Luminaire

Abstract

To provide a luminaire which can cut down the number of components and reduce the cost.SOLUTION: A luminaire related to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a linear conductor having a first side end part into which light from a light source is introduced, and a second side end part located on the opposite side of the first side end part, and linearly emitting light by the propagation of the light introduced into the first side end part toward the second side end part; a coating part attached on the linear conductor so as to surround the circumference of at least the second side end part of the linear conductor; and a shading tube having a protrusion part integrally connected with the coating part and protruding from the second side end part of the linear conductor. The protrusion part is constituted to be foldable so as to coat a second side end face of the linear conductor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] An interior panel of a vehicle, such as a center console or an instrument panel, may be equipped with an illumination device that emits linear light along the outer periphery of the interior panel. A known illumination device of this type includes a linear light guide that guides light emitted from a light source and a light-shielding cap provided at the end (tip) of the light guide opposite to the light source (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). With this configuration, light introduced from the light source into the light guide is emitted from the outer surface of the light guide as it propagates through the light guide, causing the outer edge of the interior panel to emit light in a linear pattern. Furthermore, the light that has propagated through the light guide to its tip is blocked from emitting to the outside by the light-shielding cap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6686836 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned lighting device, a light-shielding tube is sometimes provided to surround the light guide in order to limit the emission range in the extension direction of the light guide. In this case, the light-shielding tube and the light-shielding cap are provided separately, which increases the number of parts and manufacturing costs.

[0005] The present invention provides a lighting device that can reduce the number of parts and the cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure employs the following aspects. An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a linear light guide having a first side end into which light from a light source is introduced and a second side end located opposite the first side end, and emitting light linearly as the light introduced into the first side end propagates toward the second side end; a covering portion attached to the linear light guide so as to surround at least the second side end of the linear light guide; and a light-shielding tube integrally connected to the covering portion and having a protrusion protruding from the second side end of the linear light guide, wherein the protrusion is configured to be bendable relative to the covering portion so as to cover the second side end face of the linear light guide.

[0007] According to this aspect, by attaching the covering portion of the light-shielding tube to the linear light guide, it is possible to prevent light from emitting from the outer peripheral surface of at least the second side end portion of the linear light guide, thereby making it possible to adjust the emission range in the extension direction of the linear light guide. Furthermore, by bending the protruding portion of the light-shielding tube toward the covering portion, the second side end face of the linear light guide can be covered by the light-shielding tube. This prevents light from leaking from the second side end face of the linear light guide. This configuration reduces the number of parts and costs compared to conventional configurations in which the second side end face of the linear light guide is covered by an end cap separate from the light-shielding tube. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and lower costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an interior of a vehicle according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a second light-shielding tube according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lighting unit before bending. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components may be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only strictly refer to such arrangements, but also refer to a state in which there is a relative displacement with an angle or distance that allows tolerance or the same function to be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "facing" does not only refer to a case in which the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of two surfaces are aligned with each other, but also includes a case in which the orthogonal directions intersect with each other.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the interior of a vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on, for example, a center console 11 of a vehicle 10. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the directions of front, rear, left, right, etc. in the following description are the same as the directions in the vehicle described below. Also, in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle are shown in appropriate places.

[0012] <Center console 11> The center console 11 is disposed between the driver's seat 15 and the passenger seat 16, and is formed in a box shape extending in the front-rear direction. The center console 11 includes an exterior body 21, a frame (not shown), and the lighting device 1.

[0013] The exterior body 21 forms the outer shell of the center console 11. The surface of the exterior body 21 forms a design surface exposed to the vehicle interior S. Specifically, the exterior body 21 includes a main panel 31 and a pair of side panels 32. The main panel 31 and the side panels 32 are each configured to be opaque (light-blocking). The main panel 31 mainly constitutes the upper surface of the design surfaces of the center console 11. Specifically, the main panel 31 extends in the front-rear direction with the thickness direction being the up-down direction. A through-hole 31a is formed in the front part of the main panel 31 to allow the shift lever 35 to protrude upward.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of side panels 32 mainly constitute the side surfaces of the design surface of the center console 11. The pair of side panels 32 are respectively disposed on the outer sides of the main panel 31 in the vehicle width direction. The pair of side panels 32 extend in the front-rear direction along the side panels 32, with the vehicle width direction being the thickness direction. Grooves 36 are formed between the upper edges of the side panels 32 and both left and right end edges of each side panel 32. The grooves 36 extend in the front-rear direction along the outer peripheral edges of the upper ends of the center console 11 (ridge lines located on both sides in the vehicle width direction).

[0015] The frame is disposed inside the exterior body 21. The exterior body 21 is fixed to the frame with fastening members such as clips and screws. In this way, the frame supports the exterior body 21 from the inside.

[0016] <Lighting device 1> The lighting device 1 decorates the center console 11 by illuminating the area corresponding to the groove 36 (the outer peripheral edge of the upper end of the center console 11) in a linear manner. The lighting device 1 includes a cover member 41 and a lighting unit 42. Note that a similar lighting device 1 is provided in each groove 36. Therefore, the following will describe the details of one of the lighting devices 1, and will omit a description of the other lighting device 1.

[0017] The cover member 41 is attached to the exterior body 21 or the frame so as to fill the groove portion 36. The cover member 41 is made of a translucent or transparent material. In this case, the cover member 41 is preferably formed to have light transmittance and a color (for example, milky white) such that the interior of the center console 11 cannot be seen through the cover member 41. Note that the cover member 41 may be a transparent color such as red or blue, as long as it is light transmittance.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the lighting device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover member 41 includes a transmission portion 51, a unit accommodating wall 52, and an attachment piece 53 (see FIG. 2). The transparent portion 51, together with the exterior body 21, constitutes the design surface of the center console 11. The transparent portion 51 extends in the front-rear direction with the thickness direction being the up-down direction. The transparent portion 51 is provided so as to fill the groove portion 36. Note that it is sufficient that at least the transparent portion 51 of the cover member 41 has the above-described light transmittance.

[0019] The unit accommodating wall 52 is continuous with the outer edge of the transmitting portion 51 in the vehicle width direction. The unit accommodating wall 52 is formed, for example, in an L shape when viewed from the front-rear direction. In a cross-sectional view, the unit accommodating wall 52 extends downward from the outer edge of the transmitting portion 51 in the vehicle width direction, and then extends inward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the unit accommodating wall 52 and the transmitting portion 51 form a holding space C in which the lighting unit 42 is held. 3, the mounting piece 53 extends downward from the unit housing wall 52. The mounting piece 53 is attached to the exterior body 21 or the frame by a fastening member such as a screw or a clip.

[0020] The lighting unit 42 emits light toward the outside of the center console 11 (vehicle interior S) through the transmission portion 51. Specifically, the lighting unit 42 includes a light source 61, a linear light guide 62, a first light-shielding tube 63, a second light-shielding tube 64, and a holding member 65. For example, an LED or a laser is used as the light source 61. The light source 61 is fixed inside the exterior body 21 to the exterior body 21 or to the frame.

[0021] The linear light conductor 62 is a flexible wire material, such as glass fiber, that is capable of propagating light. The linear light conductor 62 propagates light introduced into the interior along the direction of extension of the linear light conductor 62, and emits (emits) a portion of the light from the outer circumferential surface during propagation inside the linear light conductor 62. Note that the linear light conductor 62 may also be a light pipe made of a resin material or the like.

[0022] A base end (first side end) of the linear light conductor 62 is attached to the light source 61. That is, light emitted from the light source 61 is introduced into the linear light conductor 62 through the base end surface (first side end surface) of the linear light conductor 62. After being drawn out from the light source 61, the linear light conductor 62 is drawn in the front-rear direction through the accommodation space C over the entire length of the transmission section 51.

[0023] The light-shielding tubes 63, 64 are attached to the linear light conductor 62 in a state in which they surround the periphery of the linear light conductor 62. The light-shielding tubes 63, 64 block light emitted from the linear light conductor 62. That is, the light-shielding tubes 63, 64 have the function of limiting the emission range in the extension direction of the linear light conductor 62. As the light-shielding tubes 63, 64, so-called heat-shrinkable tubes that shrink in the radial direction when heated are preferably used. However, the light-shielding tubes 63, 64 may also shrink due to ultraviolet rays or the like. Furthermore, the light-shielding tubes 63, 64 may be configured to be attached to the linear light conductor 62 by the restoring force of a material such as rubber.

[0024] The first light-shielding tube 63 is attached to a portion including the base end of the linear light guide 62. Specifically, the first light-shielding tube 63 continuously covers a predetermined range in the extension direction of the linear light guide 62, from the connection portion with the light source 61, in the portion of the linear light guide 62 that is not accommodated in the accommodation space C. However, the attachment range of the first light-shielding tube 63 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the first light-shielding tube 63 is not an essential component.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the second light-shielding tube 64. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in Fig. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the second light-shielding tube (light-shielding tube) 64 includes a covering portion 64a and a protruding portion 64b. The covering portion 64a is attached to a portion including the leading end (rear end) of the linear light conductor 62. Specifically, the covering portion 64a continuously covers a predetermined range in the extending direction of the linear light conductor 62 from the leading end surface of the linear light conductor 62. The inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 64a is in close contact with the entire outer peripheral surface of the linear light conductor 62.

[0026] The protrusion 64b is integral with the covering portion 64a and protrudes from the tip end (second side end) of the linear light conductor 62. The protrusion 64b is bent so as to overlap the covering portion 64a. As a result, the protrusion 64b covers the tip end surface of the linear light conductor 62. In the example shown in the figure, the protrusion 64b is bent so as to overlap the covering portion 64a from above. In this case, the protrusion 64b is arranged so as not to overlap the portion of the linear light conductor 62 that is exposed from the covering portion 64a. Note that the overlapping direction, bending method, length, etc. of the protrusion 64b can be changed as appropriate, as long as the tip end surface of the linear light conductor 62 is covered by the protrusion 64b in the bent state. In addition, the position of the bent portion of the protrusion 64b can be changed as appropriate.

[0027] In this embodiment, "bending" refers to a state in which the protruding portion 64b is deformed so that the extending direction of the protruding portion 64b intersects with the extending direction of the covering portion 64a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the covering portion 64a is bent 180° with respect to the protruding portion 64b. However, as long as the protruding portion 64b is configured to cover the tip surface of the linear light guide 62, the bending angle of the protruding portion 64b with respect to the covering portion 64a (the angle between the extending directions of the protruding portion 64b and the covering portion 64a) can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the covering portion 64a may be bent in a manner other than folding in half (for example, zigzag folding, etc.).

[0028] The holding member 65 is a so-called binding band. Specifically, the holding member 65 includes a belt-shaped portion 71 and a locking portion 72. The strip-shaped portion 71 is a long member having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is flexible. The locking portion 72 is integrally connected to the first side end portion of the strip-shaped portion 71. The locking portion 72 has an insertion hole 72a formed therein, which penetrates the locking portion 72.

[0029] The retaining member 65 binds the overlapping portion P by inserting the band-shaped portion 71 into the insertion hole 72a with the band-shaped portion 71 wrapped around the overlapping portion P between the covering portion 64a and the protruding portion 64b of the second light-shielding tube 64. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a first through-hole 52a penetrating the unit housing wall 52 is formed in the unit housing wall (another member) 52 at a position overlapping the binding portion of the retaining member 65. The main panel 31 is also formed with a rib 75 protruding toward the inside of the exterior body 21. The rib 75 includes a vertical rib 75a extending in the up-down direction and a horizontal rib 75b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the vertical rib 75a. The horizontal rib (another member) 75b is formed with a second through-hole 75c penetrating the horizontal rib 75b. The band-shaped portion 71 is wrapped around the overlapping portion P through the first through-hole 52a and the second through-hole 75c. That is, the holding member 65, together with the cover member 41 (unit accommodating wall 52) and the exterior body 21 (horizontal rib 75b), binds the lighting unit 42. Note that a restricting portion (not shown) is formed within the insertion hole 72a to allow movement of the strip-shaped portion 71 in the insertion direction and restrict movement of the strip-shaped portion 71 in the removal direction.

[0030] <Operation of lighting device 1> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , in the lighting device 1, light emitted from the light source 61 is introduced into the linear light conductor 62 through the base end surface of the linear light conductor 62. The light introduced into the linear light conductor 62 propagates within the linear light conductor 62 toward the tip end. A portion of the light propagating within the linear light conductor 62 is emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the linear light conductor 62 during propagation within the linear light conductor 62. The light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the linear light conductor 62 is emitted into the vehicle interior S through the transmission portion 51. As a result, the outer peripheral edge at the upper end of the center console 11 emits light in a linear pattern, decorating the center console 11.

[0031] In the lighting device 1 of this embodiment, a part of the outer circumferential surface of the linear light guiding member 62 is covered by the light-shielding tubes 63 and 64. This blocks light from emitting from the part of the outer circumferential surface of the linear light guiding member 62 that is covered by the light-shielding tubes 63 and 64. In addition, the tip end surface of the linear light guiding member 62 is covered by the protruding portion 64b of the second light-shielding tube 64. This also blocks light from emitting from the tip end surface of the linear light guiding member 62.

[0032] <Method of assembling the lighting device 1> Next, a method for assembling the lighting device 1 of this embodiment will be described. The following mainly describes a method for assembling the second light-shielding tube 64 and a method for assembling the lighting device 1 when it is mounted as the center console 11. Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lighting unit 42 before it is bent. First, the second light-shielding tube 64 is attached to the tip end of the linear light conductor 62. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the tip end of the linear light conductor 62 is inserted into a portion of the second light-shielding tube 64 (the portion corresponding to the covering portion 64a). In this state, the second light-shielding tube 64 is heated. As a result, the second light-shielding tube 64 shrinks mainly radially inward. In this case, the portion of the second light-shielding tube 64 into which the linear light conductor 62 is inserted is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the linear light conductor 62, thereby restricting shrinkage. On the other hand, the portion of the second light-shielding tube 64 protruding from the linear light conductor 62 shrinks more than the portion into which the linear light conductor 62 is inserted. Therefore, the second light-shielding tube 64 has a covering portion 64a that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the linear light conductor 62 and a protruding portion 64b that protrudes from the linear light conductor 62 and has a smaller diameter than the covering portion 64a.

[0033] 3 and 6, the linear light guide 62 is assembled to the cover member 41. Specifically, the linear light guide 62 is routed along the accommodation space C. Subsequently, the protruding portion 64b of the second light-shielding tube 64 is bent so that the protruding portion 64b is superposed on the covering portion 64a (see the arrow in FIG. 6).

[0034] Thereafter, the lighting device 1 is fixed to the exterior body 21 or a frame so that the transmission portion 51 is exposed through the groove portion . Then, with the strip-shaped portion 71 inserted into the first through-hole 52a and the second through-hole 75c, the overlapping portion P of the lighting unit 42 is bound together with the unit accommodating wall 52 and the horizontal rib 75b by the holding member 65. As a result, the lighting device 1 is assembled as the center console 11 with the tip end surface of the linear light guide 62 covered by the protrusion 64b.

[0035] As described above, the lighting device 1 of this embodiment includes a linear light guide 62 having a base end (first side end) into which light from the light source 61 is introduced and a tip end (second side end) located opposite the base end, and emitting light linearly as the light introduced into the base end propagates toward the tip end; a covering portion 64a attached to the linear light guide 62 so as to surround at least the periphery of the tip end of the linear light guide 62; and a second light-shielding tube (light-shielding tube) 64 that is integrally connected to the covering portion 64a and has a protrusion 64b that protrudes from the tip end of the linear light guide 62, and the protrusion 64b is configured to be bendable relative to the covering portion 64a. According to this configuration, by bending the protruding portion 64b of the second light-shielding tube 64 toward the covering portion 64a, the tip surface (second side end surface) of the linear light guide 62 can be covered by the second light-shielding tube 64. This makes it possible to prevent light from leaking from the tip surface of the linear light guide 62. In this case, compared to a conventional configuration in which the tip surface of the linear light guide 62 is covered by an end cap separate from the light-shielding tube, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and lower costs.

[0036] The lighting device 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a cover member 41 that covers the linear light guide 62 and allows light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the linear light guide 62 to pass through. According to this configuration, light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the linear light guide 62 passes through the cover member 41 (transmitting portion 51), making it appear as if the surface of the cover member 41 is emitting light. In this case, the light-emitting surface can be formed in various shapes and layouts depending on the shape of the cover member 41.

[0037] The lighting device 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a holding member 65 that holds the protruding portion 64b in a bent state. This configuration allows the protruding portion 64b to maintain its bent state so that it can withstand vibrations and changes over time, for example, and thus provides a lighting device 1 that is highly reliable over a long period of time.

[0038] In the lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the holding member 65 is configured to bind the second light-shielding tube 64 together with other members (such as the unit accommodating wall 52 and the horizontal ribs 75b). According to this configuration, by binding the second light-shielding tube 64 to another member with the holding member 65, the lighting device 1 can be attached to the other member without using a separate attachment member, which allows for further reduction in the number of parts and cost.

[0039] In the lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the second light-shielding tube 64 is configured to be formed from a heat-shrinkable tube. According to this configuration, the second light-shielding tube 64 is heated while the tip of the linear light guide 62 is inserted inside the unshrunk second light-shielding tube 64. This allows the portion of the second light-shielding tube 64 where the tip of the linear light guide 62 is inserted to function as the covering portion 64a, and the portion protruding from the linear light guide 62 to function as the protruding portion 64b. This facilitates the realization of the second light-shielding tube 64 having the covering portion 64a and the protruding portion 64b. Furthermore, the portion of the second light-shielding tube 64 where the linear light guide 62 is not inserted (the protruding portion 64b) tends to shrink more easily than the portion where the linear light guide 62 is inserted (the covering portion 64a). That is, in the shrunken second light-shielding tube 64, the outer diameter of the protruding portion 64b tends to be smaller than the outer diameter of the covering portion 64a. This makes it easier to determine the starting point of the bending of the second light-shielding tube 64, thereby improving the yield of the lighting device 1.

[0040] In the lighting device 1 of this embodiment, the linear light guide 62 is made of glass fiber. This configuration allows the linear light guide 62 to have flexibility, which allows the lighting device 1 to be adapted to various shapes and layouts.

[0041] (Other variations) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above-described embodiment, the lighting device 1 is mounted on the center console 11 of the vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The lighting device 1 can be mounted on various interior panels of the vehicle 10, such as the instrument panel 100, a door panel, or a meter panel. The lighting device 1 may also be mounted on a device other than the vehicle 10. In the above-described embodiment, the lighting device 1 is configured to include the cover member 41, but the lighting device 1 is not limited to this configuration. The cover member 41 is not an essential component.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the holding member 65 binds the overlapping portion P together with other members, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The holding member 65 may be configured to bind only the overlapping portion P. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a cable tie is used as the holding member 65 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The holding member 65 may be a wire or a clip, or may be adhesive, etc. Also, the overlapping portion P may be fitted into the cover member 41, etc., so that the cover member 41, etc., functions as the holding member.

[0043] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> a linear light guide having a first side end portion into which light from a light source is introduced and a second side end portion located opposite to the first side end portion, the light introduced into the first side end portion propagating toward the second side end portion to emit light linearly; a covering portion attached to the linear light guiding body so as to surround at least the second side end portion of the linear light guiding body; and a light-shielding tube integrally connected to the covering portion and having a protrusion protruding from the second side end portion of the linear light guiding body, The protruding portion is configured to be bendable relative to the covering portion so as to cover the second side end surface of the linear light guide. <2> a cover member that covers the linear light guide and allows light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the linear light guide to pass through; <1> The lighting device according to claim 1. <3> A holding member is provided to hold the protrusion in a folded state. <1> or <2> The lighting device according to claim 1. <4> The holding member binds the light-shielding tube together with other members. <3> The lighting device according to claim 1. <5> The light-shielding tube is formed of a heat-shrinkable tube. <1> from <4> 10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the light source is a light source. <6> The linear light guide is a glass fiber. <1> from <5> 10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the light source is a light source.

[0044] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1: Lighting equipment 41: Cover member 61:Light source 62: Linear light guide 64: Second light-shielding tube (light-shielding tube) 64a: Covering part 64b:Protrusion 65: Holding member

Claims

1. a linear light guide having a first side end portion into which light from a light source is introduced and a second side end portion located opposite to the first side end portion, the light introduced into the first side end portion propagating toward the second side end portion to emit light linearly; a covering portion attached to the linear light guiding body so as to surround at least the second side end portion of the linear light guiding body; and a light-shielding tube integrally connected to the covering portion and having a protrusion protruding from the second side end portion of the linear light guiding body, The protruding portion is configured to be bendable relative to the covering portion so as to cover the second side end surface of the linear light guide.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover member that covers the linear light guide and allows light emitted from an outer peripheral surface of the linear light guide to pass therethrough.

3. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member for holding the protrusion in a bent state.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3 , wherein the holding member binds the light-shielding tube together with other members.

5. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding tube is formed of a heat-shrinkable tube.

6. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the linear light guide is a glass fiber.

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