indicator light

Abstract

A turn signal light (10) with: a light body (11); an outer cover (12) which forms a luminaire chamber (S) with the luminaire body (11); a light source (20) which is mounted in the luminaire chamber (S); a light guide (30) which is mounted and configured in the luminaire chamber (S) to guide light emitted by the light source (20); and a camera (50) which is mounted in the light chamber (S) and equipped with an image recording device (51), wherein, when the indicator light (10) is mounted on the vehicle surface, at least part of the light guide (30) is formed in an area extending from the camera (50) in a direction following a vehicle surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-00625, filed on January 16, 2015 in the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a turn signal lamp. BACKGROUND

[0003] DE 10 2012 221 074 A1 discloses a vehicle lamp in which a light source is mounted in a lamp chamber, and a camera is further mounted in the lamp chamber. US 2013 / 0 083 550 A1 discloses a vehicle lamp in which a light source and a light guide are mounted in a lamp chamber, the light guide being configured to guide light emitted from the light source. As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. JP 2003-312359 A, a turn signal lamp is proposed in which a side mirror is omitted and a camera capable of capturing an image in the rearward direction of a vehicle is provided in place of the turn signal lamp.

[0004] The inventors considered improving the visibility of such a turn signal lamp by incorporating a light guide into the turn signal lamp. However, if the camera and light guide are incorporated into the turn signal lamp, the size of the turn signal lamp increases, which may increase the vehicle's aerodynamic drag.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a turn signal lamp having a camera and a light guide and capable of suppressing the increase in aerodynamic drag.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a turn signal lamp comprises: a lamp body; an outer cover forming a lamp chamber with the lamp body; a light source mounted in the lamp chamber; a light guide mounted in the lamp chamber for guiding light emitted from the light source; and a camera mounted in the lamp chamber and provided with an image pickup device. When the turn signal lamp is mounted on a vehicle surface, at least a part of the light guide is provided in a region extending from the camera in a direction following or tracking the vehicle surface.

[0007] When a turn signal lamp is mounted on a vehicle, the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle increases or the vehicle's styling is impaired. However, it has been found that even if the turn signal lamp is slightly enlarged in a direction that follows or follows the vehicle's surface, the turn signal lamp barely protrudes from the vehicle's surface, so the aerodynamic drag hardly increases. Furthermore, the turn signal lamp does not significantly impair the vehicle's styling.

[0008] When a turn signal lamp element is placed in the area extending from the camera in the direction following the vehicle surface, the turn signal lamp will hardly increase in size in the direction in which the turn signal lamp protrudes from the vehicle surface. Therefore, the increase in aerodynamic drag caused by the turn signal lamp can be suppressed by placing the light guide in the area extending from the camera in the direction following the vehicle surface.

[0009] In the turn signal lamp, the light guide may include: a thick part, at least a part of which is formed in a region extending from the camera in the direction following the vehicle surface, as well as in an upward and / or downward direction when the turn signal lamp is mounted on the vehicle; and a thin part, at least a part of which is formed in a region extending from the camera in a front-rear direction of the vehicle when the turn signal lamp is mounted on the vehicle. The thin part is thinner than the thick part.

[0010] Since the large light guide having the thick part and the thin part can be arranged in the lamp chamber by utilizing the area extending from the camera in the direction following the vehicle surface and in the upward and / or downward direction and an area extending from the camera in the front-rear direction, visibility can be further improved while suppressing the increase in size of the turn signal lamp in the direction in which the turn signal lamp protrudes from the vehicle surface.

[0011] In the indicator lamp, the thick part and the thin part may be formed together as a unit or integrally.

[0012] Since the thick part and the thin part can be illuminated by a single light source, the increase in size of the turn signal lamp can be suppressed, while on the other hand, the visibility is improved.

[0013] The turn signal lamp may further include an extension mounted in the lamp chamber and configured to shield at least a portion of an inner surface of the lamp body, the light source, the light guide, or the camera from the outside. A cover part for the image pickup device may be provided on the extension to prevent light emitted by the light guide or the light source from entering the image pickup device.

[0014] Since the light emitted by the light source does not enter the image pickup device directly or indirectly, image information can be collected appropriately.

[0015] In the indicator light, the extension may integrally comprise a camera cover part that shields the camera from the outside, excluding the image recording device.

[0016] In the indicator lamp, the extension may integrally comprise a light source cover part that shields the light source from the outside or outwards.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a turn signal lamp is provided that has a camera and a light guide and suppresses the increase in aerodynamic drag.

[0018] The above-described overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative embodiments, examples, and features described above, further embodiments, examples, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle equipped with a turn signal lamp according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing a camera provided in the turn signal lamp. Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on a left camera screen. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the turn signal lamp according to the first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a perspective elevation view showing the Fig. 4 shows the indicator light. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the Fig. 4 shows the indicator lamp in a state in which an outer cover is removed. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII of the Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a perspective elevation view illustrating a turn signal lamp according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a perspective elevation view illustrating a turn signal lamp according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a perspective elevation view illustrating a turn signal lamp according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a perspective elevation view illustrating a turn signal lamp according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a turn signal lamp according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the present invention in a state in which an outer cover is removed. Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are schematic views showing a turn signal lamp according to a reference example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative example embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims should be considered non-limiting. Other illustrative embodiments may be utilized, or changes may be made thereto, without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter recited herein.

[0020] Hereinafter, examples of illustrative embodiments of the turn signal lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. < First illustrative embodiment >

[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle 1 equipped with a turn signal lamp 10 according to the first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on a side surface of the vehicle body. The turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on a front fender 4, which forms a wheel housing 3 for a front wheel 2. Two turn signal lamps, as left and right turn signal lamps 10, are mounted, respectively, on a right side surface and a left side surface of the vehicle 1.

[0022] The Fig. The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not equipped with a fender mirror or door mirror. The rearward observation function, which would be performed by the fender mirror or door mirror, is performed by a camera 50 provided in the turn signal lamp 10, as described below. The right turn signal lamp, mounted on the right side of the vehicle 1, includes a right camera therein. The left turn signal lamp, mounted on the left side of the vehicle 1, includes a left camera therein. The right camera and the left camera each capture image information regarding the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the right turn signal lamp and the left turn signal lamp. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 1 includes an electrical control unit (ECU) 5 connected to a right camera 50R and a left camera 50L. The vehicle 1 includes a right camera screen 6 and a left camera screen 7, each connected to the ECU 5 in a vehicle interior.

[0024] The right camera 50R and the left camera 50L transmit captured image information to the ECU 5. The ECU 5 sends the image information captured by the right camera 50R to the right camera screen 6. The right camera screen 6 displays the image information collected by the right camera 50R. The ECU 5 sends the image information captured by the left camera 50L to the left camera screen 7. The left camera screen 7 displays the image information captured by the left camera 50L. For example, the left camera screen 7 displays an image as shown in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0025] The right camera screen 6 and the left camera screen 7 can be independent screens. Alternatively, the right camera screen 6 and the left camera screen 7 can be a single common screen, and the single screen can be divided into a left and a right area, allowing the screen to display the image from the right camera 50R and the image from the left camera 50L.

[0026] Next, the turn signal lamp 10 according to the first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0027] Fig. 4 to Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B show the right turn signal lamp. Since the left turn signal lamp and the right turn signal lamp have the same structure, only the right turn signal lamp will be described. In the following description, the right turn signal lamp will be referred to simply as the turn signal lamp 10 unless otherwise necessary. Furthermore, in the following description, an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-backward direction indicate directions in which the turn signal lamp 10 is viewed by the driver in a state in which the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a side view of the turn signal lamp 10 according to the first illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a perspective elevation view of the indicator lamp 10 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the turn signal lamp 10 comprises a lamp body 11, an outer cover 12, a light-emitting diode (LED) 20 (an example of a light source), a light guide 30, an extension 40, and a camera 50. A lamp chamber S (see Fig. 7) is formed by the lamp body 11 and the outer cover 12. The LED 20, the light guide 30, the extension 40, and the camera 50 are mounted in the lamp chamber S.

[0029] The LED 20 is mounted on a mounting substrate 21. The LED 20 is attached to the lamp body 11 via the mounting substrate 21. Although the present illustrative embodiment describes the use of the LED 20 as a light source, for example, an incandescent bulb, a discharge lamp, an organic electroluminescence (EL) device, or a laser diode (LD) may be used as a light source instead of the LED 20.

[0030] The light guide 30 is a transparent resin element that guides the light emitted by the LED 20. The light guide 30 is a member that has a 90° rotated U-shape when viewed from the side. The light guide 30 is attached to the mounting substrate 21 of the LED 20 in an orientation in which the bottom portion 30a of the letter U is directed toward the front of the vehicle 1.

[0031] The light guide 30 includes an entrance portion 31, a main light guide portion 32 (an example of a thick portion), and a sub-light guide portion 33 (an example of a thin portion) integrally formed as a unit. The entrance portion 31 is connected to the lower portion 30a of the letter U and covers the LED 20. The main light guide portion 32 forms a bifurcated shape, which is divided by the lower portion 30a of the letter U into upper and lower portions along the outer edge of the letter U. Rear end portions 34 of the light guide 30 are formed at rear ends of the main light guide portion 32. Each rear end portion 34 has a rear end surface whose normal direction extends rearward. The sub-light guide portion 33 is formed between the upper portion of the main light guide portion 32 and the lower portion of the main light guide portion 32.The thickness of the sub-light guide part 33 in the left-right direction is smaller than the thickness of the main light guide part 32 in the left-right direction.

[0032] Meanwhile, a slightly concave part 33a or a slightly convex part 33a may be formed on the surface of the sub-light guide part 33 on the outer cover 12 side and / or the surface of the outer cover 12 on the sub-light guide part 33 side. Light guided from the sub-light guide part 33 can be reflected on a lateral side of the vehicle by the slightly concave part 33a or the slightly convex part 33a. This can improve the visibility of the turn signal lamp 10 from the lateral side of the vehicle.

[0033] Light emitted by the LED 20 is introduced into the entrance portion 31 of the light guide 30. Part of the light entering the entrance portion 31 is emitted from a surface of the main light guide portion 32, and the remainder is guided to the rear end portions 34, where it is emitted rearwardly from the rear end portions 34. A light distribution pattern, as required by law, is formed from the light emitted from the rear end portions 34.

[0034] Furthermore, a portion of the light introduced into the entrance part 31 is also guided to the sub-light guide part 33 so that it is emitted from the surface of the sub-light guide part 33.

[0035] As described above, in the turn signal lamp 10, visibility is improved by causing the main light guide part 32 and the sub-light guide part 33 to emit light while forming the legally prescribed light distribution pattern by the light emitted from the rear end parts 34.

[0036] In the present illustrative embodiment, the LED 20 emits white light. The light guide 30 is umber-colored. The outer cover 12 is colorless and transparent. When the LED 20 is turned on, the light guide 30 is tinted umber, thereby functioning as the turn signal light 10.

[0037] The extension 40 is a member that shields at least a portion of an element disposed on an inner surface of the lamp body 11 or within the lamp chamber S from the outside. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the lamp body 11 refers to a surface on the side where the lamp chamber S is formed. In the present illustrative embodiment, the element disposed in the lamp chamber S refers to the LED 20, the light guide 30, and / or the camera 50.

[0038] The extension 40 includes a frame portion 41 having a shape following or replicating an outer edge of the lamp body 11, a camera cover portion 42 covering the camera 50, a light source cover portion 43 shielding the LED 20 from the outside, and a light transmitting portion 45.

[0039] The front end of the camera cover part 42 has a shape corresponding to the rear end of the sub-light guide part 33 of the light guide 30. In this way, the extension 40 and the light guide 30 give the impression of a single body, thereby improving the design property.

[0040] The light source cover part 43 covers the LED 20 from the outside of the entrance part 31 of the light guide 30. Thus, the light source cover part 43 shields the LED from the outside in the state of light emission in the form of spots above the light guide 30, thereby improving the appearance.

[0041] The light transmitting part 45 transmits light directed from the surface of the main light guide part 32 or the surface of the sub-light guide part 33 toward the lateral side of the vehicle. The light transmitting part 45 can be configured as an opening or a transparent area using a transparent material.

[0042] The camera 50 includes an image pickup device 51 and a support substrate 52 that supports the image pickup device 51. The camera 50 is mounted on the lamp body 11 in an orientation in which the image pickup direction of the image pickup device 51 points rearward. The camera 50 is mounted behind the LED 20. The camera 50 is mounted rearwardly between the upper part of the main light guide part 32 and the lower part of the main light guide part 32 of the light guide 30. The image pickup device 51 is arranged between the upper rear end part 34 and the lower rear end part 34 of the light guide 30. The image pickup device 51 of the camera 50 is exposed rearwardly from the rear end of the camera cover part 42.

[0043] A power supply to the camera 50 is realized by a supply line (not shown) which extends, for example, from the ECU 5 (see, for example, Fig. 2) of the vehicle. The camera 50 sends image acquisition data to the ECU 5 via a communication line (not shown).

[0044] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the Fig. 4 shows the indicator lamp 10 in a state in which the outer cover 12 is removed. As in Fig. 6, in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, the upper rear end portion 34 of the light guide 30 is disposed rearward of the lower rear end portion 34. A virtual line E is a virtual line extending in the vertical direction through the rear end of the upper rear end portion 34. The image pickup device 51 of the camera 50 is disposed rearward of the virtual line E. That is, the image pickup device 51 is disposed rearward of the rear end portion 34 of the light guide 30. As a result, the rear end portions 34 of the light guide 30 are not included in a viewing angle of the image pickup device 51, so that the image pickup device 51 can collect highly usable image information.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII of Fig. 4. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the extension 40 includes a pair of upper and lower cover parts for the image pickup device 44, the perpendiculars of which extend in the up-down direction. The image pickup device cover parts 44 are mounted between the upper rear end part 34 of the light guide 30 and the image pickup device 51 of the camera 50, and between the lower rear end part 34 of the light guide 30 and the image pickup device 51 of the camera 50. The image pickup device cover parts 44 shield the light emitted from the rear end parts 34 of the light guide 30 and input to the image pickup device 51. This allows the image pickup device 51 to collect highly usable image information. < Effect in operation >

[0046] As in Fig. 7, in the present illustrative embodiment, the surface of the front fender 4 (an example of the vehicle surface) to which the turn signal lamps 10 are mounted is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In Fig. 7, a virtual line C is a line extending in a direction following the surface of the fender 4 through the left end of the camera 50. A virtual line D is a line extending in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4 through the right end of the camera 50. A virtual line A is a line extending in a direction perpendicular to the virtual line C through the upper end of the camera 50. A virtual line B is a line extending in the direction perpendicular to the virtual line C through the lower end of the camera 50. The area between the virtual line C and the virtual line D is an area extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4.The area between the virtual line A and the virtual line B is an area extending in a direction protruding from the surface of the front fender 4 due to the camera 50.

[0047] Meanwhile, the virtual lines A, B, C and D are lines that pass through the four corners of the support substrate 52 of the camera 50, respectively. Fig. However, in Fig. 7, the virtual lines A to D are shown as if they do not pass through the four corners of the support substrate 52 of the camera 50 in order to improve the clarity of the drawing.

[0048] As in Fig. 7, when the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1, the upper rear end part 34 of the light guide 30 is formed in a space area above the camera 50 between the virtual line C and the virtual line D, and the lower rear end part 34 of the light guide 30 is formed in a space area below the camera 50 between the virtual line C and the virtual line D. That is, the upper and lower rear end parts 34 of the light guide 30 are formed in a region extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4.

[0049] When the relatively large light guide 30 is mounted in the lamp chamber S, as in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, a light-emitting area is increased, thereby improving visibility. However, if the camera 50 is to be mounted in the lamp chamber S in addition to the large light guide 30, the turn signal lamp 10 will likely need to be enlarged to accommodate these components. When the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted in the vehicle 1, if the turn signal lamp 10 protrudes from the surface of the front fender 4, the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle 1 will be increased or the styling of the vehicle will be impaired.

[0050] However, the inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that even if the turn signal lamp 10 is slightly enlarged in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4, the aerodynamic drag is hardly increased and, further, the design characteristic of the vehicle 1 is hardly affected. Thus, in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, the light guide 30 is arranged in the region extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4. When at least a part of the light guide 30 is arranged in the region extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4, the size of the turn signal lamp 10 including the camera 50 and the light guide 30 hardly increases in the direction in which the turn signal lamp 10 protrudes from the surface of the front fender 4.Therefore, the turn signal lamp 10 is provided which includes the large light guide 30 and the camera 50, has good visibility, and avoids the increase of aerodynamic resistance.

[0051] As in Fig. 6, in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, at least a part of the main light guide part 32 of the light guide 30 is formed in the region extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4, and also in the upward direction and / or the downward direction when the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1. Furthermore, at least a part of the sub-light guide part 33 of the light guide 30 is formed in the region extending from the camera 50 in the front-rear direction when the turn signal lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0052] That is, the large light guide 30, which includes the main light guide portion 32 and the sub-light guide portion 33, is arranged in the lamp chamber S, utilizing the area extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4, and also in the upward and / or downward directions, and the area extending from the camera 50 in the front-rear direction. Since no large portion is allocated to any single area, it is possible to limit an increase in the overall size of the turn signal lamp 10. Therefore, by using the large light guide 30, visibility is further improved while suppressing the increase in size of the turn signal lamp 10 in the direction in which the turn signal lamp protrudes from the surface of the front fender 4.Meanwhile, “the range extending from the camera 50 in the upward direction and / or the downward direction” mentioned herein is a concept that includes a range extending from the camera 50 in the vertical direction and a range extending from the camera 50 in a direction forming an acute angle of 0 to 30° with respect to the vertical direction.

[0053] Furthermore, in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, the extension 40 includes the image pickup cover portions 44, which prevent light emitted from the rear portion 34 of the light guide 30 from entering the image pickup device 51 of the camera 50. The camera 50 can collect highly usable image information because the light emitted from the LED 20 neither directly nor indirectly enters the light-emitting element 51 due to the cover portions of the image pickup device 44.

[0054] In the turn signal lamp 10 according to the present illustrative embodiment, the main light guide part 32 and the sub-light guide part 33 are formed integrally with each other. Therefore, the main light guide part 32 and the sub-light guide part 33 can be illuminated simultaneously by the single LED 20, so that the increase in size of the turn signal lamp 10 is suppressed while visibility is improved.

[0055] However, for example, the shape of the light guide 30, the shape of the camera 50, or the positional relationship between the light guide 30 and the camera 50 are not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment. Therefore, turn signal lamps 10A to 10E according to second to sixth exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The same components as in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. < Second illustrative embodiment >

[0056] Fig. 8 is a perspective elevational view of the turn signal lamp 10A according to the second illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the turn signal lamp 10A according to the present illustrative embodiment differs from the first illustrative embodiment with respect to the shape of a light guide 30A. The light guide 30A does not include a sub-light guide portion. The turn signal lamp 10A according to the present illustrative embodiment allows the main light guide portion 32A to emit light more intensely because the main light guide portion 32A is illuminated by light that would otherwise be used to illuminate the sub-light guide portion 33 in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the first illustrative embodiment.

[0057] Even in the present illustrative embodiment, the light guide 30A is located in the area extending from the camera 50 in a direction following the surface of the front fender 4. Therefore, the increase in aerodynamic drag caused by the turn signal lamp 10A is suppressed while visibility is improved. < Third illustrative embodiment >

[0058] Fig. 9 is a perspective elevation view of the turn signal lamp 10B according to the third illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 9, the turn signal lamp 10B according to the present illustrative embodiment differs from the first illustrative embodiment in terms of the shape of a lamp body 10B, a light guide 30B, an extension 40B, and the outer cover 12.

[0059] The light guide 30B includes an entrance portion 31B, a rear end portion 34B disposed above the camera 50, a main light guide portion 32B, and a sub-light guide portion 33B. The main light guide portion 32B is an arcuate portion and connects the entrance portion 31B to the rear end portion 34B in an arc shape. The sub-light guide portion 33B is a plate-shaped region extending downward from the main light guide portion 32B. The sub-light guide portion 33B is provided with a slit extending in the up-down direction. The thickness of the sub-light guide portion 33B in the left-right direction is smaller than the thickness of the main light guide portion 32B in the left-right direction.

[0060] In the present illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the camera 50 includes a light-shielding member 54 formed of an opaque material. The light-shielding member 54 is mounted between the rear end portion 34B of the light guide 30B and the image pickup device 51. The light-shielding member 54 is mounted in a lens barrel 53 that covers the image pickup device 51. The light-shielding member 54 blocks light emitted from the rear end portion 34B and introduced into the image pickup device 51. The light-shielding member 54 may be mounted on a support substrate 52 of the camera 50.

[0061] When the rear end portions 34A of the light guide 30A are arranged above and below the image pickup device 51, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 8, a cylindrical light-shielding member configured to enclose the image pickup device 51 may be used, and light-shielding members may be mounted respectively above and below the image pickup device 51. Further, three or more light-shielding members may be provided.

[0062] The extension 40B includes a frame portion 41B, which has a shape that follows or replicates the outer edge of the lamp body 11B, and a camera cover portion 42B that covers a portion of the camera 50. The camera cover portion 42B shields the support substrate 52 of the camera 50 from the outside and leaves the image pickup device 51 exposed to the rear.

[0063] Of the inner surfaces of the lamp body 11B, the surface facing the sub-light guide portion 33B of the light guide 30B is formed with a deposited metal layer 11B. Light emitted from the sub-light guide portion 33B toward the lamp body 11B is reflected by the deposited metal layer 11B and emitted outward through the light guide 30B. This increases the efficiency of light utilization and improves the visibility of the turn signal lamp 10B.

[0064] Even in the present illustrative embodiment, the rear end portion 34B of the light guide 30B is formed above the camera 50, and the light guide 30B is arranged in the area extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4. Therefore, the increase in aerodynamic drag caused by the turn signal lamp 10B can be suppressed while improving visibility. < Fourth illustrative embodiment >

[0065] Fig. 10 is a perspective elevation view of the turn signal lamp 10C according to the fourth illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 10, the turn signal lamp 10C according to the present illustrative embodiment differs from the third illustrative embodiment in that the second main light guide part 35C is formed on the light guide 30C.

[0066] The second main light guide part 35C connects a part of a main light guide part 32C at the front of the camera 50 to an entrance part 31C and is arranged below the main light guide part 32C. A sub-light guide part 33C is formed between the main light guide part 32C and the second main light guide part 35C.

[0067] Even in the present illustrative embodiment, the rear end portion 34C of the light guide 30C is formed above the camera 50, and the light guide 30C is arranged in the area extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4. Therefore, the increase in aerodynamic drag caused by the turn signal lamp 10C is suppressed while visibility is improved. < Fifth illustrative embodiment >

[0068] Fig. 11 is a perspective elevation view of the turn signal lamp 10D according to the fifth illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 11, the turn signal lamp 10D according to the present exemplary embodiment differs from the fourth exemplary embodiment in that no sub-light guide portion is formed on the light guide portion 30D. Even in the present exemplary embodiment, the rear end portion 34D of the light guide 30D is formed above the camera 50, and the light guide 30D is arranged in the area extending from the camera 50 in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4. Therefore, the increase in aerodynamic drag caused by the turn signal lamp 10D is suppressed while visibility is improved. < Sixth illustrative embodiment >

[0069] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the turn signal lamp 10E according to the sixth illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which the outer cover and the extension are removed. In Fig. 12, a virtual line F represents a line extending in the direction following the surface of the front fender 4 through the image pickup device 51 of the camera 50. As shown in Fig. 6, an example in which the rear end portion 34 of the light guide 30 is arranged at the front side of the rear end of the image pickup device 51 is described in the turn signal lamp 10 according to the first illustrative embodiment. However, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 12, the rear end portion 34E of the light guide 30E may be disposed behind the rear end of the image pickup device 51. Since the camera 50 is housed in the space between the forked main light guide portions 32E of the light guide 30E, the increase in size of the turn signal lamp including the camera 50 and the light guide 30E is suppressed.

[0070] Although the respective illustrative embodiments are described above using, for example, the common outer cover 12 and the light source (LED), the shape or positional relationship of these elements to each other is not limited to the illustrative embodiments described above. < Reference example >

[0071] For example, when a camera, a light source, or a light guide illuminated by the light source are arranged in the lamp chamber, light emitted from the light source or the light guide, for example, is introduced into the image pickup device of the camera, so that the image pickup device cannot efficiently collect image information. Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure considered a turn signal lamp 10F according to the following reference example.

[0072] Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are schematic views illustrating the turn signal lamp 10F according to the reference example of the present disclosure. Fig. 13A is a side view of the indicator lamp 10F. Fig. 13B is a rear view of the indicator lamp 10F. In the example shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, the vehicle surface on which the turn signal lamp 10F is mounted extends in the vertical direction.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 13A, the turn signal lamp 10F according to the present reference example includes a lamp body 11, an outer cover 12, a light emitting element 60, an extension 40, a camera 50 with an image pickup device 51, and shielding elements 70. The lamp chamber S is formed by the lamp body 11 and the outer cover 12. The light emitting element 60, the extension 40, the camera 50, and the shielding elements 70 are mounted in the lamp chamber S.

[0074] In the present reference example, the light-emitting element 60 includes an upper rear LED 22, an upper front LED 23, a lower rear LED 24, a lower front LED 25, and a light guide 30F. The light guide 30F is an approximately U-shaped transparent resin member. When the turn signal lamp 10F is mounted on the vehicle 1, the light guide 30F is fixed in front of the four LEDs 22 to 25. The light guide 30F is attached to the lamp body 11 in an orientation in which the lower part 30Fa of the letter U is located at the front. The light guide 30F includes a main light guide part 32F with a fork shape divided into upper and lower parts along the outer edge of the letter U, and a sub-light guide part 33F formed between the forked upper and lower parts of the main light guide part 32F.The thickness of the sub-light guide part 32F in the left-right direction is smaller than the thickness of the main light guide part 32F in the left-right direction.

[0075] The upper front LED 23 and the lower front LED 25 are mounted on the lamp body 11 in an orientation in which the upper and lower front LEDs 23, 25 emit light forward. The upper front LED 23 is mounted above the camera 50. The lower front LED 25 is mounted below the camera 50.

[0076] The upper front LED 23 and the lower front LED 25 emit light toward rear end portions 34F corresponding to the upper and lower main light guide portions 32F. The light emitted from the upper front LED 23 and the lower front LED 25 and introduced into the rear end portions 34F is guided within the main light guide portion 32F and the sub light guide portion 33F, thereby causing the main light guide portion 32F and the sub light guide portion 33F to emit light.

[0077] The upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 are mounted on the lamp body 11 in an orientation in which the upper and lower rear LEDs 22, 24 emit light rearward. The upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 are mounted behind the upper front LED 23 and the lower front LED 25. The upper rear LED 22 is mounted above the camera 50. The lower rear LED 24 is mounted below the camera 50. A desired light distribution pattern, as required by law, is formed by light emitted by the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 13B, step portions 12a and a camera window 12b are formed on the rear surface of the outer cover 12. The step portions 12a form a desired light distribution pattern by controlling light emitted from the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24. Instead of the step portions, lens elements may be mounted at the positions where the step portions 12a are formed, respectively.

[0079] The camera window 12b is formed at a position opposite the image pickup device 51 of the camera 50. The camera window 12b is shaped to allow light to pass through it, thereby capturing usable image information. Alternatively, the camera window 12b may be configured in the shape of a lens, enabling the image pickup device 51 to adopt a desired viewing angle.

[0080] Instead of the step portions 12a, inner lenses may be mounted in the spaces between the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 and an inner surface of the outer cover 12. The inner lenses can be used to create a desired light distribution pattern by controlling the light emitted by the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24.

[0081] Furthermore, small irregularities, such as wrinkles, may be formed in an area of ​​the outer cover 12 through which light passes, directing it to the lateral side of the vehicle. With these small irregularities, the light emitted by the sub-light guide 33F is dispersed and directed to the lateral side of the vehicle. This can further improve the visibility of the turn signal lamp 10F.

[0082] In this way, in the turn signal lamp 10F according to the present reference example, a large light emission area is ensured by the light guide 30F of the light emission element 60, and a desired light distribution pattern is formed by the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 of the light emission element 60, so that visibility is improved.

[0083] In the turn signal lamp 10F according to the present reference example, the shielding members 70 are mounted between the upper rear LED 22 of the light-emitting element 60 and the image pickup device 51, and between the lower rear LED 24 of the light-emitting element 60 and the image pickup device 51. As a result, light emitted from the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 of the light-emitting element 60 is prevented from entering the image pickup device 51. This allows the camera 50 to collect highly usable image information from the rear.

[0084] Meanwhile, in the present reference example, the support substrate 52 of the camera 50 functions as the shielding member 70. The support substrate 52 of the camera 50 is mounted between the image pickup device 51 and the light guide 30F of the light-emitting element 60. Thus, the support substrate 52 suppresses the introduction of light emitted from the light guide 30F of the light-emitting element 60 into the image pickup device 51.

[0085] Furthermore, in the turn signal lamp 10F according to the present reference example, the image pickup device 51 is arranged behind the rear end portions 34F of the light guide 30F. Since at least a part of the shielding member 70 is installed between the light-emitting element 60 and the image pickup device 51, the entry of the light emitted from the upper rear LED 22 and the lower rear LED 24 into the image pickup device 51 can be suppressed, thereby enabling the acquisition of highly usable image information.

[0086] Even in the first illustrative embodiment described above, the support substrate 52 and the cover part 44 for the image pickup device are mounted between the light guide 30 and the image pickup device 51, as shown in Fig.5 to 7. That is, the support substrate 52 and the image pickup cover portion 44 serve as shielding members to suppress the entry of light emitted from the light guide 30 into the image pickup device 51. In the third illustrative embodiment, the light shielding member 54 of the camera 50 serves as a shielding member. Even in the turn signal lamps 10A and 10C to 10E according to the second illustrative embodiment and the fourth to sixth illustrative embodiments, the support substrate 52 and the image pickup cover portion 44 serve as shielding members to suppress the entry of light emitted from the light guide 30 into the image pickup device 51.

[0087] That is, the turn signal lamp according to the present reference example is a turn signal lamp including a lamp body, an outer cover forming a lamp chamber with the lamp body, a light-emitting element mounted in the lamp chamber and including a light source and a light guide for guiding light from the light source, and a camera having an image pickup device. At least a part of a shielding member is mounted between the light-emitting element and the image pickup device to suppress the entry of light emitted from the light-emitting element into the image pickup device.

[0088] Furthermore, in the indicator lamp, the image pickup device is arranged in front of the rear end of the light guide when the indicator lamp is mounted on the vehicle.

[0089] Although an example in which the turn signal lamp with the camera according to the present exemplary embodiment is mounted on a vehicle that lacks a fender mirror or a door mirror is given in the foregoing description, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The turn signal lamp equipped with the camera according to the present exemplary embodiment may be mounted on a vehicle that has a fender mirror or a door mirror, and a driver can check the rear view of the vehicle by utilizing the image information collected by the camera and the image obtained from the fender mirror or the door mirror.

[0090] Furthermore, although an example in which the turn signal lamp is mounted on the front fender is given in the foregoing description, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the turn signal lamp may be mounted on a hood or a front pillar of the vehicle. The vehicle surface on which the turn signal lamp is mounted may extend in the vertical direction, may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, or may extend in the horizontal direction.

[0091] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the actual scope and spirit as indicated by the following claims.

Claims

[1] A turn signal lamp (10) with: a lamp body (11); an outer cover (12) which forms a lamp chamber (S) with the lamp body (11); a light source (20) mounted in the lamp chamber (S); a light guide (30) mounted in the lamp chamber (S) and designed to guide light emitted by the light source (20); and a camera (50) mounted in the lamp chamber (S) and provided with an image recording device (51), wherein, when the turn signal lamp (10) is mounted on the vehicle surface, at least a part of the light guide (30) is formed in a region extending from the camera (50) in a direction following a vehicle surface. [2] The indicator light (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light guide (30) comprises: a thick part (32), at least a part of which is formed in a region extending from the camera (50) in the direction following the vehicle surface, as well as in an upward direction and / or a downward direction when the turn signal lamp (10) is mounted on the vehicle; and a thin part (33), at least a part of which is formed in a region extending from the camera (50) in a front-to-back direction of the vehicle when the turn signal lamp (10) is mounted on the vehicle, the thin part (33) being thinner than the thick part (32). [3] The turn signal lamp (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: an extension (40) mounted in the lamp chamber (S) and designed to shield at least part of an inner surface of the lamp body (11), the light source (20), the light guide (30) or the camera (50) from the outside, wherein a cover member (44) for the image pickup device (51) is provided on the extension (40) to suppress the entry of light emitted from the light guide (30) or the light source (20) into the image pickup device (51). [4] The turn signal lamp (10) according to claim 4, wherein the extension (40) integrally comprises a camera cover part (42) which shields the camera (50) from the outside, the image pickup device (51) being excluded therefrom. [5] The turn signal lamp (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the extension (40) integrally comprises a light source cover part (43) which shields the light source (20) from the outside.

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