Vehicle display device

The vehicle display device integrates a light guide with reflection cuts to uniformly illuminate both the display pattern and light-emitting portion using a single light source, addressing brightness differences and improving visibility and appearance.

JP2025117940APending Publication Date: 2025-08-13STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024012949
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-31
Publication Date
2025-08-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle display devices are configured separately from vehicle lamps, leading to differences in brightness between the display pattern and the light-emitting portion of the vehicle lamp, which reduces visibility and appearance.

Method used

A vehicle display device incorporating a light guide with a rod-shaped and plate-shaped sections, reflection cuts, and a display light-emitting unit that uses the same light source for both the display pattern and light-emitting portion, ensuring uniform brightness through strategic placement and adjustment of reflection cuts.

Benefits of technology

The device achieves uniform illumination of the display pattern and light-emitting portion, enhancing visibility and appearance by using the same light source, simplifying structure, and reducing manufacturing costs.

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Abstract

To provide a vehicle display device that can produce light emission with good visibility and appearance.SOLUTION: A light guide body 3 includes: a rod-shaped first light guide part 31 extending from one end side to the other end side, the one end side being opposite a light source 2; a plate-shaped second light guide part 32 positioned between the one end side and the other end side of the first light guide part 31 and projecting toward one side in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the first light guide part 31; an incident part 33 positioned at least on one end side of the first light guide part 31; a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 positioned on the side of the first light guide part 31 opposite to the side where the second light guide part 32 projects; a plurality of second reflection cuts positioned on a back face side of the second light guide part 32; and a display light emission part E1 which is positioned on a front face side of the second light guide part 32, and which emits light in a shape corresponding to a display pattern P formed of the plurality of second reflection cuts by emitting light reflected at the plurality of second reflection cuts to the outside from the front face side of the second light guide part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a combination of a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a rod-shaped or plate-shaped light guide has been known as a vehicle lamp to be mounted on a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] In such vehicle lamps, light emitted from a light source enters the base end of the light guide and is guided toward the tip end of the light guide while repeatedly reflecting inside the light guide. Furthermore, the light reflected by multiple reflection cutouts on the back side of the light guide is emitted from the front side of the light guide. This allows the light-emitting element on the front side of the light guide to emit light in a line or a plane.

[0004] On the other hand, some vehicles are equipped with a vehicle display device that is mounted on the back gate or trunk lid at the rear of the vehicle and displays brand names such as the vehicle name and manufacturer name, logo marks, etc. as a light-emitting display pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-020396 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the above-mentioned vehicle display device is configured separately from the vehicle lamp. Therefore, the display pattern needs to be illuminated using a light source separate from the vehicle lamp. Furthermore, if the same light source is used to illuminate the display pattern and the light-emitting portion of the vehicle lamp, differences in distance from the light source may result in differences in brightness between the display pattern and the light-emitting portion of the vehicle lamp, which may reduce visibility and appearance.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and has an object to provide a vehicle display device that is capable of emitting light with good visibility and good appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A light source and a light guide are provided, The light guide body includes a rod-shaped first light guide portion extending from one end facing the light source to the other end, a plate-shaped second light guiding portion located between one end side and the other end side of the first light guiding portion and protruding toward one side in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first light guiding portion extends; an incident portion located at least on one end side of the first light guiding portion and allowing the light emitted from the light source to enter the inside of the first light guiding portion; a plurality of first reflection cutouts located on the opposite side of the first light guiding section from the side where the second light guiding section protrudes, and which reflect a portion of the light guided inside the first light guiding section toward the second light guiding section; a plurality of second reflection cutouts positioned on a rear surface side of the second light guiding unit and reflecting light guided inside the second light guiding unit toward a front surface side of the second light guiding unit; a display light-emitting unit that is located on the front side of the second light-guiding unit and emits light reflected by the plurality of second reflection cuts to the outside from the front side of the second light-guiding unit, thereby emitting light in a shape corresponding to a display pattern formed by the plurality of second reflection cuts. [2] The light guide body includes a plurality of third reflection cutouts located on the back side of the first light guide section and reflecting light guided inside the first light guide section toward the front side of the first light guide section; The vehicle display device described in [1] is characterized in that it has a line light emitting section that is located on the front side of the first light guiding section and emits light reflected by the plurality of third reflection cuts from the front side of the first light guiding section to the outside, thereby emitting light in a line shape. [3] The vehicle display device described in [1], wherein the display light-emitting unit is configured by arranging a plurality of display patterns in the direction in which the first light-guiding unit of the second light-guiding unit extends. [4] The vehicle display device described in [1], wherein the second light guide section has a plurality of connection sections connected to the first light guide section and slit sections that form spaces between adjacent ones of the plurality of connection sections. [5] The vehicle display device according to [4], wherein the plurality of first reflection cuts are provided at portions facing the plurality of connection portions. [6] The connection portion is provided so as to connect both ends of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion, the first light guiding section has a light guiding and emitting surface located on a side facing the space, the second light guiding section has a light guiding entrance surface located on a side facing the space, The vehicle display device described in [4], characterized in that light emitted from the light guide exit surface toward the space enters the inside of the second light guide section from the light guide entrance surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle display device that is capable of emitting light with good visibility and good appearance is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side; [Figure 2] 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a vehicle display device that constitutes the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device taken along line AA shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device taken along line BB shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device taken along line CC shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device taken along line DD shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 is a front view showing a modified example of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a front view showing a modified example of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a front view showing another configuration of the display light emitting unit and the line light emitting unit of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a front view showing another configuration of the display light emitting unit and the line light emitting unit of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle display device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the incident portion side of the light guide body included in the vehicle display device shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the dimensions of the components may be shown at different scales to make them easier to see, and the dimensional ratios of the components may not necessarily be the same as in reality.

[0012] As one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 100 including a vehicle display device 1 shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 13 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle B equipped with a vehicle lamp 100, as seen from the rear. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a vehicle display device 1 constituting the vehicle lamp 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device 1 taken along line BB in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device 1 taken along line CC in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle display device 1 taken along line DD in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a modified example of the vehicle display device 1. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a modified example of the vehicle display device 1. FIG. 9 is a front view showing another configuration of the display light-emitting unit E1 and the line light-emitting unit E2 of the vehicle display device 1. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle display device 1 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a front view showing another configuration of the display light-emitting unit E1 and the line light-emitting unit E2 of the vehicle display device 1. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the configuration of the vehicle display device 1 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the incident portion 33 side of the light guide 3 included in the vehicle display device 1. In FIG.

[0013] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, with the X-axis direction being the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle display device 1 (vehicle lighting fixture 100), the Y-axis direction being the left-to-right direction of the vehicle display device 1 (vehicle lighting fixture 100), and the Z-axis direction being the up-to-down direction of the vehicle display device 1 (vehicle lighting fixture 100).

[0014] A vehicle lamp 100 equipped with the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on the rear side of a vehicle B, as shown in FIG. 1, and has a display light-emitting unit E1 located in the center of the vehicle width direction, which emits light to display a display pattern P such as the vehicle name, brand name such as the manufacturer name, and a logo mark, and a pair of line light-emitting units E2 located on either side of the display light-emitting unit E1 in the vehicle width direction, which emit light in a line shape while extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which the display light emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light emitting units E2 are arranged in a straight line.

[0016] In the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, the display light-emitting element E1 positively displays a six-letter display pattern P of "ABCDEF" by emitting red light, and the pair of line light-emitting elements E2 emits red light in a line as a tail lamp (TLL) of the vehicle lamp 100. In addition to the above-mentioned letters, the display pattern P can also include, but is not limited to, numbers, symbols, figures, characters, etc.

[0017] In addition to the tail lamp TLL described above, the vehicle lighting device 100 is configured to have brake lamps (BRL) on both sides of the vehicle width direction that emit red light that is brighter than the tail lamps (TLL) when vehicle B brakes, turn lamps (TRL) that flash with orange light when vehicle B turns or changes lanes, and backup lamps (BCL) that emit white light when vehicle B reverses.

[0018] Of the lamps TLL, BRL, TRL, and BCL that make up the above-mentioned vehicle lighting fixture 100, the lamps BRL, TRL, and BCL other than the tail lamp TLL are configured separately from the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment includes two light sources 2 and one light guide 3, which are arranged in a lamp body (not shown).

[0020] The lamp body is composed of a housing that is open on the front side and a transparent outer lens (not shown) that covers the opening of this housing. The shape of the lamp body can be changed as appropriate to match the design of the vehicle B. Furthermore, the lamp body may be configured so that the lamp units that make up the above-mentioned lamps BRL, TRL, and BCL are arranged inside the lamp body.

[0021] The two light sources 2 are light-emitting elements such as LEDs that emit red light, and are positioned on the outer sides of the light guide 3 in the vehicle width direction, and are arranged to emit light L in opposite directions toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] The light source 2 may be configured as a socket with a coupler that is detachably attached to a mounting hole provided on the rear side of the housing (lamp body). The light source 2 is not limited to one consisting of one light emitting element, and may be one consisting of multiple light emitting elements.

[0023] The light guide 3 is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. The light guide 3 is located between the two light sources 2 and is provided continuously in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] Specifically, this light guide 3 has a long, rod-shaped first light guide section 31 extending from one end side to the other end side in the vehicle width direction, and a second light guide section 32 having an approximately rectangular plate shape located in the center between one end side and the other end side of the first light guide section 31 and protruding toward one side (upward in this embodiment) in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first light guide section 31 extends.

[0025] Of these, first light guiding section 31 is formed to have a substantially circular cross section, while second light guiding section 32 has a shape inclined from the back side to the front side so that the thickness gradually decreases toward the tip side.

[0026] The first light guiding section 31 has a central section 31a located in the center in the vehicle width direction, a pair of side sections 31b located on either side of the central section 31a in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of curved sections 31c located between the central section 31a and the pair of side sections 31b. The first light guiding section 31 has a shape curved by the pair of curved sections 31c between the central section 31a and the pair of side sections 31b so that the second light guiding section 32 and the pair of side sections 31b are aligned linearly in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] The second light-guiding section 32 is located above the central portion 31a of the first light-guiding section 31, and has a plurality of connection portions 32a connected to the central portion 31a of the first light-guiding section 31, and a plurality of slit portions 32b located between adjacent ones of the plurality of connection portions 32a.

[0028] The plurality of connecting portions 32a are arranged side by side in the direction in which the first light guiding portion 31 (central portion 31a) of the second light guiding portion 32 extends (the vehicle width direction) at portions corresponding to the six display patterns P displayed on the above-mentioned display light-emitting portion E1. The plurality of connecting portions 32a form portions connected to the central portion 31a of the first light guiding portion 31 with widths corresponding to the respective display patterns P.

[0029] The plurality of slits 32b are provided so as to penetrate between adjacent ones of the plurality of connecting portions 32a in the thickness direction (front-rear direction in this embodiment) of the second light guiding portion 32. As a result, a space K is formed between each of the adjacent ones of the plurality of connecting portions 32a.

[0030] The light guide 3 has a pair of incident sections 33 located at one end and the other end of the first light guide section 31, a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 located in the central section 31a of the first light guide section 31, a plurality of second reflection cuts 35 located on the back side of the second light guide section 32, a first exit section 36 located on the front side of the second light guide section 32, a plurality of third reflection cuts 37 located on the back side of both side sections 31b of the first light guide section 31, and a second exit section 38 located on the front side of both side sections 31b of the first light guide section 31.

[0031] The pair of incident portions 33 have flat (planar) incident surfaces 33a facing the light source 2 at one end side and the other end side of the first light guiding portion 31.

[0032] In each incident portion 33, light L emitted from each light source 2 is incident from each incident surface 33a into the inside of the first light guiding portion 31. As a result, light L incident from each incident surface 33a is repeatedly reflected inside the first light guiding portion 31, and is guided from both side portions 31b of the first light guiding portion 31 to the center portion 31a via the curved portion 31c.

[0033] The multiple first reflection cuts 34 are located on the surface (the lower surface in this embodiment) opposite the side from which the second light-guiding section 32 protrudes in the central section 31a of the first light-guiding section 31, and are arranged in a row in the direction in which this central section 31a extends (the vehicle width direction) at each portion facing the multiple connection sections 32a.

[0034] The first reflection cuts 34 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction with widths corresponding to the respective connection portions 32a. On the other hand, the portions facing the slit portions 32b are areas where the first reflection cuts 34 are not provided.

[0035] The plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are not particularly limited in shape, size, number, etc., as long as they reflect light L incident on the underside of center portion 31a toward each of connecting portions 32a. For example, in this embodiment, the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are configured by prism cuts with a substantially triangular cross section lined up in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] In central portion 31a of first light guiding portion 31, light L guided inside central portion 31a is reflected by the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 and reflected toward each connecting portion 32a of second light guiding portion 32. As a result, light L reflected by the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 enters the inside of second light guiding portion 32 through each connecting portion 32a, and is then guided toward the tip side of second light guiding portion 32.

[0037] The plurality of second reflection cutouts 35 are provided inside the contour of a shape corresponding to each of the six display patterns P displayed on the display light-emitting unit E1 described above.

[0038] The plurality of second reflection cuts 35 are not particularly limited in shape, size, number, etc., as long as they reflect light L incident on the back side of second light guiding section 32 at an angle at which light L is emitted (transmitted) from the front side of second light guiding section 32 to the outside. For example, in this embodiment, the plurality of second reflection cuts 35 are configured by prism cuts having a substantially triangular cross section lined up in a plane having a shape corresponding to each display pattern P.

[0039] The first light exit section 36 has a flat (planar) first light exit surface 36a formed by the front surface of the second light guide section 32. In addition, a light-shielding layer 39 that covers the outside of the outline of each display pattern P is provided on the first light exit surface 36a.

[0040] The light-shielding layer 39 is formed, for example, by providing a black coating film on the first light-emitting surface 36a and selectively removing (patterning) the coating film inside the outline of each display pattern P. As a result, the first light-emitting surface 36a is provided with transmissive regions having shapes corresponding to each display pattern P.

[0041] The light-shielding layer 39 is not necessarily required and may be omitted. Instead of the light-shielding layer 39, a light-shielding member such as a bezel or an extension may be disposed on the front side of the light guide 3.

[0042] In the first emission section 36, the light L reflected by the plurality of second reflection cuts 35 is emitted from a transmission region of the first emission surface 36a that corresponds to the inside of the outline of each display pattern P to the outside of the second light guide section 32. This makes it possible to cause each display pattern P to emit red light (positive display) as the display light-emitting section E1.

[0043] The plurality of third reflection cuts 37 are not particularly limited in shape, size, number, etc., as long as they reflect light L incident on the back side of both side portions 31 b at an angle that causes the light L to be emitted (transmitted) from the front side of both side portions 31 b to the outside. For example, in this embodiment, the plurality of third reflection cuts 37 are prism cuts with a substantially triangular cross section that are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction within an area corresponding to the line light emitter E2.

[0044] The second light exit portion 38 has a second light exit surface 38a formed by the front surfaces of both side portions 31b. The second light exit surface 38a is formed by a convex curved surface that is curved in an arc shape.

[0045] In the second exit portion 38, the light L reflected by the plurality of third reflection cuts 37 is emitted from the second exit surface 38a to the outside of the side portions 31b (first light guide portion 31). This allows the second exit surface 38a to emit red light in a line, functioning as the line light emitter E2.

[0046] As described above, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, each display pattern P is displayed positively by emitting red light in the display light-emitting unit E1, and the pair of line light-emitting units E2 can emit red light in a line shape as a tail lamp (TLL) of the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously light up the display light emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light emitting units E2 using the same light source 2. This simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs compared to when the display light emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light emitting units E2 are configured separately.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, the display light-emitting unit E1 located in the center of the vehicle width direction as described above and a pair of line light-emitting units E2 located on both sides of the vehicle width direction are arranged in a straight line and emit light symmetrically, thereby making it possible to obtain light emission that is highly visible and looks good.

[0049] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, when the display light-emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light-emitting units E2 are illuminated simultaneously using the same light source 2 described above, it is possible to adjust the spacing and depth of adjacent reflection cuts 34, 35, 37 for the multiple first reflection cuts 34, the multiple second reflection cuts 35, and the multiple third reflection cuts 37 so that differences in distance from the light source 2 do not result in differences in brightness between each display pattern P of the display light-emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light-emitting units E2.

[0050] Specifically, it is possible to gradually narrow the intervals between adjacent reflection cuts 34, 35, 37 or gradually deepen the depth thereof as the distance from the light source 2 increases. Furthermore, in the display light-emitting unit E1, the thickness of the plurality of connection portions 32a corresponding to each of the plurality of display patterns P may be adjusted to gradually increase from both ends of the second light-guiding unit 32 toward the center.

[0051] As a result, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, when the same light source 2 is used to simultaneously illuminate the display light-emitting unit E1 and a pair of line light-emitting units E2, it is possible to more uniformly illuminate each display pattern P of the display light-emitting unit E1 and the pair of line light-emitting units E2.

[0052] Furthermore, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, by providing a plurality of connection portions 32a corresponding to each of the above-mentioned plurality of display patterns P and providing a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 at each portion facing these plurality of connection portions 32a, it is possible to efficiently emit light to each display pattern P.

[0053] That is, in the vehicle display device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are provided in each portion facing a plurality of connection portions 32a, and a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are not provided in portions facing between the plurality of connection portions 32a (a plurality of slit portions 32b). With this configuration, of the light L guided inside the first light guiding portion 31, the light L reflected by the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 is efficiently guided via the connection portions 32a to portions of the second light guiding portion 32 corresponding to each display pattern P, thereby making it possible to efficiently emit light from each display pattern P.

[0054] 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. For example, in the above-mentioned vehicle display device 1, the display light-emitting unit E1 is configured to display multiple display patterns P in positive light, but it may also be configured to display these multiple display patterns P in negative light, as in the modified examples shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0055] Specifically, in the modified example shown in Figure 7, the above-mentioned slit portion 32b is omitted, and the second light-guiding portion 32 is connected to the central portion 31a of the first light-guiding portion 31 via a connecting portion 32a having the same width as the second light-guiding portion 32.

[0056] Correspondingly, the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are located on the underside of the central portion 31a of the first light guide portion 31 and are arranged side by side in the extending direction of the first light guide portion 31 with a width corresponding to the second light guide portion 32. The plurality of second reflection cuts 35 are also provided outside the outline of a shape corresponding to each of the six display patterns P displayed on the display light-emitting portion E1 described above. Furthermore, a light-shielding layer 39 that covers the inside of the outline of each display pattern P is provided on the first emission surface 36a.

[0057] With the above-described configuration, light L reflected by the plurality of second reflection cutouts 35 is emitted to the outside of the second light-guiding unit 32 from the transmission regions of the first emission surface 36a that correspond to the outside of the outline of each display pattern P. This makes it possible to cause the outside of the outline of each display pattern P to emit red light (negative display) as the display light-emitting unit E1.

[0058] 8, both ends of the second light guiding section 32 in the vehicle width direction are connected to the central portion 31a of the first light guiding section 31 via a pair of connecting sections 32a. In addition, one slit section 32b that forms a space K is provided between the pair of connecting sections 32a.

[0059] Furthermore, a light-guiding exit surface 40a facing the space K is provided in the central portion 31a of the first light-guiding section 31. On the other hand, a light-guiding entrance surface 40b facing the space K is provided in the second light-guiding section 32. The light-guiding exit surface 40a and the light-guiding entrance surface 40b are arranged parallel to each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] Correspondingly, the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are located on the underside of the central portion 31a of the first light guide portion 31 and are arranged side by side in the extending direction of the first light guide portion 31 with a width corresponding to the slit portion 32b. The plurality of second reflection cuts 35 are also provided outside the outline of a shape corresponding to each of the six display patterns P displayed on the display light-emitting portion E1 described above. Furthermore, the first emission surface 36a is provided with a light-shielding layer 39 that covers the inside of the outline of each display pattern P.

[0061] With the above-described configuration, light L reflected by the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 is emitted from the light guide exit surface 40a toward the space K, and then enters the second light guide 32 from the light guide entrance surface 40b. The light L entering the second light guide 32 is reflected by the plurality of second reflection cuts 35. Furthermore, the light L reflected by the plurality of second reflection cuts 35 is emitted to the outside of the second light guide 32 from the transmission regions of the first exit surface 36a that correspond to the outside of the outline of each display pattern P. This makes it possible to cause the outside of the outline of each display pattern P to emit red light (negative display) as the display light-emitting unit E1.

[0062] As another configuration of the vehicle display device 1, for example, the vehicle display device 1A shown in Figure 9 has a configuration in which a display light-emitting unit E1 located in the center of the vehicle width direction and a line light-emitting unit E2 located below the display light-emitting unit E1 and extending from the center of the vehicle width direction to both sides of the vehicle width direction are arranged parallel to each other.

[0063] 10, the first light guide 31 does not include the curved portion 31c, and has a central portion 31a and a pair of side portions 31b arranged in a straight line. The plurality of third reflection cuts 37 are located on the rear side between the central portion 31a and the pair of side portions 31b of the first light guide 31, and are arranged side by side in the direction in which the first light guide 31 extends. Other than that, the configuration is basically the same as that of the above-described vehicle display device 1.

[0064] In the vehicle display device 1A having the above-described configuration, each display pattern P is displayed positively by emitting red light in the display light-emitting unit E1, and the line light-emitting unit E2 extending from the center in the vehicle width direction to both sides in the vehicle width direction can be made to emit red light in a line shape as a tail lamp (TLL) of the vehicle lighting fixture 100.

[0065] 11 shows another configuration of the vehicle display device 1. The vehicle display device 1B has a configuration in which a display light-emitting unit E1 located in the center of the vehicle width direction and line light-emitting units E2 located above the display light-emitting unit E1 and extending from the center of the vehicle width direction toward both sides of the vehicle width direction are arranged parallel to each other. The vehicle display device 1B also has a pair of display light-emitting units E3 located on both sides of the display light-emitting unit E1 in the vehicle width direction, and displaying a decorative display pattern P. In this embodiment, the pair of display light-emitting units E3 positively display a plurality of triangular marks that form the display pattern P by emitting red light.

[0066] 12, first light guiding section 31 does not have curved section 31c, and has a central section 31a and a pair of side sections 31b arranged in a straight line. Correspondingly, the plurality of third reflection cuts 37 are located on the back surface side between central section 31a and a pair of side sections 31b of first light guiding section 31, and are arranged side by side in the direction in which first light guiding section 31 extends.

[0067] In addition, the second light guiding section 32 is located below the central portion 31a of the first light guiding section 31, and the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are located on the upper surface side of the central portion 31a of the first light guiding section 31. In other words, the second light guiding section 32 and the plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are arranged in the opposite direction to the configuration of the vehicle display device 1 described above.

[0068] Furthermore, light guide 3 has a pair of second light guide sections 32A that protrude downward and have the same width as pair of side sections 31b. Correspondingly, a plurality of first reflection cuts 34 are located on the upper surface between pair of side sections 31b and are arranged side by side in the direction in which first light guide section 31 extends, with a width corresponding to second light guide sections 32A.

[0069] In the second light guide section 32A, the second reflection cuts 35 are provided inside the outline of a shape corresponding to the plurality of triangular marks that form the display pattern P. Meanwhile, the first light exit surface 36a is provided with a light-shielding layer 39 that covers the outside of the outline of each triangular mark. Other than that, the configuration is basically the same as that of the above-described vehicle display device 1.

[0070] In the vehicle display device 1B having the above-described configuration, each display pattern P is displayed positively by emitting red light in the display light-emitting unit E1, and as a tail lamp (TLL) of the vehicle lighting fixture 100, the line light-emitting unit E2 extending from the center in the vehicle width direction to both sides in the vehicle width direction emits red light in a line, and multiple triangular marks that become the display pattern P in the display light-emitting unit E3 emit red light.

[0071] The light guide 3 of the vehicle display device 1 may have a configuration on the incident portion 33 side, such as those shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B).

[0072] 13(A) has a shape curved by curved portion 31d between both side portions 31b and incident portion 33. This allows the arrangement of light source 2 to be changed as desired.

[0073] 13(B) has a shape that is bent via inclined reflecting surfaces 31e between both side portions 31b and incident portion 33. This allows the arrangement of light source 2 to be changed as desired. Furthermore, light L incident on incident surface 33a is reflected by inclined reflecting surfaces 31e, and then guided from both side portions 31b of first light guiding portion 31 to central portion 31a via curved portion 31c.

[0074] Instead of the flat (planar) incident surface 33a described above, the incident portion 33 has a lens shape that focuses the light L radially emitted from the light source 2 toward the optical axis and causes it to enter the inside of the first light-guiding portion 31.

[0075] Specifically, the incident portion 33 has a first collecting incident surface 33b located in the center of the portion facing the light source 2, on which a portion of the light L emitted from the light source 2 is incident, a second collecting incident surface 33c located on the inner side of a protrusion that protrudes toward the light source 2 from a position surrounding the periphery of the first collecting incident surface 33b, on which a portion of the light L emitted from the light source 2 is incident, and a collecting reflection surface 33d located on the outer side of the protrusion, which reflects the light L incident from the second collecting incident surface 33c.

[0076] In the incident section 33, of the light L radially emitted from the light source 2, the light L that enters the first light guiding section 31 from the first light-collecting incident surface 33b is collected toward the optical axis. On the other hand, the light L that enters the first light guiding section 31 from the second light-collecting incident surface 33c is reflected by the light-collecting reflecting surface 33d, thereby being collected toward the optical axis. This makes it possible for the light L radially emitted from the light source 2 to enter the first light guiding section 31 while being collected toward the optical axis.

[0077] 13(C) has a shape in which light branches in opposite directions via branching portions 31f at a position opposite to incident portion 33. This allows a configuration in which a plurality of first light guiding portions 31 are connected via branching portions 31f.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example is given of the application of the present invention to the vehicle display device 1 mounted on the rear side of the vehicle as described above, but the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle display device mounted on the front side of the vehicle.

[0079] Specifically, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle display device that is mounted on the front side of a vehicle B, is positioned in the center of the vehicle width direction, and has a display light-emitting element E1 that emits white light as a display pattern P, such as the vehicle name, brand name such as the manufacturer name, or a logo mark, and a pair of line light-emitting elements E2 that emit white light in a line shape as sidelights (position lamps) or daytime running lights (DRLs) of a vehicle lamp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B...vehicle display device 2...light source 3...light guide 31...first light guide section 31a...central section 31b...side sections 31c...curved section 31d...curved section 31e...inclined reflective surface 31f...branching section 32, 32A...second light guide section 33...incident section 34...first reflection cut 35...second reflection cut 36...first exit section 37...third reflection cut 38...second exit section 39...light-shielding layer 40a...light guide exit surface 40b...light guide entrance surface 100...vehicle lamp TLL...tail lamp E1...display light-emitting section E2...line light-emitting section E3...display light-emitting section P...display pattern L...light

Claims

1. A light source and a light guide are provided, The light guide body includes a rod-shaped first light guide portion extending from one end facing the light source toward the other end; a plate-shaped second light guiding portion located between one end side and the other end side of the first light guiding portion and protruding toward one side in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first light guiding portion extends; an incident portion located at least on one end side of the first light guiding portion and allowing the light emitted from the light source to enter the inside of the first light guiding portion; a plurality of first reflection cutouts located on an opposite side of the first light guiding section from a side where the second light guiding section protrudes, the first reflection cutouts reflecting a portion of the light guided inside the first light guiding section toward the second light guiding section; a plurality of second reflection cutouts positioned on a rear surface side of the second light guiding unit and reflecting light guided inside the second light guiding unit toward a front surface side of the second light guiding unit; a display light-emitting unit located on the front side of the second light-guiding unit, which emits light in a shape corresponding to a display pattern formed by the plurality of second reflection cuts by emitting light reflected by the plurality of second reflection cuts from the front side of the second light-guiding unit to the outside.

2. the light guide body includes a plurality of third reflection cutouts located on a rear side of the first light guide section and reflecting light guided inside the first light guide section toward a front side of the first light guide section; 2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a line light-emitting section positioned on the front side of the first light-guiding section, which emits light in a line shape by emitting light reflected by the plurality of third reflection cuts from the front side of the first light-guiding section to the outside.

3. 2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the display light-emitting portion is configured by arranging a plurality of display patterns in a direction in which the first light-guiding portion of the second light-guiding portion extends.

4. 2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the second light guide portion has a plurality of connection portions connected to the first light guide portion, and slit portions that form spaces between adjacent ones of the plurality of connection portions.

5. 5. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of first reflection cuts are provided at portions facing the plurality of connecting portions, respectively.

6. the connecting portion is provided so as to connect both ends of the first light guiding portion and the second light guiding portion, the first light guiding section has a light guiding exit surface located on a side facing the space, the second light guiding section has a light guiding entrance surface located on a side facing the space, 5. The vehicle display device according to claim 4, wherein the light emitted from the light guide exit surface toward the space is incident into the second light guide portion from the light guide entrance surface.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Lighting fixture cover member

    JP2023020396A