Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture that can improve uniformity of light emission when a light guide body is made to emit light by light incident from different positions of the light guide body.SOLUTION: A light guide body 3 comprises a first light guide part and a second light guide part mutually extending toward the same direction while objects adjacent to each other are connected, a first reflection part 5a located on the side opposite to a first incidence part of the first light guide part, and a second reflection part 5b located on the side opposite to a second incidence part of the second light guide part. The first reflection part 5a includes a first diffusion reflection surface 51 for reflecting at least first light while diffusing it in the width direction of the light guide body 3. The second reflection part 5b includes a second diffusion reflection surface 52 for reflecting at least second light while diffusing it in the width direction of the light guide body 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a combination of a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a light guide such as a light guide lens has been known as a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] In such a vehicle lamp, light emitted from a light source enters the inside of the light guide from an entrance portion provided on the base end side of the light guide, and is guided toward the tip side of the light guide lens while being repeatedly reflected inside the light guide lens. In addition, light reflected by a plurality of reflection cuts provided on the back side of the light guide is output to the outside of the light guide from an output surface provided on the front side of the light guide. This makes it possible to emit light from the output surface of the light guide in a line shape.

[0004] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 below, the above-mentioned light guide is formed into a ring shape, and light that enters the inside of the light guide from the entrance portion is reflected in opposite directions by a pair of reflective surfaces, causing the exit surface of the light guide to emit light in a ring shape.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent vehicle lamps, due to the diversification of designs, the light exit surface of the light guide lens is switched between light sources of different colors to emit light.

[0006] For example, a combination of such vehicle lamps may be a combination of a position lamp or a daytime running lamp (DRL) that emits white light and a turn indicator (turn lamp) that emits orange light, as a vehicle lamp mounted on both corners of the front end of the vehicle. On the other hand, a combination of a tail lamp or a brake lamp (stop lamp) that emits red light and a turn indicator (turn lamp) that emits orange light, as a vehicle lamp mounted on both corners of the rear end of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-64039 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Incidentally, when making the light guide emit light in a ring shape using light from the light sources of different colors as described above, it is necessary to arrange the light sources of different colors separately and have the light emitted from each light source enter the light guide at different positions and then guide them in the same direction.

[0009] However, light entering from different positions on the light guide will exit from different positions on the light guide, making it difficult to emit light emitted from light sources of different colors in the same direction from the same exit surface of the light guide.

[0010] As a result, when light sources of different colored light are switched on and off, a difference occurs in the appearance of the emitted light when the light exit surface of the light guide is viewed from the front side, which can cause an uncomfortable feeling.

[0011] In addition, when light sources of different colored light are switched on and off, dark areas (uneven brightness) may occur on part of the exit surface of the light guide, making it difficult to make the exit surface of the light guide emit light uniformly.

[0012] In particular, when the light guide is caused to emit light in a ring shape, uneven brightness is likely to occur between the inner and outer circumferential sides of the light guide.

[0013] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that makes it possible to improve the uniformity of light emission when the light guide is made to emit light by light incident on the light guide from different positions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A first light source that emits a first light; a second light source disposed adjacent to the first light source and emitting a second light; a light guide that guides the first light and the second light emitted from the first light source and the second light source in the same direction, The light guide body includes a first light guide portion and a second light guide portion that extend in the same direction with adjacent light guide portions connected to each other, a first incident portion located on a side of the first light guiding portion facing the first light source and configured to allow the first light emitted from the first light source to be incident into the first light guiding portion; a second incident portion located on a side of the second light guiding portion facing the second light source and configured to allow the second light emitted from the second light source to be incident into the second light guiding portion; a first reflecting portion located on an opposite side of the first light guiding portion from the first incident portion and configured to reflect the first light incident from the first incident portion toward an extension direction of the first light guiding portion; a second reflecting portion located on an opposite side of the second light guiding portion from the second incident portion and configured to reflect the second light incident from the second incident portion toward an extension direction of the second light guiding portion, the first reflecting portion includes a first diffuse reflecting surface that reflects at least the first light while diffusing the first light in a width direction of the light guide; The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion includes a second diffuse reflecting surface that reflects at least the second light while diffusing the second light in a width direction of the light guide. [2] The first diffuse reflection surface reflects the first light while diffusing the first light in a thickness direction of the light guide, The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the second diffuse reflection surface reflects the second light while diffusing it in a thickness direction of the light guide. [3] The first reflecting portion is located on the first diffuse reflecting surface and includes a plurality of first diffuse cuts for diffusing the first light in a width direction of the light guide; The vehicle lamp described in [1], wherein the second reflective portion is located on the second diffuse reflection surface and includes a plurality of second diffuse cuts for diffusing the second light in the width direction of the light guide. [4] The light guide body includes a curved portion in which a part of the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion is curved from the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion toward an extension direction of the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion, The vehicle lamp described in [1] above is characterized in that it has a third diffusion cut located on the curved outer surface of the curved portion and reflects the first light or the second light that is incident on the outer surface while diffusing it. [5] The light guide body includes a third reflecting section located on a rear side of the first light guide section and the second light guide section and configured to reflect the first light or the second light guided inside the first light guide section and the second light guide section toward a front side of the first light guide section and the second light guide section; The vehicle lamp described in [1] above, characterized in having a first exit portion located on the front side of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion, and exiting the first light or the second light reflected by the third reflecting portion to the outside of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion. [6] A third light source that emits a third light; a fourth light source disposed adjacent to the third light source and emitting a fourth light, the light guide body includes a third incident portion located on a side of the first light guide portion facing the third light source and allowing the third light emitted from the third light source to enter an inside of the first light guide portion; a fourth incident portion located on a side of the second light guiding portion facing the fourth light source and configured to cause the fourth light emitted from the fourth light source to be incident into the second light guiding portion; a second exit portion located on an opposite side of the first light guiding portion from the third entrance portion, and configured to emit the third light incident from the third entrance portion to an outside of the first light guiding portion; a third exit portion located on an opposite side of the second light guiding portion from the fourth entrance portion and configured to emit the fourth light incident from the fourth entrance portion to an outside of the second light guiding portion, the third incident portion is located between the first incident portion of the first light guiding portion and the third reflecting portion, The vehicular lamp according to [5], wherein the fourth incident portion is located between the second incident portion of the second light guiding portion and the third reflecting portion. [7] The vehicle lamp according to [1], wherein the light guide is a ring-shaped light guide lens formed by connecting ends of a first light guide and a second light guide that are curved in opposite directions. [8] The vehicular lamp according to [1], wherein the first light and the second light are lights of different colors. [9] The first light and the third light are lights of the same color, The vehicular lamp according to [6], wherein the second light and the fourth light are the same color light. Effect of the Invention

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle lamp is provided that makes it possible to improve the uniformity of light emission when the light guide is made to emit light by light incident on the light guide from different positions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line CC shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6]2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line DD shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicular lamp taken along line EE shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a plan view showing a main part of the front side of the light guide lens. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a plan view showing a main part on the rear side of the light guide lens. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing optical paths of a first light and a second light reflected by a first diffusive-reflecting surface and a second diffusive-reflecting surface in the width direction of the light guide lens. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical path of a first light beam reflected by a first diffusive reflection surface in the thickness direction of the light guide lens. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of a first light beam reflected by a third diffusion cut in the width direction of the light guide lens. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component easier to see, the dimensions of the components may be shown at different scales, and the dimensional ratios of each component may not necessarily be the same as in reality.

[0018] As one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a vehicle lamp 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 12 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along the line EE shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a main part on the front side of the light guide lens 3. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a main part on the rear side of the light guide lens 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical paths of the first light L1 and the second light L2 reflected by the first diffuse reflection surface 51 and the second diffuse reflection surface 52 in the width direction of the light guide lens 3. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light L1 reflected by the first diffuse reflection surface 51 in the thickness direction of the light guide lens 3. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light L1 reflected by the third diffusion cut 8 in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0019] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set up, with the X-axis direction representing the front-to-rear direction (length direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1, the Y-axis direction representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1, and the Z-axis direction representing the up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1.

[0020] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a front combination lamp (headlight unit) mounted on both corners of the front end of a vehicle (not shown) (the left front corner in this embodiment), in which the present invention is applied to a turn lamp / DRL that combines a daytime running lamp (DRL) that emits white light and a turn signal (turn lamp) that flashes with orange light.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the vehicle lamp 1 includes a light source unit 2 and a light guide lens 3, which are arranged inside a lamp body (not shown).

[0022] The lamp body is composed of a housing with an opening on the front and a transparent outer lens (cover lens) that covers the opening of the housing. The shape of the lamp body can be changed as appropriate to suit the design of the vehicle.

[0023] In addition to the light source unit 2 and the light-guiding lens 3, other components such as a light source unit that constitutes a vehicle headlamp, a bracket, an extension, an inner lens, etc. are arranged inside the lamp body, and these components are attached to the inside of the lamp body to form the above-mentioned front combination lamp (headlight unit).

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the light source unit 2 has a first light source 2a that emits a first light L1, a second light source 2b that emits a second light L2, a third light source 2c that emits a third light L3, and a fourth light source 2d that emits a fourth light L4.

[0025] Among these, the first and third light sources 2a and 2c are DRL light sources that emit white light as the first and third light L1 and L3, while the second and fourth light sources 2b and 2d are turn signal light sources that emit orange light as the second and fourth light L2 and L4.

[0026] The first to fourth light sources 2a to 2d are formed of light emitting elements such as LEDs. The first to fourth light sources 2a to 2d are provided on the same surface of the same circuit board (not shown) and radially emit the first to fourth light beams L1 to L4 in the same direction (forward in this embodiment).

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 2 is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and is configured such that first to fourth light sources 2a to 2d are arranged at positions that are symmetrical above and below each other across a horizontal line HL extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] Among the first to fourth light sources 2a to 2d, the first light source 2a and the second light source 2b are disposed adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. Meanwhile, the third light source 2c and the fourth light source 2d are disposed adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. The first and second light sources 2a and 2b are located closer to the horizontal line HL than the third and fourth light sources 2a and 2b. Furthermore, the first and third light sources 2a and 2c are located outside the second and fourth light sources 2b and 2d in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] 1 to 9, the light guide lens 3 is made of a light guide such as a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The light guide lens 3 is formed into a substantially circular ring shape as a whole by connecting ends of an upper first light guide 30a and a lower second light guide 30b, which are curved in opposite directions with respect to the horizontal line HL, in a front view.

[0030] In this embodiment, the light source unit 2 and the light guiding lens 3 have a configuration that is symmetrical above and below the horizontal line HL described above, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, the description will be based on the configuration on the upper side across the horizontal line HL.

[0031] The light guiding lens 3 has a first light guiding portion 3a and a second light guiding portion 3b extending in the same direction, with adjacent light guiding portions in the width direction being connected to each other.

[0032] In this embodiment, the light-guiding lens 3 has a structure in which a first light-guiding section 3a located on the outer periphery and a second light-guiding section 3b located on the inner periphery are concentrically arranged with a predetermined width and thickness, and the first light-guiding section 3a and the second light-guiding section 3b are connected around the entire circumference via a connecting section 3c.

[0033] In the following description, the width direction of the light guiding lens 3 refers to the direction in which the first light guiding section 3a and the second light guiding section 3b are aligned, while the thickness direction of the light guiding lens 3 refers to the direction perpendicular to the extension direction and width direction of the light guiding lens 3.

[0034] The light-guiding lens 3 has a first light-emitting section 31 that emits light in a C-ring shape using the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the first or second light source 2a, 2b, and a second light-emitting section 32 that emits light in a spot shape using the third or fourth light L3, L4 emitted from the third or fourth light source 2c, 2d.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first light-emitting unit 31 includes a first incident portion 4a located on a side of the first light guiding unit 3a facing the first light source 2a (the rear side of the first light guiding unit 3a), a second incident portion 4b located on a side of the second light guiding unit 3b facing the second light source 2b (the rear side of the second light guiding unit 3b), and a second incident portion 4b located on an opposite side to the first incident portion 4a of the first light guiding unit 3a (the front side of the first light guiding unit 3a). the first reflecting portion 5a located on the opposite side (front side) of the second light guiding portion 3b from the second entrance portion 4b of the second light guiding portion 3b, the second reflecting portion 5b located on the opposite side (front side of the second light guiding portion 3b), a third reflecting portion 6 located on the back side of the first light guiding portion 3a, the second light guiding portion 3b and the connecting portion 3c, and a first exit portion 7 located on the front side of the first light guiding portion 3a, the second light guiding portion 3b and the connecting portion 3c.

[0036] Of these, the third reflecting portion 6 and the first exit portion 7 are provided in a light-emitting area N formed in a C-ring shape of the first light-emitting portion 31, excluding the outer run-up area M in the vehicle width direction where the first and second entrance portions 4a, 4b, the first and second reflecting portions 5a, 5b, and the second light-emitting portion 32 described later are arranged, over the entire circumference of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0037] The run-up area M is an area that guides the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the first or second light source 2a, 2b from the first or second incident portion 4a, 4b to the light emitting area N. On the other hand, the light emitting area N is an area that emits light by the first or second light L1, L2 guided via the run-up area M.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9, the first incident section 4a (second incident section 4b) has a lens shape that focuses the first light L1 (second light L2) emitted from the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) toward the optical axis and causes the first light L1 (second light L2) to enter the inside of the first light guiding section 3a (second light guiding section 3b).

[0039] Specifically, the first incident portion 4a (second incident portion 4b) has a first light collecting incident surface 41 located at the center of the portion facing the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) and into which a portion of the first light L1 (second light L2) emitted from the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) is incident, a second light collecting incident surface 42 located on the inner side of a protrusion that protrudes from a position surrounding the periphery of the first light collecting incident surface 41 toward the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) and into which a portion of the first light L1 (second light L2) emitted from the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) is incident, and a light collecting reflection surface 43 located on the outer periphery of the protrusion and reflecting the first light L1 (second light L2) incident from the second light collecting incident surface 42.

[0040] In the first incident portion 4a (second incident portion 4b), the first light L1 (second light L2) that is radially emitted from the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) and that enters the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) from the first light collecting incident surface 41 is collected toward the optical axis. On the other hand, the first light L1 (second light L2) that enters the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) from the second light collecting incident surface 42 is reflected by the light collecting reflecting surface 43 to be collected toward the optical axis.

[0041] As a result, the first incident portion 4a (second incident portion 4b) collimates the first light L1 (second light L2) radially emitted from the first light source 2a (second light source 2b) and causes it to enter the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b). The first light L1 (second light L2) that has entered the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) from the first incident portion 4a (second incident portion 4b) is guided toward the front side of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b).

[0042] As shown in Figures 1, 6 and 8, the first reflecting portion 5a has a first diffuse reflecting surface 51 inclined toward the extension direction of the first light guiding portion 3a at a position facing the first incident portion 4a on the front side of the first light guiding portion 3a.

[0043] In this embodiment, a pair of first diffusive-reflecting surfaces 51 inclined in opposite directions across the above-mentioned horizontal line HL are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0044] The first diffuse reflection surface 51 has a curved shape that is concave or convex (concave with respect to the incident direction of the first light L1 in this embodiment) toward the extension direction of the first light guiding section 3a (the reflection direction of the first light L1) in a cross section along the width direction of the light guiding lens 3 shown in Figure 10.

[0045] As a result, in the first reflecting portion 5a, the first light L1 incident on the first diffuse reflecting surface 51 is condensed, and then reflected in the extension direction of the light guiding lens 3 while diffusing the light in the width direction of the light guiding lens 3.

[0046] Therefore, the first light L1 reflected by the first diffusive reflection surface 51 is guided in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 while repeatedly being reflected in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0047] Moreover, the first reflecting portion 5a is located on the first diffuse reflecting surface 51 and has a plurality of first diffuse cuts 51a for diffusing the first light L1 in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0048] In this embodiment, the multiple first diffusion cuts 51a are formed, for example, by groove portions (so-called knurling) having an approximately arc-shaped cross section that cut into the first diffusion reflection surface 51 in the extension direction of the first light-guiding section 3a, and are arranged in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first light-guiding section 3a.

[0049] On the other hand, the first diffuse reflection surface 51 has a curved shape that is concave or convex (concave with respect to the incident direction of the first light L1 in this embodiment) toward the extension direction of the first light guiding section 3a (the reflection direction of the first light L1) in a cross section along the thickness direction of the light guiding lens 3 shown in Figures 3 and 11.

[0050] As a result, in the first reflecting portion 5a, the first light L1 incident on the first diffuse reflecting surface 51 is condensed, and then the condensed light is diffused in the thickness direction of the light guide lens 3 and reflected in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0051] Therefore, the first light L1 reflected by the first diffuse reflection surface 51 is guided in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 while repeatedly being reflected in the thickness direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 8, the second reflecting portion 5b has a second diffuse reflecting surface 52 inclined toward the extension direction of the second light guiding portion 3b at a position facing the second incident portion 4b on the front side of the second light guiding portion 3b.

[0053] In this embodiment, a pair of second diffuse-reflecting surfaces 52 inclined in opposite directions across the horizontal line HL are disposed adjacent to each other. The first diffuse-reflecting surface 51 and the second diffuse-reflecting surface 52 are disposed adjacent to each other on the front side of the connecting portion 3c.

[0054] The second diffuse reflection surface 52 has a curved shape that is concave or convex (in this embodiment, convex with respect to the incident direction of the second light L2) toward the extension direction of the second light guiding section 3b (the reflection direction of the second light L2) in a cross section along the width direction of the light guiding lens 3 shown in Figure 10.

[0055] As a result, in the second reflecting portion 5b, the second light L2 incident on the second diffuse reflecting surface 52 is reflected in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 while being diffused in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0056] Therefore, the second light L2 reflected by the second diffusive reflection surface 52 is guided in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 while repeatedly being reflected in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0057] Moreover, the second reflecting portion 5b is located on the second diffuse reflecting surface 52 and has a plurality of second diffuse cuts 52a for diffusing the second light L2 in the width direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0058] In this embodiment, the multiple second diffusion cuts 52a are formed by groove portions (so-called knurling) having an approximately arc-shaped cross section that cut into the second diffusion reflecting surface 52 in the extension direction of the second light guiding section 3b, and are arranged in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second light guiding section 3b.

[0059] On the other hand, the second diffuse reflection surface 52 has a curved shape that is concave or convex (concave with respect to the incident direction of the first light L1 in this embodiment) toward the extension direction of the second light guiding section 3b (the reflection direction of the second light L2) in a cross section along the thickness direction of the light guiding lens 3 shown in Figure 6.

[0060] As a result, in the second reflecting portion 5b, the second light L2 incident on the second diffuse reflecting surface 52 is condensed, and then diffused in the thickness direction of the light guide lens 3, and reflected in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0061] Therefore, the second light L2 reflected by the second diffusive reflection surface 52 is guided in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 while repeatedly being reflected in the thickness direction of the light guide lens 3.

[0062] Meanwhile, in the first light-emitting section 31, as shown in FIG. 12, the first or second light L1, L2 reflected by the first or second diffuse reflection surface 51, 52 (first or second reflection portion 5a, 5b) is concentrated on the outer peripheral surface of a curved portion 3d, which is a curved portion of the light-guiding lens 3, from the above-mentioned first and second diffuse reflection surfaces 51, 52 (first and second reflection portions 5a, 5b) toward the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0063] In this case, the first or second light L1 or L2 reflected by the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion 3d is guided in the extension direction of the light guide lens 3 without being sufficiently diffused.

[0064] In contrast, the first light-emitting section 31 has a plurality of third diffusion cuts 8 located on the curved outer peripheral surface of the curved section 3d and reflecting the first or second light L1, L2 incident on this outer peripheral surface while diffusing it.

[0065] In this embodiment, the multiple third diffusion cuts 8 are configured in a cross section along the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3 by arranging concave surfaces (convex surfaces with respect to the incident direction of the first or second light L1, L2) curved in an approximately arc-like shape in cross section in the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0066] In the first light-emitting section 31, the first or second light L1, L2 incident on the curved outer surface of the curved section 3d is diffused in the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3 by a plurality of third diffusion cuts 8, thereby making it possible to increase the degree of diffusion of the first or second light L1, L2 guided from the curved section 3d toward the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0067] In addition, in the first light-emitting section 31, as shown in FIG. 3, an extension 9 is provided in front of the above-mentioned first and second diffuse reflection surfaces 51, 52 (first and second reflection sections 5a, 5b) to block the first and second light L1, L2 leaking out from the first and second diffuse reflection surfaces 51, 52 (first and second reflection sections 5a, 5b).

[0068] As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 9, the third reflective portion 6 has multiple reflective cuts 6a on the back side of the first light-guiding portion 3a, the second light-guiding portion 3b and the connecting portion 3c that constitute the light-emitting area N.

[0069] The multiple reflection cuts 6a need only reflect the first or second light L1, L2 incident on the back side of the first light guiding section 3a, the second light guiding section 3b, and the connecting section 3c (light guiding lens 3) at an angle at which the light L1, L2 is emitted (transmitted) from the front side of the first light guiding section 3a, the second light guiding section 3b, and the connecting section 3c (light guiding lens 3) to the outside, and there are no particular limitations on their shape, size, number, etc.

[0070] In this embodiment, the multiple reflection cuts 6a are formed, for example, by groove portions (so-called prism cuts) having approximately triangular cross sections cut into the back surfaces of the first light-guiding section 3a, the second light-guiding section 3b and the connecting section 3c (light-guiding lens 3) in the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3, and are aligned in the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0071] In the third reflecting section 6, the first or second light L1, L2, which is guided toward the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3, and which is incident on the rear surfaces of the first light-guiding section 3a, the second light-guiding section 3b, and the connecting section 3c (light-guiding lens 3) is reflected toward the front side of the light-guiding lens 3 by multiple reflection cuts 6a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the intervals between adjacent reflection cuts 6a are equal. On the other hand, in order to make the light emitting area N of the light guiding lens 3 emit light more uniformly, the intervals and depths of the reflection cuts 6a may be appropriately adjusted in accordance with the shape of the light guiding lens 3.

[0073] 1, 4 and 8, the first emission section 7 has a first emission surface 7a on the front side of the first light guiding section 3a, the second light guiding section 3b and the connecting section 3c (light guiding lens 3) which constitute the light emitting area N. The first emission surface 7a is formed by a surface which is continuous in the extension direction of the light guiding lens 3.

[0074] In the first emission unit 7, the first or second light L1, L2 is emitted from the first emission surface 7a to the outside of the light guide lens 3. This makes it possible to cause the first emission surface 7a (light emitting area N) of the first light emitting unit 31 to emit light in a C-ring shape.

[0075] In addition, the first exit portion 7 is located on the first exit surface 7a and has a plurality of first exit cuts 7b for diffusing the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from this first exit surface 7a in the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0076] Examples of the multiple first emission cuts 7b include lens cuts called flute cuts or fisheye cuts, and uneven structures formed by knurling, embossing, etc. By adjusting the shape of the first emission cuts 7b, it is possible to control the degree of diffusion and light distribution of the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the first emission surface 7a.

[0077] In this embodiment, the multiple first exit cuts 7b are formed, for example, by groove portions (so-called knurling) having a generally arc-shaped cross section that cut out the first exit surface 7a in the extension direction of the light-guiding lens 3 and are aligned in the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0078] In the first emission section 7, the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the first emission surface 7a is diffused in the width direction of the light-guiding lens 3 by the multiple first emission cuts 7b, making it possible to make the first emission surface 7a (light-emitting area N) of the first light-emitting section 31 emit light more uniformly.

[0079] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, an inner lens (not shown) such as a diffusion lens may be provided in front of the above-mentioned first exit surface 7a to diffuse the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the first exit surface 7a to the outside.

[0080] In the first light-emitting section 31, when the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the above-mentioned first or second light source 2a, 2b is guided from the run-up area M of the light-guiding lens 3 to the light-emitting area N, it is possible to guide the first or second light L1, L2 that has been sufficiently diffused in the width direction and thickness direction of the light-guiding lens 3 in the run-up area M to the light-emitting area N.

[0081] This prevents dark areas (uneven brightness) from occurring in part of the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) of the first light-emitting section 31, making it possible to cause the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) to emit light more uniformly.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second light-emitting section 32 has a third incident section 4c located on the side facing the third light source 2c of the first light-guiding section 3a (the back side of the first light-guiding section 3a), a fourth incident section 4d located on the side facing the fourth light source 2d of the second light-guiding section 3b (the back side of the second light-guiding section 3b), a second exit section 10 located on the opposite side to the third incident section 4c of the first light-guiding section 3a (the front side of the first light-guiding section 3a), and a third exit section 11 located on the opposite side to the fourth incident section 4d of the second light-guiding section 3b (the front side of the second light-guiding section 3b).

[0083] Among these, the third incident portion 4c is disposed in an approach area M between the first incident portion 4a and the third reflector 6 on the rear side of the first light guiding portion 3a. On the other hand, the fourth incident portion 4d is disposed in an approach area M between the second incident portion 4b and the third reflector 6 on the rear side of the second light guiding portion 3b.

[0084] The second exit portion 10 is disposed in an approach area M between the first reflecting portion 5a and the first exit portion 7 on the front side of the first light guiding portion 3a. On the other hand, the third exit portion 11 is disposed in an approach area M between the second reflecting portion 5b and the first exit portion 7 on the front side of the second light guiding portion 3b.

[0085] As shown in Figures 2, 7 and 9, the third incident section 4c (fourth incident section 4d) has a lens shape that focuses the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) toward the optical axis and causes the third light L3 (fourth light L4) to enter the inside of the first light guiding section 3a (second light guiding section 3b).

[0086] Specifically, the third incident portion 4c (fourth incident portion 4d), like the first incident portion 4a (second incident portion 4b) described above, has a first light collecting incident surface 41 located at the center of the portion facing the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) and into which a portion of the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) is incident, a second light collecting incident surface 42 located on the inner peripheral side of a protrusion that protrudes from a position surrounding the periphery of the first light collecting incident surface 41 toward the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) side and into which a portion of the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) is incident, and a light collecting reflecting surface 43 located on the outer peripheral side of the protrusion and reflecting the third light L3 (fourth light L4) incident from the second light collecting incident surface 42.

[0087] The third incident portion 4c (fourth incident portion 4d) focuses the third light L3 (fourth light L4) incident from the first light collecting incident surface 41 into the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) of the third light L3 (fourth light L4) radially emitted from the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) toward the optical axis. On the other hand, the third light L3 (fourth light L4) incident from the second light collecting incident surface 42 into the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) is reflected by the light collecting reflecting surface 43 to focus the third light L3 (fourth light L4) toward the optical axis.

[0088] As a result, the third incident portion 4c (fourth incident portion 4d) collimates the third light L3 (fourth light L4) radially emitted from the third light source 2c (fourth light source 2d) and causes the third light L3 (fourth light L4) to enter the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b). The third light L3 (fourth light L4) that has entered the inside of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b) from the third incident portion 4c (fourth incident portion 4d) is guided toward the front side of the first light guiding portion 3a (second light guiding portion 3b).

[0089] As shown in Figures 1, 7 and 8, the second exit section 10 has a second exit surface 10a at the tip of a first protrusion 12a that protrudes in an approximately cylindrical shape from a position opposite the third entrance section 4c on the front side of the first light-guiding section 3a.

[0090] The third exit portion 11 has a third exit surface 11a at the tip of a second protrusion 12b that protrudes in a substantially cylindrical shape from a position facing the fourth entrance portion 4d on the front side of the second light guide portion 3b.

[0091] The second emission section 10 (third emission section 11) emits third light L3 (fourth light L4) from the second emission surface 10a (third emission surface 11a) to the outside of the light guide lens 3. This makes it possible to cause the second emission surface 10a (third emission surface 11a) of the second light emitter 32 to emit light in a spot shape.

[0092] In addition, the second exit section 10 (third exit section 11) is located on the second exit surface 10a (third exit surface 11a) and has a plurality of second exit cuts 10b (third exit cuts 11b) for diffusing the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from this second exit surface 10a (third exit surface 11a).

[0093] Examples of the second and third emission cuts 10b, 11b include lens cuts called flute cuts or fisheye cuts, and uneven structures formed by knurling, embossing, etc. By adjusting the shapes of the second and third emission cuts 10b, 11b, it is possible to control the degree of diffusion and light distribution of the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the second emission surface 10a (third emission surface 11a).

[0094] In this embodiment, the multiple second and third exit cuts 10b, 11b are, for example, configured as fisheye cuts that diffuse the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the second exit surface 10a (third exit surface 11a) in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0095] In the second exit section 10 (third exit section 11), it is possible to control the degree of diffusion and light distribution of the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted from the second exit surface 10a (third exit surface 11a) by adjusting the shape, etc. of the second exit cut 10b (third exit cut 11b).

[0096] In addition, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, an inner lens (not shown) such as a diffusion lens may be provided in front of the above-mentioned second and third exit surfaces 10a, 11a to diffuse the third light L3 (fourth light L4) emitted to the outside from the second exit surface 10a (third exit surface 11a).

[0097] In the second light-emitting section 32, the third or fourth light L3, L4 emitted from the third or fourth light source 2c, 2d described above is emitted from the second or third exit surface 10a, 11a arranged in the run-up area M, so that it is possible to cause the second or third exit surface 10a, 11a (run-up area M) to emit a stronger spot-like light than the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) without affecting the first or second light L1, L2 guided from the run-up area M toward the light-emitting area N.

[0098] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, as a DRL, it is possible to cause the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) of the light-guiding lens 3 to emit white light by the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 2a, and the second exit surface 10a of the light-guiding lens 3 to emit white light by the third light L3 emitted from the third light source 2c.

[0099] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, as a turn signal lamp, can emit orange light while blinking on and off from the first exit surface 7a (light emitting area N) of the light-guiding lens 3 by the second light source L2 emitted from the second light source 2b and on the third exit surface 11a of the light-guiding lens 3 by the fourth light source 2d.

[0100] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, although the first light L1 emitted from the above-mentioned first light source 2a and the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 2b are incident on the first entrance portion 4a and the second entrance portion 4b at different positions, it is possible to guide the first or second light L1, L2 uniformly diffused inside the light-guiding lens 3 toward the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) of the first light-emitting portion 31.

[0101] As a result, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, even if the first light L1 and the second light L2 emitted from the adjacent first light source 2a and second light source 2b are incident on the light-guiding lens 3 from different positions, it is possible to emit the first light L1 and the second light L2 in the same direction from the first exit surface 7a (light-emitting area N) of the light-guiding lens 3.

[0102] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, when the emission of the first light L1 and the second light L2, which are different in color, is switched between the first light source 2a and the second light source 2b, it is possible to make the first emission surface 7a (light emitting area N) emit light more uniformly while preventing the occurrence of dark areas (uneven emission) on the first emission surface 7a (light emitting area N). In addition, it is possible to improve the appearance of the emitted light while suppressing the occurrence of differences in the appearance of the emitted light when the light guide lens 3 is viewed from the front side.

[0103] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] For example, in the vehicle lamp 1, the shape of the light guide lens 3 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the design of the actual vehicle.

[0105] For example, the light-guiding lens 3 has an overall substantially circular ring-like shape by connecting the ends of the first light-guiding body 30a and the second light-guiding body 30b, which are curved in opposite directions on either side of the horizontal line HL described above. However, the first light-guiding body 30a and the second light-guiding body 30b may be configured separately, or only one of them may be configured.

[0106] Furthermore, the light guide lens 3 is not limited to the above-mentioned ring shape or partially curved shape, and may be in a linear shape or the like.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example is given of the application of the present invention to a turn lamp / DRL that combines a DRL and a turn lamp as a vehicle lamp mounted on both corners of the front end of the vehicle described above. However, the present invention can also be applied to a turn lamp / position lamp that combines, for example, a white-emitting vehicle width light (position lamp) and a turn lamp.

[0108] The present invention can also be applied to a vehicle lamp mounted on both corners of the rear end of a vehicle, such as a tail lamp that emits red light, or a turn lamp / tail lamp or stop lamp that combines a brake lamp (stop lamp) with a turn lamp.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the first and third light sources 2a, 2c and the second and fourth light sources 2b, 2d which emit different colored light are used as an example, but in some cases, the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle lamp which uses the first to fourth light sources 2a to 2d which emit the same colored light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...vehicle lamp 2...light source section 2a-2d...first to fourth light sources 3...light guide lens (light guide) 3a...first light guide section 3b...second light guide section 3c...connecting section 3d...curved section 4a-4d...first to fourth entrance sections 5a...first reflecting section 5b...second reflecting section 6...third reflecting section 7...first exit section 8...third diffusion cut 9...extension 10...second exit section 11...third exit section 30a...first light guide section 30b...second light guide section 31...first light emitting section 32...second light emitting section 51...first diffuse reflection surface 51a...first diffuse reflection surface 52...second diffuse reflection surface 52a...second diffuse reflection surface L1-L4...first to fourth light M: Run-up area N: Light-emitting area

Claims

1. A first light source that emits a first light; a second light source disposed adjacent to the first light source and emitting a second light; a light guide that guides the first light and the second light emitted from the first light source and the second light source in the same direction, The light guide body includes a first light guide portion and a second light guide portion that extend in the same direction with adjacent light guide portions connected to each other; a first incident portion located on a side of the first light guiding portion facing the first light source and configured to allow the first light emitted from the first light source to be incident into the first light guiding portion; a second incident portion located on a side of the second light guiding portion facing the second light source and configured to cause the second light emitted from the second light source to enter an inside of the second light guiding portion; a first reflecting portion located on an opposite side of the first light guiding portion from the first incident portion and configured to reflect the first light incident from the first incident portion toward an extension direction of the first light guiding portion; a second reflecting portion located on an opposite side of the second light guiding portion from the second incident portion and configured to reflect the second light incident from the second incident portion toward an extension direction of the second light guiding portion, the first reflecting portion includes a first diffuse reflecting surface that reflects at least the first light while diffusing the first light in a width direction of the light guide; The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion includes a second diffuse reflecting surface that reflects at least the second light while diffusing the second light in a width direction of the light guide.

2. the first diffuse reflection surface reflects the first light while diffusing it in a thickness direction of the light guide; The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the second diffusive reflection surface reflects the second light while diffusing the second light in a thickness direction of the light guide.

3. the first reflecting portion is located on the first diffuse reflecting surface and includes a plurality of first diffuse cuts for diffusing the first light in a width direction of the light guide; 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second reflecting portion is located on the second diffuse reflecting surface and includes a plurality of second diffuse cuts for diffusing the second light in a width direction of the light guide.

4. The light guide includes a curved portion in which a part of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion is curved from the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion toward an extension direction of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion, 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of third diffusion cuts positioned on the curved outer peripheral surface of the curved portion and diffusing and reflecting the first light or the second light incident on the outer peripheral surface.

5. the light guide body includes a third reflecting portion located on a rear side of the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion and configured to reflect the first light or the second light guided inside the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion toward a front side of the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion; 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, further comprising: a first exit portion located on a front side of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion, the first light or the second light reflected by the third reflecting portion being emitted to an outside of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion.

6. a third light source that emits a third light; a fourth light source disposed adjacent to the third light source and emitting a fourth light, the light guide body includes a third incident portion located on a side of the first light guide portion facing the third light source and allowing the third light emitted from the third light source to enter an inside of the first light guide portion; a fourth incident portion located on a side of the second light guiding portion facing the fourth light source and configured to cause the fourth light emitted from the fourth light source to be incident into the second light guiding portion; a second exit portion located on an opposite side of the first light guiding portion from the third incident portion and configured to emit the third light incident from the third incident portion to an outside of the first light guiding portion; a third exit portion located on an opposite side of the second light guiding portion from the fourth entrance portion and configured to emit the fourth light incident from the fourth entrance portion to an outside of the second light guiding portion, the third incident portion is located between the first incident portion of the first light guiding portion and the third reflecting portion, The vehicular lamp according to claim 5 , wherein the fourth incident portion is located between the second incident portion of the second light guiding portion and the third reflecting portion.

7. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is a ring-shaped light guide lens formed by connecting ends of a first light guide and a second light guide that are curved in opposite directions.

8. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the first light and the second light are lights of different colors.

9. the first light and the third light are the same color light, 7. The vehicular lamp according to claim 6, wherein the second light and the fourth light are of the same color.

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