Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which enables improvement in appearance of light emission.SOLUTION: A first light emitting unit 2A includes a first light source 3A, a first light guide body 4A, and an inner lens 4C for covering a front surface side of the first light guide body 4A. The inner lens 4C includes: a first lens part 43 for covering a light emitting part S1 where first light is emitted from the front surface side of the first light guide body 4A; and a second lens part 44 for covering a non-light emitting part S2 where the first light is not emitted from the front surface side of the first light guide body 4A. The second light guide body 4B includes an extension part 45 in which part of the second light guide body 4B is extended so as to be positioned at least between the back surface side of the second lens part 44 and the front surface side of the first light guide body 4A. The first lens part 43 emits light by the first light emitted from the first light guide body 4A. The second lens part 44 guides light by the second light guide body 4B, and emits light by third light guided to the extension part 45 emitting from the front surface side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a combination of a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a light guide such as a light guide rod or a light guide plate has been known as a vehicle lamp to be mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] In such a vehicle lamp, light emitted from a light source enters the light guide through an entrance portion provided on the base end side of the light guide, and is guided toward the tip side of the light guide while repeatedly reflecting inside the light guide. Furthermore, the light reflected by multiple reflection cutouts provided on the back side of the light guide is emitted to the outside of the light guide through an exit surface provided on the front side of the light guide. This makes it possible to emit light from the exit surface of the light guide.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 below discloses a light guide for a vehicle in which two light guides are arranged to intersect at an intersection in the direction of light emission to the outside, and an additional lens portion is provided to cover the space formed at the intersection so that the two light guides are visually perceived as a single continuous light guide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-197576 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The rod-shaped light guide described above has a light-emitting portion provided with a plurality of reflection cuts and an exit surface, and a non-light-emitting portion for guiding light incident from the entrance portion toward the light-emitting portion.

[0007] This can cause dark areas (uneven light emission) in the non-light-emitting portions of the light guide, making the light emission look unattractive. In particular, the occurrence of dark areas (uneven light emission) is more noticeable when the non-light-emitting portions of the light guide are viewed from the side.

[0008] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and has as its object to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve the appearance of light emission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A first light emitting unit including a first light source and a first light guide, and illuminating a front side of the first light guide by a first light emitted from the first light source; a second light emitting unit including a second light source and a second light guide, the second light emitting unit illuminating a front side of the second light guide with second light emitted from the second light source; an inner lens covering the front side of the first light guide; The inner lens includes a first lens portion that covers a light-emitting surface from which the first light is emitted from the front side of the first light guide, and a second lens portion that covers a non-light-emitting portion from which the first light is not emitted from the front side of the first light guide, the second light guide includes an extension portion formed by extending a portion of the second light guide so as to be located at least between a rear side of the second lens portion and a front side of the first light guide, the first lens portion emits light by the first light emitted from the first light guide; The second lens portion emits light by guiding the third light through the second light guide and then guiding it to the extension portion from the front side. Vehicle lighting fixtures. [2] The second lens portion emits light when the first light, which is emitted from the first light guide and enters the extension portion, is emitted from the extension portion. The vehicle lamp according to [1] above. [3] The second light guide includes a rod-shaped first light guide, a plate-shaped second light guide formed integrally with the first light guide, an extension extending upward from a tip end of the second light guide, and a step connecting the second light guide and the extension, the second light guide includes a first incident surface onto which the second light emitted from the second light source is incident, a first reflection cutoff that reflects the second light incident from the first incident surface and guided thereinto toward a front side, and a first exit surface that emits the second light reflected by the first reflection cutoff; the extension portion includes a plurality of second reflection cuts provided on the rear surface side in an area overlapping at least the second lens portion in a front view, the second light guide reflects the third light guided from the second light guide to the extension portion at the plurality of second reflection cutouts and emits the third light to a front side of the extension portion; The vehicle lamp according to [1] or [2] above. [4] The step portion extends to the rear side and is connected to the extension portion so that the front side of the inner lens and the front side of the first light exit surface are flush with each other. The vehicle lamp according to [3] above. [5] The first light guide includes a second incident surface onto which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident, a third reflection cutoff that reflects the first light incident from the second incident surface and guided thereto toward a front side, and a second exit surface that emits the first light reflected by the third reflection cutoff, the extension portion includes a diffusing portion on the front surface; the first light guide is formed in a rod shape, and the first light emitted from the second emission surface is diffused by the diffusion section and emitted to the second lens section. The vehicle lamp according to [1] above. [6] The first light source and the second light source each include a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit different color lights. The vehicle lamp according to [1] above. [7] A lighting control unit that controls lighting of the first light source and the second light source, the lighting control unit performs control to switch between a state in which the first light source is turned on, a state in which the second light source is turned on, and a state in which the first light source and the second light source are turned on. The vehicle lamp according to [1] above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention provides a vehicle lamp that can improve the appearance of light emission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are front views of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a front view of the entire lamp, (B) is a front view of a first light source, and (C) is a front view of a second light source. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the vehicle lamp taken along line CC in FIG. 1, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] As one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp 1 shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the vehicle lamp 1, with (A) being a front view of the entire lamp, (B) being a front view of the first light source 3A, and (C) being a front view of the second light source 3B. FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle lamp 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along line BB. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 1 taken along line CC in FIG. 1, with (A) being a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light L1, and (B) being a cross-sectional view showing the optical path of the first light L1.

[0014] In addition, in the drawings shown below, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set up, with the X-axis direction representing the front-to-rear direction (length direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1, the Y-axis direction representing the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1, and the Z-axis direction representing the up-to-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle lighting fixture 1.

[0015] The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is a tri-function type lamp unit that combines daytime running lamps (DRLs) that emit white light during the day, sidelights (position lamps) that emit white light at night, and turn signals (turn lamps) that flash with an amber light, among other front combination lamps (headlight units) that are mounted on both corners of the front end of a vehicle (not shown) (in this embodiment, the corners on the left front end).

[0016] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the vehicle lamp 1 has a plate-shaped (approximately flat plate-shaped in this embodiment) inner lens 4C, a first light-emitting unit 2A and a second light-emitting unit 2B arranged on the back side of the inner lens 4C, a reflector 21, an extension 22, and a lighting control unit (not shown).

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inner lens 4C has a first lens portion that covers the light-emitting portion S1 from which the first light L1 is emitted from the first light-emitting unit 2A to the front side, and a second lens portion that covers the non-light-emitting portion S2 from which the first light L1 is not emitted.

[0018] The first light emitting unit 2A has a first light source 3A and a rod-shaped (substantially circular rod-shaped in this embodiment) first light guide 4A.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the first light source 3A has a circuit board 9a, a first light-emitting element 8a that emits white light and a second light-emitting element 8b that emits orange light on the front side of the circuit board, and a heat sink 10a on the back side of the circuit board 9a that dissipates heat generated by the light-emitting elements 8a and 8b.

[0020] The first light source 3A may have at least one first light emitting element 8a and one second light emitting element 8b, or may have a plurality of each element.

[0021] Furthermore, the first light source 3A of this embodiment is composed of three first light-emitting elements 8a located in the center and two second light-emitting elements 8b (four in total) located on each side of the first light-emitting elements 8a.

[0022] The first light emitting element 8a and the second light emitting element 8b may be, for example, an LED, etc. The number and arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 8a and 8b may be changed as appropriate.

[0023] The first light guide 4A has a first incident surface 5a that is arranged on the base end side of the first light guide 4A and facing the first light source 3A, and through which the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A is incident, a plurality of first reflection cuts 6a that are provided on the back side of the first light guide 4A and reflect the first light L1 toward the front side, and a first exit surface 7a that emits the first light L1 reflected by the first reflection cuts 6a.

[0024] The first light guide 4A extends from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front, and is made of a light-transmitting material such as polycarbonate, transparent resin, or glass.

[0025] The first reflection cut 6a is configured by, for example, a groove portion having a substantially triangular cross section (a so-called prism cut).

[0026] The second light emitting unit 2B includes a second light source 3B and a second light guide 4B.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1(C), the second light source 3B has a circuit board 9b, a first light-emitting element 8a that emits white light and a second light-emitting element 8b that emits orange light on the front side of the circuit board 9b, and a heat sink 10b on the back side of the circuit board 9a that dissipates heat generated by the light-emitting elements 8a and 8b.

[0028] The second light source 3B may have at least one light emitting element 8a and one light emitting element 8b, or may have a plurality of light emitting elements 8a and 8b.

[0029] In addition, the second light source 3B of this embodiment is composed of a first light-emitting element 8a located in the center, similar to the first light source 3A, and two second light-emitting elements 8b (four in total) located on each side of it.

[0030] The second light guide 4B has a rod-shaped (approximately circular rod-shaped in this embodiment) first light guide section 41, a plate-shaped (approximately flat plate-shaped in this embodiment) second light guide section 42 formed integrally with the first light guide section, an extension section 45 extending upward from the tip side of the second light guide section 42, and a step section 46 connecting the second light guide section 42 and the extension section.

[0031] The second light guide 4B has a second incident surface 5b that is arranged on the base end side of the second light guide 4B and facing the second light source 3B, and through which the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B is incident, a second reflection cut 6b that is provided on the outer periphery of the second light guide 4B (first light guide section 41) and reflects light toward the second light guide section 42, a third reflection cut 6c that is provided on the second light guide 4B (second light guide section 42) and reflects the second light L2 reflected by the second reflection cut 6b toward the front side, and a second exit surface 7b that emits the second light L2 reflected by the third reflection cut 6c.

[0032] Similar to first reflection cut-off 6a, second reflection cut-off 6b and third reflection cut-off 6c are configured by grooves having a substantially triangular cross section (so-called prism cuts).

[0033] The extension portion 45 is arranged on the rear side of the inner lens 4C so as to overlap with the second lens portion 44 in a front view. The extension portion 45 may also be arranged so as to overlap with a part of the light-emitting portion S1 in a front view. In this embodiment, the extension portion 45 is arranged so as to overlap with the second lens portion 44 in a front view, and thus is arranged so as to overlap with a part of the light-emitting portion S1 in a front view.

[0034] Further, extension 45 has a plurality of fourth reflection cuts 6d on the rear surface side and a diffusion portion 47 on the front surface side.

[0035] The plurality of fourth reflection cuts 6d are not particularly limited in shape, size, number, etc., as long as they reflect the second light L2 incident on the back side of extension 45 toward the front side of extension 45. In this embodiment, fourth reflection cuts 6d are configured by convex portions (so-called flute cuts) with a substantially arc-shaped cross section lined up in the extension direction of extension 45.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 5(A) and (B), the step portion 46 extends from the tip of the second light-guiding portion 42 toward the rear side so that the front side of the inner lens 4C and the front side of the second light-guiding portion 42 are flush with each other, and the extension portion 45 extends to the rear side of the inner lens 4C.

[0037] The diffusion portion 47 diffuses the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the front side of the extension portion 45. Examples of the diffusion portion 47 include a lens cut known as a flute cut or a fisheye cut, or an uneven structure formed by knurling or texturing. By adjusting the shape of the diffusion portion 47, it is possible to control the degree of diffusion and light distribution of the first or second light L1, L2 emitted from the front side of the extension portion 45. In this embodiment, the diffusion portion 47 is formed by texturing the front side of the extension portion 45.

[0038] Next, light-emitting portions of the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first light emitting surface E1 and the second light emitting surface E2 are light emitting points.

[0039] Specifically, the first light-emitting surface E1 is an area that is illuminated by the first lens portion 43 and the second lens portion 44. The second light-emitting surface E2 is an area that is illuminated by the second light-emitting surface 7b of the second light-emitting unit 2B.

[0040] Next, the principle of light emission will be described for the first lens portion 43 and second lens portion 44 that cause the first light-emitting surface E1 to emit light, and the second light-emitting surface E2.

[0041] First, the second light emitting surface E2 will be described. The second light emitting surface E2 emits light using the second light L2 emitted from the second light emitting unit 2B.

[0042] Specifically, in the second light-emitting unit 2B, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B enters the inside of the first light guiding section 41 (second light guiding body 4B) through the second incident surface 5b provided on the base end side of the first light guiding section 41 (second light guiding body 4B) and is guided toward the tip side of the first light guiding section 41 (second light guiding body 4B), and the second light L2 reflected by multiple second reflection cuts 6b provided on the outer periphery side of the first light guiding section 41 (second light guiding body 4B) is reflected toward the second light guiding section 42 (second light guiding body 4B). Thereafter, the second light L2 is guided toward the inner periphery of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B), and the second light L2 reflected by the plurality of third reflection cuts 6c provided on the back side of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B) is emitted from the second emission surface 7b provided on the front side of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B) to the outside of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B). This causes the second light-emitting surface E2 to emit light.

[0043] Next, the first light emitting surface E1 will be described. The first light emitting surface E1 emits light by the light emitted from the first lens portion 43 and the second lens portion .

[0044] Specifically, the first lens portion 43 emits light in response to first light L1 from the first light-emitting unit. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first light-emitting unit 2A allows the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A to enter the first light guide 4A through a first incident surface 5a provided on the base end side of the first light guide 4A and guides the first light L1 toward the tip side of the first light guide 4A. The first light L1 is reflected by a plurality of first reflection cuts 6a provided on the back side of the first light guide 4A and is emitted to the outside of the first light guide 4A through a first exit surface 7a provided on the front side of the first light guide 4A. The first light L1 emitted from the first exit surface 7a then passes through an inner lens 4C (first lens portion) covering the front side of the first light guide 4A. This causes the first lens portion 43 (light emitting portion S1) to emit light.

[0045] Next, the principle of how the second lens portion 44 emits light will be described. In the second light-emitting unit 2B, second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B enters the first light guide 41 (second light guide 4B) from the second incident surface 5b and is guided toward the tip of the first light guide 41 (second light guide 4B). The second light L2 reflected by the second reflection cuts 6b is reflected toward the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B). The second light L2 is then guided toward the inner periphery of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B). At this time, third light L3 that is not emitted to the outside by the third reflection cuts 6c is guided upward and toward the extension 45. The third light L3 is reflected by the fourth reflection cut provided on the back side of the extension 45, and is diffused by the diffusion section 47 provided on the front side before being emitted to the outside. Thereafter, the light passes through the second lens portion of the inner lens 4C, causing the second lens portion 44 (non-light-emitting portion S2) to emit light.

[0046] 3, when the first light source 3A is turned on, the first light L1 emitted from the first light source 3A is guided inside the first light guide 4A, and the first light L1 reflected by the plurality of first reflection cuts 6a provided on the back side of the first light guide 4A is emitted to the outside of the first light guide 4A from the first emission surface 7a (light-emitting portion S1) provided on the front side of the first light guide 4A. As a result, the first lens portion 43 emits light due to the first light L1 emitted from the light-emitting portion S1.

[0047] 4, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, when the second light source 3B is turned on, the second light L2 emitted from the second light source 3B is guided inside the second light guide 4B, and the second light L2 reflected by the plurality of third reflection cuts 6c provided on the back side of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B) is emitted to the outside of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B) from the second emission surface 7b provided on the front side of the second light guide 42 (second light guide 4B). As a result, the second light emitting surface E2 emits light due to the second light L2 emitted from the second emission surface 7b.

[0048] 5(B), in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the third light L3 reflected by the plurality of fourth reflection cuts 6d provided on the back side of the extension portion 45 is emitted to the outside from the front side of the extension portion 45. As a result, the first lens portion 43 and the second lens portion 44 emit light due to the second light L2 emitted from the front side of the extension portion 45.

[0049] Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, when the second light source 3B is turned on, it is possible to cause a portion of the first light-emitting surface E1, including the above-mentioned second light-emitting surface E2 as well as at least the non-light-emitting portion S2 and the second lens portion 44 corresponding to the area surrounding the non-light-emitting portion S2, to emit light using the second light L2.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, by making the plurality of first light-emitting elements 8a, 8b constituting the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B emit strong light, the lamp functions as a daytime running lamp (DRL) that emits white light during the day.

[0051] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment functions as a vehicle side lamp (position lamp) that emits white light at night by causing the plurality of first light emitting elements 8a to emit weak light.

[0052] On the other hand, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment functions as a direction indicator (turn lamp) that emits orange light while flashing, by flashing the plurality of second light-emitting elements 8b.

[0053] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the second lens portion 44 of the inner lens 4C, which overlaps with at least the non-light-emitting portion S2 of the first light guide 4A in a planar view, can be made to emit light by the second light L2 incident on the extension portion 45 of the second light guide 4B. This makes it possible to prevent dark areas (uneven light emission) from occurring in the position of the first light-emitting surface E1 of the inner lens 4C corresponding to the second lens portion 44, and improves the appearance of the emitted light.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to illuminate the second lens portion 44, which overlaps with the non-light-emitting portion S2 in a planar view, using the first and second lights L1 and L2, without using an additional light source to illuminate the non-light-emitting portion S2 described above.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, by providing the extension portion 45 described above, it is possible to make the first and second light emitting surfaces E1, E2 emit light with the second light L2.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In the above embodiment, a tri-function type lighting unit combining the above-mentioned DRL, position lamp, and turn lamp is exemplified as the vehicle lighting fixture mounted on both corners of the front end of the vehicle, but it is also possible to use, for example, a turn lamp / DRL that combines a DRL and a turn lamp, a turn lamp / position lamp that combines a position lamp and a turn lamp, or a DRL / position lamp that combines a DRL and a position lamp.

[0058] The present invention can also be applied to vehicle lighting fixtures mounted on both corners of the rear end of a vehicle, such as a turn lamp / tail lamp or stop lamp that combines a red-emitting tail lamp or brake lamp (stop lamp) with a turn lamp, or a stop lamp / tail lamp that combines a tail lamp and a stop lamp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...vehicle lamp 22...extension 2A...first light-emitting unit 2B...second light-emitting unit 3A...first light source 3B...second light source 4A...first light guide 4B...second light guide 4C...inner lens 43...first lens portion 44...second lens portion 45...extension portion 46...step portion E1...first light-emitting surface E2...second light-emitting surface S1...light-emitting portion S2...non-light-emitting portion L1...first light L2...second light L3...third light

Claims

1. a first light emitting unit including a first light source and a first light guide, the first light emitting unit illuminating a front side of the first light guide with first light emitted from the first light source; a second light emitting unit including a second light source and a second light guide, the second light emitting unit illuminating a front side of the second light guide with second light emitted from the second light source; an inner lens covering a front side of the first light guide; The inner lens includes a first lens portion that covers a light-emitting surface from which the first light is emitted from the front side of the first light guide, and a second lens portion that covers a non-light-emitting portion from which the first light is not emitted from the front side of the first light guide, the second light guide includes an extension portion formed by extending a portion of the second light guide so as to be located at least between a rear side of the second lens portion and a front side of the first light guide, the first lens portion emits light by the first light emitted from the first light guide; The second lens portion guides the light through the second light guide body, and emits light when the third light guided to the extension portion is emitted from the front side. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. the second lens portion emits light when the first light, which has been emitted from the first light guide and entered the extension portion, is emitted from the extension portion.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

3. the second light guide body has a rod-shaped first light guide portion, a plate-shaped second light guide portion formed integrally with the first light guide portion, an extension portion extending upward from a tip end side of the second light guide portion, and a step portion connecting the second light guide portion and the extension portion, the second light guide includes a first incident surface onto which the second light emitted from the second light source is incident, a first reflection cutoff that reflects the second light incident from the first incident surface and guided thereinto toward a front side, and a first exit surface that emits the second light reflected by the first reflection cutoff; the extension portion includes a plurality of second reflection cuts provided on the rear surface side in an area overlapping at least the second lens portion in a front view, the second light guide is configured to reflect the third light guided from the second light guide to the extension portion at the plurality of second reflection cutouts and emit the third light to a front side of the extension portion; 3. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The step portion extends toward the rear side and is connected to the extension portion so that the front side of the inner lens and the front side of the first light exit surface are flush with each other.

4. A vehicle lamp according to claim 3.

5. the first light guide includes a second incident surface onto which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident, a third reflection cutoff that reflects the first light incident from the second incident surface and guided thereto toward a front side, and a second exit surface that emits the first light reflected by the third reflection cutoff, the extension portion includes a diffusing portion on the front surface; the first light guide is formed in a rod shape, and the first light emitted from the second emission surface is diffused by the diffusion portion and emitted to the second lens portion; 2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

6. The first light source and the second light source each include a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit different color lights.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

7. a lighting control unit that controls lighting of the first light source and the second light source, the lighting control unit performs control to switch between a state in which the first light source is turned on, a state in which the second light source is turned on, and a state in which the first light source and the second light source are turned on.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

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