Vehicle lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lamp includes a light source that emits light, and a light guide that extends in a predetermined direction and guides the light emitted from the light source, in which a light guide portion in which a portion of an outer peripheral surface is formed as an exit surface is provided in the light guide, and a light control portion having an entrance surface into which the light emitted from the light source is incident is provided, a first internal reflection surface and a second internal reflection surface that internally reflect the light incident from the entrance surface toward different directions are formed in the light control portion, and a plate-shaped light passing portion through which the light internally reflected by the first internal reflection surface and the second internal reflection surface passes and which is continuous with the light guide portion is provided, the first internal reflection surface and the second internal reflection surface are located at a middle portion in the extension direction of the light guide, i.e., the direction in which the light guide extends, and each portion of the light after being incident from the entrance surface is internally reflected by the first internal reflection surface and the second internal reflection surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of vehicle lighting fixtures that guide light emitted from a light source through a light guide. Background Technology

[0002] Among vehicle lighting fixtures, there exists a type of vehicle lighting fixture configured to have a light guide extending in a predetermined direction, through which light emitted from a light source is directed and emitted from the light guide's exit surface. For example, there exists a type of vehicle lighting fixture configured such that the light guide is assembled to a tailgate or trunk lid in a state extending along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and functions as a brake light, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the end face of the light guide in the extending direction, i.e. the extending setting direction, is formed as the incident surface, and the light source is arranged on the side of the light guide in a state facing the incident surface.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-97014. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, where the light source is positioned to the side of the end face in the extending direction of the light guide, the amount of light emitted from the portion of the light guide away from the light source may become insufficient, potentially failing to ensure uniformity of light brightness. For example, if the light source is positioned to the side of one end face in the extending direction of the light guide, the amount of light emitted from the other end of the light guide may become insufficient; and if the light source is positioned to the side of both end faces in the extending direction of the light guide, the amount of light emitted from the central portion in the extending direction of the light guide may become insufficient.

[0006] In addition, in the configuration where the light source is positioned on the side of the end face in the extension direction of the light guide, there is a risk that the length of the light guide in the extension direction is limited to the amount of space for the light source in order to ensure the space for the light source, which may result in the inability to ensure a sufficient light emission area.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of the vehicle lamp of the present invention is to achieve uniformity of the brightness of the light emitted from the light guide and to ensure a sufficient emission area of ​​the light.

[0008] means for solving problems The vehicle lighting fixture of the present invention comprises: a light source that emits light; and a light guide that extends in a predetermined direction and guides the light emitted from the light source. The light guide has a light guiding portion whose outer peripheral surface is formed as an emission surface and a light control portion having an incident surface into which light emitted from the light source enters. The light control portion has a first inner surface reflecting surface and a second inner surface reflecting surface that reflect light incident from the incident surface in different directions. It also has a plate-shaped light passing portion that allows light reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner surface reflecting surface and the second inner surface reflecting surface to pass through and is continuous with the light guide. The first inner surface reflecting surface and the second inner surface reflecting surface are located at the middle part of the extending direction of the light guide, i.e., the extending installation direction. A portion of the light incident from the incident surface is reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner surface reflecting surface and the second inner surface reflecting surface.

[0009] Thus, the light reflected by the first inner reflective surface and the second inner reflective surface, which are located in the middle part of the extending direction, in different directions, enters the light guide part through the plate-shaped light transmission part.

[0010] Invention Effects According to the present invention, since each light reflected by the first inner surface reflecting surface and the second inner surface reflecting surface located in the middle part of the extending direction is internally reflected in different directions and enters the light guide part through the plate-shaped light passing part, it is possible to achieve uniformity of the brightness of the light emitted from the light guide and to ensure a sufficient light emission area. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 Is with Figures 2 to 7 The figure shown here is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is the front view showing a light guide, etc.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a light guide.

[0014] Figure 4 Therefore, from and Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the light guide body, showing its state when viewed from different directions.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the light guide.

[0016] Figure 6 This is the front view showing the direction in which light is guided.

[0017] Figure 7 This is the front view representing light guides of other shapes. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, the method of using a vehicle lamp for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Hereinafter, the directions of front, back, up, down, left, and right are described with the direction of light from the vehicle's lamps as front. However, the directions shown below are for ease of explanation and are not limited to the implementation of this invention.

[0020] The vehicle lamps shown below have a light guide extending in a predetermined direction, and are, for example, assembled on the tailgate or trunk lid of a vehicle to function as brake lights. However, as long as a vehicle lamp has a light guide extending in a predetermined direction, it can also be configured to have functions other than brake lights.

[0021] Additionally, the following example shows a vehicle lamp in which the extension direction of the light guide, i.e. the predetermined direction (extension setting direction), is left and right. However, the predetermined direction is not limited to left and right. For example, it can also be a direction other than left and right, such as up and down.

[0022] The vehicle lamp 1 includes a lamp housing 2 with an opening at the front end and a cover 3 that seals the opening of the lamp housing 2 (see reference). Figure 1 The lamp frame 4 is composed of the lamp housing 2 and the cover 3, and the internal space of the lamp frame 4 forms the lamp chamber 5.

[0023] A lamp unit 6 is arranged in the lamp chamber 5. The lamp unit 6 has an inner lens 7, a substrate 8, a bracket 9, and a light guide 10.

[0024] The inner lens 7 is formed in a shape extending from left to right and is disposed at the foremost side of the lamp unit 6. For example, it is formed of a milky white resin material. By being formed of a milky white resin material, the inner lens 7 has the function of diffusing transmitted light. In addition, a diffusion step may be formed on the inner lens 7.

[0025] The substrate 8 is oriented in the front-back direction, for example, mounted on the front surface of a heat sink (not shown) with heat sink fins. The substrate 8 is located, for example, at the center of the lamp unit 6 in the left-right direction.

[0026] Multiple light sources 11 are mounted on the front surface of substrate 8 (see reference). Figure 2As a light source 11, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) is used. As multiple light sources 11, for example, a pair of first light sources 11A, a pair of second light sources 11B, and a pair of third light sources 11C are provided. The pair of first light sources 11A, the pair of second light sources 11B, and the pair of third light sources 11C are respectively arranged in symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the substrate 8, with the first light source 11A located at the lowest side. The second light source 11B is located slightly outside in the left-right direction compared to directly above the first light source 11A, and the third light source 11C is located slightly above the second light source 11B and outside in the left-right direction.

[0027] Thus, in lamp unit 6, since a pair of first light sources 11A, a pair of second light sources 11B and a pair of third light sources 11C are all mounted on a single substrate 8, the number of substrates can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0028] The support 9 is formed in a shape that extends from left to right and is disposed on the front side of the substrate 8 (see reference). Figure 1 ( ). An insertion hole (not shown) is formed on the front side of the plurality of light sources 11 in the bracket 9. The bracket 9 may also have the function of reflecting light.

[0029] The light guide 10 is formed of a transparent resin material in a shape that extends from left to right (see reference). Figure 2 The light guide 10 extends in the direction of extension, and the light guide 10 is formed, for example, in a linearly symmetrical shape in the direction of extension.

[0030] The light guide 10 is disposed on the front side of the substrate 8 in a state of being held in place by the support 9 (see reference). Figure 1 The light guide 10 has a light control section 12 formed as a plate facing the front-rear direction, except for a portion thereof, and a light guide section 13 disposed continuously with the light control section 12 (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0031] The portion of the light control unit 12, excluding the lower end of the central portion in the left-right direction, is configured as a light incident portion 14, which is wider vertically than the other portions of the light control unit 12. The portion of the light control unit 12 other than the light incident portion 14 is configured as a plate-shaped light passing portion 15 facing the front-back direction.

[0032] The light incident section 14 is configured as a horizontally elongated portion, and a pair of first inner surface reflecting surfaces 16, a pair of second inner surface reflecting surfaces 17, and a pair of third inner surface reflecting surfaces 18 are formed on the front surface of the light incident section 14 (see reference). Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 A pair of first inner reflective surfaces 16, a pair of second inner reflective surfaces 17, and a pair of third inner reflective surfaces 18 are respectively formed in symmetrical positions on the left and right sides of the light incident part 14.

[0033] The first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 are continuously formed in the left-right direction, and the third inner reflective surface 18 is located outside the second inner reflective surface 17 in the left-right direction, separated from it. The first inner reflective surface 16, the second inner reflective surface 17, and the third inner reflective surface 18 are all set to be tilted at least to the left or right relative to the front. The first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 are tilted in opposite directions in the left-right direction, and the orientation of the third inner reflective surface 18 is set to be approximately the same as that of the second inner reflective surface 17.

[0034] A pair of first protrusions 19, a pair of second protrusions 20, and a pair of third protrusions 21 are respectively provided on the rear surface side of the light incident section 14 (see reference). Figure 4 The first protrusion 19, the second protrusion 20 and the third protrusion 21 are respectively disposed directly behind the first inner surface reflecting surface 16, the second inner surface reflecting surface 17 and the third inner surface reflecting surface 18, and the rear surfaces are respectively formed as the first incident surface 19a, the second incident surface 20a and the third incident surface 21a.

[0035] A portion of the first protrusion 19, the second protrusion 20, and the third protrusion 21 are respectively inserted into the insertion holes of the bracket 9. The second incident surface 20a and the third incident surface 21a are respectively located directly opposite the second light source 11B and the third light source 11C mounted on the substrate 8. At this time, the boundary line 22 between the first incident surface 19a and the second incident surface 20a is located directly opposite the first light source 11A mounted on the substrate 8.

[0036] The light guide portion 13 and the light transmission portion 15 are continuously disposed at their lower edges, forming a shape that extends from left to right (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 The light guide portion 13 is formed with a roughly circular cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the length direction, and its diameter S is set to be larger than the thickness T of the continuous portion between the light passing portion 15 and the light guide portion 13 (see reference). Figure 5 In the light guide section 13, a total reflection step 13a is formed on the rear surface and a diffusion step 13b is formed on the front surface.

[0037] In addition, other light units 50 (not shown) such as high-mounted brake lights and fog lights are also installed on the vehicle's tailgate and trunk lid (see reference). Figure 2 The lamp unit 6 configured as described above is positioned such that the light passing part 15 of the light guide 10 is located directly below or above the other lamp units 50.

[0038] Therefore, the light sources of other lamp units 50 are located close to the light source 11 of lamp unit 6. For example, the light sources of other lamp units 50 and the light source 11 of lamp unit 6 can be mounted on the same substrate, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure. In addition, the bracket 9 can be shared between other lamp units 50 and lamp unit 6, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure.

[0039] In the vehicle lamp 1 configured as described above, light is emitted simultaneously from the first light source 11A, the second light source 11B, and the third light source 11C (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0040] At this time, since the first light source 11A is located directly behind the boundary line 22 between the first incident surface 19a and the second incident surface 20a, a portion of the light emitted from the first light source 11A is reflected by the inner surface of the first incident surface 19a to become light A1, and the remaining portion is reflected by the inner surface of the second incident surface 20a to become light A2.

[0041] Light A1 is reflected downwards from the inner surface of the first incident surface 19a and enters portion D of the light guide portion 13 located between the pair of first incident surfaces 19a. In the light guide portion 13, it is guided and totally reflected by the total internal reflection step 13a, thus being emitted forward (see reference). Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 ).

[0042] On the other hand, light A2 is reflected by the first incident surface 19a toward the obliquely downward inner surface and enters the portion E, which is outside the portion D of the light guide portion 13, through the light passing portion 15. It is then guided in the light guide portion 13, totally reflected by the total reflection step 13a, and thus emitted forward.

[0043] In addition, the light emitted from the second light source 11B is reflected by the inner surface of the second incident surface 20a and becomes light B.

[0044] Light B is reflected by the second incident surface 20a toward the obliquely downward inner surface and enters the portion F, which is outside the portion E of the light guide portion 13, through the light passing portion 15. It is then guided in the light guide portion 13, totally reflected by the total reflection step 13a, and thus emitted forward.

[0045] Furthermore, the light emitted from the third light source 11C is reflected by the inner surface of the third incident surface 21a and becomes light C.

[0046] Light C is reflected by the third incident surface 21a toward the obliquely downward inner surface and enters the portion G, which is outside the portion F of the light guide portion 13, through the light passing portion 15. It is then guided in the light guide portion 13, totally reflected by the total reflection step 13a, and thus emitted forward.

[0047] also, Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 The ranges of parts D, E, F, and G shown are illustrative. Parts D and E of the light guide 13 may also be overlapping parts, as may be overlapping parts of parts E and F, and overlapping parts of parts F and G.

[0048] Furthermore, light A2, light B, and light C are reflected diagonally downwards from the inner surface in the outward direction of the vehicle's left and right sides. The angle of these light directions relative to the horizontal line is, for example, about 15 degrees. At this time, if the angle is smaller than about 15 degrees, spot emission is likely to occur due to the light reaching the light guide 13. If the angle is larger than about 15 degrees, the light is not likely to reach the two ends of the light guide 13. Therefore, it is preferable that the angle of the directions of light A2, light B, and light C relative to the horizontal line is about 15 degrees to avoid such a failure.

[0049] As described above, since light A1, light A2, light B and light C pass through the interior of the plate-shaped light-passing part 15 when they are guided toward the light guide part 13, light A1, light A2, light B and light C are injected into the light guide part 13 in a fully expanded state, enabling light to enter a large area of ​​the light guide part 13.

[0050] Furthermore, when light is emitted forward from the light guide section 13, it diffuses in the vertical direction through the diffusion step 13b, thus illuminating a large area with uniform brightness.

[0051] If light is emitted from the light guide section 13, the emitted light passes through the inner lens 7 and the cover 3 in sequence and shines forward. At this time, since the light is also diffused through the inner lens 7, it is possible to illuminate a larger area with uniform brightness.

[0052] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1, a plate-shaped light-passing part 15 is provided for light that has been reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 to pass through. The first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 are located in the middle part of the extending direction, and each part of the light is reflected by the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 in different directions.

[0053] Therefore, light reflected inwards by the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17, which are located in the middle part of the extending direction, in different directions, enters the light guide section 13 through the plate-shaped light transmission section 15. As a result, since the light emitted from the first light source 11A is reflected inwards in different parts of the light guide section 13, the brightness of the light emitted from the light guide 10 can be made uniform. Since the light source 11 is not located outside the light guide 10 in the extending direction, the light guide 10 can be made long in the extending direction, ensuring a sufficient light emission area.

[0054] In particular, by appropriately setting the ratio of the amount of light reflected from the first light source 11A at the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17, the amount of light directed in two different directions can be set to the desired amount, and uniform light can be emitted from the entire light guide section 13.

[0055] In addition, by setting the orientation of the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 to an appropriate orientation, the amount and direction of light in the two directions can be the desired amount and direction, and uniform light can be emitted from the entire light guide section 13.

[0056] Furthermore, the vehicle lamp 1 is assembled on the tailgate and trunk lid of the vehicle. Generally speaking, the thickness of the left and right ends of the tailgate and trunk lid in the front-rear direction is thinner than that of other parts in the front-rear direction. Therefore, by positioning the light source 11 in the middle, such as the central part, of the extending direction of the light guide 10, as described above, sufficient space for the light source 11 can be ensured, and the design limitations of the vehicle lamp 1 can be avoided.

[0057] Furthermore, a pair of first light sources 11A, first inner reflective surfaces 16 and second inner reflective surfaces 17 are respectively provided in a state of separation in the extension direction. The pair of first light sources 11A, the pair of first inner reflective surfaces 16 and the pair of second inner reflective surfaces 17 are located on opposite sides with their centers separated in the extension direction.

[0058] Therefore, since the light is reflected by the inner surfaces of each first inner reflective surface 16 and each second inner reflective surface 17 in the direction of extension of the light guide section 13, light can be emitted from a wide area of ​​the light guide section 13.

[0059] In addition, the light guide 10 is formed in a linearly symmetrical shape in the extending direction, and a pair of first light sources 11A, a pair of first inner reflective surfaces 16 and a pair of second inner reflective surfaces 17 are respectively located symmetrically on opposite sides of the center in the extending direction.

[0060] Therefore, since the light is reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner surface reflecting surface 16 and the second inner surface reflecting surface 17 located in symmetrical positions in the extended setting direction towards the center of the light guide section 13 and its two sides, it is possible to achieve uniformity of the brightness of the light emitted from the light guide section 13 over a wide area.

[0061] Furthermore, the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17 are formed in a continuous state.

[0062] Therefore, since there are no other surfaces between the first inner reflecting surface 16 and the second inner reflecting surface 17, all the light incident from the first incident surface 19a can be reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner reflecting surface 16 and the second inner reflecting surface 17, thereby achieving an increase in brightness due to the effective utilization of light.

[0063] Furthermore, a second light source 11B is provided on the basis of the first light source 11A to emit light that will be reflected by the inner surface of the second inner reflective surface 17.

[0064] Therefore, since the light emitted from the first light source 11A is reflected inwards in different directions by the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17, and the light emitted from the second light source 11B is reflected inwards by the second inner reflective surface 17, the functionality of the second inner reflective surface 17 can be improved, and the amount of light in the two different directions can be different, so as to guide the desired light in each direction respectively.

[0065] Based on this, a third inner reflective surface 18 is formed in the light control unit 12. The third inner reflective surface 18 reflects light in a position different from the light reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17. A third light source 11C is arranged in the light control unit 12, which emits light that is reflected by the inner surface of the third inner reflective surface 18.

[0066] Therefore, since the light emitted from the first light source 11A is reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17, the light emitted from the second light source 11B is reflected by the inner surface of the second inner reflective surface 17, and the light emitted from the third light source 11C is reflected by the inner surfaces at positions different from the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17, it is possible to improve the brightness and achieve uniformity of the brightness of the light emitted from the light guide 13.

[0067] Furthermore, the above section shows an example where the light guide 10 is formed in a symmetrical shape, with a pair of first light source 11A, second light source 11B, and third light source 11C, and a pair of first inner reflective surfaces 16, second inner reflective surfaces 17, and third inner reflective surfaces 18. However, in the vehicle lamp 1, it can also be configured as follows: the light guide 10 is formed in an asymmetrical shape, with one first light source 11A, one second light source 11B, and one third light source 11C, and one first inner reflective surface 16, one second inner reflective surface 17, and one third inner reflective surface 18 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0068] In this configuration, the first inner reflective surface 16, the second inner reflective surface 17, and the third inner reflective surface 18 are located at the middle of the extending direction. Light emitted from the first light source 11A is reflected inwards in different directions by the first inner reflective surface 16 and the second inner reflective surface 17. With this configuration, light is emitted from the entire light guide portion 13, achieving uniformity in the brightness of the emitted light and ensuring a sufficient light emission area.

[0069] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1, as long as light can be emitted from the entire area of ​​the light guide 13, for example, it can be configured such that only the first light source 11A is provided as the light source 11, and a first inner reflective surface 16 and a second inner reflective surface 17 are formed instead of a third inner reflective surface 18. Alternatively, in this case, it can also be configured such that the first light source 11A and the second light source 11B are provided instead of a third light source 11C.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1: Vehicle lights; 10: Light guide; 11: Light source; 11A: First light source; 11B: Second light source; 11C: Third light source; 12: Light control unit; 13: Light guide section; 15: Light-transmitting part; 16: First inner reflective surface; 17: Second inner reflective surface; 18: Third inner reflective surface.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp, wherein, The vehicle lighting fixtures include: A light source, which emits light; and A light guide that extends in a predetermined direction and guides the light emitted from the light source. The light guide body is provided with a light guide portion whose outer peripheral surface is formed as an emission surface and a light control portion having an incident surface for light emitted from the light source to enter. The light control unit has a first inner reflecting surface and a second inner reflecting surface that reflect light incident from the incident surface in different directions. It also has a plate-shaped light-passing section that allows light reflected from the inner surfaces of the first and second inner reflecting surfaces to pass through and is continuous with the light guide unit. The first inner reflective surface and the second inner reflective surface are located at the middle part of the extending direction of the light guide, i.e., the extending setting direction. Each portion of the light entering from the incident surface is reflected by the inner surfaces of the first inner reflecting surface and the second inner reflecting surface.

2. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein, The light source, the first inner reflective surface, and the second inner reflective surface are each provided in a pair, separated in the extending direction. The pair of light sources, the pair of first inner reflective surfaces, and the pair of second inner reflective surfaces are located on opposite sides, separated by the center of the extending direction.

3. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 2, wherein, The light guide is formed in a linearly symmetrical shape in the extending direction. The pair of light sources, the pair of first inner reflective surfaces, and the pair of second inner reflective surfaces are symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the center of the extending direction.

4. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein, The first inner reflective surface and the second inner reflective surface are formed in a continuous state.

5. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein, The light source is set as the first light source. The vehicle lighting fixture is equipped with a second light source that emits light that will be reflected by the inner surface of the second inner reflective surface.

6. The vehicle lighting fixture according to claim 5, wherein, A third inner reflective surface is formed in the light control unit. This third inner reflective surface reflects light towards a region different from the light reflected by the inner surfaces of the first and second inner reflective surfaces. The vehicle lighting fixture is equipped with a third light source that emits light that will be reflected by the inner surface of the third inner reflective surface.

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