Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture capable of emitting light by dividing segment light emission ranges into intended segment light emission ranges with a simple configuration without using a plurality of reflectors.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture includes: a translucent cover 20; a semiconductor light emitting element 41 for emitting light that transmits the translucent cover; and a pair of light blocking walls 32a and 32b arranged on both sides of the semiconductor light emitting element for blocking part of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element. A space S1 is formed between the pair of light blocking walls and the translucent cover. The translucent cover is processed so as to diffuse the light transmitting the translucent cover. When part of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element is blocked by the pair of light blocking walls, and the other part transmits the translucent cover, a segment light emission range SA including an outer shape stipulated by the pair of light blocking walls is formed in the translucent cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A vehicle lighting fixture is known that functions as a communication lamp for the purpose of communication between a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle capable of running in autonomous driving mode) and an object (e.g., a pedestrian or another vehicle) by controlling the lighting state of multiple segment light-emitting ranges (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7045993 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1, the relationship between the multiple reflectors used to form the multiple segmented light-emitting ranges and the translucent cover is unclear, which means that there is a problem that it may not be possible to separate the intended segmented light-emitting ranges and emit light, such as adjacent segmented light-emitting ranges overlapping each other.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can emit light in the intended segment emission range with a simple configuration without using additional parts (e.g., reflectors, plastic lenses). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure comprises a translucent cover, a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light that passes through the translucent cover, and a pair of light-shielding walls that are arranged on either side of the semiconductor light-emitting element and block a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element, wherein a space is formed between the pair of light-shielding walls and the translucent cover, and the translucent cover is processed to diffuse the light that passes through the translucent cover, so that when a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element is blocked by the pair of light-shielding walls and another portion of the light passes through the translucent cover, a segment light-emitting range is formed on the translucent cover that includes an outline defined by the pair of light-shielding walls.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to emit light in the intended segmented light emission range with a simple configuration, without using a plurality of reflectors.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the semiconductor light-emitting element may be a light source having a light distribution characteristic of Lambertian light distribution, and the height of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set so as to block light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element within an angular range greater than a half-value angle.

[0009] In the above vehicle lamp, the distance between the outlines of the segment light emission ranges defined by the pair of light-shielding walls may be longer than the distance between the pair of light-shielding walls.

[0010] The above-described vehicle lamp may include a plurality of combinations of the semiconductor light-emitting element and the pair of light-shielding walls, and the combinations may be arranged in a line in a predetermined direction.

[0011] In the above vehicle lamp, the height of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set to a height that allows the segment light emission ranges to be formed without overlapping each other.

[0012] In the above vehicle lamp, the height of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set to a height that prevents a dark area from being formed between segment light emission ranges that are formed adjacent to each other.

[0013] In the above vehicle lamp, the height of the pair of light-shielding walls may be set to a height that forms a dark area between the segment light emission ranges that are formed adjacent to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can emit light in intended segmented light emission ranges with a simple configuration without using additional components (e.g., reflectors, plastic lenses). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicle lamp 10 mounted on a vehicle V forms a segmented light emission range SA, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicle lamp 10 mounted on a vehicle V forms another segmented light emission range SA. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lamp 10. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6(b) is a view taken in the direction of an arrow AR1 in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] (a) An example of the segment light emission range SA when the height H1 of the light-shielding wall 32 (32a, 32b) is adjusted to 5.37 mm, and (b) an example of the segment light emission range SA when the height H1 of the light-shielding wall 32 (32a, 32b) is adjusted to 6.07 mm. [Figure 8] (a) An example of a segmented light emitting range SA (plurality), (b) Another example of a segmented light emitting range SA (plurality). [Figure 9] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing the lighting modes used in the experiment. [Figure 10] This is a table summarizing the experimental results (measurement results) for each lighting pattern and each shielding wall height. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a vehicle lamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0017] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicular lamp 10 mounted on a vehicle V forms a segmented light emission range SA. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a vehicular lamp 10 mounted on a vehicle V forms another segmented light emission range SA. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicular lamp 10.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the vehicle lamp 10 is a communication lamp that notifies people outside the vehicle V (e.g., a pedestrian U) of the state (driving control state of the vehicle V) of the vehicle V (e.g., a vehicle capable of running in autonomous driving mode) in which the vehicle lamp 10 is installed, by forming a segmented light-emitting range SA that is turned on and off as appropriate.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle lamp 10 is long and narrow. The vehicle lamp 10 is mounted in a position visible from outside the vehicle V, for example, on the side (left side or right side) of the vehicle V. In this case, the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on the left side and right side have a symmetrical configuration, the following description will be directed to the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side (left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) as a representative.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle lamp 10 includes an outer lens 20, a housing 30, a substrate 40 on which a semiconductor light emitting element 41 is mounted, a heat dissipation sheet 50, and a case 60.

[0022] The outer lens 20 is a long, narrow, light-transmitting cover made of transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The outer lens 20 includes a light-transmitting portion 21 and a light-opaque portion 22.

[0023] The light-transmitting portion 21 is a portion through which light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element 41 passes. The light-transmitting portion 21 is provided in the range indicated by the reference symbol A1 in FIG. 3. At least one of the front and rear surfaces of the light-transmitting portion 21 is treated to diffuse the light passing through the light-transmitting portion 21, for example, painted to give at least one of the front and rear surfaces a frosted glass appearance. Note that, instead of painting, a textured finish or a diffusion sheet may be used as the treatment to diffuse the light passing through the light-transmitting portion 21.

[0024] The light-opaque portion 22 is provided so as to surround the light-transmitting portion 21. The light-opaque portion 22 is provided in the ranges indicated by the symbols A2 and A3 in Fig. 3. The light-opaque portion 22 is provided for the purpose of covering and concealing the internal structure of the vehicle lamp 10 so that the internal structure cannot be seen from the outside. The light-opaque portion 22 is formed, for example, by painting at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the outer lens 20 in black or another light-opaque color.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the housing 30. As shown in FIG.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 30 includes a housing main body 31 and a light-shielding wall 32 (a pair of light-shielding walls 32a, 32b). The housing main body 31 and the light-shielding wall 32 (32a, 32b) are integrally molded. The housing 30 may be formed by combining the housing main body 31 and the light-shielding wall 32 (32a, 32b) that are separately constructed. The housing 30 is made of, for example, black synthetic resin (for example, polypropylene containing carbon).

[0027] The housing body 31 is formed to be long and narrow in accordance with the long and narrow outer lens 20 (see FIG. 4). The housing body 31 has rectangular through-holes H arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31. 31(Multiple) through holes H 31 The through holes H penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the housing body 31. Each semiconductor light emitting element 41 mounted on a substrate 40 disposed at the rear of the housing body 31 is 31 exposed from.

[0028] The light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) are provided on the front surface of the housing body 31 (see FIG. 5). Specifically, the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) are flat plate-like portions having a thickness T1 (see FIG. 5) in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31, and are spaced apart from each other by a through-hole H 31 The light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) are an example of a pair of light-shielding walls of the present disclosure.

[0029] Through hole H of the above configuration 31 The combination of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) is arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing body 31.

[0030] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

[0031] 6(a), a space S1 is formed between the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) and the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b). This allows the distance L1 between the contours of the segment light-emitting range SA defined by the light-shielding walls 32a, 32b to be longer than the distance L4 between the light-shielding walls 32a, 32b.

[0032] The substrate 40 is formed long and narrow to correspond to the long and narrow housing 30 (see FIG. 4). The substrate 40 is attached to a metal (e.g., aluminum) case 60 with its rear surface, opposite the front surface on which the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is mounted, facing the front surface of the case 60 (see FIG. 3). A heat dissipation sheet 50 (thermal conduction sheet) is provided between the substrate 40 (rear surface) and the case 60 (front surface) to improve adhesion between them and reduce contact thermal resistance. Note that other TIMs (Thermal Interface Materials), such as thermal grease or thermally conductive adhesive, may be provided instead of the heat dissipation sheet 50.

[0033] The semiconductor light emitting element 34 is a light source with a Lambertian light distribution characteristic, for example, an LED that emits amber light. The light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element 34 may be a color other than amber. The semiconductor light emitting element 41 has a light emitting surface (for example, a rectangular light emitting surface with a side of 1 mm). The semiconductor light emitting elements 41 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40. The substrate 40 is arranged behind the housing 30, and each semiconductor light emitting element 41 is inserted into each through-hole H 31 that is, each through hole H 31 The semiconductor light emitting elements 41 (light emitting surfaces) exposed from the outer lens 20 and the outer lens 20 (light transmitting portion 21) are fixed to the case 60 in a state where they face each other (see FIG. 3).

[0034] Next, the segment light emission range SA will be described.

[0035] Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing how segmented light-emitting areas SA are formed in the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) by lighting up the semiconductor light-emitting element 41. Fig. 6(b) is a diagram seen from the direction of arrow AR1 in Fig. 6(a). The hatched areas indicated by the symbol SA in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b) represent segmented light-emitting areas, and the hatched areas indicated by the symbol SB represent non-light-emitting dark areas. This is also true in the other figures.

[0036] When the semiconductor light-emitting element 41 is turned on, some of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element 41 (for example, light with a relatively low intensity within angles θ1 and θ2 in FIG. 6(a)) is blocked by the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b), and the other part of the light (for example, light with a relatively high intensity within angle θ3 in FIG. 6(a)) is transmitted through the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21). At this time, since the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) is processed to diffuse the light that transmits through the light-transmitting portion 21, a segment light-emitting range SA is formed in the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21) when the other part of the light (light with a relatively high intensity) transmits through the outer lens 20 (light-transmitting portion 21).

[0037] As shown in Fig. 6(b), the segmented light emitting area SA is a rectangular area with a length L1 in the longitudinal direction and a width W1 in the lateral direction. The outer shape of the segmented light emitting area SA is a shape defined by the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b), here, two linear shapes CL extending in the lateral direction. SA1 , C.L. SA2 The outer shape of the segment light emitting area SA is a shape defined by the non-light transmitting portion 22 provided so as to surround the light transmitting portion 21, and in this case, two straight lines L extending in the longitudinal direction. SA1 , L SA2 In this way, the segment light emitting area SA includes two linear shapes CL SA1 , C.L. SA2 and two straight lines L SA1 , L SA2 The area is formed as a range surrounded by (here, a rectangular area).

[0038] The length L1 of the segment light emitting range SA in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted by adjusting the height H1 of the light blocking walls 32 (32a, 32b).

[0039] Figure 6(a) shows an example of the segment light emission range SA when the height H1 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) is adjusted to 4.67 mm. Figure 7(a) shows an example of the segment light emission range SA when the height H1 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) is adjusted to 5.37 mm. Figure 7(b) shows an example of the segment light emission range SA when the height H1 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) is adjusted to 6.07 mm.

[0040] 6, 7(a) and 7(b), it can be seen that as the height H2 of the light-shielding wall 32 (32a, 32b) increases, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the segment light emission range SA decreases.

[0041] FIG. 8(a) shows an example of a segmented light emitting range SA (plurality), and FIG. 8(b) shows another example of a segmented light emitting range SA (plurality).

[0042] For example, by adjusting the height H2 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b), it is possible to form segmented light emitting areas SA (plurality) adjacent to each other without gaps (dark areas SB) and without overlapping, as shown in Fig. 8(a). Also, by adjusting the height H2 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b), it is possible to form segmented light emitting areas SA (plurality) adjacent to each other with gaps (dark areas SB) in between, as shown in Fig. 8(b).

[0043] It is desirable to set the height H2 of the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) so as to block light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element 41 within an angular range greater than the half-value angle (for example, within the range of angles θ1 and θ2 in FIG. 6(a)). In this way, a brighter segment light-emitting range SA can be formed.

[0044] Next, the results of experiments conducted by the present inventors will be described.

[0045] 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams showing the lighting modes used in the experiment.

[0046] In the experiment, the luminance and contrast at the measurement point p1 were measured with the luminance meter 70 in a dark room each time the semiconductor light emitting elements 41 arranged at different positions were turned on in the lighting modes shown in Figs. 9(a) to 9(d). In Figs. 9(a) to 9(d), the semiconductor light emitting elements 41 shaded in black represent those that are turned on, while the semiconductor light emitting elements 41 shaded in white represent those that are turned off. As shown in Fig. 9(a), the measurement point p1 is located on the optical axis AX of a specific semiconductor light emitting element 41. 41 and the outer lens 20 (light transmitting portion 21). The distance H2 between the outer lens 20 (light transmitting portion 21) and the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is 14.5 mm, and the optical axis AX of the semiconductor light emitting element 41 is 14.5 mm. 41 The distance L2 between the light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b) was 3 mm. The luminance meter 70 was placed at a distance H3 from the measurement point p1 in the direction perpendicular to the surface. The distance H3 was 600 mm.

[0047] Figure 10 is a table summarizing the experimental results (measurement results) for each lighting mode and each light-shielding wall height.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the contrast improves as the height H2 of the baffle walls 32 (32a, 32b) increases.

[0049] The segmented light emitting ranges SA may be formed so as to move from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle (or vice versa) by controlling the lighting on and off of each semiconductor light emitting element 41 (see arrow AR2 in FIG. 1(a)), or may be formed so that the segmented light emitting ranges SA and dark areas SB are alternately continuous (see FIG. 1(b)). In addition, the segmented light emitting ranges SA may be formed in various other patterns.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to separate and emit light into the intended segment light emission ranges SA with a simple configuration (light-shielding walls 32 (32a, 32b)) without using additional components (for example, a reflector or a resin lens). In this case, it is also possible to achieve high efficiency and high contrast in the segment light emission ranges SA.

[0051] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0052] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the descriptions of the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Vehicle lighting fixtures 20 outer lens 20 Translucent cover 21 Light transmission part 22 Light-opaque area 30 Housing 31 Housing body 32, 32a, 32b blackout wall 34 Semiconductor light emitting device 40 boards 41 Semiconductor light emitting element 50 Heat dissipation sheet 60 cases 70 Luminance Meter AX 41 optical axis H 31 Through holes p1 Fixed point S1 Pace SA Segment Emission Range SB section U ascetic V vehicle

Claims

1. A translucent cover and a semiconductor light emitting element that emits light that passes through the light-transmitting cover; a pair of light-shielding walls disposed on both sides of the semiconductor light-emitting element and configured to block a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element; a space is formed between the pair of light-shielding walls and the light-transmitting cover, The light-transmitting cover is processed to diffuse light passing through the light-transmitting cover, When a portion of the light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element is blocked by the pair of light-shielding walls and another portion of the light passes through the light-transmitting cover, a segment light-emitting range including an outline defined by the pair of light-shielding walls is formed on the light-transmitting cover.

2. the semiconductor light emitting element is a light source having a Lambertian light distribution characteristic, 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the pair of light-shielding walls have heights set so as to block light emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting element within an angular range greater than a half-value angle.

3. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the contours of the segment light emission range defined by the pair of light-shielding walls is longer than a distance between the pair of light-shielding walls.

4. a plurality of combinations of the semiconductor light emitting element and the pair of light blocking walls; The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the combinations are arranged in a line in a predetermined direction.

5. 5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the height of the pair of light-shielding walls is set to a height at which segment light emission ranges are formed so as not to overlap each other.

6. 5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the height of the pair of light-shielding walls is set to a height that does not create a dark area between the segment light emission ranges formed adjacent to each other.

7. 5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the height of the pair of light-shielding walls is set to a height such that a dark area is formed between the segment light emission ranges formed adjacent to each other.

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