Vehicle lamp fitting

Abstract

To provide a vehicle lamp fitting which enables improvement of design.SOLUTION: A vehicle lamp fitting 1 includes: first light sources 11 to 14; second light sources 21 to 23; a light guide body unit 30; and a control device CO. The light guide body unit 30 includes: a light guide plate 70; an elongated light guide body 40 connected with the light guide plate 70 and including a curved part 42; a plurality of first light incident parts 51 to 54 which are connected to the elongated light guide body 40 at intervals along a longitudinal direction at one end side relative to the curved part 42 and propagate lights from the first light sources 11 to 14 toward the curved part 42 side; and second light incident parts 61 to 63 which are connected to the elongated light guide body 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction at the other end side relative to the curved part 42 and propagate lights from the second light sources 21 to 23 toward the curved part 42 side. The control device CO controls the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23 so that light is emitted sequentially from the light source whose emitted light enters the elongated light guide body 40 at a position closest to the curved part 42 to the light source whose emitted light enters the elongated light guide body 40 at a position close to the curved part 42 in the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There are vehicle lamps that include a light source and a light guide that guides light from the light source, and Patent Document 1 below discloses such a vehicle lamp.

[0003] In the vehicle lamp of Patent Document 1, the light guide is composed of a light guide plate and a columnar elongated light guide whose outer peripheral surface is connected to an end of the light guide plate. Light from a light source propagates through the elongated light guide from one end to the other. The light propagating through the elongated light guide is guided to the light guide plate, and the light guided from the elongated light guide is emitted from the end face opposite the elongated light guide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 157585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a light guide consisting of such a light guide plate and an elongated light guide, there is a demand for improving the design by making the area from which light from the light guide plate is emitted expand from the center of the light guide plate toward the outside in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lamp that can improve design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle lamp of the present invention comprises a plurality of first light sources, a plurality of second light sources, a light guide unit, and a control device, wherein the light guide unit comprises a light guide plate, an elongated light guide having an outer peripheral surface to which the light guide plate is connected and a curved portion that is convexly curved toward the light guide plate in a section to which the light guide plate is connected, a plurality of first light inlet portions connected to the elongated light guide at one end side from the curved portion and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, and propagating light from the first light sources toward the curved portion, and a plurality of second light inlet portions connected to the elongated light guide at the other end side from the curved portion and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, and propagating light from the second light sources toward the curved portion, and the control device controls the first light source and the second light source so that at least one of the first light source and the second light source emits light in the order of the light source that enters the elongated light guide at a position closest to the curved portion.

[0008] In this vehicle lamp, light from the first light source and the second light source propagates through the elongated light guide. The light guide plate is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the elongated light guide and can emit light from the first light source and the second light source. As described above, light propagating through the elongated light guide including a curved portion that curves convexly toward the light guide plate tends to propagate more easily from the curved portion to the light guide plate and less easily propagates beyond the curved portion to the opposite side. In this vehicle lamp, light from the first light source propagates from one end toward the curved portion, and light from the second light source propagates from the other end toward the curved portion. Therefore, this vehicle lamp can make it difficult for light from the first light source to propagate beyond the curved portion to the other end, and can make it difficult for light from the second light source to propagate beyond the curved portion to the one end. Therefore, light from the first light source can be emitted from one end of the curved portion of the light guide plate in the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide, and light from the second light source can be emitted from the other end. Also, in this vehicle lamp, at least one of the first light source and the second light source emits light in order from the light source that enters the elongated light guide at a position closest to the curved portion. Therefore, with this vehicle lamp, the light emission area of ​​the light guide plate can be made to expand from the curved portion toward the one end and the other end, thereby improving design.

[0009] The curved portion may bend at an acute angle.

[0010] With this configuration, light propagating through the elongated light guide is more easily propagated through the curved portion by the light guide plate, making it easier for the light from the first light source to exit from one end of the curved portion of the light guide plate and the light from the second light source to exit from the other end.

[0011] The elongated light guide may include a pair of columnar light guides arranged in parallel to each other so as to be optically connected in the radial direction, and the light guide plate may be connected to one of the columnar light guides, and at least one of the plurality of first light entrance sections and the plurality of second light entrance sections may be connected to the other columnar light guide.

[0012] In this vehicle lamp, light from the light source that is incident on the light entrance portion connected to the other columnar light guide is propagated from the other columnar light guide to the light guide plate via the one columnar light guide, making it possible to easily suppress spot light caused by this light source.

[0013] The control device may control at least one of the first light source and the second light source so that the amount of light emitted from a light source that enters the elongated light guide at a position closer to the curved portion is smaller.

[0014] The first light inlet and the second light inlet are connected to the elongated light guide at a longitudinal interval. Therefore, on one end side of the curved portion, more light from the first light source propagates toward the curved portion, while on the other end side of the curved portion, more light from the second light source propagates toward the curved portion. In this vehicle lamp, as described above, the light source that emits light closer to the curved portion and enters the elongated light guide emits less light. Therefore, this vehicle lamp can prevent the amount of light propagating from the elongated light guide to the light guide plate from increasing toward the curved portion, compared to when the light sources emit the same amount of light. Therefore, this vehicle lamp can prevent uneven light emission in the light guide plate, compared to the above case.

[0015] When the control device emits light from a specific light source in at least one of the first light source and the second light source, the control device may control the first light source and the second light source so that the amount of light emitted from a light source where the position at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide is closer to the curved portion than the position at the specific light source is reduced.

[0016] This vehicle lamp can prevent the amount of light propagating from the elongated light guide to the light guide plate from increasing as the distance from the curved portion increases, compared to when the amount of light emitted from the light source does not change. Therefore, this vehicle lamp can prevent uneven light emission from the light guide plate, compared to the above case.

[0017] In this case, the control device may control the first light source and the second light source so that, when emitting light from the specific light source, the light source emits light that is dimmed compared to light emitted before the specific light source emits light. Alternatively, when emitting light from the specific light source, the control device may control the first light source and the second light source so that the amount of light emitted from the light source is zero. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle lamp that can improve design can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a view of the first light source, the second light source, and the light guide unit as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing the first light source, the second light source, and the light guide unit as viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide unit taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first groove, a second groove, and a gap. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide unit taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion including a gap in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 5 is an enlarged view of a portion including a second plate-shaped portion in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is an enlarged view showing a portion including an end portion on the opposite side to the connection portion side of the second plate-shaped portion in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the second plate-shaped portion taken along line XX in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion including a curved portion in the light guide unit. [Figure 12] 5 is an example of a control flowchart of the control device of the first embodiment when the vehicle lamp functions as a decorative lamp. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a vehicle lamp according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram similar to FIG. 2 showing a first light source, a second light source, and a light guide unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a long light guide according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Preferred embodiments of a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof. The present invention may also be implemented by appropriately combining the components in the embodiments exemplified below. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding. Also, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, similar components may be denoted with reference numerals only in some cases, and some reference numerals may be omitted.

[0021] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is a tail lamp for a four-wheeled motor vehicle. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the vehicle lamp 1 can also function as a decorative lamp. Tail lamps are generally provided on each of the left and right sides of the rear of a vehicle. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the forward direction of the vehicle, and "left" means the left side in the forward direction of the vehicle. The left and right tail lamps have the same configuration except that their shapes are roughly symmetrical in the left-right direction. For this reason, the following will describe the vehicle lamp 1 that is the right tail lamp. Note that in FIG. 1, the right side is the front side of the vehicle, and the left side is the rear side of the vehicle.

[0022] 1, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises a housing 5, four first light sources 11-14, three second light sources 21-23, a light guide unit 30 that guides light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23, a control device CO, and a memory ME. In FIG. 1, the housing 5 is shown in vertical cross section.

[0023] The housing 5 has a lamp housing 6 and a light-transmitting outer cover 7. The rear of the lamp housing 6 is open, and the outer cover 7 is fixed to the lamp housing 6 so as to close the opening. Inside the space R formed by the lamp housing 6 and the outer cover 7, first light sources 11-14, second light sources 21-23, a light guide unit 30, a control device CO, and a memory ME are housed.

[0024] The control device CO is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (numerical control) device. Furthermore, when an NC device is used, the control device CO may or may not use a machine learning device. The control device CO is electrically connected to the memory ME, the first light sources 11-14, the second light sources 21-23, a light switch (not shown), and a door sensor (not shown). The door sensor is a sensor that detects whether a door of the vehicle is open or closed, and outputs a signal indicating that the door is open when the door is open.

[0025] The memory ME is configured to store information and to be able to read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM), but may also include any type of recording medium, such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. The memory ME stores programs for controlling the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 and information necessary for such control, and the control device CO reads the programs and information stored in the memory ME.

[0026] The control device CO of this embodiment reads out a program for controlling the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23 from the memory ME, and controls the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23. The control device CO and the memory ME may be disposed outside the housing 5.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 emit red light. The first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 each include a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the substrate, and these light-emitting elements are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The configuration of the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is not limited. In the following description, the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 may be simply referred to as light sources.

[0028] The light guide unit 30 of this embodiment includes an elongated light guide 40, four first light entrance portions 51 to 54, three second light entrance portions 61 to 63, and a light guide plate .

[0029] FIG. 2 is a view of the first light sources 11-14, the second light sources 21-23, and the light guide unit 30 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a view of the first light sources 11-14, the second light sources 21-23, and the light guide unit 30 as viewed from above the vehicle. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the right side corresponds to the right side of the vehicle, and the left side corresponds to the left side of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the elongated light guide 40 of this embodiment is made of a single translucent cylindrical member and includes an upper portion 41, a curved portion 42, and a lower portion 43. The upper portion 41 is a partial section of the elongated light guide 40, and extends downward and diagonally rearward from the upper right rear portion in the space R. An upper end surface 41s of the upper portion 41 is one end surface of the elongated light guide 40, and the end surface 41s is a plane that faces rearward and is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the elongated light guide 40.

[0030] The curved portion 42 is another section of the elongated light guide 40, and is a section that is curved in an arc shape. In this embodiment, the curved portion 42 extends downward from the lower end of the upper portion 41 and is curved convexly to the left. The curved portion 42 is also bent at an acute angle.

[0031] The lower portion 43 is yet another section of the elongated light guide 40, and extends downward and diagonally rightward from the lower end of the curved portion 42. A lower end face 43s of the lower portion 43 is the other end face of the elongated light guide 40, and the end face 43s is a plane that faces downward and is generally perpendicular to the central axis of the elongated light guide 40.

[0032] The thicknesses of the upper portion 41, the curved portion 42, and the lower portion 43 are roughly the same, and the outer surfaces of the upper portion 41 and the curved portion 42, and the outer surfaces of the curved portion 42 and the lower portion 43 are connected without any steps.

[0033] In this embodiment, the elongated light guide 40 is provided with three attachment portions 45a, 45b, and 45c. The attachment portion 45a is provided at an end of the upper portion 41 opposite the curved portion 42 and is a plate-like member protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the end. The attachment portion 45b is provided at the curved portion 42 and is a plate-like member protruding from the right side of the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion 42. The attachment portion 45c is provided at an end of the lower portion 43 opposite the curved portion 42 and is a plate-like member protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the end. These attachment portions 45a, 45b, and 45c are fixed to a holder (not shown), and the elongated light guide 40 is supported by the holder. The positions, number, and shapes of the attachment portions 45a, 45b, and 45c are not limited.

[0034] The first light inlet sections 51 to 54 are members that guide the light emitted from the first light sources 11 to 14 to the elongated light guide 40. In this embodiment, the three first light inlet sections 51 to 53 are cylindrical members that are translucent. The first light inlet section 51 extends obliquely upward to the right from the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 41, which is one end side of the elongated light guide 40 relative to the curved portion 42. The end face of the first light inlet section 51 opposite the elongated light guide 40 side is a flat surface that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the first light inlet section 51. The first light source 11 is disposed opposite to the end face with a predetermined gap therebetween. The light emitted from the first light source 11 enters the first light inlet section 51 from this end face and is guided to the elongated light guide 40 so as to propagate through the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42 side.

[0035] The first light inlet 52 extends obliquely upward to the right from the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40, on one end side of the connection portion 51c between the first light inlet 51 and the elongated light guide 40. The end face of the first light inlet 52 opposite the elongated light guide 40 side is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the first light inlet 52. The first light source 12 is arranged to face the end face with a predetermined gap between them. Light emitted from the first light source 12 enters the first light inlet 52 from this end face and is guided into the elongated light guide 40 so as to propagate through the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42.

[0036] The first light inlet 53 extends obliquely upward to the right from the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40, on one end side of the connection portion 52c between the first light inlet 52 and the elongated light guide 40. The end face of the first light inlet 53 opposite the elongated light guide 40 side is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the first light inlet 53. The first light source 13 is arranged to face the end face with a predetermined gap between them. Light emitted from the first light source 13 enters the first light inlet 53 from this end face and is guided into the elongated light guide 40 so as to propagate through the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42.

[0037] The first light entrance portion 54 is an end face 41s of the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 opposite to the curved portion 42. The first light source 14 is disposed opposite to the end face 41s serving as the first light entrance portion 54 at a predetermined distance. Light emitted from the first light source 14 passes through the end face 41s and propagates through the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42.

[0038] That is, the first light entrance portions 51-54 are connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40 on one end side of the curved portion 42, and propagate light from the first light sources 11-14 toward the curved portion 22. The positions at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide 40 are farthest from the curved portion 42 in the order of the first light sources 11, 12, 13, and 14. Therefore, the position at the first light source 11 is closest to the curved portion 42, and the position at the first light source 14 is farthest from the curved portion 42.

[0039] The second light inlet sections 61 to 63 are members that guide the light emitted from the second light sources 21 to 23 to the elongated light guide 40. In this embodiment, the two second light inlet sections 61, 62 are cylindrical members that are translucent. The second light inlet section 61 extends diagonally downward to the right from the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion 43, which is the other end side of the elongated light guide 40 relative to the curved portion 42. The end face of the second light inlet section 61 opposite to the elongated light guide 40 side is a flat surface that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the second light inlet section 61. The second light source 21 is disposed opposite to the end face with a predetermined gap therebetween. The light emitted from the second light source 21 enters the second light inlet section 61 from the end face and is guided to the elongated light guide 40 so as to propagate through the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42 side.

[0040] The second light inlet 62 extends diagonally downward to the right from the right side of the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion 43 of the elongated light guide 40, on the other end side of the connection portion 61c between the second light inlet 61 and the elongated light guide 40. The end face of the second light inlet 62 opposite the elongated light guide 40 side is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the second light inlet 62. The second light source 22 is arranged to face the end face with a predetermined gap between them. Light emitted from the second light source 22 enters the second light inlet 62 from this end face and is guided into the elongated light guide 40 so as to propagate through the elongated light guide 40 from the other end side toward the curved portion 42.

[0041] The second light entrance portion 63 is an end face 43s of the lower portion 43 of the elongated light guide 40 on the side opposite to the curved portion 42. The second light source 23 is disposed opposite to the end face 43s of the second light entrance portion 63 at a predetermined distance. Light emitted from the second light source 23 passes through the end face 43s and propagates through the elongated light guide 40 from the other end side toward the curved portion 42 side.

[0042] That is, the second light input portions 61 to 63 are connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40 on the other end side of the curved portion 42, and allow light from the second light sources 21 to 23 to propagate toward the curved portion 22. The positions at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide 40 become farther from the curved portion 42 in the order of the second light sources 21, 22, and 23. Therefore, the position at the second light source 21 is closest to the curved portion 42, and the position at the second light source 23 is farthest from the curved portion 42.

[0043] The light guide plate 70 is a translucent plate-like member, and an end of the light guide plate 70 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the elongated light guide 40 along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40, thereby guiding light propagating through the light guide plate 70. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 70 is connected to the left side of the outer circumferential surface of a continuous section of the elongated light guide 40 that includes the upper portion 41, the curved portion 42, and the lower portion 43. In other words, the elongated light guide 40 includes the curved portion 42 in the section to which the light guide plate 70 is connected. As described above, the curved portion 42 is curved convexly toward the left, and therefore the curved portion 42 is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70.

[0044] The light guide plate 70 of this embodiment includes a first plate-shaped portion 71, a second plate-shaped portion 72, and a connecting portion 73. The first plate-shaped portion 71 is a plate-shaped member extending leftward from the elongated light guide 40. The second plate-shaped portion 72 is a plate-shaped member extending rearward and diagonally leftward from near the left end of the first plate-shaped portion 71. The connecting portion 73 is a plate-shaped member that connects the left end of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and the right end of the second plate-shaped portion 72, and is curved convexly forward.

[0045] The end face 90 of the second plate-shaped portion 72 opposite the connecting portion 73 is the left end face of the light guide plate 70 opposite the elongated light guide 40. The end face 90 includes an upper region 90a extending downward and diagonally rearward from a rear portion on the upper right side of the space R, a curved region 90b extending downward from a lower end of the upper region 90a and curving convexly to the left, and a lower region 90c extending downward and diagonally rearward from a lower end of the curved region 90b. When the light guide plate 70 is viewed from the rear side, the end face 90 extends generally along the elongated light guide 40, and the shape of the end face 90 when viewed in this manner is generally a V-shape tilted to the right. The shape of the end face 90 is not limited.

[0046] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 30 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 30 crossing the curved portion 42 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4, one main surface 70s1 of the light guide plate 70 is made up of a front main surface 71s1 of the first plate-shaped portion 71, a front main surface 72s1 of the second plate-shaped portion 72, and a front main surface 73s1 of the connecting portion 73 connecting the main surface 71s1 and the main surface 72s1. The other main surface 70s2 of the light guide plate 70 is made up of a rear main surface 71s2 of the first plate-shaped portion 71, a rear main surface 72s2 of the second plate-shaped portion 72, and a rear main surface 73s2 of the connecting portion 73 connecting the main surface 71s2 and the main surface 72s2. As will be described in detail later, the light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is guided from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70, and the light guide plate 70 guides the light guided from the elongated light guide 40 to an end face 90. The end face 90 is located on the left side of the elongated light guide 40. In other words, the light guide plate 70 guides the light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 from right to left in the left-right direction along the main surface 70s1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the first plate-shaped portion 71 of this embodiment has a plurality of first grooves 81, a plurality of second grooves 82, and a gap 83.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the first grooves 81, the second grooves 82, and the gaps 83, showing a portion of the light guide unit 30 including the curved portion 42 viewed from a direction generally perpendicular to the main surface 71s2 of the first plate-shaped portion 71. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide unit 30 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. The first grooves 81 are recesses formed in the main surface 71s2 and are aligned along the upper portion 41 at predetermined intervals. The interval between the upper portion 41 and the first grooves 81 is not limited, but is preferably smaller than the diameter of the upper portion 41. The interval between the upper portion 41 and the first grooves 81 is the distance from the ridge between the main surface 71s2 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 41 to the first groove 81. The interval between adjacent first grooves 81 is generally constant. The first groove 81 in this embodiment has an outer shape of a triangle with one side generally along the upper portion 41. Therefore, the first groove 81 includes a surface 81a along the upper portion 41, a slope 81b located on the curved portion 42 side, and a slope 81c located on the side opposite the curved portion 42. The slope 81b slopes away from the upper portion 41 in the direction away from the curved portion 42, and the slope 81c slopes away from the upper portion 41 in the direction approaching the curved portion 42. The depth of the first groove 81 is generally the same as the thickness of the first plate-shaped portion 71, and a lid portion 89 including a bottom surface 81d of the first groove 81 is provided on the main surface 71s1. The outer shape of the first groove 81 gradually becomes smaller toward the bottom surface 81d.

[0049] Similar to the first grooves 81, the multiple second grooves 82 are recesses provided in the main surface 71s2 and are aligned along the lower portion 43 at predetermined intervals. The interval between the lower portion 43 and the second grooves 82 is not limited, but is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lower portion 43. The interval between the lower portion 43 and the second grooves 82 is the distance from the ridge between the main surface 71s2 and the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion 43 to the second groove 82. The interval between adjacent second grooves 82 is generally constant. Similar to the outline of the first grooves 81, the second grooves 82 in this embodiment have a triangular shape with one side generally aligned along the lower portion 43. Therefore, the second grooves 82 include a surface 82a aligned along the lower portion 43, a slope 82b located on the curved portion 42 side, and a slope 82c located on the opposite side from the curved portion 42 side. Although not illustrated, the depth of the second groove 82, like the depth of the first groove 81, is approximately the same as the thickness of the first plate-shaped portion 71. A lid portion including the bottom surface of the second groove 82 is provided on the main surface 71s1. The outer shape of the second groove 82 gradually becomes smaller toward the bottom surface.

[0050] The void 83 extends in an arc shape along the curved portion 42 at a predetermined distance from the curved portion 42. In this embodiment, the void 83 is a through-hole that penetrates the first plate-shaped portion 71 in the thickness direction, and extends along the entire length of the curved portion 42. The width of the void 83 in the direction perpendicular to the direction along the curved portion 42 is generally constant.

[0051] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5 including the void 83. A plurality of inner steps 84 are provided on the arcuately curved surface on the curved portion 42 side of the surface defining the void 83. In this embodiment, the inner steps 84 are formed as curved surfaces extending in the thickness direction of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and curving convexly toward the side opposite the curved portion 42. Therefore, the inner steps 84 are so-called cylindrical steps. The inner steps 84 are aligned along the curved portion 42, and adjacent inner steps 84 are connected to each other. The inner steps 84 are provided over the entire surface defining the void 83 that faces the curved portion 42, and the surface defining the void 83 that faces the curved portion 42 is made up of multiple inner steps 84. Note that adjacent inner steps 84 may be spaced apart, or the inner steps 84 may be provided on a portion of the surface defining the void 83 that faces the curved portion 42.

[0052] Furthermore, a plurality of outer steps 85 are provided on the arcuately curved surface on the side opposite the curved portion 42 of the surface defining the void 83. In this embodiment, the outer step 85 is formed of a curved surface that extends in the thickness direction of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and curves concavely toward the side opposite the curved portion 42. The plurality of outer steps 85 are aligned along the curved portion 42, and adjacent outer steps 85 are connected to each other. The plurality of outer steps 85 are provided over the entire surface defining the void 83 on the side opposite the curved portion 42, and the surface defining the void 83 on the side opposite the curved portion 42 is made up of a plurality of outer steps 85. Note that adjacent outer steps 85 may be spaced apart, or the outer steps 85 may be provided in a portion of the surface defining the void 83 on the side opposite the curved portion 42.

[0053] Additionally, a plurality of adjusting steps 86 are provided in a region of the principal surface 71s2 opposite the curved portion 42 side of the void 83. The void 83 is located between the region where the plurality of adjusting steps 86 are provided and the curved portion 42. The adjusting steps 86 extend from the void 83 side toward the connecting portion 73 side and are formed of a curved surface that curves convexly toward the side opposite the principal surface 71s1. Therefore, the adjusting steps 86 are so-called cylindrical steps. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the principal surface 71s2, the extending direction of the adjusting steps 86 is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower portion 43. The plurality of adjusting steps 86 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the adjusting steps 86, and adjacent adjusting steps 86 are connected to each other. However, adjacent adjusting steps 86 may be spaced apart. Note that the adjusting steps 86 are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] 8 is an enlarged view of a region including the second plate-shaped portion 72 in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of reflective step groups 87 are provided on the main surface 72s1 of the second plate-shaped portion 72. In this embodiment, the reflective step groups 87 are composed of a plurality of steps 88 each having a curved surface recessed into a hemisphere. Adjacent steps 88 are connected to each other. However, adjacent steps 88 may be spaced apart.

[0055] 9 is an enlarged view of a region including an end portion of the second plate-shaped portion 72 in FIG. 4 opposite to the connecting portion 73. As shown in FIG. 9, an end surface 90 of the second plate-shaped portion 72 of this embodiment opposite to the connecting portion 73 includes a first surface 91 and a second surface 92. The end surface 90 is a surface connecting one main surface 72s1 and the other main surface 72s2, and is a side surface of the second plate-shaped portion 72.

[0056] The first surface 91 is a surface that forms an acute angle with the main surface 72s1. In this embodiment, the first surface 91 faces rearward. The shape of the first surface 91 in a cross section along the thickness direction of the second plate-shaped portion 72 is generally linear.

[0057] The second surface 92 is located closer to the main surface 72s1 than the first surface 91. In this embodiment, the first surface 91 connects to the second surface 92 and the main surface 72s2, and the second surface 92 connects to the first surface 91 and the main surface 72s1. The shape of the second surface 92 in a cross section along the thickness direction of the second plate-shaped portion 72 is a curve that curves outwardly convexly. The angle between the second surface 92 and the main surface 72s1 is an obtuse angle. This angle is the angle between the main surface 72s1 and an imaginary plane 92a that passes through an edge 92e1 of the second surface 92 on the main surface 72s1 side and an edge 92e2 on the first surface 91 side. In FIG. 9 , the imaginary plane 92a is indicated by a dotted line. Because the second surface 92 connects to the first surface 91 as described above, the edge 92e2 on the first surface 91 side is the ridge between the second surface 92 and the first surface 91. The angle formed between the first surface 91 and the second surface 92 is an acute angle. This angle is the angle formed between the first surface 91 and the above-mentioned imaginary plane 92a.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second plate-shaped portion 72 taken along line XX in FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view across the upper region 90a of the end surface 90 along the edge 92e2 of the second surface 92 on the first surface 91 side. In FIG. 10, the right side is the curved region 90b side. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of correction steps 93 are provided on the second surface 92. In this embodiment, the plurality of correction steps 93 are aligned along the edge 92e2 of the second surface 92 on the first surface 91 side, and adjacent correction steps 93 are connected to each other. Note that adjacent correction steps 93 may be spaced apart. Although not illustrated, the plurality of correction steps 93 are provided across the upper region 90a, the curved region 90b, and the second surface 92 in the upper region 90a.

[0059] The correction step 93 of this embodiment has a first inclined surface 94 and a second inclined surface 95. The first inclined surface 94 and the second inclined surface 95 are aligned in a direction along the edge 92e2. The first inclined surface 94 is a surface that slopes outward toward the second inclined surface 95, and the second inclined surface 95 is a surface that slopes outward toward the first inclined surface 94.

[0060] Examples of materials that form the light guide unit 30 include transparent resin and glass. In this embodiment, the elongated light guide 40, the first light entrance sections 51 to 53, the second light entrance sections 61 and 62, and the light guide plate 70 of the light guide unit 30 are made of a colorless and transparent resin, and these members are integral with each other. In other words, these members have no seams.

[0061] Next, the operation of the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operations of the left and right vehicle lamps 1 are the same and synchronized. Therefore, the operation of the right vehicle lamp 1 will be described below, and the description of the operation of the left vehicle lamp 1 will be omitted.

[0062] First, the operation of the vehicle lamp 1 when it functions as a tail lamp will be described. When a signal indicating that the headlights should be turned on is not input from a light switch (not shown), the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 to stop emitting light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23. When a signal indicating that the headlights should be turned on is input from the light switch, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 to cause the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 to emit red light.

[0063] Light from the first light sources 11 to 13 is guided to the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 via the first light inlet portions 51 to 53, and light from the first light source 14 enters the upper portion 41 from the end face 41s serving as the first light inlet portion 54. The light from these first light sources 11 to 14 propagates through the interior of the upper portion 41 toward the curved portion 42. Light from the second light sources 21 and 22 is guided to the lower portion 43 of the elongated light guide 40 via the second light inlet portions 61 and 62, and light from the second light source 23 enters the lower portion 43 from the end face 43s serving as the second light inlet portion 63. The light from these second light sources 21 to 23 propagates through the interior of the lower portion 43 toward the curved portion 42. The light propagating through the elongated light guide 40 then enters the first plate-shaped portion 71 of the light guide plate 70.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the light guide unit 30 including the curved portion 42, taken generally along the main surface 71s1 of the first plate-shaped portion 71. In FIG. 11, the boundary between the elongated light guide 40 and the first plate-shaped portion 71 and the boundary between the first plate-shaped portion 71 and the connecting portion 73 are indicated by dashed lines. As shown in FIG. 11, light propagating through the upper portion 41 toward the curved portion 42 and entering the first plate-shaped portion 71 is internally reflected by the slope 81c of the first groove 81 toward the second plate-shaped portion 72. Light propagating from the upper portion 41 to the curved portion 42 and entering the first plate-shaped portion 71 is incident on an inner step 84 provided on the surface of the surface defining the gap 83 that faces the curved portion 42. Because the curved portion 42 is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70, most of the light propagating from the upper portion 41 to the curved portion 42 enters the first plate-shaped portion 71.

[0065] Furthermore, light that propagates through the lower portion 43 toward the curved portion 42 and enters the first plate-shaped portion 71 is internally reflected by the slope 82c of the second groove 82 toward the second plate-shaped portion 72. Furthermore, light that propagates from the lower portion 43 to the curved portion 42 and enters the first plate-shaped portion 71 is incident on the inner step 84. Note that, because the curved portion 42 is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70, much of the light that propagates from the lower portion 43 to the curved portion 42 enters the first plate-shaped portion 71.

[0066] The inner step 84 refracts light incident on the inner step 84 from the curved portion 42 and emits the light toward the side opposite the curved portion 42 of the surface defining the gap 83. The light exiting the inner step 84 passes through the gap 83 and enters the outer step 85, which is provided on the surface defining the gap 83 opposite the curved portion 42. In other words, the inner step 84 of this embodiment is a step that guides light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 so that the light passes through the gap 83, and emits light incident from the curved portion 42 toward the side opposite the curved portion 42 of the surface defining the gap 83. As described above, the inner step 84 of this embodiment is formed by a curved surface that extends in the thickness direction of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and curves convexly toward the side opposite the curved portion 42. Therefore, the inner step 84 refracts light incident from the curved portion 42 so that the divergence angle of the light increases.

[0067] Most of the light that passes through the gap 83 and enters the outer step 85 is refracted at the outer step 85 and propagates through the first plate-shaped portion 71 toward the connecting portion 73. The outer step 85 of this embodiment is formed of a curved surface that extends in the thickness direction of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and is concavely curved toward the side opposite to the curved portion 42. Therefore, the outer step 85 refracts the light entering from within the gap 83 so that the divergence angle of the light becomes large.

[0068] In this way, light propagating inside the elongated light guide 40 in the longitudinal direction enters the first plate-shaped portion 71 and propagates through the first plate-shaped portion 71 toward the connecting portion 73 .

[0069] As described above, a plurality of adjustment steps 86 are provided in the region of main surface 71s1 on the opposite side of curved portion 42 from void 83, and adjustment steps 86 are so-called cylindrical steps extending from the void 83 side toward connecting portion 73. Therefore, the propagation direction of part of the light propagating from void 83 toward connecting portion 73 is adjusted by the plurality of adjustment steps 86 so as to approach a direction parallel to the extension direction of the adjustment steps 86.

[0070] 4, light propagating through the first plate-shaped portion 71 toward the connecting portion 73 is guided to the second plate-shaped portion 72 via the connecting portion 73, and propagates through the second plate-shaped portion 72 toward the end portion opposite the connecting portion 73. As shown in Fig. 8, of the light propagating through the second plate-shaped portion 72, light that is incident on the reflective step group 87 is internally reflected by the reflective step group 87 toward the main surface 72s2, and is emitted rearward from the main surface 72s2.

[0071] Furthermore, light propagating through the second plate-shaped portion 72 that enters an end face 90 on the side opposite to the connecting portion 73 exits from the end face 90. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , light that enters a first surface 91 of the end face 90 exits rearward from the first surface 91. Light that enters the second surface 92 is internally reflected by the second surface 92 toward the first surface 91 and exits rearward from the first surface 91. The orientation, position, shape, etc. of the second surface 92 are adjusted so that at least a portion of the internally reflected light exits from the first surface 91 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 91. In other words, the second surface 92 internally reflects light so that at least a portion of the light propagating through the light guide plate 70 exits from the first surface 91 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 91.

[0072] As described above, the second surface 92 is provided with a plurality of correction steps 93. The correction steps 93 internally reflect light incident on the correction steps 93 by the first inclined surfaces 94 and the second inclined surfaces 95. The orientations, positions, shapes, and the like of the first inclined surfaces 94 and the second inclined surfaces 95 are adjusted so that the direction of light reflected internally and emitted rearward from the first surface 91 is perpendicular to or approaches a direction perpendicular to the first surface 91 in a direction along the edge 92e2 of the second surface 92 on the first surface 91 side. In other words, the correction steps 93 are steps that internally reflect light propagating through the light guide plate 70, thereby changing the direction of light emitted from the first surface 91 to a direction perpendicular to or closer to the first surface 91. The correction steps 93 increase the amount of light emitted from the first surface 91 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 91. In other words, the correction step 93 is a step of internally reflecting the light propagating through the light guide plate 70 and increasing the amount of light that is emitted from the first surface 91 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 91 .

[0073] In this way, light is emitted rearward from the first surface 91 of the end surface 90, which is an end surface of the light guide plate 70, and from a part of the main surface 72s2 of the second plate-shaped portion 72, which is a part of the main surface 70s2 of the light guide plate 70, and the light is irradiated toward the rear of the vehicle via the outer cover 7. In this way, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment functions as a tail lamp when the vehicle headlights are turned on.

[0074] Next, the operation of the vehicle lamp 1 when the vehicle lamp 1 functions as a decorative lamp will be described.

[0075] 12 is an example of a control flowchart of the control device CO of this embodiment when the vehicle lamp 1 functions as a decorative lamp. As shown in FIG. 12, the control flow includes steps SP11 to SP16.

[0076] (Step SP11) This step determines the next step depending on whether a signal indicating that the door is open is input from a door sensor (not shown). In this step, the control device CO advances the control flow to step SP12 if this signal is input from the door sensor, and advances the control flow to step SP16 if this signal is not input.

[0077] (Step SP12) This step is a step of emitting light only from the first light source 11 and the second light source 21. In this step, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23 to emit light from the first light source 11 and the second light source 21. In this embodiment, the control device CO simultaneously emits light from these light sources 11 and 21. Light from the first light source 11 propagates through the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42, and light from the second light source 21 propagates through the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42. The light from these light sources 11 and 21 propagates through the light guide plate 70, and is emitted rearward from a first surface 91 on an end surface 90 of the second plate-shaped portion 72 of the light guide plate 70 and a part of the main surface 72s2 of the second plate-shaped portion 72. As described above, because the curved portion 42 is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70, much of the light propagating from the upper portion 41 to the curved portion 42 and from the lower portion 43 to the curved portion 42 enters the first plate-shaped portion 71. Therefore, the light-emitting region of the light guide plate 70 is the curved portion 42 side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40. Specifically, this region is closer to the curved portion 42 than the connection portion 51c of the first light entrance portion 51, where light from the first light source 11 enters the elongated light guide 40, and closer to the curved portion 42 than the connection portion 61c of the second light entrance portion 61, where light from the second light source 21 enters the elongated light guide 40. The control device CO advances the control flow to step SP13 after a predetermined period of time, e.g., 0.5 seconds, has elapsed since the light sources 11 and 21 emitted light.

[0078] (Step SP13) This step is a step of emitting light from the first light source 12 and the second light source 22. In this embodiment, the first light source 11 and the second light source 21 maintain their light emission. In this step, the control device CO controls the first light source 12 and the second light source 22 to emit light from these light sources 12 and 22. In this embodiment, the control device CO causes these light sources 12 and 22 to emit light simultaneously. In addition, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12, and the amount of light emitted from the second light source 21 is less than the amount of light emitted from the second light source 22.

[0079] Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 in step SP12, and the amount of light emitted from the second light source 21 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from the second light source 21 in step SP12. In other words, when emitting light from the light sources 12 and 22, the light sources 11 and 21 whose position at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide 40 is closer to the curved portion 42 than the position at which the light emitted from these light sources 12 and 22 enters the elongated light guide 40 emit light that is attenuated compared to the light emitted from the light sources 12 and 22 before being emitted. The control device CO controls these light sources 11, 12, 21, and 22 so that this occurs.

[0080] As in step SP12, the light from the first light sources 11 and 12 propagates along the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42, and the light from the second light sources 21 and 22 propagates along the upper portion 41 of the elongated light guide 40 toward the curved portion 42. The light from these light sources 11, 12, 21, and 22 propagates into the light guide plate 70 and exits from the light guide plate 70, as in step SP12. The position where the light from the first light source 12 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located higher and farther from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the first light source 11 enters the elongated light guide 40. The position where the light from the second light source 22 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located lower and farther from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the second light source 21 enters the elongated light guide 40. Therefore, the light exiting region of the light guide plate 70 extends upward and downward from the region in step SP12. This region is closer to the curved portion 42 than the connection portion 52c of the first light entrance portion 52, where the light from the first light source 12 enters the elongated light guide 40, and is closer to the curved portion 42 than the connection portion 62c of the second light entrance portion 62, where the light from the second light source 22 enters the elongated light guide 40. The control device CO advances the control flow to step SP14 after a predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 seconds, has elapsed since the light sources 12, 22 emitted light.

[0081] (Step SP14) This step is a step of emitting light from the first light source 13 and the second light source 23. In this embodiment, the first light sources 11 and 12 and the second light sources 21 and 22 maintain their light emission. In this step, the control device CO controls the first light source 13 and the second light source 23 to emit light from these light sources 13 and 23. In this embodiment, the control device CO simultaneously emits light from these light sources 13 and 23. Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12, and the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12 is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 13. Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from the second light source 21 is less than the amount of light emitted from the second light source 22, and the amount of light emitted from the second light source 22 is less than the amount of light emitted from the second light source 23. The position where the light of the first light source 13 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further upward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light of the first light source 12 enters the elongated light guide 40. The position where the light of the second light source 23 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further downward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light of the second light source 23 enters the elongated light guide 40. Therefore, among the first light sources 11 to 13 and the second light sources 21 to 23, the light sources that emit light that enters the elongated light guide 40 at a position closer to the curved portion 42 emit less light.

[0082] Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from first light source 11 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from first light source 11 in step SP13, and the amount of light emitted from first light source 12 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from first light source 12 in step SP13. Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from second light source 21 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from second light source 21 in step SP13. Furthermore, similar to second light source 21, the amount of light emitted from second light source 22 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from second light source 22 in step SP13, and the amount of light emitted from second light source 21 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from second light source 21 in step SP12. That is, when light is emitted from the light sources 13 and 23, the light sources 11, 12, 21, and 22, whose positions at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide 40 are closer to the curved portion 42 than the positions at which the light emitted from the light sources 13 and 23 enters the elongated light guide 40, emit light that is attenuated compared to the light emitted before being emitted from the light sources 13 and 23. The control device CO controls the light sources 11 to 13 and 21 to 23 so that this occurs.

[0083] As in step SP13, the light from the light sources 11 to 13, 21 to 23 propagates from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 and exits from the light guide plate 70. As described above, the position where the light from the first light source 13 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further upward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the first light source 12 enters the elongated light guide 40. The position where the light from the second light source 23 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further downward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the second light source 23 enters the elongated light guide 40. Therefore, the region from which light exits in the light guide plate 70 extends upward and downward from the region in step SP13. This region is closer to the curved portion 42 than the connection portion 53c of the first light entrance portion 53, where light from the first light source 13 enters the elongated light guide 40, and is closer to the curved portion 42 than the end face 43s, where light from the second light source 22 enters the elongated light guide 40. The control device CO advances the control flow to step SP15 after a predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 seconds, has elapsed since light was emitted from the light sources 13 and 23.

[0084] (Step SP15) This step is a step of emitting light from the first light source 14. In this embodiment, the first light sources 11 to 13 and the second light sources 21 to 23 continue to emit light. In this step, the control device CO controls the first light source 14 to emit light. In this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12, which is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 13, which is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 14. In addition, the amount of light emitted from the second light sources 21 to 23 is maintained at the amount of light in step SP15. The position where the light from the first light source 14 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further upward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the first light source 13 enters the elongated light guide 40. Therefore, among the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23, the light source that emits light incident on the elongated light guide 40 at a position closer to the curved portion 42 emits less light.

[0085] Furthermore, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 11 in step SP13. Similarly to the first light source 11, the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 12 in step SP13, and the amount of light emitted from the first light source 13 in this step is less than the amount of light emitted from the first light source 13 in step SP13. In other words, when light is emitted from the light source 14, the light sources 11 to 13 whose position at which the emitted light enters the elongated light guide 40 is closer to the curved portion 42 than the position at which the light emitted from the light source 14 enters the elongated light guide 40 emit light that is attenuated compared to the light emitted before the light was emitted from the light source 14. The control device CO controls these light sources 11 to 14, 21 to 23 so as to achieve this.

[0086] As in step SP14, the light from the light sources 11-14, 21-23 propagates from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 and exits from the light guide plate 70. As described above, the position where the light from the first light source 14 enters the elongated light guide 40 is located further upward from the curved portion 42 than the position where the light from the first light source 13 enters the elongated light guide 40. Therefore, the area from which light is emitted in the light guide plate 70 extends upward from the area in step SP13. The control device CO advances the control flow to step SP15 after a predetermined period of time, for example, 0.5 seconds, has elapsed since the first light source 14 emitted light.

[0087] (Step SP16) This step is a step of not emitting light from the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23. The control device CO controls the first light sources 11 to 14 and the second light sources 21 to 23 to not emit light from these light sources 11 to 14, 21 to 23. After this step, the control device CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0088] In this way, when the vehicle door is open, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the light emitted from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is emitted in order from the light source that enters the elongated light guide 40 at a position closest to the curved portion 42. The light from these light sources 11-14, 21-23 is emitted from the light guide plate 70, and the area of ​​the light guide plate 70 from which the light is emitted changes so as to expand from the curved portion 42 side toward one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40, and this change is repeated. In this way, the vehicle lamp 1 functions as a decorative lamp.

[0089] As described above, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of first light sources 11-14, a plurality of second light sources 21-23, a light guide unit 30, and a control device CO. The light guide unit 30 includes an elongated light guide 40, a plurality of first light inlet portions 51-54, a plurality of second light inlet portions 61-63, and a light guide plate 70. The elongated light guide 40 has the light guide plate 70 connected to its outer circumferential surface and includes a curved portion 42 that is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70 in the section where the light guide plate 70 is connected. The first light inlet portions 51-54 are connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction on one end side of the curved portion 42, and propagate light from the first light sources 11-14 toward the curved portion 42. The second light input portions 61-63 are connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction on the other end side of the curved portion 42, and propagate light from the second light sources 21-23 toward the curved portion 42. This allows light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 to exit from the light guide plate 70. Light propagating through the elongated light guide 40, which includes the curved portion 42 that is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70, tends to propagate more easily from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70, and tends to propagate less easily beyond the curved portion 42 to the opposite side. In this embodiment, light from the first light sources 11-14 propagates from one end toward the curved portion 42, and light from the second light sources 21-23 propagates from the other end toward the curved portion 42. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult for light from the first light sources 11-14 to propagate beyond the curved portion 42 toward the other end, and it is possible to make it difficult for light from the second light sources 21-23 to propagate beyond the curved portion 42 toward the one end. Therefore, it is possible to make it so that light from the first light sources 11-14 is emitted from one end side of the curved portion 42 in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40 of the light guide plate 70, and light from the second light sources 21-23 is emitted from the other end side. Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the emitted light from the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is emitted in order from the light source that enters the elongated light guide 40 at a position closest to the curved portion 42. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the light emitting area of ​​the light guide plate 70 can be made to expand from the curved portion 42 side toward one end side and the other end side, thereby improving the design.

[0090] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the curved portion 42 is bent at an acute angle. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, light propagating through the elongated light guide 40 is more easily propagated from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70. This makes it easier for light from the first light sources 11 to 14 to exit from one end side of the curved portion 42 in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40 of the light guide plate 70, and for light from the second light sources 21 to 23 to exit from the other end side. Note that the curved portion 42 may be bent at an obtuse angle.

[0091] As described above, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the first light inlet portions 51-54 and the second light inlet portions 61-63 are connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the elongated light guide 40 on one end side from the curved portion 42, more light from the first light source tends to propagate toward the curved portion 42, and in the elongated light guide on the other end side from the curved portion 42, more light from the second light source tends to propagate toward the curved portion 42. In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the light emitted from the light source that enters the elongated light guide 40 at a position closer to the curved portion 42 decreases. Therefore, compared to when the light sources emit the same amount of light, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the amount of light propagating from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 from increasing toward the curved portion 42. Therefore, compared to the above case, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent uneven light emission in the light guide plate 70.

[0092] From this perspective, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the amount of light emitted from at least one of the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is as described above. Therefore, for example, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the amount of light emitted from the first light sources 11-14 or the second light sources 21-23 is the same. For example, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the amount of light emitted from both the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is the same.

[0093] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, when the control device CO causes light to be emitted from a specific light source in both the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23, the control device CO controls the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that a light source whose emitted light is incident on the elongated light guide 40 at a position closer to the curved portion 42 than the specific light source's position emits light that is dimmed compared to the light emitted from the specific light source before the light is emitted. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the amount of light propagating from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 from increasing as the light source approaches the curved portion 42, compared to a case in which the amount of light emitted by the light sources does not change. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent uneven light emission in the light guide plate 70 compared to the above case. Note that the specific light source is a light source other than the light source whose emitted light is incident on the elongated light guide 40 at a position closest to the curved portion 42. In this embodiment, the specific light sources among the first light sources 11 to 14 are the first light sources 12 to 14, and the specific light sources among the second light sources 21 to 14 are the second light sources 22 and 23.

[0094] From this perspective, when emitting light from a specific light source in at least one of the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so as to reduce the amount of light emitted from a light source whose incident position on the elongated light guide 40 is closer to the curved portion 42 than the incident position of the light from the specific light source. Therefore, for example, when emitting light from a specific light source, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so as to reduce the amount of light emitted from a light source whose incident position on the elongated light guide 40 is closer to the curved portion 42 than the specific light source's incident position. In other words, light may be prevented from being emitted from a light source whose incident position on the elongated light guide 40 is closer to the curved portion 42 than the specific light source's incident position. In this case, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the amount of light emitted from a specific light source is greater than the amount of light emitted from a light source whose position is closer to the curved portion 42 than the specific light source's position before the light is emitted from the specific light source. Note that the control device CO may also control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the amount of light emitted by both the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 does not change, for example.

[0095] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the light guide plate 70 has a void 83 extending along the curved portion 42. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 can be internally reflected by the surface defining the void 83 that faces the curved portion 42 and returned to the curved portion 42. This can prevent an increase in the amount of light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the end face 90 of the light guide plate 70 opposite the elongated light guide 40 side. Furthermore, the light guide plate 70 has a plurality of inner steps 84 that guide the light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 so that the light passes through the void 83. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, light can be propagated in the direction opposite the curved portion 42 side from the void 83. For example, the amount of light propagating in this manner can be adjusted by adjusting the number of the inner steps 84. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, uneven light emission from the light guide plate 70 can be suppressed.

[0096] To suppress uneven light emission from the light guide plate 70, at least one of the elongated light guide 40 and the light guide plate 70 may have a plurality of steps for guiding light so that the light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 passes through the voids 83. For this reason, although not illustrated, the elongated light guide 40 may have such steps, for example. An example of such a step is a step provided on the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion 42 on the side opposite to the side to which the light guide plate 70 is connected, which internally reflects the light propagating through the curved portion 42 toward the voids 83. Furthermore, the voids 83 may extend along the curved portion 42, and may not be through-holes that penetrate the first plate-shaped portion 71 in the thickness direction. For example, the voids 83 may be recesses provided on the main surface 71s1 or the main surface 71s2 of the first plate-shaped portion 71. If the void 83 is a recess provided on one main surface of the light guide plate 70, there is a concern that light propagating from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 may propagate through a portion of the light guide plate 70 that includes the bottom surface of the recess, resulting in the light being emitted from an unintended location. Therefore, from the perspective of preventing light from emitting from an unintended location, the void 83 is preferably a through-hole that penetrates the light guide plate 70 in the thickness direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the void 83 extends along the entire length of the curved portion 42, but it may also extend along a portion of the curved portion 42 or extend intermittently along the curved portion 42.

[0097] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the inner step 84 is provided on the curved portion 42 side of the surface that defines the gap 83, and emits light that enters from the curved portion 42 side toward the side of the surface that defines the gap 83 opposite the curved portion 42 side. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, even if a step is not provided on the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion 42 opposite the side to which the light guide plate 70 is connected, light that propagates from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 can be transmitted through the gap 83. Therefore, for example, as in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, an attachment portion 45b that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the curved portion 42 opposite the side to which the light guide plate 70 is connected can be provided on the curved portion 42, and the attachment portion 45b can be fixed to a holder that supports the elongated light guide 40.

[0098] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the inner step 84 refracts light incident from the curved portion 42 side so that the divergence angle of the light increases. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can further reduce uneven light emission from the light guide plate 70. Note that the inner step 84 may refract light incident from the curved portion 42 side so that the divergence angle of the light remains unchanged or decreases.

[0099] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, the light guide plate 70 has an outer step 85 provided on the side of the surface that defines the gap 83 opposite the curved portion 42. The outer step 85 refracts the light that enters from within the gap 83 so that the divergence angle of the light increases. Therefore, according to the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to further suppress uneven light emission from the light guide plate 70. Note that the outer step 85 may refract the light that enters from within the gap 83 so that the divergence angle of the light remains unchanged or decreases.

[0100] Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0101] Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a vehicle lamp 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the first light sources 11-14, the second light sources 21-23, and the light guide unit 30 according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 13, 14, and 15, the light guide unit 30 according to this embodiment differs from the light guide unit 30 according to the above-described embodiment mainly in that the elongated light guide 40 is made up of a pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b.

[0102] The columnar light guide 40a of this embodiment has the same configuration as the elongated light guide 40 of the above embodiment. Therefore, a description of the columnar light guide 40a will be omitted where appropriate. The columnar light guide 40b, like the columnar light guide 40a, is a translucent cylindrical member and is located to the right of the columnar light guide 40a and extends along the columnar light guide 40a at a distance from the columnar light guide 40a. Therefore, the pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The columnar light guides 40a and 40b have approximately the same thickness, but the columnar light guide 40b may be thinner or thicker than the columnar light guide 40a.

[0103] In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b are connected to each other, and the pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b are optically connected in the radial direction. The columnar light guide 40b is shorter than the columnar light guide 40a, and the upper end of the columnar light guide 40b is located below the upper end of the columnar light guide 40a, and the lower end of the columnar light guide 40b is located above the lower end of the columnar light guide 40a. The outer circumferential surface of the columnar light guide 40b is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the columnar light guide 40a over the entire longitudinal direction of the columnar light guide 40b.

[0104] The elongated light guide 40 thus configured includes an upper portion 41, a curved portion 42, and a lower portion 43, as in the above embodiment, and a light guide plate 70 is connected to the columnar light guide 40a.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first light inlet portions 51 to 53 are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the columnar light guide 40b in the upper portion 41, and the first light inlet portion 51 is the upper end face 40as1 of the columnar light guide 40a. The second light inlet portions 61 and 62 are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the columnar light guide 40b in the lower portion 43, and the second light inlet portion 63 is the lower end face 40as2 of the columnar light guide 40a.

[0106] In this embodiment, light from the first light sources 11 to 13 is guided from the first light entrance portions 51 to 53 to the columnar light guide 40b in the upper portion 41, and then propagates from the columnar light guide 40b to the columnar light guide 40a. Light from the first light source 14 is incident on the columnar light guide 40a in the upper portion 41 from the end face 40as1. The light from these first light sources 11 to 14 then propagates through the pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b in the upper portion 41 toward the curved portion 42, and then from the columnar light guide 40a to the light guide plate 70. In this embodiment as well, the positions at which the emitted light from the first light sources 11 to 14 enter the elongated light guide 40 become farther from the curved portion 42 in the order of the first light sources 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[0107] Furthermore, light from the second light sources 21 and 22 is guided from the second light entrance portions 61 and 62 to the columnar light guide 40b in the lower portion 43, and then propagates from the columnar light guide 40b to the columnar light guide 40a. Light from the second light source 23 is incident on the columnar light guide 40a in the lower portion 43 from the end face 40as2. The light from these second light sources 21 to 23 then propagates through the pair of columnar light guides 40a and 40b in the lower portion 43 toward the curved portion 42, and then from the columnar light guide 40a to the light guide plate 70. In this embodiment as well, the positions at which the emitted light from the second light sources 21 to 23 enter the elongated light guide 40 become farther from the curved portion 42 in the order of the second light sources 21, 22, and 23.

[0108] In the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the above embodiment, the light-emitting area of ​​the light guide plate 70 can be made to expand from the curved portion 42 side toward one end side and the other end side in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40, thereby improving the design.

[0109] The elongated light guide 40 of the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment is composed of a pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b arranged in parallel to each other so as to be optically connected in the radial direction. The light guide plate 70 is connected to the columnar light guide 40a, and the first light entrance portions 51-53 and the second light entrance portions 61, 62 are connected to the columnar light guide 40b. Therefore, in the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment, light from the first light sources 11-13 and the second light sources 21, 22 is propagated from the columnar light guide 40b via the columnar light guide 40a to the light guide plate 70. Therefore, the vehicle lamp 1 of this embodiment can easily suppress spot light caused by light from these light sources 11-13, 21, 22. In this respect, the elongated light guide 40 may include a pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b arranged side by side so as to be optically connected in the radial direction, and the light guide plate 70 may be connected to one of the columnar light guides 40a, and at least one of the plurality of first light inlets and the plurality of second light inlets may be connected to the columnar light guide 40b. For example, although not illustrated, the elongated light guide 40 may include a pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b arranged side by side with a gap therebetween, and connecting light guide plates connected to the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b. The connecting light guide plate may be, for example, a translucent plate-like member extending along the columnar light guide 40a between the columnar light guides 40a, 40b. In such a connecting light guide plate, the left end is connected to the right side of the outer circumferential surface of the columnar light guide 40a, and the right end is connected to the left side of the outer circumferential surface of the columnar light guide 40b. Alternatively, two or one of the first light inlet sections 51 to 53 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the columnar light guide 40a, and one of the second light inlet sections 61, 62 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the columnar light guide 40a. Alternatively, all of the first light inlet sections 51 to 53 and the second light inlet sections 61, 62 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the columnar light guide 40a.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0111] For example, in the above embodiment, the control device CO is described as controlling the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that the first light source 11 and the second light source 21 simultaneously emit light, the first light source 12 and the second light source 22 simultaneously emit light, and the first light source 13 and the second light source 23 simultaneously emit light. However, the control device CO may control the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 so that at least one of the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 emits light in order from the light source that enters the elongated light guide 40 at a position closest to the curved portion 42. For example, the control device CO may cause the second light sources 21-23 to emit light simultaneously, and then cause the first light sources 11, 12, 13, and 14 to emit light in this order. Furthermore, the control device CO may cause the first light source 11, the second light source 21, the first light source 12, the second light source 22, the first light source 13, the second light source 23, and the first light source 14 to emit light in this order.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is described as having four first light sources 11 to 14 and three second light sources 21 to 23. However, the number of first light sources and second light sources is not limited as long as they are plural.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the elongated light guide 40 is formed of a single cylindrical member, whereas in the second embodiment, the elongated light guide 40 is formed of a pair of columnar light guides 40a, 40b. However, the elongated light guide 40 may be any elongated, light-transmitting member having a light guide plate 70 connected to its outer circumferential surface and a curved portion 42 that is curved convexly toward the light guide plate 70 in the section where the light guide plate 70 is connected. For example, the elongated light guide 40 of the first embodiment may be a rectangular pillar-shaped member. The extending direction of the elongated light guide 40 is not limited.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the first light inlet sections 51-53 and the second light inlet sections 61, 62 are columnar members, and the first light inlet section 54 and the second light inlet section 63 are end surfaces of the columnar members. However, the first light inlet sections may be connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction on one end side of the curved section 42, and may propagate light from the first light sources 11-14 toward the curved section 42. The second light inlet sections may be connected to the elongated light guide 40 at intervals along the longitudinal direction on the other end side of the curved section 42, and may propagate light from the second light sources 21-23 toward the curved section 42. For example, the first light inlet section 54 and the second light inlet section 63 may be columnar members connected to the outer peripheral surface of the elongated light guide 40, like the other light inlet sections.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the light guide plate 70 includes a first plate-shaped portion 71 extending leftward from the elongated light guide 40, a second plate-shaped portion 72 extending rearward and diagonally leftward from near the left end of the first plate-shaped portion 71, and a connecting portion 73 connecting the left end of the first plate-shaped portion 71 and the right end of the second plate-shaped portion 72. However, the light guide plate 70 may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the elongated light guide 40 so that the in-plane direction of one main surface 70s1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the elongated light guide 40, and may emit light propagating through the elongated light guide 40. For example, the shape of the light guide plate 70 is not limited, and the light guide plate 70 may be composed of only the first plate-shaped portion 71. In the above embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 71 includes a plurality of adjustment steps 86 on its main surface 71s1. However, the plurality of adjustment steps 86 may not be formed.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the inner step 84, which is a so-called cylindrical step, has been described as an example. However, the configuration of the inner step 84 is not limited as long as the inner step 84 is provided on the curved portion 42 side of the surface that defines the gap 83 and emits light that is incident from the curved portion 42 side toward the side of the surface that defines the gap 83 opposite to the curved portion 42 side.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the outer step 85 is a so-called cylindrical step. However, the outer step 85 is not limited in configuration as long as it is provided on the side of the surface defining the cavity 83 opposite the curved portion 42 and refracts light incident from within the cavity 83 so that the divergence angle of the light increases. Furthermore, the outer step 85 may not be formed at all.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the light guide plate 70 has been described as having the voids 83 and a plurality of inner steps 84 that guide the light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 so that the light passes through the voids 83. However, the light guide plate 70 may not have the voids 83. Furthermore, the elongated light guide 40 and the light guide plate 70 may not have a plurality of steps that guide the light so that the light propagating from the curved portion 42 to the light guide plate 70 passes through the voids 83.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 are provided in the main surface 71s2 and are triangular in shape. However, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 only need to internally reflect light propagating from the elongated light guide 40 to the light guide plate 70 and guide the light to the side of the light guide plate 70 opposite to the elongated light guide 40 side. For example, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 may be rectangular in shape. Furthermore, instead of the first groove 81 and the second groove 82, through holes penetrating the first plate-shaped portion 71 in the thickness direction may be provided in the first plate-shaped portion 71. Furthermore, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 may not be formed.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the reflective step group 87 is configured by a plurality of steps 88 each having a curved surface recessed into a hemisphere. However, the configuration of the reflective step group 87 is not limited as long as the reflective step group 87 internally reflects light propagating through the light guide plate 70 so that the light is emitted from the main surface 72s2 of the light guide plate 70. Furthermore, the reflective step group 87 may not be formed at all.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the end surface 90 includes the first surface 91 and the second surface 92. However, the configuration of the end surface 90 is not limited. For example, the end surface 90 may be composed of only the first surface 91, and the angle between the first surface 91 and the main surface 72s1 may be 90 degrees or an obtuse angle.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 emit red light. However, the color of the light emitted by the first light sources 11-14 and the second light sources 21-23 is not limited. For example, the color of the light may be white. In this case, the light guide unit 30 is made of red transparent resin or glass, for example.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is a tail lamp for a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle lamp 1 is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp 1 may be a turn lamp, a stop lamp, or the like, or may be one of these lamps for a two-wheeled vehicle. In the above embodiment, the vehicle lamp 1 is described as functioning as a decorative lamp when the door is opened. However, there are no restrictions on the timing at which the vehicle lamp functions as a decorative lamp. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] According to the present invention, a vehicle lamp capable of improving design is provided, and can be used in fields such as vehicle lamps for automobiles and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Vehicle lighting fixture 11~14...1st light source 21~23...Second light source 30 Light guide unit 40...Long light guide 42 Curved section 51 to 54: First light receiving section 61 to 63: Second light receiving section 70...Light guide plate

Claims

1. a plurality of first light sources; a plurality of second light sources; a light guide unit; a control device; Equipped with The light guide unit includes: A light guide plate; an elongated light guide body having an outer peripheral surface to which the light guide plate is connected and including a curved portion that is curved convexly toward the light guide plate in a section to which the light guide plate is connected; a plurality of first light entrance portions connected to the elongated light guide at intervals along the longitudinal direction on one end side of the curved portion, the first light entrance portions allowing light from the first light source to propagate toward the curved portion; a plurality of second light entrance portions connected to the elongated light guide at intervals along the longitudinal direction on the other end side of the curved portion, the second light entrance portions allowing the light from the second light source to propagate toward the curved portion; and The control device controls at least one of the first light source and the second light source so that the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source is emitted in order from the light source that is incident on the elongated light guide at a position closest to the curved portion. A vehicle lamp characterized by:

2. The curved portion bends at an acute angle 2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

3. the elongated light guide includes a pair of columnar light guides arranged side by side so as to be optically connected in a radial direction; the light guide plate is connected to one of the columnar light guides, At least one of the plurality of first light entrance portions and the plurality of second light entrance portions is connected to the other columnar light guide.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

4. The control device controls at least one of the first light source and the second light source so that the amount of light emitted from a light source that is incident on the elongated light guide at a position closer to the curved portion becomes smaller.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

5. When light is emitted from a specific light source in at least one of the first light source and the second light source, the control device controls the first light source and the second light source so that an amount of light emitted from a light source where a position where the emitted light is incident on the elongated light guide is closer to the curved portion than the position of the specific light source is reduced.

2. A vehicle lamp according to claim 1.

6. When the control device causes the specific light source to emit light, the control device controls the first light source and the second light source so that the light source emits light that is attenuated compared to light emitted before the specific light source emits light.

6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5.

7. When the control device causes the specific light source to emit light, the control device controls the first light source and the second light source so that the amount of light emitted from the light source becomes zero.

6. A vehicle lamp according to claim 5.

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