Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture in which a lighting fixture unit is stored in a lamp chamber, and which has a constitution capable of effectively suppressing lowering of a commercial value as a vehicular lighting fixture, even when a surface of an extension panel arranged in the lamp chamber has discolored due to age deterioration.SOLUTION: In a lamp chamber 20, as a constitution of an extension panel 50 arranged so as to surround a lighting fixture unit 10, it is divided into a plurality of regions 50A, 50B, and between the plurality of regions 50A, 50B with each other, a progress degree of age deterioration in surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the lighting fixture front side is different. Thereby, an extent of discoloration of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba of the plurality of regions 50A, 50B is positively different between the plurality of regions 50A, 50B, and patterns according to the division appear. Then, thereby, the lighting fixture design shows unexpectedness, and lowering of a commercial value as a vehicular lighting fixture 10 is effectively suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp having a lamp unit housed in a lamp chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicle lamp has been known in which a lamp unit that irradiates light forward is housed in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an example of such a vehicle lamp in which a cover member is disposed in a lamp chamber to surround at least a portion of a lamp unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-110905 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such vehicle lamps, it is inevitable that the surface of the cover member on the front side of the lamp will discolor due to deterioration over time, and if this discoloration is visible through the translucent cover, it will reduce the commercial value of the vehicle lamp.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp having a lighting unit housed in a lamp chamber, which can effectively prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the vehicle lamp even if the surface of a cover member arranged in the lamp chamber discolors due to deterioration over time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is intended to achieve the above object by providing an improved configuration for the cover member.

[0008] That is, the vehicle lamp according to the present invention is A vehicle lamp in which a lamp unit that irradiates light forward is housed in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover, A cover member that surrounds at least a portion of the lamp unit is disposed in the lamp chamber, The cover member is divided into a plurality of regions, The cover member is characterized in that the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp differs between the plurality of regions.

[0009] The type and specific configuration of the "lamp unit" are not particularly limited.

[0010] As long as the "cover member" is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the lamp unit, its specific location within the lamp chamber is not particularly limited.

[0011] The "cover member" is divided into a plurality of regions, but the arrangement and specific shape of each of these regions are not particularly limited.

[0012] The "cover member" is configured so that the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp varies between the multiple regions, but the specific configuration for achieving this is not particularly limited. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The vehicle lamp of the present invention is configured so that a lamp unit that emits light toward the front of the lamp and a cover member that surrounds at least a part of the lamp unit are arranged within a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a translucent cover. The cover member is divided into a plurality of regions, and the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp differs between these plurality of regions, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0014] In other words, the surface of the cover member will discolor due to deterioration over time, but by dividing this cover member into a number of regions and making the degree of deterioration over time on the surface on the front side of the lamp differ between these regions, the degree of discoloration of the surface can be made to significantly differ between the multiple regions, thereby making it possible to create a pattern that corresponds to the divisions.

[0015] Furthermore, by configuring the cover member in this way so that a pattern appears on the surface in front of the lamp due to deterioration over time, it is possible to add an element of surprise to the lamp design, thereby effectively preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the vehicle lamp.

[0016] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle lamp having a lighting unit housed in a lamp chamber, even if the surface of the cover member surrounding at least a part of the lighting unit discolors due to deterioration over time, the commercial value of the vehicle lamp can be effectively prevented from decreasing.

[0017] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of the present invention, it becomes easily possible to use recycled plastics, etc. as the molding material for the cover member, which makes it easy to actively contribute to the realization of CN (i.e., carbon neutrality).

[0018] In the above configuration, if the multiple regions are further divided according to the presence or absence of a transparent ultraviolet protection film, it becomes easy to make the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp different between the multiple regions, and thereby it becomes easy to make the degree of discoloration of the surface significantly different between the multiple regions.

[0019] In the above configuration, if the multiple regions are further divided by being formed with different uneven shapes, the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp can be made different between the multiple regions solely by the surface shape of the cover member, thereby making it possible to actively make the degree of surface discoloration different between the multiple regions with an inexpensive configuration.

[0020] In the above configuration, if the multiple regions are further divided by being subjected to different surface treatments, the surface shape of the cover member when the vehicle lamp is in a new condition can be made smooth, thereby easily creating the sense of surprise that a pattern will appear as the lamp deteriorates over time.

[0021] In the above configuration, if the lamp body is further configured so that it has air vents to allow outside air to circulate inside the lamp chamber, and the multiple regions are divided according to the amount of contact with the outside air circulating inside the lamp chamber, then by appropriately selecting the material of the cover member and its surface treatment method, it is possible to make a pattern appear on the surface of the front side of the lamp according to the above division when the cover member deteriorates over time.

[0022] In the above configuration, further, if the cover member is configured to be positioned so as to block a portion of the light irradiated from the lighting unit, and the multiple regions are divided according to the amount of light irradiated from the lighting unit that they block, it is possible to make a pattern corresponding to the above division appear on the surface in front of the lighting unit as the cover member deteriorates over time, without the need for a special configuration for the cover member itself. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] View from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the vehicle lamp. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the operation of the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram similar to FIG. 4, showing a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a detailed view of part VIIa in Fig. 6(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in (a). [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] X-direction arrow view of Figure 9 [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the operation of the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 10 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a view taken in the direction of an arrow II in Fig. 1.

[0027] 1 and 2, the direction indicated by X is the "front of the lamp," the direction indicated by Y is the "left direction" perpendicular to the "front of the lamp" (the "right direction" when viewed from the front of the lamp), and the direction indicated by Z is the "upward direction." This is the same in other figures besides Figs. 1 and 2.

[0028] 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 10 is a headlamp provided at the front end of the vehicle, and is configured such that a lamp unit 20 is housed in a lamp chamber 16 formed by a lamp body 12 and a translucent cover 14. In this case, the translucent cover 14 is arranged in a state inclined toward the rear of the lamp. The lamp unit 20 is also arranged such that its front-to-rear direction is approximately aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the lamp (and the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle).

[0029] The lighting unit 20 is a so-called projector-type lighting unit, and is configured to include a projection lens 22, a light-emitting element 24 arranged rearward of the rear focal point F of the projection lens 22, a reflector 26 that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 24 toward the projection lens 22, and a movable shade 30 arranged between the light-emitting element 24 and the projection lens 22.

[0030] The projection lens 22 is a biconvex aspheric lens with a smaller curvature on the rear surface than on the front surface, and has an optical axis Ax extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The projection lens 22 projects a light source image formed on a rear focal plane, which is a focal plane including the rear focal point F, as an inverted image onto a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp (i.e., in the vehicle direction).

[0031] The projection lens 22 has a horizontally elongated outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and its outer periphery is supported by a lens holder 28. This lens holder 28 is an opaque resin molded product, and has a pair of left and right arm portions 28a extending rearward of the lamp, and its rear end is supported by a heat sink 40.

[0032] The light emitting element 24 is a white light emitting diode and has a horizontally elongated rectangular light emitting surface 24a. The light emitting element 24 is disposed below the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 22 with the light emitting surface 24a facing in a direction inclined toward the rear of the lamp relative to the vertically upward direction, and is supported by the heat sink 40 in a state where it is positioned by the light source holder 42.

[0033] The reflector 26 is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element 24 from above, and is supported at its lower edge by a heat sink 40 .

[0034] The reflecting surface 26a of the reflector 26 is formed of a curved surface that is approximately ellipsoidal and has a first focus at the light emission center of the light emitting element 24. The reflecting surface 26a is set to have an elliptical shape in a vertical cross section along the optical axis Ax with a second focus at a point slightly forward of the rear focal point F, and the eccentricity is set to gradually increase from the vertical cross section to the horizontal cross section. As a result, the reflector 26 converges the light from the light emitting element 24 approximately to a point slightly forward of the rear focal point F in the vertical plane, and moves the convergence position considerably forward in the horizontal plane.

[0035] The movable shade 30 is formed so that its upper edge 30a passes through the rear focal point F and extends horizontally with a difference in level between the left and right sides.

[0036] The movable shade 30 is fixedly supported by a rotating shaft 32 extending in the left-right direction (i.e., the vehicle width direction), and is rotatably supported by shade holders 34 at both left and right ends of the rotating shaft 32. The shade holder 34 is supported by a heat sink 40.

[0037] The movable shade 30 is capable of being rotated around a pivot axis 32 by actuation of an actuator 44 supported by a heat sink 40, and can be moved between a first position shown by a solid line in FIG. 1 and a second position (shown by a dotted line) rotated a predetermined angle from the first position toward the rear of the lamp.

[0038] When the movable shade 30 is in the first position, its upper edge 30a is positioned so as to pass through the rear focal point F of the projection lens 22, thereby blocking a portion of the light from the light-emitting element 24 reflected by the reflector 26, while when moved to the second position, its upper edge 30a is displaced below the optical axis Ax of the projection lens 22, thereby releasing the above-mentioned light blocking.

[0039] With the above-described configuration, the lighting unit 20 reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element 24 by the reflector 26, and then irradiates the light through the projection lens 22 toward the front of the vehicle. In this case, when the movable shade 30 is in the first position, a low beam light distribution pattern is formed, whereas when the movable shade 30 is in the second position, a high beam light distribution pattern is formed (this will be described later).

[0040] An extension panel 50 is disposed in the lamp chamber 16 at a position forward of the lamp unit 20 as a cover member surrounding the lamp unit 20. The extension panel 50 is configured as an opaque resin molded product (for example, an injection molded product made of recycled PC (polycarbonate)).

[0041] The extension panel 50 is disposed inclined toward the rear of the lamp, and is supported by the lamp body 12 at an outer peripheral flange portion 50b extending from its outer peripheral edge toward the rear of the lamp. In the center of the extension panel 50, an opening 50a having a substantially horizontally elongated rectangular shape is formed, which surrounds the projection lens 22 when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0042] The extension panel 50 is divided into a plurality of regions 50A, 50B, and the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the front side of the lamp differs between the plurality of regions 50A, 50B.

[0043] Specifically, the extension panel 50 includes a plurality of regions 50A and a single region 50B surrounding the plurality of regions 50A, and the two regions are distinguished by the presence or absence of a transparent ultraviolet ray prevention film 52. That is, the ultraviolet ray prevention film 52 is formed on a surface 50Ba of the region 50B, but the ultraviolet ray prevention film 52 is not formed on a surface 50Aa of the plurality of regions 50A.

[0044] Each of the multiple regions 50A has a wedge-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and is formed in a state in which adjacent regions 50A are arranged upside down between each other. These multiple regions 50A are arranged at approximately regular intervals and are arranged to completely surround the opening 50a.

[0045] In addition, immediately after the vehicle lamp 10 is attached to the vehicle, the extension panel 50 (i.e., the extension panel 50 in an approximately new state after being molded within approximately one year) has surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba of the multiple areas 50A, 50B that are the same color, and the boundaries between them cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, due to subsequent deterioration over time, the boundaries become visible to the naked eye (this will be described later).

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted from the vehicle lamp 10 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0047] The light distribution pattern shown in Fig. 3(a) is a low beam light distribution pattern PL, and the light distribution pattern shown in Fig. 3(b) is a high beam light distribution pattern PH. These light distribution patterns are formed by projecting an image of the light-emitting element 24, which is formed on a focal plane including the rear focus F of the projection lens 22 by the light from the light-emitting element 24 reflected by the reflector 26, onto the virtual vertical screen as an inverted projection image by the projection lens 22.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the low beam light distribution pattern PL is a low beam light distribution pattern with left light distribution, and has cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 with left and right steps at its upper edge. These cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 extend horizontally with left and right steps at the boundary of the VV line that passes vertically through HV, which is the vanishing point in front of the lamp, and the oncoming lane side portion to the right of the VV line is formed as a lower cutoff line CL1, and the own lane side portion to the left of the VV line is formed as an upper cutoff line CL2 that is stepped up from the lower cutoff line CL1 via an inclined portion.

[0049] In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, an elbow point E, which is an intersection point between the lower cutoff line CL1 and the VV line, is located about 0.5 to 0.6° below HV.

[0050] In the low beam light distribution pattern PL, the positions of the cutoff lines CL1 and CL2 are determined by the height position of the upper edge 30a of the movable shade 30 when it is in the first position.

[0051] The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in Figure 3(b) is formed as a horizontally elongated light distribution pattern in which the low beam light distribution pattern PL is extended upwardly from its cut-off lines CL1 and CL2 when the light blocking by the movable shade 30 is released, and the high intensity region HZH also has a shape in which the high intensity region HZL is extended upwardly.

[0052] Next, a change in the appearance of the vehicle lamp 10 due to deterioration of the extension panel 50 over time will be described.

[0053] FIG. 4(a) is a front view showing the vehicle lamp 10 immediately after being mounted on the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle lamp 10 in which no deterioration over time has occurred in the extension panel 50), and FIG. 4(b) is a front view showing the vehicle lamp 10 after a certain number of years have passed since being mounted on the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle lamp 10 in which deterioration over time has occurred in the extension panel 50).

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4(a), immediately after the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted on the vehicle, the extension panel 50 appears to be in a plain state (i.e., the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba of the multiple regions 50A, 50B are the same color). In Fig. 4(a), the boundary between the multiple regions 50A and the surrounding region 50B is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4(b), after a certain number of years have passed since the vehicle lamp 10 was installed in the vehicle, a pattern appears on the extension panel 50. That is, the multiple wedge-shaped regions 50A appear in a different color from the surrounding regions 50B. This is because the ultraviolet ray prevention film 52 is not formed on the surface 50Aa of the multiple regions 50A, whereas the ultraviolet ray prevention film 52 is formed on the surface 50Ba of the surrounding region 50B, and therefore the degree of progress of deterioration over time is different between the two.

[0056] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0057] The vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is configured so that a lamp unit 20 and an extension panel 50 serving as a cover member surrounding at least a portion of the lamp unit 20 are arranged within a lamp chamber 16 formed by a lamp body 12 and a translucent cover 14. The extension panel 50 is divided into a plurality of regions 50A, 50B, and the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the front side of the lamp differs between the plurality of regions 50A, 50B, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0058] In other words, the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba of the extension panel 50 will discolor due to deterioration over time, but by dividing the extension panel 50 into a plurality of regions 50A, 50B and making the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the front side of the lamp different between these multiple regions 50A, 50B, the degree of discoloration of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba can be made to differ actively between the multiple regions 50A, 50B, thereby making it possible to emerge a pattern that corresponds to the above division.

[0059] Furthermore, by configuring the extension panel 50 in this manner so that patterns caused by deterioration over time appear on the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the front side of the lamp, an element of surprise can be added to the lamp design, thereby effectively preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0060] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a vehicle lamp 10 in which a lighting unit 20 is housed in a lamp chamber 16, even if the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba of the extension panel 50 surrounding at least a portion of the lighting unit 20 become discolored due to deterioration over time, the commercial value of the vehicle lamp 10 can be effectively prevented from decreasing.

[0061] Furthermore, by adopting the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in commercial value even when recycled resin materials (e.g., recycled PC) or CNF-containing PC (i.e., polycarbonate containing carbon nanofibers) are used instead of general resin materials as the molding material for the extension panel 50, making it possible to easily contribute actively to the realization of CN (i.e., carbon neutrality).

[0062] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment, the multiple regions 50A, 50B are distinguished by the presence or absence of a transparent ultraviolet protection film 52, so that it is easily possible to make the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba on the front side of the lamp different between the multiple regions 50A, 50B, and thereby it is easily possible to actively make the degree of discoloration of the surfaces 50Aa, 50Ba different between the multiple regions 50A, 50B.

[0063] In the above first embodiment, the configuration of the multiple regions 50A has been described as each having a wedge-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front of the lamp, and each of the adjacent regions 50A is arranged upside down between each other. However, it is also possible for each of the multiple regions 50A to be configured with an outer shape other than this, and in such cases, it is also possible to adopt shapes other than geometric shapes (for example, the shapes of animals, flowers, decorative letters, etc.).

[0064] In the above first embodiment, the multiple regions 50A, 50B are described as being divided according to the presence or absence of a transparent ultraviolet ray protection film 52, but it is also possible to configure the multiple regions 50A, 50B to be divided according to the thickness of the ultraviolet ray protection film 52.

[0065] In the above first embodiment, the extension panel 50 is described as being arranged in a state inclined toward the rear of the lamp with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the lamp, but it is also possible to configure it in a position other than this.

[0066] In the above first embodiment, the vehicle lamp 10 has been described as a headlamp, but it may also be configured as other lamps (for example, a fog lamp or a rear combination lamp).

[0067] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0068] First, a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a vehicle lamp 110 according to this modified example.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the basic configuration of a vehicle lamp 110 according to this modification is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of an extension panel 150 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0071] That is, the extension panel 150 of this modified example has the same shape as the extension panel 50 of the first embodiment, and has an opening 150a that is substantially horizontally elongated and rectangular and is formed so as to surround the projection lens 22.

[0072] In addition, the extension panel 150 of this modification is divided into a plurality of regions 150A1, 150A2, and 150B as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5(a). At this time, the plurality of regions 150A1, 150A2 are arranged alternately with the plurality of regions 50A of the first embodiment, and the region 150B is arranged as a single region surrounding the plurality of regions 150A1, 150A2, similar to the region 50B of the first embodiment. And, the progress degree of time-dependent deterioration of the surfaces 150A1a, 150A2a, and 150Ba on the front side of the lamp is different between these three types of regions 150A1, 150A2, and 150B.

[0073] Specifically, the plurality of regions 150A1 have their surfaces 150A1a coated with paint 152A1 that changes color significantly when exposed to ultraviolet light, the plurality of regions 150A2 have their surfaces 150A2a coated with paint 152A2 that changes color moderately when exposed to ultraviolet light, and the plurality of regions 150B have their surfaces 150Ba coated with paint 152B that changes color slightly when exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5(a), immediately after the vehicle lamp 110 is mounted on the vehicle, the extension panel 150 has multiple regions 150A1, 150A2, and 150B that have the same color, and therefore the boundaries between them cannot be visually confirmed, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5(a).

[0075] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(b), after a certain number of years have passed since the vehicle lamp 110 was installed on the vehicle, a pattern appears on the extension panel 150. That is, the multiple regions 150A1 and 150A2 appear in a different color from the surrounding region 150B, and the multiple regions 150A1 appear in a color that is more different from the multiple regions 150A2 than from the region 150B. This is because the surfaces 150A1a, 150A2a, and 150Ba of the multiple regions 150A1, 150A2, and 150B are coated with paints that deteriorate over time in the order of progression.

[0076] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0077] In addition, by adopting the configuration of this modified example, the multiple regions 150A1, 150A2, and 150B can be made to appear to have three different levels of deterioration.

[0078] Furthermore, as in this modified example, by dividing the multiple regions 150A1, 150A2, 150B into regions each having a different surface treatment, the surface shape of the extension panel 150 when the vehicle lamp 110 is in a new condition can be made smooth, thereby easily creating the unexpected appearance of a pattern as the lamp deteriorates over time.

[0079] Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a vehicle lamp 210 according to this modified example.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the basic configuration of a vehicle lamp 210 according to this modification is similar to that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of an extension panel 250 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0082] That is, the extension panel 250 of this modified example has the same basic shape as the extension panel 50 of the first embodiment, and has an opening 250a in the shape of a substantially horizontally elongated rectangle formed so as to surround the projection lens 22.

[0083] In addition, the extension panel 250 of this modified example is also divided into a plurality of regions 250A1, 250A2, 250B, and the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 250A1a, 250A2a, 250Ba on the front side of the lamp differs between these plurality of regions 250A1, 250A2, 250B.

[0084] Specifically, in the extension panel 250 of this modified example, the plurality of regions 250A1, 250A2, and 250B are configured to be divided by being formed with different concave and convex shapes.

[0085] Fig. 7(a) is a detailed view of part VIIa in Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Fig. 7(a), and Fig. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line cc in Fig. 7(a).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, the multiple regions 250A1 and 250A2 are formed as upside-down triangular regions (specifically, right-angled isosceles triangles).

[0087] That is, the plurality of regions 250A1 have a surface 250A1a formed as a downward triangular region, and have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape that is inclined from the base to the apex toward the rear of the lamp. On the other hand, the plurality of regions 250A2 have a surface 250A2a formed as an upward triangular region, and have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape that is inclined from the base to the apex toward the rear of the lamp. The region 250B is a region that surrounds the plurality of regions 250A1 and 250A2, and its surface 250Ba is composed of a single plane (or curved surface).

[0088] The multiple regions 250A1, 250A2 are configured such that downward-facing region 250A1 and upward-facing region 250A2 are arranged with the apexes of a triangle facing each other, and downward-facing region 250A1 and upward-facing region 250A2 are arranged with the bases of a triangle facing each other, alternately arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the multiple regions 250A1, 250A2 are arranged across the entire width of the opening 250a on both the top and bottom sides, but are not arranged on both the left and right sides of the opening 250a.

[0090] In the vehicle lamp 210 according to this modification, the surfaces 250A1a, 250A2a, and 250Ba of the extension panel 250 deteriorate over time due to sunlight entering the lamp chamber 16 through the translucent cover 14. At that time, the degree of progress of the deterioration over time differs depending on the incident angle of the sunlight. That is, since the sunlight is irradiated to the vehicle lamp 210 from diagonally above, the incident angle to the extension panel 250 is relatively small in the multiple regions 250A1, relatively large in the multiple regions 250A2, and intermediate between them in the remaining region 250B.

[0091] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(a), in a nearly new vehicle lamp 210, the extension panel 250 appears as a single-colored member, but as shown in Fig. 6(b), in a vehicle lamp 210 after a certain amount of time has passed, a pattern appears on the extension panel 250. That is, the surface 250A1a of the multiple regions 250A1 has the smallest color change, the surface 250A2a of the multiple regions 250A2 has the largest color change, and the surface 250Ba of the remaining region 250B has a medium degree of color change.

[0092] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0093] Furthermore, by employing the configuration of this modified example, the multiple regions 250A1, 250A2, and 250B can be made to appear to have three different levels of deterioration.

[0094] Furthermore, as in this modified example, if the regions 250A1, 250A2, 250B are divided by being formed with different concave and convex shapes, the degree of progress of deterioration over time of the surfaces 250A1a, 250A2a, 250Ba on the front side of the lamp can be made different between the regions 250A1, 250A2, 250B only by the surface shape of the extension panel 250. Therefore, the degree of discoloration of the surfaces 250A1a, 250A2a, 250Ba can be made different between the regions 250A1, 250A2, 250B with an inexpensive configuration.

[0095] It is also possible to combine the configuration of this modified example with the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0096] Next, a third modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modified example.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the basic configuration of a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modified example is similar to that of the first embodiment described above, but the configuration of a lens holder 328 of a lamp unit 320 and the configurations of an extension panel 350 and a lamp body 312 are different from those of the first embodiment described above.

[0099] That is, in this modified example, the lens holder 328 of the lamp unit 320 itself is configured as a cover member that surrounds a part of the lamp unit 320. Specifically, the lens holder 328 of this modified example is configured as an opaque resin molded product, similar to the lens holder 28 of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that brass plating 360 is applied to the surface 328a on the front side of the lamp.

[0100] Further, the extension panel 350 of this modified example has the same basic shape as the extension panel 50 of the first embodiment, and has an opening 350a having a substantially horizontally elongated rectangular shape formed so as to surround the projection lens 22.

[0101] On the other hand, the extension panel 350 of this modification does not have the ultraviolet ray prevention film 52 formed on its surface on the front side of the lamp, unlike the extension panel 50 of the first embodiment. The extension panel 350 of this modification has a pair of upper and lower vertical ribs 350b formed at the center in the left-right direction on both the upper and lower sides of the opening 350a, which extend toward the rear of the lamp.

[0102] In a vehicle lamp 310 according to this modification, vent holes 312a, 312b for promoting convection in the lamp chamber 16 are formed in the upper and lower walls of a lamp body 312. These upper and lower vent holes 312a, 312b are arranged to be located rearward of the lamp from the extension panel 350, to the left of the upper and lower vertical ribs 350b (to the right when the lamp is viewed from the front).

[0103] In the vehicle lamp 310 of this modified example, when the temperature of the heat sink 40 (see FIG. 1) rises due to the lighting of the light-emitting element 24, outside air flows into the lamp chamber 16 through the ventilation hole 312b formed in the lower wall of the lamp body 312 and flows out through the ventilation hole 312a formed in the upper wall.

[0104] Since a pair of upper and lower vertical ribs 350b are formed on the extension panel 350, the outside air that flows into the lamp chamber 16 flows through the lamp chamber 16, mainly coming into contact with the left half of the lamp unit 320. At that time, oxygen contained in the outside air flowing through the lamp chamber 16 comes into contact with the lens holder 328, which causes the brass plating 360 applied to the surface 328a of the lens holder 328 to oxidize and discolor.

[0105] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8(a), in vehicle lamp 310 immediately after it is attached to the vehicle, lens holder 328 appears as a single-colored member, but as shown in Fig. 8(b), in vehicle lamp 310 after a certain amount of time has passed, a pattern appears on lens holder 328. That is, in lens holder 328, brass plating 360 in left-half region 328A is oxidized and becomes a different color from right-half region 328B.

[0106] Even when the configuration of this modified example is adopted, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0107] Furthermore, as in this modified example, lamp body 312 is configured with air vents 312a, 312b for allowing outside air to circulate inside lamp chamber 16, and multiple regions 328A, 328B are configured to be divided according to the amount of contact with the outside air circulating inside lamp chamber 16. By appropriately selecting the material and surface treatment method of lens holder 428, it is possible to make a pattern corresponding to the above division appear on surface 328a on the front side of the lamp when lens holder 328 deteriorates over time.

[0108] In this modified example, the lens holder 328 having the brass plating 360 is configured so that the degree of deterioration over time of the surface 328a varies between the multiple regions 328A, 328B. However, it is also possible to configure the extension panel 350 so that the surface thereof is coated with the brass plating 360 instead of the lens holder 328 (or in addition to the lens holder 328).

[0109] Moreover, it is also possible to combine the configuration of this modified example with the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0110] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle lamp 610 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow X in Fig. 9.

[0112] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the vehicle lamp 610 of this embodiment is configured so that a pair of left and right lamp units 620A, 620B and an extension panel 650 are housed within a lamp chamber 616 formed by a lamp body 612 and a translucent cover 614.

[0113] In this embodiment, a low beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the lamp unit 620A, and a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by adding the light emitted from the lamp unit 620B.

[0114] Each of the pair of left and right lamp units 620A, 620B is a reflective lamp unit, and includes a light-emitting element 624 and a reflector 626 that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element 624 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0115] The light emitting element 624 is a white light emitting diode, and is supported by the heat sink 640 with its light emitting surface 624a facing downward.

[0116] The reflector 626 is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element 624 from below, and is supported at its upper edge by a heat sink 640 .

[0117] The reflecting surface 626a of the reflector 626 is configured such that a plurality of segments are divided into a vertical and horizontal lattice pattern when viewed from the front of the lamp, and a reflecting element 626s is assigned to each of the segments. Each reflecting element 626s is configured as a concave curved surface having a focal point at the light emitting center of the light emitting element 624 and a reference surface that is a paraboloid of revolution with a central axis that is an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

[0118] In the lamp unit 610A, a light distribution pattern for low beam is formed by controlling the reflection of light from the light emitting element 624 using the reflection surface 626a of the reflector 626. In the lamp unit 620B, a light distribution pattern that is added to the light distribution pattern for low beam when a light distribution pattern for high beam is formed is formed by controlling the reflection of light from the light emitting element 624 using the reflection surface 626a of the reflector 626.

[0119] The extension panel 650 is disposed as a cover member surrounding the lamp unit 620 at a position on the front side of the lamp unit 620. The extension panel 650 is configured as an opaque resin molded product (for example, an injection molded product made of recycled PC (polycarbonate)). The extension panel 650 is disposed in a tilted state toward the rear side of the lamp, and is supported by the lamp body 612 at an outer peripheral flange portion 650b extending from the outer peripheral edge toward the rear of the lamp. In the center of the extension panel 650, an opening 650a having a substantially horizontally elongated rectangular shape is formed to surround the projection lens 22 when the lamp is viewed from the front.

[0120] The reflector 626 of each of the lamp units 620A and 620B has two types of additional reflecting surfaces 626b and 626c formed on the lower edge of the reflecting surface 626a. These two types of additional reflecting surfaces 626b and 626c have triangular reflecting surface shapes.

[0121] The additional reflective surfaces 626b are formed in three locations, directly below the light emitting element 624 and at both the left and right ends when viewed from the front of the lamp. Each additional reflective surface 626b is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 624 as light directed slightly downward, and to illuminate three areas 650A1 located below the opening 650a in the extension panel 650 from the rear side.

[0122] The additional reflective surfaces 626c are formed at two locations between the three additional reflective surfaces 626b. Each additional reflective surface 626c is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element 624 as upward light and illuminate two areas 650A2 located above the opening 650a in the extension panel 650 from the back side.

[0123] Next, a change in the appearance of the vehicle lamp 610 due to deterioration of the extension panel 650 over time will be described.

[0124] FIG. 11(a) is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 610 immediately after being mounted on a vehicle (i.e., a vehicle lamp 610 in which no deterioration over time has occurred in the extension panel 650), and FIG. 11(b) is a front view showing a vehicle lamp 610 after a certain number of years have passed since being mounted on a vehicle (i.e., a vehicle lamp 610 in which deterioration over time has occurred in the extension panel 650).

[0125] As shown in Fig. 11(a), the vehicle lamp 610 immediately after being mounted on the vehicle appears with its extension panel 650 in a plain state. That is, three areas 650A1 where the reflected light from the additional reflecting surface 626b is irradiated from the rear side, two areas 650A2 where the reflected light from the additional reflecting surface 626c is irradiated from the rear side, and the area 650B surrounding these appear to be the same color. In Fig. 11(a), the boundary between the multiple areas 650A1, 650A2 and the surrounding area 650B is indicated by dashed lines.

[0126] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), after a certain number of years have passed since the vehicle lamp 610 was installed on the vehicle, a pattern appears on the extension panel 650. That is, the multiple regions 650A1, 650A2 have a substantially triangular outer shape and appear in a different color from the surrounding region 650B. This is because the multiple regions 650A1, 650A2 are continuously irradiated with reflected light from the additional reflecting surfaces 626b, 626c from the back side, and deterioration progresses more than the surrounding region 650B, and the color of the surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a on the front side of the lamp in the multiple regions 650A1, 650A2 and the color of the surface 650Ba on the front side of the lamp in the surrounding region 650B cannot maintain the same color.

[0127] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0128] The vehicle lamp 610 of this embodiment is configured so that a pair of left and right lamp units 620A, 620B and an extension panel 650 which acts as a cover member surrounding these are arranged within a lamp chamber 616 formed by a lamp body 612 and a translucent cover 614. The extension panel 650 is divided into a plurality of regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B, and the degree of deterioration over time of the surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba on the front side of the lamp differs between the plurality of regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B, so that the following effects can be obtained.

[0129] That is, surfaces 650Aa, 650Ba, 650Ba of extension panel 650 discolor due to deterioration over time, but by dividing this extension panel 650 into a plurality of regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B and making the degree of deterioration over time of surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba on the front side of the lamp different between these plurality of regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B, the degree of discoloration of surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba can be made to differ intentionally between the plurality of regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B, and thereby a pattern corresponding to the above division can be made to appear.

[0130] Furthermore, by configuring extension panel 650 in this manner so that patterns due to deterioration over time appear on surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba on the front side of the lamp, it is possible to give an element of surprise to the lamp design, thereby effectively preventing a decrease in the commercial value of vehicle lamp 10.

[0131] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a vehicle lamp 610 in which a pair of left and right lamp units 620A, 620B are housed within a lamp chamber 616, even if the surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba of the extension panel 650 surrounding at least a portion of the pair of left and right lamp units 620A, 620B discolor due to deterioration over time, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0132] Moreover, as in this embodiment, the extension panel 650 is configured to be positioned so as to be able to block a portion of the light irradiated from the pair of left and right lighting units 620A, 620B, and the multiple regions 650A1, 650A2, 650B are configured so as to be divided according to the amount of light irradiated by the pair of left and right lighting units 620A, 620B. In this way, it is possible to make a pattern corresponding to the above division appear on the surfaces 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba on the front side of the lamp when the extension panel 650 deteriorates over time, without requiring the extension panel 650 itself to have a special configuration.

[0133] It should be noted that the numerical values ​​given as the specifications in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples are merely examples, and it goes without saying that these may be set to different values ​​as appropriate.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments and their modified examples, and various other modified configurations can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10, 110, 210, 310 Vehicle lighting fixtures 12, 312 Lamp body 14 Translucent cover 16 Lamp room 20, 320 Lighting unit 22 Projection Lens 24 Light emitting element 24a Light-emitting surface 26 Reflector 26a Reflective surface 28 Lens holder 28a Arm section 30 Movable Shade 30a Top edge 32 Rotating shaft 34 Shade holder 40 Heat sink 42 Light source holder 44 Actuator 50, 150, 250 Extension panel (cover material) 50A, 50B, 150A1, 150A2, 150B, 250A1, 250A2, 250B, 328A, 328B area 50Aa, 50Ba, 150A1a, 150A2a, 150Ba, 250A1a, 250A2a, 250Ba, 328a Front surface of the lamp 50a, 150a, 250a, 350a opening 50b Outer periphery flange 52 UV protection film 152A1, 152A2, 152B paint 312a, 312b Vent 328 Lens holder (cover part) 350 Extension Panel 350b vertical rib 360 Brass plating 610 Vehicle lighting fixtures 612 Lamp body 614 Translucent cover 616 Light room 620A, 620B Lighting Unit 624 Light emitting element 624a Light-emitting surface 626 Reflector 626a reflective surface 626b, 626c Additional reflective surface 626s Reflector 640 Heatsink 650 Extension panel (cover material) 650A1, 650A2, 650B area 650A1a, 650A2a, 650Ba Front surface of the lamp 650a opening 650b Outer flange Ax optical axis CL1 Lower cutoff line CL2 Upper cutoff line E Elbow point F back focus HZH, HZL High luminosity region PH High beam light distribution pattern PL low beam light distribution pattern

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp in which a lamp unit that irradiates light forward is housed in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a light-transmitting cover, A cover member that surrounds at least a portion of the lamp unit is disposed in the lamp chamber, The cover member is divided into a plurality of regions, The cover member is configured so that the degree of deterioration over time of the surface on the front side of the lamp differs between the plurality of regions.

2. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are distinguished by the presence or absence of a transparent ultraviolet ray prevention film.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are divided by being formed with different concave and convex shapes.

4. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are divided by applying different surface treatments to the regions.

5. The lamp body is formed with a vent hole for allowing outside air to circulate inside the lamp chamber, 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are divided according to the amount of contact with outside air flowing through the lamp chamber.

6. the cover member is disposed at a position capable of blocking a part of the light emitted from the lamp unit, 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of regions are divided according to the amount of light that is blocked by the light emitted from the lamp unit.

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