Lamp for vehicle
By designing multiple light sources and light conductors in the vehicle lighting system, and using the light conductor and reflecting surface for light guidance and reflection, the light overflow and color mixing problems between different color lighting functions are solved, and bright gaps and clear light zone effects are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023144725
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-18
AI Technical Summary
When existing vehicle lighting systems realize the functions of different colors of light, it is difficult to avoid one color of light overflowing from one light source, resulting in mixed colors of the light area of another light source.
A vehicle lighting system is designed, including multiple light sources and light conductors. Through the design and reflective surface of the light conductor, it ensures that different colors of light are guided and reflected in the appropriate position and manner, thereby avoiding light overflow and color mixing.
It is achieved without using a special light source, so that the gaps in the middle of the vehicle lighting system are kept bright, avoiding the mixing of light and color between different lighting functions, and improving the overall effect of the lighting system.
Smart Images
Figure 2025037659000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp. [Background technology]
[0002] A known vehicle lamp has a configuration in which a light source and a light guiding section (the leg of a translucent cover) that guides light from the light source toward the gap is disposed behind the gap between two lamps that function as tail lamps so that the gap does not become a dark area and appears bright (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-123547 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, when two lamps are used to realize multiple lamp functions, for example, when one lamp realizes a turn lamp function that emits amber light and the other lamp realizes a lamp function that emits white light (DRL lamp function or position lamp function), there is a problem that the amber light extends outside one of the lamps, and the light-emitting area of the other lamp emits light in a mixed color.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can prevent the second color light from extending outside one of the lamps and the light-emitting area of the other lamp from emitting mixed colors when two lamps are used to realize multiple lamp functions, for example, when one lamp realizes a lamp function of emitting a second color light (e.g., amber light) and the other lamp realizes a lamp function of emitting a first color light (e.g., white light). [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure includes a first light source that emits light of a first color, a second light source that emits light of a second color different from the first color, a third light source that emits light of the first color, a first light guide that guides light from the first light source and light from the second light source, and a second light guide that guides light from the third light source, wherein the first light guide includes a light guide body and an extension portion, and the light guide body includes a first light exit surface, a first light entrance portion into which light from the first light source enters, a first light guiding portion that guides the light from the first light source that enters from the first light entrance portion to the first light exit surface so that the light from the first light source that enters from the first light entrance portion exits from the first light exit surface, a second light entrance portion into which light from the second light source enters, and a second light entrance portion into which the light from the second light source that enters from the second light entrance portion exits from the first light exit surface. the extension portion includes a second light guiding portion that guides the light from the second light source that enters through the second light entrance portion to the first light exit surface so that a portion of the light from the first light source guided by the first light guiding portion exits from the second light exit surface, the second light guide includes a third light exit surface, a third light entrance portion, and a fourth light guiding portion that guides the light from the third light source that enters through the third light entrance portion to the third light exit surface so that the light from the third light source that enters through the third light entrance portion exits from the third light exit surface, the first light exit surface and the third light exit surface are disposed adjacent to each other with a gap between them in a front view, and the second light exit surface is disposed behind the gap in a front view.
[0007] With this configuration, the gap between the two lighting fixtures can be made to appear bright and not to be a dark area, without the need for a dedicated light source.
[0008] This is because the second light exit surface of the extension portion, through which a portion of the light from the first light source, which is not a dedicated light source, is emitted, is located behind the gap between the first light exit surface of the first light guide and the third light exit surface of the second light guide.
[0009] In the above vehicle lamp, the first color may be white, and the second color may be amber.
[0010] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vehicular lamp, when the first light source and the third light source are turned on simultaneously, a portion of the light from the first light source exits from the first light exit surface, thereby forming a light-emitting area of the first color on the first light exit surface in a front view, another portion of the light from the first light source exits from the second light exit surface, thereby forming a light-emitting area of the first color on the second light exit surface in a front view, and light from the third light source exits from the third light exit surface, thereby forming a light-emitting area of the first color on the third light exit surface in a front view.
[0011] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, when the second light source and the third light source are turned on simultaneously, light from the second light source is emitted from the first light exit surface, thereby forming a light-emitting area of the second color on the first light exit surface when viewed from the front, and light from the third light source is emitted from the third light exit surface, thereby forming a light-emitting area of the first color on the third light exit surface when viewed from the front.
[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the first light guide may include a total reflection surface that totally reflects at least a portion of the second color light from the second light source so that at least a portion of the second color light from the second light source is not emitted from the third light exit surface. Effect of the Invention
[0013] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can make the gap between two lamps appear bright and not dark, without requiring a dedicated light source. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle lamp 10. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a first light guide 22 and a second light guide 32 extracted from FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3]3 is a diagram of a first light guide 22 as seen in the direction of an arrow Ar1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a view of the first light guide 22 as seen in the direction of the arrow Ar2 in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view (schematic view) of a vehicle lamp 10. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram showing a light emitting area of a vehicle lamp of a comparative example (simulation result), and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a light emitting area of a vehicle lamp 10 of an embodiment (simulation result). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.
[0016] The vehicle lamp 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a turn lamp, a DRL (Daytime Running Lamp) lamp, and a position lamp, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle such as a motorcycle (not shown). Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the right side of the front end of the vehicle (the right side when facing the front of the vehicle) will be described below as a representative example.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10. FIG.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle lamp 10 includes a first lamp 20 and a second lamp 30.
[0019] The first lamp 20 is a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a turn lamp, a DRL lamp, and a position lamp, and is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, the second lamp 30 is a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a DRL lamp and a position lamp, and is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.
[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first light guide 22 and the second light guide 32 extracted from Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view of the first light guide 22 as seen in the direction of an arrow Ar1 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view of the first light guide 22 as seen in the direction of an arrow Ar2 in Fig. 2.
[0021] First, the first lamp 20 will be described.
[0022] The first lighting fixture 20 includes a first light source 21A, a second light source 21B, and a first light guide 22. The first lighting fixture 20 is made up of a plurality of optical systems A1 to A5 surrounded by a rectangle indicated by a dashed line in FIG.
[0023] First, the optical systems A1 to A4 will be described. The optical systems A1 to A4 have the same configuration. Below, the optical system A1 will be described as a representative.
[0024] 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3, FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5(a) and 5(b), the optical system A1 includes a first light source 21A, a second light source 21B and a light guide body 23 which is a part of the first light guide 22.
[0026] The first light source 21A is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle, and the second light source 21B is disposed on the front side of the vehicle.
[0027] The first light source 21A is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED that emits white light (an example of the first color light of the present disclosure). The first light source 21A has a light emitting surface (for example, a rectangular light emitting surface of 1 mm square). The first light source 21A is disposed with the light emitting surface facing upward.
[0028] The second light source 21B is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED that emits amber light (an example of the second color light of the present disclosure). The second light source 21B has a light emitting surface (for example, a rectangular light emitting surface of 1 mm square). The second light source 21B is disposed with the light emitting surface facing upward.
[0029] A light guide body 23, which is a part of the first light guide 22, is disposed above the first light source 21A and the second light source 21B.
[0030] The first light guide 22 is a plate-shaped light guide that guides the light from the first light source 21A and the light from the second light source 21B, and includes a light guide body 23 and an extension 27. The first light guide 22 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The light guide body 23 is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the extension 27 is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3).
[0031] A first light exit surface 24 is provided at the vehicle front end of the light guide body 23. The first light exit surface 24 is configured as a light exit surface that extends in a stepped manner toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and toward the rear of the vehicle (see FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the portion of the light guide body 23 that corresponds to the optical system 1 will be referred to as a light guide section 23a.
[0032] A first light entrance portion 25A corresponding to the first light source 21A and a second light entrance portion 25B corresponding to the second light source 21B are provided on the lower surface of the light guide portion 23a (see FIGS. 4, 5(a) and 5(b)).
[0033] Since the first light entrance section 25A and the second light entrance section 25B have the same configuration, the first light entrance section 25A will be representatively described below.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first light-entering section 25A is composed of, for example, a central light-entering surface 25A1, a cylindrical peripheral light-entering surface 25A2 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the central light-entering surface 25A1 toward the first light source 21A, and a cylindrical peripheral reflective surface 25A3 arranged outside the peripheral light-entering surface 25A2.
[0035] The central light incident surface 25A1 is aligned along the optical axis AX25A1 The lens surface has a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the focal point F 25A1 The outer shape of the central light incident surface 25A1 is circular when viewed from above.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 5A, the first light source 21A is disposed at a focal point F of the central light entrance surface 25A1 in a state where the light emitting surface of the first light entrance portion 25A faces the first light entrance portion 25A. 25A1 In this case, the focal point F of the central light incident surface 25A1 is 25A1 is located at the center of the light emitting surface. 21A and the optical axis AX of the central light-receiving surface 25A1 25A1 are roughly in agreement.
[0037] The peripheral reflecting surface 25A3 is aligned with the optical axis AX of the central light-entering surface 25A1. 25A1 The peripheral reflecting surface 25A3 is a total reflection surface having a parabolic shape that is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central light incident surface 25A1. The peripheral reflecting surface 25A3 reflects the light from the first light source 21A along the optical axis AX of the central light incident surface 25A1. 25A1 The surface shape is designed so that the light is converted (collimated) into parallel light with respect to the incident light. The outer shape of the peripheral reflecting surface 25A3 (the outermost part of the first light entering part 25A) is circular in top view (see the dotted circle indicated by symbol C1 in FIG. 3).
[0038] A lower vehicle rear end portion in the thickness direction of light guiding portion 23a (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3) extends rearward of the vehicle than an upper vehicle rear end portion in the thickness direction of light guiding portion 23a (see FIG. 3). That is, the lower vehicle rear end portion in the thickness direction of light guiding portion 23a is configured to be one step lower than the upper vehicle rear end portion in the thickness direction of light guiding portion 23a.
[0039] Next, a configuration for emitting light (white light) from the first light source 21A from the first light-emitting surface 24 in the optical system A1 will be described.
[0040] At the vehicle rear end of the lower part in the thickness direction of light guiding part 23a, total reflection surfaces 26A4 and 26A5 are provided in a V-shaped opening toward the vehicle front (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, at the vehicle rear side of the upper surface of the lower part in the thickness direction of light guiding part 23a, total reflection surface 26A corresponding to first light entrance part 25A is provided.
[0041] Total reflection surface 26A includes total reflection surface 26A1 arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, total reflection surface 26A2 arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and total reflection surface 26A3 arranged in front of total reflection surfaces 26A1 and 26A2.
[0042] Light Ray1 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5(a)) from first light source 21A that enters from first light entrance portion 25A and is incident on total reflection surface 26A1 is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A4 arranged on the inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to total reflection surface 26A1 toward first light exit surface 24, and exits from first light exit surface 24. Similarly, light Ray2 (see FIG. 3) from first light source 21A that enters from first light entrance portion 25A and is incident on total reflection surface 26A2 is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A2 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A5 arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to total reflection surface 26A2 toward first light exit surface 24, and exits from first light exit surface 24.
[0043] In addition, light Ray3 (see Figure 3) from first light source 21A enters through first light entrance 25A and is incident on total reflection surface 26A3, is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A3 toward first light exit surface 24, and exits from first light exit surface 24.
[0044] As described above, the total reflection surface 26A1 is arranged in an inclined state so that the light Ray1 from the first light source 21A that enters from the first light entrance portion 25A and enters the total reflection surface 26A1 is totally reflected toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the total reflection surface 26A2 is arranged in an inclined state so that the light Ray2 from the first light source 21A that enters from the first light entrance portion 25A and enters the total reflection surface 26A2 is totally reflected toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the total reflection surface 26A4 is arranged in an inclined state so that the reflected light Ray1 from the total reflection surface 26A1 that enters the total reflection surface 26A4 is totally reflected toward the first light output surface 24. Similarly, the total reflection surface 26A5 is arranged in an inclined state so that the reflected light Ray2 from the total reflection surface 26A2 that enters the total reflection surface 26A5 is totally reflected toward the first light output surface 24.
[0045] Total reflection surface 26A3 is disposed in an inclined state such that light Ray3 from first light source 21A that is incident on total reflection surface 26A3 is totally reflected toward first light output surface 24.
[0046] As described above, the light rays Ray1 to 3 from the first light source 21A are totally reflected by the total reflection surfaces and emitted from the first light emitting surface 24, causing the first light emitting surface 24 to emit light. As a result, a white light emitting region is formed on the first light emitting surface 24.
[0047] As described above, the light guide main body 23 (light guide section 23a) includes a section (an example of a first light guide section of the present disclosure) that guides light from first light source 21A that enters through first light entrance section 25A to first light exit surface 24 so that the light from first light source 21A that enters through first light entrance section 25A exits from first light exit surface 24.
[0048] Next, a configuration for emitting light (amber light) from the second light source 21B from the first light-emitting surface 24 in the optical system A1 will be described.
[0049] At the vehicle rear end of the upper part in the thickness direction of light guiding section 23a, total reflection surfaces 26B4 and 26B5 are provided in a V-shaped opening toward the vehicle front (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, at the vehicle rear side of the upper surface of the upper part in the thickness direction of light guiding section 23a, total reflection surface 26B corresponding to second light entrance section 25B is provided.
[0050] Total reflection surface 26B includes a total reflection surface 26B1 arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, a total reflection surface 26B2 arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and a total reflection surface 26B3 arranged in front of total reflection surfaces 26B1 and 26B2.
[0051] The light from the second light source 21B that enters through the second light entrance portion 25B and enters the total reflection surface 26B1 is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B4 arranged on the inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the total reflection surface 26B1 toward the first light exit surface 24, and exits from the first light exit surface 24. Similarly, the light from the second light source 21B that enters through the second light entrance portion 25B and enters the total reflection surface 26B2 is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B2 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B5 arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the total reflection surface 26B2 toward the first light exit surface 24, and exits from the first light exit surface 24.
[0052] Furthermore, the light from second light source 21B that enters through second light entrance portion 25B and is incident on total reflection surface 26B3 is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B3 toward first light exit surface 24 and exits from first light exit surface 24.
[0053] As described above, the total reflection surface 26B1 is arranged in an inclined state so that the light from the second light source 21B that enters from the second light entrance portion 25B and enters the total reflection surface 26B1 is totally reflected toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Similarly, the total reflection surface 26B2 is arranged in an inclined state so that the light from the second light source 21B that enters from the second light entrance portion 25B and enters the total reflection surface 26B2 is totally reflected toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the total reflection surface 26B4 is arranged in an inclined state so that the reflected light from the total reflection surface 26B1 that enters the total reflection surface 26B4 is totally reflected toward the first light output surface 24. Similarly, the total reflection surface 26B5 is arranged in an inclined state so that the reflected light from the total reflection surface 26B2 that enters the total reflection surface 26B5 is totally reflected toward the first light output surface 24.
[0054] Total reflection surface 26B3 is disposed in an inclined state such that light Ray3 from second light source 21B that is incident on total reflection surface 26B3 is totally reflected toward first light output surface 24.
[0055] As described above, the light from second light source 21B that has been totally reflected by each total reflection surface is emitted from first light output surface 24, causing first light output surface 24 to emit light. As a result, an amber light-emitting region is formed on first light output surface 24. At this time, due to the action of each total reflection surface, the light from second light source 21B is guided to first light output surface 24 without going beyond first light output surface 24 in front view, and is emitted from said first light output surface 24.
[0056] As described above, the light guide main body 23 (light guide section 23a) includes a section (an example of a second light guide section of the present disclosure) that guides light from the second light source 21B, which enters through the second light entrance section 25B, to the first light exit surface 24 so that the light from the second light source 21B, which enters through the second light entrance section 25B, exits from the first light exit surface 24.
[0057] Next, the optical system A5 will be described.
[0058] The optical system A5 includes an extension 27 that is a part of the first light guide 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The extension 27 is provided on the innermost side of the first light guide 22 in the vehicle width direction.
[0059] A second light exit surface 28 is provided at the vehicle front end of the extension portion 27.
[0060] A total reflection surface 26A4 is provided at the vehicle rear end portion of the lower part in the thickness direction of extension portion 27 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5(c)).
[0061] In optical system A5, light Ray4 (see Figures 3 and 5(c)) from the first light source 21A enters through the first light entrance 25A in optical system A4 and is incident on total reflection surface 26A1, is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26A1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26A4 of optical system A5, which is arranged inward in the vehicle width direction from the total reflection surface 26A1, toward the second light exit surface 28, and exits from the second light exit surface 28.
[0062] As described above, the light Ray4 from the first light source 21A is totally reflected by each total reflection surface and is output from the second light output surface 28, causing the second light output surface 28 to emit light. As a result, a white light-emitting region is formed on the second light output surface 28.
[0063] As described above, extension portion 27 includes a portion (an example of a third light-guiding portion of the present disclosure) that guides a portion of the light from first light source 21A to second light-emitting surface 28 so that a portion of the light from first light source 21A guided by light-guiding portion 23a is emitted from second light-emitting surface 28.
[0064] On the other hand, in optical system A4 adjacent to optical system A5, light from the second light source 21B entering through the second light entrance 25B and incident on total reflection surface 26B1 is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B1 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and is totally reflected in a direction other than the second lamp 30 (for example, downward) by total reflection surface 29 arranged on the inside in the vehicle width direction relative to total reflection surface 26B1.
[0065] Next, the second lamp 30 will be described.
[0066] The second lamp 30 includes a third light source 21C and a second light guide 32 (see FIG. 1).
[0067] The third light source 21C is, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED that emits white light (an example of the first color light of the present disclosure). The third light source 21C has a light emitting surface (for example, a rectangular light emitting surface of 1 mm square). The light emitting surface of the third light source 21C is disposed adjacent to the base end portion BE of the second light guide 32. 32 The light receiving surface is disposed opposite the end face (light incident surface) of the optical fiber.
[0068] The second light guide 32 guides the light from the third light source 21C. The second light guide 32 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The second light guide 32 has a base end BE 32 The light from the third light source 21C incident on the end surface is guided to the tip portion FE. 32 and a fourth light guiding section 33 that guides light toward the base end BE. The fourth light guiding section 33 is a rod-shaped light guiding body (light guiding rod) that is configured in a three-dimensionally curved shape. The fourth light guiding section 33 is an example of the fourth light guiding section of the present disclosure. Specifically, the fourth light guiding section 33 has a base end BE 32 It extends obliquely downward toward the front of the vehicle from the side, and then extends obliquely downward toward the inside of the vehicle via a curved portion C1.
[0069] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a rod-shaped light guide having a general circular cross-sectional shape is used as the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33), but this is not limiting. For example, a rod-shaped light guide having a ginkgo-shaped cross-sectional shape or a rod-shaped light guide having another cross-sectional shape may be used as the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33).
[0070] The outer circumferential surface of fourth light guiding section 33 includes third light output surface 33a arranged on the vehicle front side (light irradiation direction) and reflecting surface 33b arranged on the opposite side, the vehicle rear side (see FIG. 1).
[0071] The cross-sectional shape of the third light-emitting surface 33a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is a convex arc shape toward the vehicle front side (light irradiation direction). The reflecting surface 33b includes a plurality of optical elements (not shown) that internally reflect (total reflect) the light from the third light source 21C that is guided inside the second light guide 32 and enters the reflecting surface 33b, and emits the light from the third light-emitting surface 33a. The optical elements are, for example, lens cuts (for example, V-grooves). The optical elements are provided, for example, in the range indicated by the symbol B1 in FIG. 1.
[0072] As described above, the light from the third light source 21C is emitted from the third light emitting surface 33a, and the third light emitting surface 33a (for example, the area indicated by reference symbol B1 in FIG. 1) emits light. As a result, a white light emitting region is formed on the third light emitting surface 33a.
[0073] The first lamp 20 and the second lamp 30 configured as described above are held by a holding member 40 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the first light output surface 24 of the first light guide 22 and the third light output surface 33a of the second light guide 32 are disposed adjacent to each other with a gap G1 in between in a front view. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the second light output surface 28 of the extension 27 of the first light guide 22 is disposed behind the gap G1 in a front view. FIG. 6 is a front view (simplified view) of the vehicle lamp 10.
[0074] In the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above, a DRL lamp can be realized by simultaneously turning on the first light source 21A and the third light source 21C at a first brightness and turning off the second light source 21B.
[0075] In the DRL lamp, the optical paths of the light emitted from the first light source 21A and the third light source 21C are as follows.
[0076] First, the optical path of the light emitted by the first light source 21A in the DRL lamp will be described.
[0077] When the first light source 21A is turned on, in the optical systems A1 to A3, the light emitted by the first light source 21A enters the first light guide 22 (each light guide 23a) through the first light entrance 25A. At that time, the light from the first light source 21A is converted into parallel light by the first light entrance 25A.
[0078] A part of the light from the first light source 21A converted into parallel light by the first light entrance section 25A (for example, see light Ray1 in FIG. 3) is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26A1 and the total reflection surface 26A4 in this order, and is output from the first light output surface 24. Similarly, another part of the light from the first light source 21A converted into parallel light by the first light entrance section 25A (for example, see light Ray2 in FIG. 3) is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26A2 and the total reflection surface 26A5 in this order, and is output from the first light output surface 24. Similarly, still another part of the light from the first light source 21A converted into parallel light by the first light entrance section 25A (for example, see light Ray3 in FIG. 3) is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26A3, and is output from the first light output surface 24.
[0079] On the other hand, in optical system A4, a portion of the light from first light source 21A converted into parallel light by first light entrance portion 25A (for example, see light Ray4 in FIG. 3) is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A1 toward total reflection surface 26A4 of optical system A5 disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to total reflection surface 26A. Also, in optical system A4, another portion of the light from first light source 21A converted into parallel light by first light entrance portion 25A is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A2 and total reflection surface 26A5 in this order, and is output from first light output surface 24.
[0080] As described above, in the optical systems A1 to A4, the light from the first light source 21A entering through the first light entering portion 25A is totally reflected by each total reflection surface and exits from the first light exit surface 24, causing the first light exit surface 24 of the first light guide 22 to emit light. As a result, a white light emitting region is formed on the first light exit surface 24 of the first light guide 22.
[0081] On the other hand, in optical system A5, light totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A1 of optical system A4 (for example, see light Ray4 in FIG. 3) is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26A4 and exits from second light exit surface 28. This causes second light exit surface 28 of extension 27 to emit light. This forms a white light emitting region on second light exit surface 28 of extension 27.
[0082] Next, the optical path of the light emitted by the third light source 21C in the DRL lamp will be described.
[0083] When the third light source 21C is turned on, the light emitted from the third light source 21C is guided to the base end portion BE of the second light guide 32. 32 The light enters the second light guide 32 from the end face (light entrance face) on the side, and undergoes repeated internal reflection (total reflection) within the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33), reaching the tip end FE of the second light guide 32. 32 The light is guided toward the side.
[0084] A part of the light guided through the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33) is internally reflected (total reflected) by the reflecting surface 33b (optical element) of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33) and exits from the third light exit surface 33a of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33). This causes the third light exit surface 33a of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33) to emit light. This forms a white light-emitting region on the third light exit surface 33a of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33).
[0085] As described above, a DRL lamp is realized by light from the first light source 21A exiting from the first light exit surface 24 of the first light guide 22 and light from the third light source 21C exiting from the third light exit surface 33a of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33).
[0086] In this case, since the second light output surface 28 (white light emission region) of the extension portion 27 is disposed behind the gap G1 between the first light output surface 24 (white light emission region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light output surface 33a (white light emission region) of the second light guide 32 (fourth light guide section 33) in the front view (see FIG. 6), the gap G1 can be made less noticeable. In other words, a sense of connection between the first light output surface 24 (white light emission region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light output surface 33a (white light emission region) of the second light guide 32 can be created.
[0087] This effect will be described in comparison with a comparative example.
[0088] In the comparative example, the extension portion (second light-emitting surface 28) is omitted. Other than that, the comparative example has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10.
[0089] Fig. 7(a) is a diagram (simulation result) showing the light-emitting area of a vehicle lamp of a comparative example. Fig. 7(b) is a diagram (simulation result) showing the light-emitting area of the vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment. The white areas in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b) represent the light-emitting areas.
[0090] Referring to Figure 7(a), it can be seen that in the comparative example vehicle lamp in which the extension portion (second light exit surface 28) is omitted, a dark area D1 corresponding to the gap G1 between the first light exit surface 24 (white light emitting region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light exit surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32 is noticeable, that is, a sense of continuity between the first light exit surface 24 (white light emitting region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light exit surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32 cannot be achieved.
[0091] On the other hand, referring to Figure 7 (b), in an embodiment of the vehicle lamp 10 having an extension portion (second light exit surface 28), it can be seen that the dark area corresponding to the gap G1 between the first light exit surface 24 (white light emitting region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light exit surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32 is not noticeable, that is, a sense of connection can be created between the first light exit surface 24 (white light emitting region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light exit surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32.
[0092] In the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above, a position lamp can be realized by lighting the first light source 21A and the third light source 21C at a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness, and turning off the second light source 21B.
[0093] In the position lamp, the optical paths of the light emitted by the first light source 21A and the third light source 21C are similar to those described in the DRL lamp above.
[0094] In this case, as in the case of realizing a DRL lamp, it is possible to make the gap G1 between the first light output surface 24 (white light emission region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light output surface 33a (white light emission region) of the second light guide 32 less noticeable. That is, it is possible to create a sense of connection between the first light output surface 24 (white light emission region) of the first light guide 22 and the third light output surface 33a (white light emission region) of the second light guide 32.
[0095] In the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above, a turn signal can be realized by turning on the second light source 21B. At that time, the first light source 21A is turned off and the third light source 21C is turned on.
[0096] In the turn lamp, the optical path of the light emitted by the second light source 21B is as follows: When the second light source 21B is turned on, in the optical systems A1 to A3, the light emitted by the second light source 21B enters the first light guide 22 from the second light entrance portion 25B. At that time, the light from the second light source 21B is converted into parallel light by the second light entrance portion 25B.
[0097] A portion of the light from second light source 21B converted into parallel light by second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B1 and total reflection surface 26B4 in this order, and exits from first light exit surface 24. Similarly, another portion of the light from second light source 21B converted into parallel light by second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B2 and total reflection surface 26B5 in this order, and exits from first light exit surface 24. Similarly, yet another portion of the light from second light source 21B converted into parallel light by second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B3, and exits from first light exit surface 24.
[0098] On the other hand, in optical system A4, a part of the light from second light source 21B converted into parallel light by second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B1 toward total reflection surface 29 of optical system A5 arranged inside total reflection surface 26B in the vehicle width direction. Also, in optical system A4, another part of the light from second light source 21B converted into parallel light by second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by total reflection surface 26B2 and total reflection surface 26B5 in this order, and is output from first light output surface 24.
[0099] As described above, in the optical systems A1 to A4, the light from the second light source 21B entering through the second light entrance portion 25B is totally reflected by each total reflection surface and exits from the first light exit surface 24, causing the first light exit surface 24 of the first light guide 22 to emit light. As a result, an amber light-emitting region is formed on the first light exit surface 24 of the first light guide 22.
[0100] On the other hand, in the optical system A5, the light (amber light) totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B1 of the optical system A4 is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 29 in a direction other than the second lamp 30 (for example, downward). Therefore, the light from the second light source 21B does not enter the second light guide 32. This makes it possible to prevent the third light output surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32 from emitting mixed colors.
[0101] As described above, according to this embodiment, when two lamp functions are realized with two lamps, for example, when one lamp 20 realizes a lamp function of emitting a second color light (e.g., amber light) and the other lamp 30 realizes a lamp function of emitting a first color light (e.g., white light), it is possible to prevent the second color light from extending outside one of the lamps 20 and causing the light-emitting area of the other lamp 30 to emit mixed colors.
[0102] This is because the light (amber light) from the second light source 21B is guided to the first light exit surface 24 without escaping from the first light exit surface 24 when viewed from the front, due to the action of each total reflection surface, and is emitted from the first light exit surface 24.
[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the vehicle lamp 10 functions as a DRL lamp (or a position lamp), the gap G1 between the two lamps 20, 30 can be made to appear bright and not to be a dark area without the need for a dedicated light source.
[0104] This is because, behind the gap G1 between the first light exit surface 24 (white light emitting area) of the first light guide 22 and the third light exit surface 33a (white light emitting area) of the second light guide 32, there is disposed the second light exit surface 28 (white light emitting area) of the extension 27, through which a portion of the light from the first light source 21A constituting the first lamp 20 exits, rather than being a dedicated light source.
[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the vehicle lamp 10 functions as a turn signal, it is possible to prevent the third light output surface 33a (white light emitting region) of the second light guide 32 from emitting mixed colors.
[0106] This is because the light (amber light) totally reflected by the total reflection surface 26B1 of the optical system A4 is totally reflected by the total reflection surface 29 in a direction other than the second lamp 30 (for example, downward), and does not enter the second light guide 32.
[0107] Next, a modified example will be described.
[0108] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a turn lamp, a DRL (Daytime Running Lamp) lamp, and a position lamp, but is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle signal lamp that functions as a lamp (one or more lamps) other than a turn lamp, a DRL (Daytime Running Lamp), and a position lamp.
[0109] The numerical values shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that suitable numerical values different from these can be used.
[0110] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the description of the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main characteristics thereof. [Explanation of symbols]
[0111] 10...Vehicle lighting fixtures 20...1st light fixture 21A…1st light source 21B…Second light source 21C…Third light source 22...First light guide 23...Light guide body 23a...Light guiding part 24…1st light output surface 25A…1st light incident part 25A1…Central light entrance surface 25A2…Ambient light incident surface 25A3…Surrounding reflective surface 25B…Second light incident part 26A…Total reflection surface 26A1~26A5…Total reflection surface 26B…Total reflection surface 26B1~26B5…Total reflection surface 27...Extension part 28…Second light output surface 29…Total reflection surface 30…Second light fixture 32…Second light guide 33…4th light guide 33a…3rd light emitting surface 33b…Reflective surface 40…Maintaining parts A1~A5…Optics Department AX 21A , AX 25A1 …optical axis BE 32 ...base end C1...wanqubu D1…Dark F 25A1 …focus FE 32 ...the tip G1...gap
Claims
1. A first lamp; A second lamp, The first lamp includes: a first light source that emits light of a first color; a second light source that emits light of a second color different from the first color; a first light guide that guides the light from the first light source and the light from the second light source, The second lamp includes: a third light source that emits light of the first color; a second light guide that guides the light from the third light source, The first light guide includes a light guide body and an extension portion. the light guide body includes a first light exit surface, a first light entrance portion into which light from the first light source enters, a first light guiding portion that guides the light from the first light source that enters from the first light entrance portion to the first light exit surface so that the light from the first light source that enters from the first light entrance portion exits from the first light exit surface, a second light entrance portion into which light from the second light source enters, and a second light guiding portion that guides the light from the second light source that enters from the second light entrance portion to the first light exit surface so that the light from the second light source that enters from the second light entrance portion is guided to the first light exit surface without going beyond the first light exit surface in a front view and exits from the first light exit surface, the extension portion includes a second light exit surface and a third light guiding portion that guides a portion of the light from the first light source to the second light exit surface such that a portion of the light from the first light source guided by the first light guiding portion is emitted from the second light exit surface, the second light guide includes a third light exit surface, a third light entrance portion, and a fourth light guide portion that guides the light from the third light source that enters through the third light entrance portion to the third light exit surface such that the light from the third light source that enters through the third light entrance portion exits from the third light exit surface, The first light output surface and the third light output surface are disposed adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in a front view, The second light output surface is disposed rearward of the gap in a front view of the vehicle lamp.
2. the first color is white; 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the second color is amber.
3. When the first light source and the third light source are turned on simultaneously, a light emitting region of the first color is formed on the first light emitting surface in a front view by emitting a part of the light from the first light source from the first light emitting surface; Another part of the light from the first light source is emitted from the second light output surface, so that a light emitting region of the first color is formed on the second light output surface in a front view, The vehicular lamp according to claim 2 , wherein the light from the third light source is emitted from the third light output surface, so that a light emitting region of the first color is formed on the third light output surface in a front view.
4. When the second light source and the third light source are turned on at the same time, the light from the second light source is emitted from the first light output surface, so that a light emitting region of the second color is formed on the first light output surface in a front view; The vehicular lamp according to claim 2 , wherein the light from the third light source is emitted from the third light output surface, so that a light emitting region of the first color is formed on the third light output surface in a front view.
5. 5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, wherein the first light guide includes a total reflection surface that totally reflects at least a portion of the light of the second color from the second light source so that at least a portion of the light of the second color from the second light source is not emitted from the third light exit surface.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Lighting tool for vehicle
JP2014123547A