects light from the lighting device. With this configuration, a larger amount of light from the lighting device can be reflected by the protruding part. Therefore, the interior space of the luggage compartment can be more brightly illuminated by the reflected light.

[0011] Light from the lighting unit can reach the functional components located in front of the luggage compartment.

[0012] The protruding part can be a panel component and reflects light from the lighting fixture toward the interior space of the luggage compartment. The interior space of the luggage compartment can be brightly illuminated by the light reflected from the protruding part.

[0013] The lighting aperture can have an elongated shape extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and a protruding portion can extend along the upper edge of the aperture in the width direction. A greater amount of light from the lighting device can be reflected by the protruding portion and supplied to the interior space of the luggage compartment through the lighting aperture. Therefore, the interior space of the luggage compartment can be more brightly illuminated with the reflected light.

[0014] The lighting aperture may have an inner circumferential surface, and the upper surface of the inner circumferential surface may be inclined parallel to the protruding portion. The protruding portion may be a plate member that reflects light from the lighting device toward the interior space of the luggage compartment. The protruding portion may have a lower surface continuous with the upper surface of the inner circumferential surface. A larger amount of light from the lighting device can be reflected by the protruding portion and supplied to the interior space of the luggage compartment through the lighting aperture. Therefore, the interior space of the luggage compartment can be more brightly illuminated with the reflected light.

[0015] According to the technology described herein, a vehicle lighting structure is provided in which light from the lighting device is less likely to be directed toward the eyes of a person or passenger standing next to the vehicle, and light is supplied to the rear portion of the luggage compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of the luggage compartment of a vehicle including a lighting structure according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an enlarged 3D view of the rear wall of the luggage compartment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of the lighting holes and protruding parts in the decorative panel.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the luggage compartment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting section.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the luggage compartment including the lighting section but excluding the protruding parts.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting section excluding the protruding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 5 One embodiment is described. According to this embodiment, the lighting structure 1 is located in the luggage compartment 12 at the rear of the vehicle 10. Arrows FR and RR indicate the front and rear sides of the vehicle 10, arrows UP and DW indicate the upper and lower sides, and arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides in the forward direction of the vehicle 10.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rear of the vehicle 10, including the lighting structure 1, as seen from the upper left side. (See image below.) Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the hatchback vehicle 10 includes a luggage compartment 12 in the rear, and the rear door 17 opens to allow access to the luggage compartment 12 through the rear opening 11. The luggage compartment 12 includes deck-side trim pieces 13R, 13L, trim panels 20, deck panels 14, floor panels 15, and cover bulkheads 16.

[0025] like Figure 2As shown in the diagram, deck-side trim pieces 13R and 13L are configured as the right and left side walls of the baggage compartment 12. The rear ends of the deck-side trim pieces 13R and 13L are curved inwards relative to the width direction of the vehicle and are configured as part of the rear wall portion of the baggage compartment 12. A trim panel 20 is a plate member disposed at the rear end of the baggage compartment 12. The trim panel 20 is arranged between the rear ends of the deck-side trim pieces 13R and 13L to extend vertically. The trim panel 20 is a rectangular plate member with a vertically extending wall surface. The forward-facing wall surface of the trim panel 20 is configured as part of the rear wall surface of the rear wall portion of the baggage compartment 12. A cover wall 16 is arranged between the front ends of the deck-side trim pieces 13R and 13L and extends vertically. A battery 19 (an example of a functional component) is positioned in front of the cover wall 16. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, battery 19 is positioned below the rear window of rear door 17 when rear door 17 is closed.

[0026] The deckside trim pieces 13R, 13L and trim panel 20 include a flange portion 21 in their lower portions, and the flange portion 21 extends toward the inside of the baggage compartment 12. (As...) Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the deck panel 14 is placed on the flange portion 21 to cover the configuration space S below the floor. The deck panel 14 placed on the flange portion 21 is configured as the floor of the baggage compartment 12.

[0027] The lighting unit 22 for illuminating the interior space of the luggage compartment 12 is located in the decorative panel 20. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the lighting unit 22 is located in the upper left portion of the decorative panel 20. Specifically, the lighting unit 22 is located in the portion of the decorative panel 20 that is higher than the center of the decorative panel 20 in the vertical direction, and is located to the left of the center of the decorative panel 20 in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0028] The lighting unit 22 includes a lighting device 30 disposed on the outer surface (rear surface) of the vehicle on the decorative panel 20 and a lighting hole 23 in the decorative panel 20. For example... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, light emitted by the lighting device 30 travels through the lighting hole 23 toward the interior space of the luggage compartment 12.

[0029] The lighting device 30 includes a housing and an LED disposed within the housing. At least a portion of the housing facing the lighting hole 23 is made of a light-transmitting material. The LED is connected to a power source assembled in the vehicle 10. A pair of positioning ribs 25 protrude from the outer surface of the decorative panel 20 of the vehicle and have a width extending in the width direction of the vehicle. One of the two positioning ribs 25 is located above the lighting hole 23, and the other of the two positioning ribs 25 is located below the lighting hole 23. The lighting device 30 is held by the pair of positioning ribs 25 and positioned at an appropriate height corresponding to the lighting hole 23. When the lighting device 30 is held by the positioning ribs 25, the lighting device 30 faces the lighting hole 23. A pair of retaining members 26 protrude from the outer surface of the decorative panel 20 of the vehicle and have a width extending in the width direction of the vehicle. One of the two retaining members 26 protrudes from a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle that is higher than the portion protruding from the upper positioning rib 25, and the other of the two retaining members 26 protrudes from a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle that is lower than the portion protruding from the lower positioning rib 25. The lighting device 30 is held by a pair of retainers 26 such that the ends of the retainers 26 contact the rear surface of the lighting device 30. Therefore, the lighting device 30 is mounted on the trim panel 20 such that the front surface of the lighting device 30 is closer to or in contact with the outer surface of the vehicle of the trim panel 20.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the lighting hole 23 is located in the portion of the decorative panel 20 corresponding to the lighting device 30, and is a rectangular hole passing through the decorative panel 20 in the thickness direction. The lighting hole 23 has a rectangular shape that extends in the width direction of the vehicle. The lighting hole 23 is slightly smaller than the front surface of the lighting device 30. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the lighting device 30 is mounted on the decorative panel 20 to be closer to or in contact with the periphery of the lighting hole 23.

[0031] The protrusion 24 protrudes from the upper edge 23A of the lighting hole 23 toward the interior space of the luggage compartment 12. The protrusion 24 extends along the upper edge 23A in the width direction of the vehicle. The protrusion 24 has a width substantially the same as the entire width of the upper edge 23A. The protrusion 24 protrudes obliquely downward from the upper edge 23A. The lower surface 24L of the upper wall portion 24A extends obliquely downward. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the protruding portion 24 is a plate member that is integral. The protruding portion 24 includes an upper wall portion 24A and a side wall portion 24B. The upper wall portion 24A is a flat plate member that protrudes from the upper hole edge 23A of the lighting hole 23. The side wall portion 24B protrudes from the inner surface (front surface) of the decorative panel 20 and extends to close the space between each of the right and left ends of the upper wall portion 24A and the inner surface of the decorative panel 20.

[0032] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 24 (upper wall portion 24A) is inclined at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to the inner surface (wall surface) of the decorative panel 20. The inclination angle of the protruding portion 24 (upper wall portion 24A) can be appropriately varied depending on the position of the lighting hole 23 from the bottom plate (deck panel 14) of the luggage compartment 12 and the distance between the cover wall 16 and the decorative panel 20. The inclination angle of the protruding portion 24 can be appropriately determined based on the height position of the lighting hole 23 and the distance between the cover wall 16 and the decorative panel 20, so that the front portion of the luggage compartment 12 can be brightly illuminated when the battery 19 is assembled and removed.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the illumination hole 23 has an inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the illumination hole 23 includes an upper peripheral surface 23B located on the upper side and a lower peripheral surface 23C located on the lower side. The upper peripheral surface 23B and the lower peripheral surface 23C extend parallel to each other and along the protrusion 24. The upper peripheral surface 23B and the lower peripheral surface 23C are inclined parallel to the protrusion 24. The lower surface 24L of the protrusion 24 is continuous with the upper peripheral surface 23B of the illumination hole 23. The lower surface 24L is a smooth surface and reflects light.

[0034] The lower surface 24L of the protruding portion 24 undergoes a mirror finish. Light emitted by the lighting device 30 passes through the lighting hole 23 and travels towards the interior space of the luggage compartment 12. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, some of the upward-traveling light rays (L1, L2) from the lighting device 30 are reflected from the protrusion 24 (lower surface 24L) towards the lower front. Therefore, the light from the lighting device 30 does not diffuse upwards extensively.

[0035] In the vehicle 10 including the lighting structure 1 of this embodiment, when the rear door 17 is open, the lighting device 30 is turned on and the luggage compartment 12 is illuminated by the lighting device 30. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated in the diagram, some of the light emitted by the lighting device 30 travels upward through the lighting hole 23 and is reflected by the protrusion 24, traveling downward (lights L1, L2). Specifically, some of the light emitted by the lighting device 30 and reflected by the protrusion 24 travels vertically (light L1). Therefore, the light from the lighting device 30 does not diffuse upwards extensively. Consequently, the light from the lighting device 30 is unlikely to directly enter the eyes of a person standing in front of or beside the vehicle 10, and glare is suppressed. Compared to a configuration without the protrusion 24, the light reflected from the protrusion 24 does reach the rear of the luggage compartment 12. The entire luggage compartment 12 is brightly illuminated.

[0036] In such Figure 6 and Figure 7In the configuration of the lighting unit 2 shown in the diagram, excluding the protruding part 24, light from the lighting unit 2 exits to the outside of the vehicle when the rear door 3 is fully open, and exits through the rear window 4 when the rear door 3 is closed. Therefore, light may be directed into the eyes of people standing next to the vehicle, easily causing glare. The light from the lighting unit 2 only diffuses radially. Therefore, the space below the lighting unit 2 and the space near the rear of the luggage compartment are unlikely to be illuminated and will remain dark.

[0037] Next, the operation and effects will be described. The lighting structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a decorative panel 20 disposed in the rear end of the luggage compartment 12 of the vehicle 10 and having a wall surface extending in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle, and a lighting device 30 disposed on the outer side of the decorative panel 20. The decorative panel 20 includes lighting holes 23 through which light from the lighting device 30 travels toward the interior space of the luggage compartment 12. A protruding portion 24 protrudes obliquely downward from the upper edge 23A of the lighting hole 23 toward the interior space of the luggage compartment 12.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the light emitted by the lighting device 30 diffuses radially and travels through the lighting hole 23 toward the interior space of the luggage compartment 12, and some of the light from the lighting device 30 travels upward and is reflected downward toward the front by the protrusion 24. Therefore, the light is less likely to be directed toward the eyes of a person or passenger standing next to the vehicle 10, and glare is suppressed. The upward-traveling light is reflected downward by the protrusion 24. Therefore, compared to a configuration without the protrusion 24, the rear portion of the floor plate (deck panel 14) of the luggage compartment 12 near the decorative panel 20 can be brightly illuminated.

[0039] The upper circumferential surface 23B and lower circumferential surface 23C of the inner circumferential surface of the illumination hole 23 extend parallel to the protrusion 24 and slope downwards as they extend forward. In a configuration where the lower circumferential surface of the illumination hole does not slope relative to the thickness direction of the trim panel and extends along the thickness direction (in the horizontal direction) or vertically to the surface of the trim panel, a larger amount of light from the radially downward diffused light from the lighting device 30 is reflected by the horizontally extending lower circumferential surface of the illumination hole and travels higher upwards. Therefore, in this configuration, the lower rear part of the luggage compartment is supplied with less light and is dark. On the other hand, in this embodiment with the above-described configuration, the lower circumferential surface 23C of the inner circumferential surface of the illumination hole 23 extends parallel to the protrusion 24 and slopes downwards as it extends forward. Therefore, some of the light from the lighting device 30 diffuses downwards and travels downwards through the illumination hole 23. Therefore, compared to a configuration including a lower circumferential surface that does not slope downwards, a larger area of ​​the rear portion of the luggage compartment 12 near the trim panel 20 can be illuminated more brightly.

[0040] The lighting unit 22 is located in the portion of the decorative panel 20 that is higher than the center of the decorative panel 20 in the height direction. The lighting hole 23 is located in the portion of the decorative panel 20 that is higher than the center of the decorative panel 20 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the portion or space in front of the luggage compartment 12 can be illuminated.

[0041] The lower surface 24L of the protruding portion 24 is a smooth surface that reflects light. Due to this configuration, a greater amount of light from the lighting device 30 can be reflected by the protruding portion 24. Therefore, the interior space of the luggage compartment 12 can be more brightly illuminated by the reflected light.

[0042] In addition, the battery 19 located in front of the luggage compartment 12 can be illuminated by light from the lighting device 30.

[0043] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0044] The techniques described herein are not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments may be included within the scope of the techniques. Variations of the techniques described herein may be made within the scope of the techniques.

[0045] (1) In the above embodiment, the lower circumferential surface 23C of the inner circumferential surface of the illumination hole 23 extends parallel to the protrusion 24. However, the lower circumferential surface 23C may not extend parallel to the protrusion 24.

[0046] (2) The position of the lighting section 22 (lighting hole 23) is not limited to the position described in the above embodiment.

[0047] (3) The lower surface 24L of the protruding part 24 does not have to be a smooth surface, as long as the lower surface 24L reflects the light from the lighting device 30.

[0048] (4) No functional components may be arranged in front of the luggage compartment 12, or the light from the lighting unit 22 may not be supplied to the functional components.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting structure, comprising: The decorative panel has a panel shape extending in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle, and is arranged at the rear of the luggage compartment, and includes lighting holes; A lighting device is arranged on the exterior of the vehicle of the decorative panel and supplies light to the interior space of the luggage compartment through the lighting holes; as well as The protruding portion extends obliquely downward from the upper edge of the lighting hole toward the interior space of the luggage compartment.

2. The vehicle lighting structure according to claim 1, wherein the lighting hole has an inner peripheral surface, and at least the lower surface of the inner peripheral surface is inclined parallel to the protruding portion.

3. The vehicle lighting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein... The lighting hole is located in the upper portion of the decorative panel, and the upper portion is higher than the middle portion of the decorative panel in the vertical direction. The lighting device is arranged to face the lighting hole.

4. The vehicle lighting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protruding portion has a smooth lower surface that reflects light from the lighting device.

5. The vehicle lighting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein light from the lighting device reaches a functional component arranged in front of the luggage compartment.

6. The vehicle lighting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The protruding part is a plate component and reflects light from the lighting device toward the interior space of the luggage compartment.

7. The vehicle lighting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The illumination hole has an elongated shape extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and The protruding portion extends along the upper edge of the illumination hole in the width direction.

8. The vehicle lighting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The illumination hole has an inner circumferential surface, and the upper surface of the inner circumferential surface is inclined parallel to the protruding portion. The protruding portion is a plate component that reflects light from the lighting device toward the interior space of the luggage compartment, and The protruding portion has a lower surface that is continuous with the upper surface of the inner circumferential surface.

Images